How to Create a Travel Bucket List That You’ll Actually Complete
On a random Tuesday evening, I found an old bar of dark chocolate in my drawer, hidden beneath a pile of forgotten receipts and tangled earphones. I had bought it months ago, intending to enjoy it after a long day, but somehow, life got in the way. Now, here it was, neglected and melting slightly in my palm. As I took a bite, I realized this chocolate bar was a perfect metaphor for all the things we say we want to do but never get around to.
Like that dream trip to Santorini. Or the Northern Lights adventure that has been on your mind for years.
A travel bucket list is meant to be more than just a Pinterest board of dreamy destinations; it should be a roadmap for real experiences. But why do so many of us create these lists and never tick anything off? Let’s change that. Here’s how you can create a travel bucket list that you will actually complete.
Why Do Most Travel Bucket Lists Fail?
According to a survey by Travel & Leisure, over 80% of people have a travel bucket list, yet only 20% of them actively work towards completing it. The biggest reasons? Lack of planning, unrealistic expectations, and financial constraints.
Rick Steves, a well-known travel expert, emphasizes: “A dream without a plan is just a wish. The key to making your bucket list a reality is breaking it down into actionable steps.”
So, how do you create a travel bucket list that won’t just sit in your notes app gathering digital dust?
1. Start with What Truly Excites You
Not what Instagram says is trendy. Not what your friend is doing. What places genuinely light a fire in your soul?
Try this exercise: Close your eyes and imagine yourself in the perfect travel moment. Are you hiking through lush mountains? Strolling through cobblestone streets in an old European city? Swimming with dolphins?
Your bucket list should reflect your genuine interests, not societal expectations. Travel blogger Nomadic Matt suggests curating your list based on passion rather than popularity. “If you love history, prioritize historical destinations. If you’re a foodie, create a list of food experiences around the world.”
2. Categorize Your List
To make your travel dreams more structured, break them down into categories such as:
- Adventure Travel: Skydiving in Dubai, trekking to Everest Base Camp
- Cultural Experiences: Attending the Rio Carnival, experiencing a Japanese tea ceremony
- Natural Wonders: Seeing the Grand Canyon, snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef
- Food & Drink: Trying authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples, exploring street food in Bangkok
By organizing your list this way, you can easily see what excites you most and prioritize accordingly.
3. Be Specific and Actionable
Instead of vague goals like “Travel to Asia,” be specific: “Spend two weeks exploring Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima.”
Adding details makes your list feel more achievable. Forbes Travel Guide suggests setting deadlines: “Give yourself a realistic timeframe, like ‘Visit Paris before I turn 35’ or ‘See the Great Wall of China in the next three years.'”
4. Make a Plan and Budget
One of the biggest roadblocks to completing a travel bucket list is money. However, financial expert Ramit Sethi advises: “Travel isn’t necessarily about how much you earn but about how you allocate your money.”
- Set a travel fund: Automate a small monthly deposit into a dedicated savings account.
- Look for deals: Use flight tracking tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner.
- Consider off-season travel: Prices drop significantly outside peak seasons.
Another great tip is to use credit card reward points and travel miles whenever possible. Many travelers accumulate points for years and use them to book flights and accommodations at little to no cost. Travel expert Brian Kelly from The Points Guy suggests signing up for travel reward credit cards that offer bonuses and cashback on travel-related purchases.
5. Incorporate Travel into Your Lifestyle
One way to complete your bucket list is by making travel a lifestyle, not just a once-in-a-while luxury.
- Work remotely: If possible, take advantage of work-from-anywhere policies.
- Use long weekends wisely: Instead of waiting for a big vacation, explore nearby destinations.
- Volunteer or study abroad: Programs like WWOOF or international study exchanges can help you travel affordably.
Another option is to become a digital nomad. Many people have shifted to remote work, allowing them to live in different countries for extended periods while continuing to work online. Nomad List is a great resource for finding remote-friendly destinations and co-working spaces.
6. Hold Yourself Accountable
Tell people about your travel goals. Create a vision board. Share your list on social media. Having external accountability increases your chances of following through.
Apps like “Been” and “Polarsteps” can help you track your travels, while blogs like Lonely Planet and The Points Guy offer real-time advice and budget-friendly hacks.
7. Be Flexible and Open to Change
Your interests and circumstances will evolve. That’s okay. If hiking Kilimanjaro no longer excites you, swap it for something else. The goal isn’t just to check off destinations but to create meaningful experiences.
Flexibility also applies to your travel timeline. If you were planning to visit a destination during peak season but find out it’s too expensive, adjust your schedule to go during the shoulder season for better prices and fewer crowds.
Final Thoughts: Make It Happen!
Remember that half-eaten chocolate bar? You don’t want your travel bucket list to end up the same way—neglected and forgotten. With the right mindset, planning, and a little bit of determination, you can turn those dream destinations into real-life experiences.
Your future self will thank you for it.
References:
- Travel & Leisure, “Why Most Travel Bucket Lists Fail and How to Fix It,” 2023.
- Nomadic Matt, “How to Create a Travel Bucket List You’ll Actually Complete,” 2022.
- Forbes Travel Guide, “How to Set Realistic Travel Goals,” 2023.
- Lonely Planet, “The Best Destinations for Every Type of Traveler,” 2023.
- The Points Guy, “Maximizing Travel on a Budget,” 2023.
- Ramit Sethi, “I Will Teach You to Be Rich: Travel Hacks for Any Budget,” 2021.
- Rick Steves, “Travel Smart: How to Make Your Bucket List Happen,” 2022.
- Nomad List, “Top Digital Nomad Destinations for 2024,” 2023.
- Brian Kelly, “The Ultimate Guide to Travel Rewards and Credit Card Points,” 2023.
