What’s one adventure or experience you still hope to have?
We recently asked recreational therapists and members of the Rec Therapy Today community one simple question:
“What’s one adventure or experience currently on your bucket list?”
The answers took us around the world.
Scotland. Hawaii. Italy. Greece. Alaska. National parks. Cruises. Skydiving. Broadway. Baseball stadiums. The Northern Lights.
But underneath all those destinations was something even more interesting: the desire to experience life.
More than 130 people shared an answer, and travel was by far the strongest theme.
The Most Popular Bucket-List Dreams
After grouping similar responses together, several themes rose to the top.
1. International Travel 🌎
The biggest dream was simple: see more of the world.
Europe was especially popular, with Italy, Greece, Scotland, Ireland and Spain appearing repeatedly. Others dreamed of Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, the Maldives, Madagascar, Jamaica, Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.
One person simply wrote:
“Traveling to as many destinations as possible.”
Another wanted to travel throughout Europe, specifically naming Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Austria, Poland, Switzerland and Greece.
Sometimes the destination itself is the goal. Other times, travel represents something larger: curiosity, freedom, discovery and the opportunity to experience a different way of life.
2. National Parks, Nature & the Great Outdoors 🏞️
Nature was another major theme.
Respondents dreamed about Yellowstone, Zion, the Great Smoky Mountains, Banff, the Grand Canyon and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Others wanted to visit every national park—or as many as possible.
One respondent is already well on the way:
“Traveling to all national parks within the US — 30 down!!!”
Other outdoor dreams included camping in Newfoundland, hiking in Colorado or Arizona, canoeing in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, visiting waterfalls and simply getting outside to “fully experience nature.”
For people who work in recreational therapy, perhaps that shouldn’t be surprising. We understand just how restorative and meaningful outdoor recreation can be.
3. U.S. Travel, Road Trips & Sightseeing 🚗
Not every bucket-list adventure requires a passport.
Many respondents want to explore more of the United States—visiting new states, cities, beaches, historic sites and attractions.
One person is working toward visiting all 50 states with their husband and taking a photograph beside each state sign. Another wants to travel around the United States for six months.
Others mentioned Chicago, Niagara Falls, North Myrtle Beach, historic Jamestown, lighthouses along the East Coast and antique stores throughout North Carolina.
The adventure doesn’t always have to be thousands of miles away. Sometimes it’s about discovering what’s been waiting for us closer to home.
4. Cruises & Water Adventures 🚢
For several respondents, the dream involves getting on—or into—the water.
Cruises appeared repeatedly, including first cruises, an Alaskan cruise, a Greek cruise and a Viking cruise around the British Isles.
Others had more active water adventures in mind: scuba diving, snorkeling in Australia, swimming with dolphins, seeing whale sharks in the Maldives, whitewater rafting, water skiing and paddleboard yoga.
One especially adventurous response described a rafting trip through the Grand Canyon, sleeping on sandy riverbanks surrounded by towering red-rock cliffs.
That’s a bucket-list experience!
5. Thrills & Physical Challenges 🪂
Some people aren’t looking for relaxation.
They’re looking for adrenaline.
Skydiving. Ziplining. Bungee jumping. Cliff jumping. Parasailing. Scuba diving.
Others chose physical accomplishments, such as climbing Colorado’s Manitou Incline or walking a marathon.
One respondent wants to learn to ride their Harley trike independently.
These responses remind us that adventure means something different to everyone. For one person, it might mean jumping from an airplane. For another, mastering a new skill can provide that same sense of accomplishment.
6. Sports, Entertainment & Once-in-a-Lifetime Events ⚾
Some bucket lists were built around experiences rather than destinations.
Respondents wanted to attend the Olympics, see a Broadway show, attend summer festivals, go to a Major League Baseball game and visit MLB stadiums around the country.
Fenway Park and Wrigley Field even received a specific mention.
These are the kinds of experiences that become stories we tell for years.
7. Meaningful Personal Experiences ❤️
A few responses stood apart because they weren’t really about travel at all.
One person hopes to become a pet therapy team handler with their dog.
Another shared a beautiful future goal:
“I look forward to the adventure of being a grandparent one day.”
They hope to introduce their future grandchildren to fun recreational therapy activities and help them understand the importance of leisure.
Another person’s bucket-list goal was wonderfully simple: try an affogato before the end of summer. The question happened to arrive just as they were preparing a bucket-list activity to use with their own patients.
That’s an important reminder.
A bucket list doesn’t have to include climbing a mountain or flying across the world.
It just needs to include something meaningful to you.
Bucket Lists Are Really About Living
As recreational therapists, we spend a lot of time thinking about leisure interests, goals, participation and quality of life.
A bucket list brings many of those ideas together.
It asks us to imagine possibilities.
Where would I like to go?
What would I like to experience?
What would challenge me?
Who would I like to share an experience with?
What would make me feel like I’m really living?
Those aren’t just fun questions. They can open conversations about values, relationships, identity, motivation, hope and what gives someone’s life meaning.
And maybe that’s the biggest takeaway from these responses.
People aren’t simply collecting destinations.
They’re collecting experiences.
A trip with a daughter to Paris. Seeing the Northern Lights. Visiting an old family vacation spot again. Hiking a national park. Seeing a sister in Reno. Taking a first cruise. Finally trying an affogato.
Big or small, each represents something a person hopes to experience during their lifetime.
And that’s what recreation is ultimately about.
Not simply filling time—but helping people experience more of life.
What’s on Your Bucket List?
Now we’ll turn the question back to you:
What’s one adventure or experience currently on your bucket list?
Maybe it’s somewhere you’ve always wanted to go.
Maybe it’s something you’ve always wanted to try.
Or maybe it’s a simple experience you’ve been putting off.
Whatever it is, write it down.
Then ask yourself one more question:
What’s one small step I could take toward making it happen?