12 Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences to Add to Your Bucket List
Life is too short for ordinary experiences. If you're going to dream big, why not dream of breathtaking, mind-blowing adventures that will stay with you forever? Some of the best moments in life happen when you step out of your comfort zone, explore the unknown, and embrace the extraordinary. We've put together 12 of the most unique, magical, and exhilarating experiences that will make your bucket list the envy of any traveler. Whether you're swimming with glowing bioluminescent plankton, hiking through a rainbow-colored canyon, or watching the sunrise over an ancient desert city, these are the moments that define a lifetime of adventure.
1. Dive into a Glowing Sea of Bioluminescent Plankton in the Maldives
magine swimming in an ocean that glows like the Milky Way, with every movement setting off a cascade of sparkling blue light that ripples around you. This breathtaking phenomenon, caused by bioluminescent plankton, transforms the ocean into a shimmering sea of stars, making it one of the most surreal natural experiences on the planet. The Maldives is one of the best places in the world to witness this mesmerizing spectacle, with Vaadhoo Island being particularly famous for its glowing shores. On moonless nights, the coastline erupts in an ethereal glow, creating a mystical ambiance that feels straight out of a fantasy movie. Whether you wade through the softly illuminated waves, take a midnight swim, or kayak over the glowing waters under a sky full of stars, the experience is nothing short of magical. For the ultimate adventure, consider staying in one of the Maldives' overwater bungalows, where you can step right off your deck into the glowing waters. Alternatively, book a bioluminescence night snorkeling tour, where you’ll witness the plankton sparkle with every movement of your hands and fins. Some travelers describe it as swimming through liquid light—a moment of pure wonder that will stay with you forever. Best Time to Go: Between July and December, when bioluminescent activity is strongest.
2. Soar Over a Rainbow-Colored Canyon in China’s Zhangye Danxia
Imagine gliding high above a painted landscape, where rolling hills ripple with hues of red, orange, yellow, and green, creating a natural masterpiece that looks like it belongs in an artist’s gallery. Welcome to the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park, often called the “Rainbow Mountains”, one of China’s most surreal and stunning landscapes. This geological wonder was formed over millions of years, as layers of sandstone and mineral deposits compressed to create a dazzling spectrum of colors. Today, the mountains look as if they’ve been hand-painted by nature, with bold streaks of crimson, gold, and emerald stretching as far as the eye can see. One of the most breathtaking ways to experience this otherworldly landscape is from the sky. A sunrise hot air balloon ride over Zhangye Danxia offers an unparalleled bird’s-eye view of the painted hills, where the first light of day sets the mountains ablaze with even more vibrant hues. If you prefer to stay grounded, elevated viewing platforms throughout the park provide spectacular panoramic vistas that allow you to soak in the surreal beauty of the terrain. Best Time to Go: May to September, when the sky is clear, and the colors are most vibrant.
3. Camp Under the Northern Lights in a Glass Igloo in Finland
Watching the Aurora Borealis dance across the night sky is one of the most mesmerizing natural spectacles on Earth—but imagine experiencing it from the comfort of a heated glass igloo, nestled deep in the Finnish wilderness. In Finnish Lapland, you can stay in a luxury glass igloo or a cozy log cabin with a panoramic skylight, allowing you to witness the sky come alive with swirling ribbons of green, pink, and purple light—all from the warmth of your bed. The experience is both magical and surreal, as the silent Arctic landscape provides the perfect backdrop for the celestial show overhead. Some igloo resorts, such as Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and Levin Iglut, even offer private hot tubs, so you can soak under the stars while the Northern Lights dance above you. During the day, you can take part in Arctic adventures like husky sledding, snowmobiling, or reindeer safaris, making your stay a full-fledged winter wonderland escape. Best Time to Go: September to March, when the skies are darkest, and the auroras are most active.
4. Ride the World’s Longest Zipline Over the Arabian Desert
If you’ve ever dreamed of flying like a bird, this once-in-a-lifetime adventure is for you. The Jebel Jais Flight in the United Arab Emirates holds the record as the longest zipline in the world, stretching an astonishing 2.8 kilometers (1.7 miles) over the rugged peaks and deep canyons of the Jebel Jais mountain range. From the moment you take off, you’ll be soaring through the desert sky at speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph), with nothing but stunning mountain vistas below you. Suspended 1,680 meters (5,500 feet) above sea level, this exhilarating ride feels like flying, as the strong desert winds rush past you, and the vast, open landscape stretches to the horizon. For an extra thrill, you’ll be harnessed in a "superman" position, lying belly-down as you glide headfirst across the sky, making it one of the closest experiences to human flight you can get. The moment you reach the landing platform—suspended high above a cliff—you’ll be left breathless, adrenaline-fueled, and eager to do it all over again. Best Time to Go: October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities.
5. Experience the "Door to Hell" in Turkmenistan
Deep in the Karakum Desert, there’s a massive crater that has been burning non-stop for over 50 years—a sight so surreal, it’s been dubbed the “Door to Hell.”This fiery pit, measuring 70 meters (230 feet) wide and 30 meters (98 feet) deep, was created in 1971 when a Soviet drilling operation accidentally punctured a massive underground natural gas cavern, causing the ground to collapse. To prevent the spread of deadly methane gas, scientists decided to set it on fire, expecting it to burn for a few days. It’s still burning today.Visiting this otherworldly inferno at night is an unforgettable experience. As darkness falls, the crater glows with an intense orange light, casting eerie shadows across the barren desert landscape. The heat from the flames is so intense that you can feel it from several meters away, and the sheer scale of the crater is awe-inspiring. Adventurous travelers can camp nearby for the full "end-of-the-world" experience, watching the flames flicker under the star-filled desert sky. Despite its remote location, the Door to Hell is one of the most unique and extreme travel experiences you’ll ever have. Best Time to Go: Spring or Fall, when temperatures are more bearable in the desert.
6. Swim in the Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls
Ever dreamed of swimming at the edge of the world? The Devil’s Pool at Victoria Falls is as close as you can get. This natural infinity pool, perched on the very brink of the world’s largest waterfall, offers one of the most heart-pounding, breathtaking experiences on Earth. Located on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, the Devil’s Pool is accessible only when the water levels are low (from August to January). Adventurous visitors can take a boat ride to Livingstone Island, where guides lead them on a short, slippery rock trek to the pool itself. Once there, swimmers ease into the cool waters and edge towards the 355-foot (108-meter) drop—but don’t worry, a hidden rock lip prevents you from being swept over the falls. As you lean over the edge, the thundering cascade roars beneath you, sending up rainbow-filled mist while the mighty Zambezi River rushes past your body. For the ultimate bucket list thrill, dare to look straight down into the gorge while feeling the immense power of nature just inches away. The sense of exhilaration and awe is unmatched, making it one of the most unique swimming spots in the world. Best Time to Go: August to January, when water levels are low and it’s safe to swim.
7. Explore a Hidden Glowworm Cave in New Zealand
Step into a real-life fantasy world as you glide through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where the ceilings sparkle like a starry night sky. Hidden beneath the lush green hills of New Zealand’s North Island, this underground labyrinth of caves is home to thousands of tiny glowworms (Arachnocampa luminosa), which emit an eerie, blue-green bioluminescent glow. Visitors can embark on a magical boat ride through the dark, silent caves, where the only illumination comes from the glowworms' soft, twinkling lights above. The effect is absolutely mesmerizing—like floating through the Milky Way, with countless tiny stars reflected in the underground river below. The experience is made even more surreal by the hushed, dreamlike atmosphere, where the gentle sound of water dripping from stalactites adds to the mystery. For those who want an extra dose of adventure, there’s also the option to go blackwater rafting, where you navigate the cave’s underground rivers in an inflatable tube, drifting beneath the glowworms while surrounded by towering limestone formations. The Waitomo Caves are not only a natural wonder but also a spiritual place for the Māori people, who have passed down stories of these mystical caves for generations. Best Time to Go: Year-round, but winter (June–August) offers fewer crowds.
8. Ride the Flam Railway Through Norway’s Fjords
A train journey like no other, the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) is one of the steepest and most scenic train rides in the world, winding through Norway’s spectacular fjords, towering waterfalls, and snow-capped mountains. This two-hour journey covers 20.2 km (12.6 miles) and features a breathtaking 866-meter (2,841-foot) descent, taking passengers from the high-altitude Myrdal station down to the picturesque fjord village of Flåm. Along the way, the train zigzags through 20 tunnels, revealing views of deep valleys, emerald-green rivers, and tiny mountain farms clinging to the cliffs. One of the most jaw-dropping moments comes at Kjosfossen Waterfall, where the train makes a stop, allowing passengers to step outside and witness the roaring cascade up close. Keep an eye out for the mystical Huldra, a figure from Norwegian folklore, who is said to appear in the misty falls, luring travelers into the wild. This train ride isn’t just about scenery—it’s about immersing yourself in Norway’s untamed beauty. Whether you ride in the lush green summer, when wildflowers bloom in the valleys, or in winter, when everything is blanketed in pristine white snow, the Flåm Railway is an unforgettable experience that feels like a journey through a real-life fairy tale. Best Time to Go: Summer (June–August) for green landscapes; Winter (December–March) for a snowy wonderland.
9. Hike Through the Enchanted Forest of Hallerbos, Belgium
Once a year, a fairy-tale transformation takes place in the heart of Belgium’s Hallerbos Forest. For a few magical weeks each April and May, millions of wild bluebells burst into bloom, carpeting the forest floor in a sea of deep blue and purple. This breathtaking display turns the woodland into something straight out of a fantasy novel, where ancient trees, glowing with fresh spring leaves, rise above a misty blue landscape. Walking through Hallerbos during bluebell season is a truly otherworldly experience. The morning light filters through the canopy, casting golden beams onto the delicate flowers, while the soft scent of wild hyacinths fills the air. The trails weave through giant beech trees, whose smooth, silver trunks stand in elegant contrast to the colorful carpet below. Photographers, nature lovers, and romantics alike flock to Hallerbos to witness this rare and fleeting natural wonder. But timing is everything—the bloom only lasts for two to three weeks, depending on weather conditions. If you’re lucky enough to catch it at peak bloom, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a storybook world where time stands still. Best Time to Go: Mid-April to early May, when the bluebells are in full bloom.
10. Witness the Majestic Ice Castles of Canada
Each winter, in the heart of Alberta, Canada, a magical frozen kingdom rises from the snow—an entire village sculpted from ice and lit from within by dazzling lights. The Ice Castles of Canada are an annual spectacle, hand-built using tens of thousands of icicles, carefully crafted into towering archways, crystalline tunnels, frozen slides, and shimmering ice sculptures. By day, these frosty fortresses glisten in the winter sunlight, their frozen spires resembling something straight out of a fantasy movie. By night, they are illuminated in shades of blue, purple, and pink, turning the entire landscape into a mesmerizing winter wonderland. Visitors can explore secret passageways, crawl through ice tunnels, and slide down frozen chutes, making it an interactive adventure for all ages. For the ultimate experience, visit during a snowfall, when fresh flakes add to the enchanted atmosphere. Or, for a romantic twist, stroll through the ice-lit courtyards hand in hand, warmed by the glow of fire pits and twinkling fairy lights. This temporary ice kingdom is built anew each year, so no two visits are ever the same. But one thing is guaranteed—it’s an unforgettable winter experience that will make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into Disney’s Frozen. Best Time to Go: December to February, when the ice castles are fully built.
11. Float Above the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia in a Hot Air Balloon
There are few sights in the world as magical as watching the sun rise over Cappadocia, Turkey, while drifting high above the region’s surreal landscape in a hot air balloon. Known for its unique "fairy chimneys", Cappadocia’s otherworldly rock formations, deep valleys, and ancient cave dwellings create a dreamlike backdrop for one of the most iconic balloon rides on the planet. As the sky floods with golden light, dozens of hot air balloons gently ascend, each offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the stunning terrain below. The experience is both peaceful and exhilarating—there’s something deeply surreal about floating silently above ancient villages, rugged canyons, and vineyards, with only the occasional blast of the balloon’s burner breaking the tranquility. Back on the ground, you can explore Göreme National Park, visit underground cities, or even stay in a cave hotel, where the walls are carved directly from the soft volcanic rock. Whether you’re looking for adventure, romance, or simply a once-in-a-lifetime view, hot air ballooning over Cappadocia is an experience that truly belongs on every bucket list. Best Time to Go: April to October for clear skies and calm winds, but balloon flights operate year-round, weather permitting.
12. Snorkel Between Two Continents in Iceland’s Silfra Fissure
Imagine swimming in crystal-clear glacial water, where you can literally touch two continents at the same time. In Iceland’s Silfra Fissure, located in Þingvellir National Park, adventurers can snorkel or dive in the only place on Earth where you can explore the tectonic boundary between North America and Eurasia. Formed by the slow-moving separation of the tectonic plates, Silfra is one of the clearest bodies of water in the world, with visibility reaching up to 100 meters (328 feet). Even though the water is a chilly 2–4°C (35–39°F) year-round, the experience is incredibly serene and meditative, with the feeling of floating through an ancient and untouched world. Wearing a dry suit, snorkelers stay warm while gently drifting through the slow-moving current, passing through sections like the Cathedral, where towering rock walls rise up around you like an underwater canyon. This is one of the most unique snorkeling experiences on the planet, offering a rare glimpse into the geological forces that shape our world—all while swimming in some of the purest water on Earth. Best Time to Go: Year-round, though summer (June–August) offers slightly warmer air temperatures.
Embrace the Extraordinary
Life is too short to stay in the ordinary. The world is filled with breathtaking landscapes, heart-pounding adventures, and magical moments just waiting to be experienced. Whether you're floating over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys at sunrise, swimming between tectonic plates in Iceland, or marveling at the Northern Lights from a cozy glass igloo, these are the experiences that make life truly extraordinary. The best adventures often happen outside your comfort zone, in places that ignite your curiosity and awaken your sense of wonder. So don’t wait—start planning, start dreaming, and start checking off those bucket list moments. Because at the end of the day, the most valuable souvenirs aren’t the photos you take, but the stories you tell and the memories you create. So where will your next once-in-a-lifetime adventure take you?
