Bucket Lists and Milestone Birthdays

In our 20s we were trying new out things, starting careers, sorting life goals and planning for a comfortable future. As we get older we can let go a little and work on the things that keep us happy. Turning 50, 60, 70 and beyond are big milestones and many of us have a 'bucket list' or plan that involves visiting and experiencing places around the globe whilst we are still fit and able to enjoy travelling.

Travelling the world has become easier and as we mature we can often afford to splurge a little extra on that special trip, especially whilst we’re fit enough to burn off energy trying something new - so what experiences are on your list?

Here are 20 things you should seriously consider adding to your bucket list...

1. See the Taj Mahal - the best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset, when the crowds are sparse and the lower sun glows warmly against the white marble structure

2. Visit the Grand Canyon - the UNESCO World Heritage Site offers plenty to see and explore so make sure you do your research and plan out an itinerary depending on exactly what you want to take away from the trip

3. Experience the Northern Lights - the ideal time to catch Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights in the North) is during winter – with crucial viewing time being 8pm to 2am.. wrap up warm to catch a glimpse of this remarkable dancing light show

4. Cruise Alaska - prepare yourself for cotton-white views, untouched icescapes and titanic wildlife, well worth paying the extra for a balcony cabin - you’ll thank me for it once you catch that early morning view with your coffee

5. Explore the Great Barrier Reef - over 2,000km of coral reef ecosystem and blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, you have the option of scuba diving or snorkelling in the deep blue ocean or from an aircraft or helicopter tour

6. Trek the Himalayas - there are plenty of treks to choose from to suit all abilities, or unwind and take in the beauty of the mountain range from your lodges or luxury resorts perfect to accommodate the more relaxed traveller

7. Walk the Great Wall of China - there are a number of options to explore this architectural marvel, a tour guide and a good pair of walking shoes are essential, March to May or September to November are the best times to visit

8. Trail to Machu Picchu - this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ancient Inca city known for awe-inspiring archaeological achievements, May to September is the best time to visit and prepare for high altitude, varying climates and rocky paths

9. Unearth Jordan’s Lost City - from a time of ancient civilisation that was ‘lost’ to the outside world for hundreds of years. Be there as soon as the gates open at 6am and you will easily see Petra in a day and have photos without other tourists

10. See the Wildlife in Serengeti - known for its game reserves and the largest mammal migration in the world, you can visit any time of the year and if you’re lucky you will be able to spot the Big Five during your time on a Game Drive

11. Take an American Road Trip - It may sound very rock ‘n roll, but a USA road trip should be on every bucket list. A coast to coast trip from San Francisco to New York taking in Vegas, New Orleans, Washington DC and everything in between

12. Taste Italy - one for the foodies, and there’s a lot more to Italian food than pasta and pizza, Italian cuisine is unique, wholesome and rich in natural flavours. Go wine tasting in Tuscany or truffle crazy in Umbria and support the local farms.

13. Photograph Salar de Uyuni - located in Bolivia it's the largest salt flat desert in the world. The salt is pristine white and makes for the perfect optical illusion, along with the pin drop silence that gives you the ideal surreal setting

14. Surf Indonesia - the best season to hit the waves is from April to October and popular places include Bali, Mentawai, Lombok, Sumatra and any of the Gili Islands. Bring your own board, rent or buy locally as there are plenty of surf shops

15. Watch the Sunrise at Cappadocia - a fairy-tale region in the Anatolian plains where from rock formations known as Fairy Chimneys, you can enjoy a magical sunrise watching the many dreamlike hot air balloons take flight

16. Stay in an Igloo - this may seem extreme, but it's extremely doable as today’s igloos are packed with almost everything you will need. Plan your igloo stay for November to March in Norway, Switzerland, Austria or Finland.

17. Experience La Tomatina Festival - this festival takes place in the town of Buñol in Spain and draws around 20,000 participants in what is essentially a full-blown food fight throwing squashed tomatoes at each other - not for everyone's appetite!

18. Visit a Castle - you don’t need to be royalty to visit a castle. Edinburgh Castle is the most popular tourist attraction in Scotland, don't miss the crown jewels which were first used together in 1540 for the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots

19. Witness the Galapagos Islands - go by cruise where you can make short stops on each of the islands, swim in the ocean, go on wildlife tours and excursions, take part in water sports, go kayaking and taste some fantastic local cuisine

20. View Japan's Cherry Blossom Season - Hanami is the Japanese custom of ‘flower viewing’ and takes place every year from February to May. Avoid the crowds and stay in areas like Mount Fuji, Kinkaku-Ji Temple, Nara Park and Nijo Castle

What are you waiting for - are you ready to start crossing things of your bucket list?