How do YOU define “bucket list destination”

[zekekelso]

I see the phrase bucket list destination used at least a couple different ways. 
 

Ive always used it to mean a dream-of-a-lifetime destination. As in the plot of Pixar’s Up if you saw that movie. My mom had a book about Pompeii as a girl and always dreamed what it would be like to go there. My proudest cruise moment was taking her there for her 75th birthday. 
 

I also see the term used almost dismissively to describe going to places simply because they are famous so you can say you’ve been there. That same trip we went to the leaning tower to Pisa. It’s a tower. It’s leaning. Get the funny forced perspective photo. Check. Now let’s go get some lunch. 
 

So what’s your definition of bucket list destination? 

[mom says]

I define a bucket list the way the dictionaries do, where travelling to a particular destination is perhaps only a part of the list. And I do have a few places remaining on my list that hold a deep interest.

 

But as is often the case, I think the term has become overused, especially by marketers. I don't need to see a travel company's top 10 or 20 bucket list places to visit. It's only a bucket list item for me if I say it is.

 

Going to places just so you can tick off some imaginary BTDT checklist, or to impress ones instagram followers; not because it is a place you have a desire to see and experience; is not what I would call a bucket list trip. That's just a checklist. I guess I'd  say that the difference between the two is one's  motivation.

Edited July 4, 2021 by mom says

[evandbob]

My bucket list has once in a lifetime destinations like cruising the Norwegian & Chilean Fjords,  a land tour of Iceland, perhaps a combo land/river cruise in Egypt.

 

These were 4 trips we had booked and had cancelled by COVID.  We had booked them as I was turning 70, and they remain up in the air for now.  Perhaps we won't get to them all due to aging - we shall see what the future holds.  So, my definition of a bucket list item are places I want to experience before I die.

 

I don't have any "bucket list" items that I cannot physically do now like Machu Pichu or the Galapagos, their time has sadly passed me by.  I am comforted that we have done an Alaskan and a Med cruise, have been to several Hawaiian and Tahitian islets a few times, as well as spending land time in the Canadian Northwest, Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands and many of our US States, and most of the Caribbean isles and Central American countries thru land and sea vacations.

Edited July 4, 2021 by evandbob

[ontheweb]

I think of it as similar to what a past Supreme Court judge used to define pornography, you can't define it, but you know it when you see it.

 

Our last trip before the pandemic was a land trip to Peru, and it included Machu Picchu, that was bucket list. On the way back to the airport for our cruise cancelled last summer, we were going to Stonehenge. Those are some examples.

 

Others may be more personal. For instance DW is Scottish by heritage so going to the Scottish Military Tattoo was a bucket list item. And being an art teacher, there were places in Rome and Florence that were on our bucket list. Also Monet's gardens outside of Paris made the list.

[getting older slowly]

Bucket List..... well don't have one...

 

But  for one of  the BH birthday's   took her to a bucket list type of place.....

 

It was amazing..... well very amazing.... butterflies in stomachs......

 

Also Bucket list is for a once off trip..... why not go back ??

we have been back to this place a few times.... every time   it has knocked our socks off

and just stopping outside gets the heart beating faster....

 

So how do you define  "a bucket list place "   somewhere amazing,  somewhere dreams as made...

not sure....  maybe.... a place which takes your breath away....... it is the vibe....

 

Don

[lenquixote66]

3 hours ago, zekekelso said:

I see the phrase bucket list destination used at least a couple different ways. 
 

Ive always used it to mean a dream-of-a-lifetime destination. As in the plot of Pixar’s Up if you saw that movie. My mom had a book about Pompeii as a girl and always dreamed what it would be like to go there. My proudest cruise moment was taking her there for her 75th birthday. 
 

I also see the term used almost dismissively to describe going to places simply because they are famous so you can say you’ve been there. That same trip we went to the leaning tower to Pisa. It’s a tower. It’s leaning. Get the funny forced perspective photo. Check. Now let’s go get some lunch. 
 

So what’s your definition of bucket list destination? 

For me a bucket list is for something normally impossible to do that if it could be accompiished it would be nirvana.

[Essiesmom]

I guess I had a bucket list before it was fashionable.  It wasn’t even called that…. It was a dream list of places I wanted to see for myself, rather than in pictures.  I wanted to actually see places I read about in history books or novels, so I could visualize them, rather than imagine.   Visiting Europe was one, and when the army sent me to Germany, I took advantage.  I realized I could take weekend trips to places pictures of in my art history class.  Hagia Sofia in Istanbul, all of Venice, Rome, Pompeii.  Later, I was able to visit Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore…more than once.  I have also visited places that were not on the list, but made more of an impression than those that were.  And there are things on the list that I know I can never do:  walk the pilgrim trail to Santiago de Compostela.   Age creeps up on your lists.  EM

[bonsai3s]

"My bucket list"...I go to places that interest me.

 

I love art...so my bucket list included visiting all the major (or even small) museums in the world...almost completed.

 

I love sports...so my bucket list include visiting and watching all major sporting events in the U.S. and around the world...about halfway there.

 

We love beaches...our quest is to visit as many as we can and create our own list of "best" beaches in the world.

 

Also the old and new "Wonders of the world"....almost done.

 

Our bucket list included visiting all 21 California Missions...done.

 

Cruise related...visit all the fjords around the world...list completed.

 

Getting old but not ready to kick the bucket yet. 😉I

 

Note: Many years ago, my wonderful wife had this fascination to visit every Hard Rock Cafe...just imagine skipping the British Museum for Hard Rock Cafe in London.

 

[rkacruiser]

36 minutes ago, ontheweb said:

I think of it as similar to what a past Supreme Court judge used to define pornography, you can't define it, but you know it when you see it.

 

An excellent response!  My "bucket list" has changed over the years.  First, it was a simple cruise.  To wherever.  As I gained more travel experience, my horizons broadened.  And, those horizons continue to expand.  

 

Those "horizons" are now in competition, however, with those places that I truly enjoyed, love, and want to visit again.  And again.  

[navybankerteacher]

A bucket list is just a catalog of things you really hope to experience.  Of course, it is likely to change (more or less).  In my case, seeing Rome was an early, leading item - each time I went there, seeing Rome not only remained on my list, but it moved up. On the other hand, after hearing about Atlantis on Paradise Island, I added it to my bucket list. Once having seen it, it fell off the list --- oh, I may happen to go there again -- but it sure as hell wont cause me any dismay if I do not get around to it.

[CruiserBruce]

6 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

A bucket list is just a catalog of things you really hope to experience.  Of course, it is likely to change (more or less).  

Good thoughts. I have had a long bucket list, which fortunately we have checked off a good number. Bucket lists are totally personal, based on one's interests. Ours included things like some of the major cities of the world, (been to Rome x4,  still one of my favorite places, Paris just once, can't wait to get back)major structural items (Panama Canal being number one...been there...now x4, still love it, but not a "must do" any more), major geologic areas and sites....Iceland being one we will check off in 2022, Yellowstone another, we have been to x4, will definitely go again...many more times. Needed someone to identify to us some great places to see wildlife.

 

Keep your "bucket list" open and flexible...if possible. You will get even more enjoyment out of it.

[dolittle]

Have been very lucky to see many places in Europe . Mine would be the Olympic opening ceremonies  but not in the U.S. somewhere more exotic. Love the Olympics and have always dreamed of going. I think an exotic location adds to it . I would like it in Turkey (which I have been Too) they made a bid a few years ago but did not get it. I  think L.A.is next then Paris would love to make it.

[dolittle]

3 hours ago, ontheweb said:

 

 

. On the way back to the airport for our cruise cancelled last summer, we were going to Stonehenge. Those are some examples.

 

 

 

[dolittle]

Just now, dolittle said:

Was on a train to a cruise in the U.K. and noticed her tag from X started talking and she asked ''are you getting off to see Stonehenge . I said ''no'' she said oh good I tell all my U.S. friends to skip it most worthless attraction in the world.

 

[ldubs]

7 hours ago, zekekelso said:

I see the phrase bucket list destination used at least a couple different ways. 
 

Ive always used it to mean a dream-of-a-lifetime destination. As in the plot of Pixar’s Up if you saw that movie. My mom had a book about Pompeii as a girl and always dreamed what it would be like to go there. My proudest cruise moment was taking her there for her 75th birthday. 
 

I also see the term used almost dismissively to describe going to places simply because they are famous so you can say you’ve been there. That same trip we went to the leaning tower to Pisa. It’s a tower. It’s leaning. Get the funny forced perspective photo. Check. Now let’s go get some lunch. 
 

So what’s your definition of bucket list destination? 

 

I think your first example fits the definition of "bucket list" destination.   While I may not agree that the leaning tower of Pisa is a yawner, your example is a "check the box" experience.   I agree.   Not a bucket list destination.  

 

Like some other posters, I would use the traditional definition - -  going to a place I wanted to visit before I kick the bucket.   I think if one knew their exit date in advance, they would have a much more focused bucket list.   

 

 

[neverbeenhere]

No bucket list.

 

Once you finish your bucket list all you’ve got left is kicking the bucket. 

[ldubs]

11 minutes ago, neverbeenhere said:

No bucket list.

 

Once you finish your bucket list all you’ve got left is kicking the bucket. 

 

We have been blessed with the ability to travel.  At this point, with two exceptions, there is no place in the world that I would have a need to go as a bucket list destination.  The two exceptions are the towns where my grand kids live.  

[Honolulu Blue]

14 hours ago, zekekelso said:

I see the phrase bucket list destination used at least a couple different ways. 
 

Ive always used it to mean a dream-of-a-lifetime destination. As in the plot of Pixar’s Up if you saw that movie. My mom had a book about Pompeii as a girl and always dreamed what it would be like to go there. My proudest cruise moment was taking her there for her 75th birthday. 
 

I also see the term used almost dismissively to describe going to places simply because they are famous so you can say you’ve been there. That same trip we went to the leaning tower to Pisa. It’s a tower. It’s leaning. Get the funny forced perspective photo. Check. Now let’s go get some lunch. 
 

So what’s your definition of bucket list destination? 

 

9 hours ago, navybankerteacher said:

A bucket list is just a catalog of things you really hope to experience.  Of course, it is likely to change (more or less).  

 

8 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

Good thoughts. I have had a long bucket list, which fortunately we have checked off a good number. Bucket lists are totally personal, based on one's interests. 

 

These echo my thoughts.  A bucket list destination for me is somewhere I'd like to go before I die that I can reasonably get to.  The actuaries say I have quite a few more years to go and my favorite financial advisor says I have the means to get just about anywhere I care to.  More interesting to me, at this point, is not where I'd like to go, but what I want to do when I get there.  That list is always fun to work on.

 

This is separate from my "pipe dream" list, which is places I'd like to go, but I don't know how.  I'd like to take a trip to the moon, for example, but I can't see tourist-type travel there for a few decades - probably too late for me to take advantage.  But you never know.

 

 

8 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

Keep your "bucket list" open and flexible...if possible. You will get even more enjoyment out of it.

 

7 hours ago, ldubs said:

Like some other posters, I would use the traditional definition - -  going to a place I wanted to visit before I kick the bucket.   I think if one knew their exit date in advance, they would have a much more focused bucket list.   

 

Yes and yes.

[dolittle]

9 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

Good thoughts. I have had a long bucket list, which fortunately we have checked off a good number. Bucket lists are totally personal, based on one's interests. Ours included things like some of the major cities of the world, (been to Rome x4,  still one of my favorite places, Paris just once, can't wait to get back)major structural items (Panama Canal being number one...been there...now x4, still love it, but not a "must do" any more), major geologic areas and sites....Iceland being one we will check off in 2022, Yellowstone another, we have been to x4, will definitely go again...many more times. Needed someone to identify to us some great places to see wildlife.

 

Keep your "bucket list" open and flexible...if possible. You will get even more enjoyment out of it.

I also would love to go to Iceland and Yellowstone the Panama Canal  not so much.

[ontheweb]

And then there are the "why was that on my bucket list items?". We were in Copenhagen after a cruise, and I felt I had to see the Little Mermaid. What a disappointment that was. I had read that Rick Steves had said that it was the most disappointing tourist attraction in the world; I should have believed him before we put in the effort to see it.

 

And sometimes your bucket list and that of your spouse can differ. We were in Malta on a cruise, and DW just had to see painting The Beheading of St. John by Caravaggio. She may have loved it, but I found it to be disgusting.

[Caribbean Chris]

I define it as a list of things I want to do/places I dream of visiting before I kick the bucket.

 

Travel loomed large on my list from childhood which is the reason I have worked in the travel field most of my adult list.

 

I’ve checked off many items on the list. One of the most memorable was visiting the tiny village in County Wexford, Ireland, where my great grandmother lived before she emigrated to North America.
 

Before the trip, my husband Googled the village name and found one pub. So he emailed them seeking someone with the family name, and the next day we heard from a cousin. Incredible! We made a plan to rendezvous at the pub for lunch. Alan showed us the family churchyard gravestones, took us inside, opened the safe, and opened crumbling leather ledgers, pointing out our ancestors’ names handwritten in beautiful script and dating to the 1700s. Then we went to the family farmhouse, still owned by his sister. You can imagine how it felt to stand in front of that old stone hearth!

[evandbob]

8 hours ago, neverbeenhere said:

No bucket list.

 

Once you finish your bucket list all you’ve got left is kicking the bucket. 

Nah, I can just do the same old vacations after completing my list...or even some unspectacular new destinations - or just enjoy my remaining time with family and friends.

[hallasm]

My cruise bucket list is a list of all the places I have to visit or something I have to experience on a cruise - places or things in the world I want to experience.

’Done’ marked with flag - still some at my list.
 Norwegian fjords 🇮🇩
 Alaska
 Galapagos 🇮🇩
 Suez Canal 🇮🇩
 The Panama Canal 🇮🇩
 Vietnam, Hong Kong, China 🇮🇩
 Northern Light🇮🇩
 Midnight  Sun 🇮🇩
 Transatlantic 🇮🇩
 New Zealand
 Sct Petersburg / Baltic 🇮🇩
 Venice and the Mediterranean 🇮🇩
 Antarctica
 Svalbard
 New England and Canada 🇮🇩
 Hawaii 🇮🇩
 Carnival in Rio / Brazil 🇮🇩
 Chile's fjords
 Spice Road / India 🇮🇩

[sanger727]

I agree with the definition of a list of things you want to do/see before you die. Having it be one unobtainable goal wouldn't push me to strive for it. It has to be things I can reasonably do with proper planning and saving.

 

My main bucket list goals were 

1. African Safari (did in 2017)

2. Galapagos and Machu picchu (doing in September)

3. South east Asia

4. See the pyramids

5. Antarctica

6. Stay in an over the water bungalow at an exotic location

 

So nothing that I CAN'T do. But certainly more meaningful to me than a simple "check it off the list" location.

[zekekelso]

3 hours ago, ontheweb said:

the Little Mermaid. What a disappointment that was. I had read that Rick Steves had said that it was the most disappointing tourist attraction in the world

Before today I never had a desire to go see it. But if it’s THE most disappointing attraction in the entire world, that’s something I gotta put on my bucket list 🙂

Edited July 5, 2021 by zekekelso