5 Bucket List Adventures That Left a Lasting Impression

One of the questions we hear almost every week is, "What's your favorite place in the world?"

Our answer usually surprises people.

We honestly don't have one.

Every destination has left us with something different. Some amazed us with history. Others with wildlife, breathtaking scenery, or unforgettable people. Choosing one favorite would be like choosing a favorite child. Every place has shaped us in its own way, which is why we continue to travel.

Our answer usually surprises people.

We honestly don't have one.

Some destinations leave you speechless because of their history. Others because of the wildlife, the scenery, or the people you meet along the way. Every place has something unique to offer, which is one of the reasons we continue to travel.

When we started thinking about this article, we realized that choosing a single favorite country simply wasn't possible.

Instead, we chose five adventures that left a lasting impression on us.

These aren't necessarily the easiest places to reach or the most luxurious vacations we've taken. They are destinations that challenged us, inspired us, and reminded us why we fell in love with travel in the first place.

Whether it was hearing lions outside our cottage in Kenya, enjoying morning coffee overlooking the Great Pyramids, snorkeling alongside sea lions in the Galápagos, standing where Moses viewed the Promised Land, or watching Machu Picchu emerge from the Andes, each experience changed us in its own way.

If you're looking for inspiration for your next bucket-list adventure, we hope one of these destinations finds its way onto your list.

There are moments in travel when you stop taking pictures and simply watch. This was one of them.

Kenya

For Wildlife

If someone asked us to name the most unforgettable wildlife experience of our lives, an African safari would be at the top of the list.

For our safari, we chose Meru National Park in Kenya because we wanted a quieter, less crowded experience. We stayed at Elsa’s Kopje, an incredible lodge built into Mughwango Hill and the only permanent lodge located inside Meru National Park. The lodge is named after Elsa the lioness from the famous book and movie Born Free. George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa after she was orphaned and later released her back into the wild in Meru, helping inspire one of the world’s best-known wildlife conservation stories.

Every morning began before sunrise as we headed into the bush just as the animals were beginning their day. Watching elephants feed along the riverbanks, giraffes cross the savanna, and lions rest beneath acacia trees in the wild is something no zoo or wildlife park can truly replicate.

What surprised us most was not just the wildlife, but the silence. There were long stretches when the only sounds were birds, distant animals moving through the brush, and the wind blowing across the grasslands.

Then night would fall.

The silence was almost deafening...until it wasn’t.

Hearing what we imagined was one of Elsa’s grandkids roaming around and grunting somewhere outside our open-fronted cottage in the middle of the night was both exhilarating and humbling. It also made us think twice about whether that middle-of-the-night trip to the bathroom could wait until morning.

Although we loved Kenya, there are incredible safari opportunities throughout Africa. Tanzania, Botswana, South Africa, and several other countries each offer something unique. The “best” safari depends on your interests, your budget, and the type of experience you’re looking for.

Do your research, and don’t hesitate to ask someone with firsthand experience before choosing your destination. A safari is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and selecting the right park, season, lodge, and guide can make all the difference.

Tip: Don’t choose a safari based solely on price. The quality of your guide often determines the quality of your experience and what you see during your stay.

"To travel is to live." Hans Christian Andersen. The view from our balcony at the Marriott Mena House.

Egypt

For History

We expected Egypt to be incredible. Somehow, it still exceeded every expectation we had.

We have visited Egypt twice, and we would gladly return again.

On our most recent trip, we stayed at the historic Marriott Mena House in Giza. What makes this hotel so special is that you can book a balcony room overlooking the Great Pyramids. Drinking a cup of coffee as the sun rises over the pyramids, or enjoying an evening cocktail as they are illuminated after dark, is one of those surreal travel moments you never forget.

Standing beside the Great Pyramid, exploring the Valley of the Kings, visiting Abu Simbel, and cruising the Nile River brings thousands of years of history to life in a way that no documentary or history book ever could. It's one thing to read about these places in school. It's something entirely different to stand where history actually happened.

One piece of advice we always give is not to stop with Cairo and the pyramids. Some of our favorite experiences were farther south around Luxor, where you can take a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Valley of the Kings and the temples along the Nile. Abu Simbel, carved into the cliffs along the southern border, is well worth the journey and remains one of the most impressive ancient sites we have ever visited.

Egypt is also an incredible destination for travelers interested in biblical history. In Old Cairo, the Coptic Quarter is home to some of Christianity's oldest churches. According to long-standing Christian tradition, Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus sought refuge in Egypt, and the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus is believed to have been built over the cave where they stayed during part of their journey.

As the Gospel of Matthew records:

"Out of Egypt I called my son." Matthew 2:15

Standing along the Nile River also brings another familiar biblical story to life. The Bible tells us that Moses was placed in a basket among the reeds before being discovered by Pharaoh's daughter (Exodus 2:3–10). While the exact location isn't known, seeing the Nile provides an entirely new perspective on one of the Old Testament's most familiar stories.

Egypt is one of those destinations where every stop leaves you wanting to see what comes next.

Tip: Give yourself enough time to experience more than Cairo. A Nile cruise, Luxor, Abu Simbel, and the Christian sites in Old Cairo are absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.

In the Galápagos, the wildlife is often just as curious about you as you are about it.

Galápagos Islands

For the Natural World

The Galápagos Islands are unlike anywhere else we have visited.

Sea lions sleep on park benches. Giant tortoises wander freely. Marine iguanas cover volcanic rocks. While snorkeling, we found ourselves swimming alongside sea turtles, rays, tropical fish, and playful sea lions. The wildlife is so well protected that many of the animals show little fear of humans. At times, it feels less like visiting a tourist destination and more like stepping into a nature documentary. It also felt like the animals never got the memo that humans are supposed to be scary.

We planned our trip independently, and it was an incredible experience. However, we'll be the first to admit that the logistics and bureaucracy can be a challenge. Traveling between islands often involves long ferry rides over surprisingly rough water, water taxis, inspections, luggage checks, schedules, and plenty of planning. It was absolutely worth the effort, but if you're considering visiting the Galápagos on your own, we share the entire process in our detailed Galápagos article on All In Global Travel.

If we were planning the trip again, we would choose one of the small expedition cruises that specializes in the Galápagos. These cruises maximize your time exploring multiple islands while taking care of the transportation, permits, and logistics. Instead of worrying about how to get to the next island, you can simply relax and enjoy one of the world's most remarkable ecosystems. They remove the headaches and allow you to focus on the incredible wildlife and scenery that inspired sailors for generations to call the Galápagos "The Enchanted Islands."

If you are already traveling to Ecuador, we also highly recommend spending a few extra days exploring Quito and the Amazon rainforest. Together, these three destinations showcase completely different sides of Ecuador and create one unforgettable adventure.

Tip: Choose an itinerary that visits several islands. Each island has its own wildlife, landscapes, and personality, and seeing only one gives you just a small glimpse of what makes the Galápagos so extraordinary.

"Petra may bring you to Jordan, but the rest of the country will make you want to stay."

Jordan

For History, Faith, and Adventure

Most people know Jordan because of Petra, but that is only the beginning.

Jordan surprised us because every few days felt like an entirely different experience. Jordan somehow manages to combine five vacations into one country.

I first visited Jordan while I was in college and immediately fell in love with the country. At the first opportunity, I brought Crystal back so she could experience it too. Years later, we returned again with our daughters because we wanted them to experience everything Jordan has to offer. There are few destinations we have intentionally returned to, and Jordan is one of them.

When most people begin planning a trip to Jordan, they immediately think of Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It absolutely deserves its reputation. Walking through the narrow Siq before seeing the Treasury appear for the first time is unforgettable. Our advice is to arrive early in the morning before the crowds and the afternoon heat. Petra alone would make the entire trip worthwhile.

But Jordan is so much more than Petra.

In fact, every few days felt like we were visiting a completely different country.

Spend at least a couple of nights at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth at approximately 1,400 feet below sea level. Floating effortlessly in its mineral-rich waters is one of those travel experiences that sounds impossible until you actually do it. The high salt concentration naturally keeps you afloat, and many visitors enjoy covering themselves in the mineral-rich mud before relaxing at one of the beautiful resorts. We have stayed at both the Dead Sea Marriott Resort & Spa and the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, and both make excellent bases for exploring the region.

Jordan is also one of the most meaningful destinations in the world for travelers interested in biblical history. Bethany Beyond the Jordan is recognized as the traditional site where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. For many visitors, simply standing on the banks of the Jordan River is a powerful experience. If you plan ahead, you can also choose to be baptized there yourself, making your visit even more meaningful.

"Faith brought us to the Jordan River. Standing in its waters is a memory we will carry with us for the rest of our lives."

Nearby is Mount Nebo, where, according to the Bible, Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death.

"I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there."
— Deuteronomy 34:4

Standing on Mount Nebo and looking toward the Holy Land brings those familiar words to life in a way that is difficult to describe.

As if that weren't enough, Jordan also offers the remarkably preserved Roman city of Jerash, one of the finest archaeological sites outside of Italy, and the breathtaking desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, where spending a night beneath a sky filled with stars becomes an experience you'll never forget.

Jordan combines history, faith, adventure, and relaxation better than almost anywhere we have visited.

Tip: Don't make Petra a day trip. Slow down. Spend several nights exploring the Dead Sea, the biblical sites, Amman, Jerash, and Wadi Rum. Jordan rewards travelers who give it the time it deserves.

INSERT PICTURE DEAD SEA with caption: "Family time at the lowest point on Earth, creating memories that will stay with us forever."

Machu Picchu

For the Journey

Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is one of those destinations that rewards every bit of effort it takes to get there.

Unlike many bucket-list destinations, the journey to Machu Picchu is just as memorable as the destination itself.

Rather than trying to coordinate flights, trains, transfers, hotels, and timed entrance tickets yourself, we recommend using a reputable tour company to handle the logistics. It allows you to simply enjoy the experience instead of worrying about transportation and schedules.

One of the biggest surprises for us was how much we enjoyed Cusco. We recommend spending at least two nights there before heading to Machu Picchu. Not only does it give your body time to adjust to the altitude, but Cusco is also one of the most enjoyable cities in Peru. The cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, lively markets, and outstanding local restaurants make it a destination in its own right. Don't rush through it. Cusco deserves to be experienced, not just used as a stopover on the way to Machu Picchu.

If you're feeling adventurous, Cusco is also the perfect place to sample Peru's famous local delicacy, cuy (pronounced coo-ee), better known to most of us as guinea pig. We were pleasantly surprised. You know the saying, “it tastes like chicken.”

When in Peru...don't knock it until you've tried it.

The train ride through the Sacred Valley is spectacular, and by the time you finally arrive at Machu Picchu, you'll understand why it has inspired travelers for generations. Watching the Andes roll past your window builds the anticipation until that first glimpse of Machu Picchu finally appears.

Perhaps our biggest piece of advice is simple: don't wait too long.

You do not have to hike the famous Inca Trail, but exploring Machu Picchu still involves climbing stone steps, walking uneven pathways, and spending several hours on your feet. Every step is worth it, but it is a destination best experienced while you're still comfortable being active.

We also think Machu Picchu is one of the world's great multigenerational travel experiences. Sharing the journey with parents, children, or grandchildren creates memories that last far longer than the photographs. Standing together overlooking one of the world's greatest archaeological treasures is something your family will talk about for years.

With visitor numbers carefully managed through timed entry tickets and designated walking routes, planning ahead has become increasingly important. There have even been discussions about further limiting visitor access in the future, making now a wonderful time to experience this incredible place.

Tip: Spend a couple of days in Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu. Your body, your camera, and your taste buds will thank you.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, what strikes us most is that these five adventures couldn't be more different.

One introduced us to lions roaming free across the African savanna. Another brought us face to face with civilizations thousands of years old. One immersed us in one of the world's most remarkable ecosystems. Another strengthened our faith while reminding us how much history is packed into one small country. The last proved that sometimes the hardest journeys lead to the greatest rewards.

Yet they all have one thing in common.

Every one of them reminded us why we travel.

Not to check another country off a list. Not to collect passport stamps. But to experience places that change how we see the world.

Travel has a way of doing that. It teaches patience when flights are delayed. It builds confidence as you navigate unfamiliar places. It introduces you to people whose lives are completely different from your own. And every once in a while, it gives you one of those unforgettable moments that stays with you long after you've unpacked your suitcase.

As we've shared before, we don't believe there is a single "best" destination in the world. The best destination is the one that speaks to your interests, challenges your perspective, and leaves you with memories you'll still be talking about years later.

If one of these adventures has been sitting on your bucket list, don't wait for the "perfect" time. Life has a way of getting busy. Start planning. Ask questions. Take that first step.

Someday, someone may ask you the same question they ask us:

"What's your favorite place you've ever visited?"

And maybe, just maybe...you'll have the same problem answering it.

Whether your dream is watching elephants roam across the African savanna, standing before the Great Pyramids, snorkeling with sea lions in the Galápagos, exploring the ancient wonders of Jordan, or hiking to Machu Picchu, we hope this article has inspired you to dream a little bigger.

If you're ready to turn one of those dreams into reality, we'd love to help. At Tacks Travels, we enjoy helping travelers turn bucket-list ideas into unforgettable experiences, while sharing the firsthand advice we've learned from visiting these incredible places ourselves.

Where will your next adventure take you?

“The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa, for he has so much to look forward to.” Rich Mullins