Looking for an experience unlike any other? Traveling is the key, and some world travelers have shared their once-in-a-lifetime experiences during a recent online discussion.
1. Seeing A Solar Eclipse
Sometimes you get lucky and won't have to travel far for a Solar eclipse. Others are looking to make a vacation out of the next one, though.
One person shares, “It is totally worth it. For the next one, I could go east, but I might make a Mexico vacation out of it.”
2. Hiking
There's a chance most people have some local hiking trails through woods and parks, but that pales in comparison to what can be achieved through traveling.
One hiker shared an experience they'll never forget: “Hiking Machu Picchu was the most breathtaking and unforgettable experience of my life. 4-day, 3-night hike, and outdoor camping. Imagine waking up every morning sipping your coffee, perched on the mountain ledge and just watching the sunset. Hard to believe beauty like it even exists… I sat in awe every morning.”
3. Snorkeling
I love swimming in the ocean, but not where I live in the Northeast. The water is freezing cold, plus there's not much to look at in the murky water.
But that's completely different in many tropical areas where tourists flock to snorkel in their waters.
Depending on the place you visit, the snorkeling experience shifts. “I love snorkeling with the manatees in Florida. You just drift around, floating on a pool noodle, and the manatees swim beneath you. The more chill you are, the more likely the manatees will spend time around you,” wrote one traveler.
4. Safaris
There is nothing that comes close to the experience of heading into the Savannahs in Kenya, Zimbabwe, or South Africa to experience your first safari.
If you don't live in an area of Africa with ample wildlife, you'll have to travel to enjoy a safari.
5. Rocket Launches
Space nerds and people who like big, fast vehicles, unite! It's not every day that someone has the chance to watch a rocket launch, but if you ever get the chance on your travels, it's a moment of a lifetime.
“Rocket launches. I watched three on three different continents,” said one person.
6. Bioluminescence
There's something magical about taking an oceanside vacation and heading out to the sea at night to watch the bioluminescence light up the water.
One great activity is “Kayaking the bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico,” shared one person. But there are many locations with gorgeous bioluminescence to explore.
7. Hot Springs
The earth's natural hot tub, a hot spring is the perfect place to relax after a stressful week at work.
“I’ll go anywhere for a proper hot spring, especially because I don’t have geothermal areas anywhere even remotely close to me,” wrote one traveler.
8. Sports Events
Each sporting event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in itself, so if you have a favorite team or sport with a big tournament coming up in a city you've always wanted to visit, why not hit two birds with one stone?
“I personally travel for sports events, I’m a huge sports fan and I love traveling. So combing the two is the best of both worlds for me and a perfect excuse to go somewhere,” said one person.
9. Music Festivals
Have you dreamt of hitting up Coachella in California or New Orleans Jazz Fest, it may be time to book those tickets. Attending music festivals can be an unforgettable experience where fans come together to have a great time in a beautiful new city.
10. National Parks
While I love the local conservation lands in my small city, they can't compare to the sights in national parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite.
You can't replicate the wonders of nature across the country in your own backyard, so you'll have to visit them to get the experience.
11. Food
The biggest reason I love to travel is for the food. Nothing will ever compare to the fresh seafood feast I devoured on a boat transversing Vietnam's famous Halong Bay. I will cherish that moment for the rest of my life!
While you can find lots of international food near you, nothing compares to eating local food in a new country.
All in all, some experiences can't be had anywhere else but through travel. From snorkeling crystal-clear waters with manatees to seeing the magnificent wildlife on an African safari and eating the most incredible local food around the world. What would you add to the list?
This article was produced and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
Maya (she/they) is a queer entertainment and culture journalist. They cover interviews, reviews, roundups, news, and more. She loves horror, history, and creativity. They hope their writing both entertains readers and inspires them to think critically. Her favorite pastimes include needle felting, gaming, and drawing.