45 Amazing Things to do before you die
In the past few years I have been to 30 countries, 5 continents and countless cities, all in the name of my bucket list. And in honor of my 45th (YIKES!) birthday today, I wanted to create a list of my favorite forty-five bucket list checks from around the world.
Hopefully, you will find bucket list ideas and inspiration from these…

45 Amazing Things to Do Before You Die.

Annette White Bathing Elephants in Thailand | Bucket List Journey

1. Bathe Elephants at a Rescue in Thailand

In Northern Thailand, an hour from Chiang Mai‘s city center, I spent a memorable day volunteering at the Elephant Nature Park. This is a special place where there was an eclectic bunch of Asian Elephants; some old, some young, some blind, some injured from working in the logging industry, some abused and some rescued from the circus. Not only were we able to feed these majestic creatures, but we also bathed them in the river.

Things to do before you die: Swim in Jellyfish Lake in Palau

2. Swim in Jellyfish Lake in Palau

Jellyfish Lake in the Micronesian country of Palau is home to millions of jellyfish that are deemed relatively harmless since their sting is so light. It was still frightening for the first five minutes to be surrounded by jellyfish, some brushing up against my body. But, after the panic dissipated, this was one of my all-time favorite bucket list travel adventures.

Things to do Before You Die: Visit an Orphanage in Africa

3. Visit an Orphanage in Tanzania

Kibowa Orphanage is on the outskirts of downtown Arusha, hidden down a bumpy dirt road and painted in a friendly pale blue. There are 48 children that call it home and, after four days on an African safari in Tanzania, I spent a fun-filled afternoon with them. I chose to bring colorful balloons, which could be turned into animals or creative hats. It was a joy to watch the children smile as they each made their favorite shapes.

Things to do before you die: take a River Cruise

4. Take a Christmas Market Cruise Along the Rhine River

For the holiday season, Viking River Cruises and my traveling friend Cacinda of Points and Travel invited me to cruise along the Rhine River to visit festive European cities and almost a dozen Christmas markets throughout Germany,France, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Between the lighted cathedrals, festive markets and abundance of glühwein, I found my Christmas spirit again.

5. Create Your Own Summer Cocktail

In the heat of the Arizona Summer, I decided it was the perfect time to create my own refreshing cocktail. The funnest part? Testing all the different concoctions. In the end, my signature drink was a Lemon-Basil Fizz made with prosecco, coconut rum, raspberries, basil and lemon sorbet.

Bucket List: See the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

6. See the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace in London

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace in London typically happens every other day (daily during the warmer months) at 11:30 am…sharp. Get there early! The guards arrive by marching pass Victoria Monument, directly in front of Buckingham Palace, and then entering through the ornate front gates of the palace. A mesmerizing show follows, filled with band playing, synchronized marching and absolutely no smiles.

Baby Olive Ridley Turtle nesting in Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica

7. Release Baby Turtles into the Ocean 

While on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica, I spent a memorable afternoon helping Osa Turtle Conservation. A group of us were taken to their hatchery along the beach to assist them in releasing baby Olive Ridley turtles into the ocean. Not only is it incredible knowing you are helping with these endangered animals survival, but they are adorable too!