20 Things to Experience Once in a Lifetime
September 2018
Throughout life most of us are so bogged down with responsibilities that have to be completed within specific time bound schedules that we barely get time to explore even the city or nation where we have been born or brought up. Travel broadens our outlook and is crucial in having lived a fulfilled life that is far from the mundane time table of daily schedules.
The world around us is too beautiful to ignore one for the other, be it majestic mountains, shifting deserts and elegant man-made structures. Instead of waiting for retirement to start a world tour or nation-wide tour to all the places on your bucket list, it is best to step out of your comfort zone as and when time and budget permits so you can add new names to the list as you go along!
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Below is the list of Things to Experience Once in a Lifetime
1) Visit Great wall of China
There is more to the Great Wall of China, than being one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site and a popular tourist spot among locals as well as foreign tourists. The structure stretching across 13,170 miles is a sight to behold that stands strong and powerful even after 2000 years. Built as a defense mechanism to keep away marauding nomadic tribes from nearby deserts and mountains, the wall was created by Emperor Qin Shi Huang by using labourers comprising of soldiers and convicts that took them almost 9 years to connect small and large walls and make a strong fortified wall with towers and turrets.
How to reach the Great Wall of China
The closest airport to this location is Beijing which is just an hour away from the site and is connected to all major cities in the world.
What can you do there:
Hiking and Trekking – It takes almost a couple of days to explore the entire stretch, so there are group treks and hiking tours conducted by tour groups to explore the wall and countryside adjoining it.
Paragliding – Paragliding for tourists is offered on all sections of the wall but the best section is at Stigmata where the glide is of 1000 feet into the valley below.
Nan pass – Cloud Platform- Watch towers built of white marble that has beautiful statues of Buddha and his writings.
Cable Car Ride at Mutiny- This section located 45 miles from Beijing has several watchtowers that are connected by cable cars to each other.
Why we recommend it
Besides being one of the few surviving Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China has interesting things for every tourist, be it a history lover, casual onlooker or adventure sports enthusiast. The three best sections namely Uruguayan, Shanghai and Backpedaling offer breathtakingly beautiful views of the local countryside along with options to shop and dine at places on the wall itself.
2) Sail the WhitSundays, Australia
Whitsunday Islands of Australia are popular among cruise tour providers and local yachting communities for the beautiful reefs and day trips between these islands and the Airlie beach. The sheltered warm waters with easy to manage winds make it perfect for motor cruisers and bare boat sailing, encouraging tourists to explore the islands by swimming and snorkeling in the region.
How to reach Whitsunday Islands
The closest airports to this region are Whitsunday Airport and Hamilton Island Airport that are within 20 – 30 minutes away and you can just hire a cab from the airport to your location.
What can you do there:
Besides going on cruises around the islands, tourists can engage in diving along the Outer Reef region, take Jet Ski tours or even take a scenic flight on Air Whitsunday seaplanes.
Why we recommend it
The Whitsunday Islands are full of adventure and activities that people across all age groups would enjoy.
3) Visit the Taj in Moonlight
There is something magical and ethereal about the beauty of Taj Mahal that makes even the most poetic heart speechless with wonder at its sheer magnificence. Designed out of the finest marble, etched with exquisite handcrafted designs and embedded with precious stones, the structure is like a poem carved in marble for eternity. An aura of romance and tragedy surrounds the structure which was created to commemorate the memory of the beloved wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, whose tomb is placed inside the central structure.
How to reach Taj Mahal
There is something magical and ethereal about the beauty of Taj Mahal that makes even the most poetic heart speechless with wonder at its sheer magnificence. Designed out of the finest marble, etched with exquisite handcrafted designs and embedded with precious stones, the structure is like a poem carved in marble for eternity. An aura of romance and tragedy surrounds the structure which was created to commemorate the memory of the beloved wife of Emperor Shah Jahan, whose tomb is placed inside the central structure.
What can you do there:
Sightseeing around Taj Mahal – Agra has several historical buildings and monuments built during the Mughal era that have been preserved till date. The most popular tourist places within 20 km radius of the Taj Mahal are Agra Fort, Akbar’s Tomb, Mankameshwar Temple and Ram Bagh which is one of the oldest Mughal Gardens in India.
Why we recommend it
Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful architectural structures in the world that has managed to retain its magical elegance over three hundred years. The intricate designs and motifs on its walls are as beautiful inside as outside and the gardens surrounding the structure make the experience of visiting this UNESCO Heritage building a truly worthwhile experience.
4) See wave of cherry blossoms in Japan
During the spring season, Japan’s countryside appears to be airbrushed with a slight pink tinge which is due to blossoming of cherry flowers that cover trees across the nation. This most anticipated annual event attracts more than three million tourists from Japan and overseas that gather to watch the blossoming of 200 species of cherry flowers that bloom for a week in every region. Though the cherry blossoms are widespread across the country during spring, there are certain locations where the colours are particularly charming and festivals are conducted around them.
How to reach location
Tokyo International Airport is the best place to start your journey of viewing the cherry blossoms in Japan as it is connected to most major airports around the world.
What you can do there
Boating – Gliding along a river with trees of cherry blossoms spilling flowers onto the boat is a romantic experience that will turn even the hardest hearted person into a poet.
Why we recommend it
While Japan has several other tourist attractions like famous buildings, temples, hot springs and even a live volcano, we recommend the period between March and May as the best time to visit the country so that you can enjoy the true splendour of its natural beauty along with the spirit of local festivities.
5) Visit THE SALAR DE UYUNI, Bolivia
The Salar de Uyuni or salt flat located in southwest region of Bolivia is the largest natural salt flat in the world. Located 11,995 feet above sea level, it was created due to evaporation of prehistoric lakes. This 4000 square mile large salt plain spread across the Altiplano plateau becomes a sensational tourist attraction during the rainy season as it glistens like a mirror due to thin sheet of water over the salt layer. The layer of water turns the salt plane into a beautiful reflective surface and it becomes the largest mirror in the world. Tourists to Bolivia consider their visit incomplete if they are unable to make a trip to this geographic marvel that is an incredible representation of the harsh beauty of nature.
How to reach
The closest airport to Salar De Uyuni is La Paz and from there, tourists can take buses or vans for an eight hour drive to the town of Uyuni. There are few direct flights to La Paz from Europe or other international airports, so the best bet is to travel from South American nations or Madrid in Spain.
What you can do there
Visit to the train graveyard – There are several abandoned trains on salt plane located 2 miles outside of Uyuni town with old tracks that were used during the mining era.
Watching flamingos flock- Every winter during November, three species of flamingos and 80 other bird species come to Salar de Uyuni for nesting.
Why we recommend it
Visit to Salar de Uyuni is a unique experience that cannot be explained in mere words and has to be seen to feel its magnificence. From the thrill of feeling on the world’s edge while standing on the shiny sheet of water to watching the pink flamingos flying to walking across to the desolate looking abandoned trains, every object and experience here is unique and magical in itself.
6) Explore Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
A visit to the enchanting Galapagos Islands in Ecuador is on every global trotter’s bucket list. From exploring its picturesque landscape, wildlife and diving into its sparkling blue waters, these islands are a paradise. This remote archipelago of 19 large islands and several small islets is located 620 miles away from the marine coast of Ecuador and is made up of barren black volcanic rocks, rough vegetation and verdant white beaches. As only three islands are inhabited and the Galapagos are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, few islands are not open to tourists and are explored by cruise boats to avoid disturbing the natural flora, fauna and marine life.
How to reach
Flights to Galapagos Islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal are available from Quito and Guayaquil in Ecuador. From these islands, one can take cruises to visit the other islands and explore the local flora and fauna.
What can you do there:
Snorkelling and Diving- Visit to the Galapagos Islands is incomplete without exploring its marine wildlife and that can be done by diving and snorkeling expeditions from Wolf and Darwin Islands or the San Cristobal Island. These trips will allow you to swim alongside gentle creatures like sea lions and giant sea turtles, schools of jack fish and lone hammerhead sharks.
Hiking- As the islands are protected, tourists have to explore them by hiking along clearly defined paths to view its wildlife and volcanic craters. Hikers can walk to the top of Sierra Negra, world’s second largest volcano caldera or walk across its mangrove estuaries and beaches.
Why we recommend it
Visiting the Galapagos Islands is a lifetime experience as its unique ecosystem and equally unique land and water wildlife cannot be seen anywhere in the world. The sheer thrill of watching these creatures in their natural habitat and allowing them to touch you can become the stuff of legends that you can brag about to generations of less traveled friends and family.
7) Bed down in an igloo, Canada
For most of us, igloos and Eskimos are the stuff of legends that cannot be a part of a tourist experience as it requires acclimatization to freezing temperatures. But did you know that the experience of living in an Igloo is now possible in certain locations like Canada, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Scotland and Germany. Every year, an ice hotel and small cave like igloos are carved out of winter snow in Canada with interior details like furniture, wall décor, ceiling and candelabras which are also carved out of the same snow.
How to reach
Take a flight to Ontario International Airport, which has direct flights from the United States and European Union.
What can you do there:
Since the stay in an igloo is itself an experience, there are a few activities in these areas which you can indulge in such as driving for short distances on snowmobiles or enjoying an outdoor hot tub and sauna with a view of the glorious mountains.
Why we recommend it
So you can live your childhood dream of staying in an actual igloo and revel in the experience.
8) Tomatina Festival, Spain
Want to take part in a cultural extravaganza that involves throwing tomatoes at other fellow humans without getting arrested for unruly behaviour? Then head to the Spanish town of Bunol for its annual festival called La Tomatina held in August each year. During this festival, nearly 150,000 low quality tomatoes are brought into the city in trucks that pass through the streets distributing and hurling them at revelers on the streets between 11am to 1pm. Once the trucks pass and the festival is declared, fire-fighters wash the streets with water and revelers also use this opportunity to wash themselves under high speed jets.
How to reach
Take a flight to Valencia International Airport that is connected to 20 European nations. A train journey to Bunol which is just 40 km away takes just an hour to reach. You can also take a local bus or hire a car to the venue.
What can you do there:
Explore Valencia which is the third largest city in Spain by taking a touristy ride on a horse carriage around the city square. You can also explore the historical cathedrals, take a stroll around the beach or go on a shopping spree.
Why we recommend it
Taking part in this festival is highly recommended if you are in this part of the world during August, as it helps you to shed inhibitions and bond with strangers that just want to celebrate life to the fullest.
9) See Blackpool Illuminations in England
The sight of numerous colorful twinkling lights, lighting up the night sky is something that enchants people of all ages which explains the popularity of Britain’s Blackpool Illuminations that is called as the “greatest free light show on earth”. During this festival that is celebrated in Blackpool along the Fylde Coast of Lancashire, over one million bulbs are lit for sixty six days between August and November. Every year, the main switch is switched on by a local celebrity on a special arena that illuminates the entire stretch of six miles with one stroke.
How to reach
The best way to reach Blackpool in time for the lightning event is to take a flight to London and then travel by train to the location. This is the most advisable and safe since Blackpool is around 324 km away. The train from London takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to reach. Buses connecting both the cities take around 7 ½ hours to cover the distance.
What you can do there
Besides enjoying an enchanting festival of lights during the night, the entire town of Blackpool comes alive during the 66 day period with several events, exhibitions and interesting amusement options for the entire family. From circus performances to drama, comedy shows and cabaret performances, you can enjoy them all throughout the day and night.
Why we recommend it
This is another ‘once in a lifetime’ event that will bring you closer to the art and culture of England’s historical past. Instead of roaming across the country to understand it better, attend this one enlivening event to get a deeper knowledge about the cuisine, lifestyle and sense of humour of the English.
10) Explore land of the fairy chimneys, Turkey
If you want to experience the mysticism of ancient civilizations then Turkey is the place to be, it even has magical fairy chimneys gifted by nature to enhance its aura of supernatural structures. While the practical minds say that these chimneys are a natural phenomenon in Cappadocia region of Turkey which was created by the erosion of volcanic ash, romantics still would like to associate them with magical creatures. These tall 130 feet basalt pillars shaped like giant chimneys were created due to the natural erosion of solid rock that came into being due to volcanic ash deposits in the region. During Roman era, these chimneys became the abode of persecuted Christians that turned them into cave dwelling complexes which were later used by locals as temporary shelters against invaders by barricading the entrances with stone doors and traps.
How to reach
There are regular Turkish Airlines flights from Istanbul to Nevsehir, Cappadocia and Kayseri. There are overnight buses from Istanbul to Cappadocia that take around 11 hours.
What you can do there
Cappadocia Balloon tour- For a bird’s eye view of the rugged terrains and planes of Cappadocia, its famous balloon tour is an absolute must have. The balloon tour may depend on the wind and weather but is generally available throughout the year.
Tour of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys- This day long tour from Goreme, takes visitors through old settlements within the fairy chimneys and sections that are still inhabited along with exploration of the largest underground city Kaymakli.
Why we recommend it
Turkey is a land of enduring culture and landscapes and this region with multiple adventure sports options is no different. With hot baths, restaurants with free beer and belly dancers, will make you feel like royalty. This region of fairy chimneys is sure to charm you.
11) Pad around Golden Rock, Myanmar
The majestic Golden Rock located on the summit of Mount Kyaiktiyo in Myanmar, is one of the most sacred sites for Buddhists around the world. The most amazing part of this unique structure is the huge rock perched precariously on the hillside for several decades now which remains balanced due to a legendary strand of Lord Buddha’s hair placed there by a devout king. The Golden Rock with a small 24 feet tall golden pagoda on top represents the head of Buddhist monks. Male devotees have a practice of attaching small leaves of gold to the rock, which has now given the granite rock a golden layer over the years.
How to reach
Yangon is the closest international airport to the Golden Rock which is connected to most large airports in Asia. Due to its precarious location, travellers have to take a bus or car from Yangon which is a five hour drive to villages close to the Golden Rock like Kinpun. From here, one has to take special vehicles designed for the half hour ride to Mount Kyaiktiyo which are actually small open trucks with seats arranged in rows.
What can you do there:
Yangon is home to some of the most beautiful pagodas of which the most prominent is the Shwedagon Pagoda that is plated in gold, followed by Sule Pagoda which is now more of a government building. When in Yangon, do not forget to visit the temple of the reclining Buddha decorated with jewels at Chaukhtatgyi Paya which is 65 meter long.
Why we recommend it
The view of the mountain ridges from base camp of Kinpun to the top of Kyaikto in Mon State or Eastern Yoma mountains is an experience that is out of this world.
12) Skydiving from Mt. Everest in Nepal
The existence of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest has made this tiny Himalayan nation a must visit location for all aspiring seasoned mountaineers and hiking enthusiasts. But few know that skydiving is also a part of Everest’s overall experience and seasoned skydivers can jump from 30,000 feet to the base camp from where trekking to Everest summit actually starts. This experience will dwarf everything that you have felt as a skydiver till date, as nowhere else will you view such a ravishing landscape or danger to life and limb.
How to reach Whitsunday Islands
The Tribhuvan International Airport at Nepal’s capital Kathmandu is connected to all major international airports of Asia and Europe.
What can you do there:
While the towering Everest is the most prominent part of Nepal’s tourism activities, there are several other interesting activities and locations to explore in this nation. While rappelling, rock climbing, white water rafting, hiking and skiing are major adventure sports that one can indulge in here, you can also take sightseeing trips to famous temples.
Why we recommend it
Every bit of Nepal has something unique for travellers coming from different societies around the globe and its ability to make everyone comfortable in its true essence. The best part of Nepal’s culture is the friendly nature of its people and the reasonable rates of stay and travel.
13) Zorbing in New Zealand
Zorbing or Sphering is a recreational sport that has gained popularity across the world but it is best experienced in the gentle undulating hills of New Zealand. Imagine rolling across grass and stones and watching the terrain below like a roller coaster without any fear of getting hurt as you are within a transparent ball. To increase the excitement, you can take the ride with another person or have a wet ride with jets of water within the ball sprinkling water on you.
How to reach
Zorbing in New Zealand is done in Rotorua and Bay of Plenty.To reach there, there is an international airport at Rotorua, while tourists can also arrive at Tauranga Airport and head to Rotorua which is just 69 km away.
What can you do there:
Besides taking a tour around the countryside to explore its pristine wildlife, adventure sports enthusiasts can try out black water rafting which has been popular since 1987 along with new activities like zip lining, skydiving, bungee jumping and jet boat tours.
Why we recommend it
This is the ultimate place for adventure sports junkies to try out all the easy and tough sports that they have imagined in their lives.
14) Wingsuit Flying in Berlin, Germany
Wingsuit flying is an extreme sport that is a combination of skydiving and base jumping and is meant for seasoned flyers that are used to being suspended several thousand feet in the air. A wingsuit flier in this sport enters the free fall zone by wearing a special wingsuit and parachute paraphernalia and uses wing-like hands and legs to guide him during initial flight downwards and then use the parachute for a safe landing. In Berlin, the sport is practiced on the Ruppiner Land Airport located in the northwest region of Berlin.
How to reach
All major airports around the world are connected directly to Berlin International Airport.
What you can do there
Historical Berlin has beautiful museums and historical buildings to explore and amazing sports options for extreme sports enthusiasts like skydiving, zorbing and trekking.
Why we recommend it
Germany is a nation with history and culture that will take several visits for the average traveller to grasp it all.
15) Volcano Trekking in Bali
Spread over 6000 square kilometres, Bali is one of the most famous islands in Indonesia and is adorned by beautiful lakes, mountains, rivers and an expansive beach famous for adventure activities and relaxation. Visitors to Bali can also trek to its only active volcano on Mount Batur along with Mount Agung and Bratan. While Batur is the most active with frequent eruptions, Mount Agung is a stratovolcano that influences local climate. The view of Bratan Caldera is spectacular, to say the least, as you can circle around the rim and take a peek at the crater’s depths which contains three lakes.
How to reach
Bali is close to Denpasar Airport that is well-connected to most international airports.
What you can do there
The beautiful landscape and temperature of Bali may lull you into sleeping on a hammock throughout the day but force yourself to take a group tour by jeep to explore its countryside of paddy fields or cycle around. You can undertake several adventure sports like kayaking, snorkeling, skydiving and quad bike riding or reef cruise to see its marine life from close quarters.
16) Dirt Biking in Cambodia
Every dirt bike enthusiast in Asia does not consider his initiation complete if he has not explored the toughest trail in the continent between Phnom Penh to Siem located in Cambodia. This sport became famous in the country as several companies organize guided tours for biking enthusiasts with detailed maps about biking tracks and roads that they can follow to reach the desired destination.
How to reach
Both Phnom Penh Airport and Siem Reap International airports are linked to major airports in Asia and Europe throughout the year.
What can you do there:
If dirt biking is not your cup of tea then there are more painless ways to explore the beautiful hills and valleys of Cambodia by guided safaris or cab tours. For milder forms of adventure sports, try out zip-lining, quad biking or take a ride on micro light aircraft for a bird’s eye view of the beautiful paddy fields.
Why we recommend it
Several parts of Cambodia are still unexplored and you can set a precedent by discovering new beaches and bike trails for others to follow that can be bragged about to friends and family for generations!! Who knows you may find another hidden temple in its jungles!
17) Bike trip in Ladakh, India
The rough terrain of Ladakh and harsh temperatures coupled with constant threat of landslides make this region a challenge for every biking enthusiast in India. The narrow winding roads across rugged mountains where military jeeps were the only means of travel till recently, have become a tourist destination for bikers and adventure junkies who want to explore the beauty of this unexplored terrain.
How to reach
While bikers prefer to drive up to the mountains by road via Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu or Srinagar, tourists that just want to enjoy the local scenery can fly into Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport from any of these cities.
What can you do there:
Visiting the serene and peaceful Diskit Monastery at Gompa is a regular practice after which you can trek on the Chadar trail or Stok Kangri trail to enjoy the pure mountain air. Later explore the town on foot to taste local cuisine and see the stupas and museums. Bikers can drive along in groups to the beautiful lakes at higher altitudes like the Tso Moriri and others.
Why we recommend it
The unspoilt terrain of Ladakh and the sheer majesty of mountain peaks with puffs of clouds that seem just within an arm’s reach compels you to bring along a kindred soul next time that shares the same love for raw nature and adventure.
18) Off-Roading in Dubai
Dubai, the shopping mecca of Asia ranks high on most tourists from both European and Asian nations. This desert city with several landmarks to its credit like the tallest building in the world is also recognized for adventure sports like off-roading tours in the Arabian desert by four wheelers and dirt bikes.
How to reach
Dubai is connected to all major airports of the world
What can you do there:
If you are a water sports enthusiast then explore Dubai’s beaches with sea kayaking or wake boarding. Understand about its wildlife conservation by touring its mangroves to view unique flora and fauna.
Why we recommend it
Besides being a desert city, Dubai has several opportunities for every tourist. Ranging from the mundane like shopping and boating to thrilling like skydiving, fly-boarding and even sand-boarding.
19) Snowkiting in Switzerland
Snowkiting is an outdoor winter sport wherein players use the power of their large kites to glide on snow and ice like water kiteboarding. But the sport is different from the latter as different footwear and terrain is being used and ideally beginners should take a course before starting on their own. In Switzerland, this sport is practiced in Simplon Pass region near Brig, Grimsel Pass, Leukerbad and lastly, Lake Silvaplana in the Engadine Valley which was the birthplace of snowkiting.
How to reach
While it is easier to take a flight into Milan, Italy and take a cab or train into Brig, tourists can also fly into Sion or Zurich and then take a train, bus or car to the snowkiting destination.
What you can do there
Take a train tour to explore the scenic locations in Switzerland or take part in adventure sports during summer like cycling and hiking as rest of the time everything is covered in snow. Popular winter sports like snow biking, snow tubing and Ski Joring are unforgettable experiences if you can withstand the cold.
Why we recommend it
Switzerland is a truly amazing country that offers a wide choice of places to explore and sports to try out for tourists whether it is summer or winter.
20) Celebrate the Loy Krathong Festival of Light, Thailand
Loy Krathong is an annual festival that is celebrated across Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia and even Sri Lanka under different names. During this festival, a handmade basket of banana tree trunk and banana leaves is designed by holding it together with pins which is then filled with flowers and left to float on local waterways on full moon day of the 12th month in Thai lunar calendar. The modern Loy Krathong Festival in Thailand is celebrated with fireworks and local beauty contests usually during mid or end of November. During this period, people earlier floated paper lanterns into the sky at night, but due to hazards it may cause to airplanes, people now hang them in their homes and gardens.
How to reach
As the festival is celebrated across the nation, travellers can fly into Bangkok which is connected to all major airports around the world.
What you can do there
You can take part in the Loy Krathong festivities by driving over to the nearest lake or river closest to your hotel or vacation home and floating your own krathong. Thailand is ideal for island cruises, adventure sports like rafting and kayaking and also local sight seeking tours.
Why we recommend it
Thailand caters to the taste and pocket of the luxury adventure seeker with same enthusiasm as a budget tourist so you will not go back disappointed because of lack of the experience.
Also read: Top 10 Reasons to Take a Cruise
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