We all have our daily to-do lists, yearly resolutions, and goals we want to achieve. But what about creating a bucket list? You can't say you haven't thought about it - what do you want to do before you "kick the bucket." Yikes, that's a scary thought (sorry if I'm scaring you) but seriously have you thought about it? Since I realized my bucket list may be longer than my years (haha) it's been a question I started asking myself each week, what do I want to do while I am healthy & able? The answer to that question changes weekly but one thing that remains fairly constant is wanting to travel and spend more time with family. I think we can all admit that after a year of quarantine and isolation for many, a travel getaway with family and friends is greatly need.
I used to think bucket lists were only for people with a serious illness or 60+ years old. That is not the case. Thinking of those resolutions or goals we have set keeps us motivated, focused, and driven (and now it even motivates me to make healthier living choices). We look forward to achieving them. So why not apply that same mentality when it comes to all the things we want to do, see, experience while we can? What I have learned about my own bucket list is that when I write it and believe it will happen, unbeknownst to me, it happens! Once something takes the form in a written list I subconsciously think about it more and more often, then opportunities arise out of the blue (I call them blessings) and most importantly I have the desire to check them off that handwritten list. And this is why I love creating a bucket list, it's a great way to dream BIG while being motivated to make those dreams attainable.
Some people look at other people and wonder why all the good things seem to happen to others but not themselves. But friend, I am here to tell you, it can happen just as easily to YOU!! Life is full of miracles, opportunities, and possibilities. What do you have to lose? I wonder, do you have a list? Or are you perhaps unsure where to start? Keep reading to get some of my bucket list inspiration to help get you started but before that here are my top tips to creating the ultimate bucket list...
#1. Dream It!
There are no limitations here! Let your imagination be your guide. Where, what, with whom do you want to make memories? Then write it down. Maybe it’ll include visiting Bora Bora while staying in an over the water bungalow with your spouse. Or venturing on a safari game drive in Africa.
#2. Write It Down!Studies have shown that when you write something down it makes your brain remember it better. Having your bucket list constantly on your mind or in your plain vision will keep your “eye on the prize!” That’s why I also encourage you to get creative with your list – maybe create a vision board that includes beautiful pictures. If you are tech savvy and want to create a whole pinterest board around your list, go for it!
#3. Immerse Yourself in the Joy & Love of Putting it Together!
This should be something fun and enjoyable! Creating a bucket list should inspire you, get you excited. As I mentioned above, adding pictures seems pivotal for me. When I can look at a beautiful photo of Greece I immediately transport myself there and get excited that my 2020 plans will be rescheduled so I can check that off of my list. Keep this activity fun and entertaining. Even better, get each person in the family working on their own personal list and compare.
#4. Don't Get Caught Up in the HOW
This is not important. When you set your goal of going to the moon as a 4-year old you didn’t think about the how, did you? It’s no different now. Do you have places like Australia, Costa Rica, Italy, or the Maldives in mind? That's perfect, you can do all 4 if you wish. Dream it & believe it - this is key!
#5. Wait for the Opportunity
Trust me on this one! You’ll know when the time is right and when it’s the right opportunity call it intuition or a gut feeling but you will know. When that time comes, reach out to us and we can make it happen easily. Good things take time and patience is a virtue. For example, are you dying to see the Masters Live In Augusta but don't know how that could be remotely possible we have everything you need to know - see it's things like being presented with the right resources, tools that could make any of those bucket list dreams possible.
Your opportunity will come, you just need to believe that it will.
#6. Consider the Milestones
Holidays, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, retirements – all these should (and need) to be celebrated. Once you have figured out which milestones then it’s time to drill down on what must be celebrate in the next 3 years, 5 years, 10 years, etc.
I hope these tips help you get started thinking about your own bucket list. I know the opportunities can happen for YOU too all you need is the right inspiration and perhaps a bucket list notebook. Click HERE for your FREE downloadable VIP Bucket List notepad.
Pro tip: Most likely the first 20-32 things on your list will be travel related. That is perfectly fine! A lot of experiences include some kind of travel but have fun with it and don’t forget the other things like daily upgrades to your life. My list is somewhat different today than the list I made 20 years go – grow with your list. Be open to change and the prospect of new possibilities. It's OK to change your mind, hopefully we are all growing and changing each day, so naturally your list will change as well.Email me tammy@viptravelexperience.com, I would love to help you plan the vacation of a lifetime? Together we can create the best vacation experience for YOU. It's a big world out there -- we hope you EXPERIENCE it.
