With all these geopolitical and societal changes, time to share my early retirement bucket list plan.

The future is not the same as the past. In 1935, the US Social Security Administration (SSA) was founded. On January 31, 1940, the first monthly retirement check was issued to Ida May Full in the amount of $22.54. Today, that’s an inflation adjusted price of $529. She died January 31, 1975. Before SSA benefits, most Americans faced financial destitution until death. Ida lived until the age of 101.

After three months on the job (2014), I knew working until death wasn’t for me. If I stuck to the normal age of 67, I’d be working for the next 24 years. Instead, I’m opting out in seven. I have never seen anyone from my part of the tracks retire. Let alone have enough money to fuel their dreams. Because of that, over the last 10 years, my wife and I have been working on our financial goals to yield at least $150,000 in retirement income. While we aren’t there just yet, we have laid the groundwork using our Net/Max Financial Plan.

With the foundation in place, I can now share some of our plans. Don’t worry, we aren’t waiting to do everything in the end. We’ve already traveled to over 20 countries and watched too many travel shows. I think we got this.

Let’s get into our list of ideas or must-do.

Bucket List: Ideas, Activities, and Great Destinations

Visit All Seven Continents

I had to count them a few times, and I think I’ve already seen five. This is an easy item.

If you are traveling from the United States, you can easily cover Canada and/or Mexico to give you a bit more North American range. After that, a trip to Europe is relatively cheap. I’d recommend Costa Rica, Colombia, or Brazil to get the South American vibe. The continent of South America is where the trouble with translation starts. It helps if you are proficient in Spanish. I’d be cautious with Brazil for newcomers because it’s rarer to find English speakers. To get to Antarctica, I’d paid for a Brazil (Rio) trip with Buenos Aires, Argentina, and then looped down to catch a boat ride to Antarctica. It’s a bit of work, but that’s a legendary trip.

Travel to Asia is a bit more tricky and long. I would set a destination for Australia but stop over in Japan and Thailand. This is a great way to see the world and experience different cultures. For the last two continents, I would start with Jordan or Qatar, and arrive in Egypt. I’m choosing these locations since they are generally tourist-friendly. They also have a lot of Unesco World Heritage sites.

Visit the Seven Wonders of the World and UNESCO sites

The Seven Wonders of the World are some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Seeing all seven in person should be on your bucket list. My wife and I have seen Chichen Itza, the Redeemer, and the Colosseum.

I can’t wait to see Petra, a UNESCO city in Jordan. Beyond that, I need to ramp up my fitness to see Machu Picchu. The ancient Incan site is located in the mountains of Peru. The experience offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is notorious for tiring people out. The air is thin. Because these wonders are so remote, it helps if you can string them together with other sites. A Petra-Egypt trip promises to be a delight. Seeing the Great Wall is nice and running into the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven.

It’s all about mixing and matching at that point. Don’t forget to add style points like paragliding in Brazil or finding a hot air balloon nearby.

Northern Lights, Santa and Glaciers

The Northern Lights are a must-see for any retirement bucket list.

“Best seen in winter in countries like Iceland, Norway, Greenland, or Finland, the Northern Lights are created when electrically charged particles from the sun collide with atoms in Earth’s atmosphere. The result is a stunning light show that is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

This experience pairs well with the Christmas season.

It’s not quite unbearably cold but you should stay warm and cozy. Europe has you covered (by the way). They invented the holiday. A European Christmas travel itinerary could include cities like Nuremberg, Germany for its renowned Christmas market, or Strasbourg, France for its historic market. Vienna, Austria for its imperial Christmas ambiance.

Copenhagen, Denmark for a charming Scandinavian Christmas, Budapest, Hungary for its festive markets with a unique flair, and Bruges, Belgium for a picturesque medieval Christmas experience; consider spending a few days in each city to fully immerse yourself in the local Christmas traditions, including visiting markets, enjoying festive food and drink, and exploring the city’s winter attractions.

I’m here for Roma and Milan

Say what you want about Italy, it’s a well-rounded tourist juggernaut. From cooking classes to historical locations, you can’t help but to fall in love. If you want to experience a romantic and breathtaking ride, take a gondola ride in Venice, Italy. Glide through the narrow canal ways while taking in all the stunning architecture surrounding you. Be sure to bring your camera to capture all of the beautiful moments!

The Sistine Chapel is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vatican City. It’s home to some of the most incredible artwork in the world, and it’s a place you’ll want to add to your bucket list.

Plenty of guided tours are available, and you’re sure to be impressed by this chapel’s stunning artwork and incredible history.

Run with the Bulls, Fight with Tomatoes, and Enjoy the Sangria

For those looking for some adventure, why not add running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, to your bucket list? It’s an experience unlike any other, and it’s sure to be a thrill.

Just be sure to follow the safety rules and regulations, and you’ll be able to have the time of your life.

Tomatoes, tomatoes, and more tomatoes. You’ll find that at La Tomatina, the world’s largest tomato fight. It takes place annually in Bunol, Spain, and it’s truly a sight to behold.

If you’re looking for an experience that is sure to be unforgettable (and messy), then this is the event for you. Just be sure to bring a change of clothes and some goggles to protect your eyes.

Bungee, Paraglide and Sky Dive

For the thrill-seekers out there, bungee jumping is a must. And there’s no better place to do it than the world’s highest bungee jump, which is located in Macau, China.

At a whopping 233 meters (765 feet), it’s not for the faint of heart. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Skydiving is one of the most popular bucket list items for a reason: it’s an incredible experience. There’s nothing quite like jumping out of a plane and freefalling through the sky. It’s an adrenaline rush unlike any other, and it’s something that everyone should experience at least once in their life.

Alright non-daredevil, take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Instead

A hot air balloon ride is the perfect way to see the world from a new perspective. These rides typically take place in the early morning or late evening, when the winds are the calmest. From racing other balloonists to champagne and lobster at thousands of feet, hot air ballooning is an amazing experience that everyone should try at least once.

Visit the End of the World

The Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. This glacier is a 12-mile-long wall of ice that flows from the Juneau Icefield into Mendenhall Lake.

Visitors can take boat tours, helicopter rides, or even hike on the glacier. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, then a visit to the Mendenhall Glacier is something you’ll want to add to your bucket list.

Explore the Temples of Angkor Wat

The temples of Angkor Wat are some of Cambodia’s most popular tourist destinations. These temples were built in the 12th century and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors can explore the temples on their own or take guided tours. If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience, visiting the temples of Angkor Wat is something you’ll want to add to your bucket list.

See the Midnight Sun in Norway

If you want to see the midnight sun, then you’ll need to head to Norway. The best time to see it is from late May to late July.

The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the sun stays visible at night. It’s a truly amazing sight that you won’t want to miss.

Fly First-Class

Flying first class is a great option if you’re looking for a fun bucket list idea. First class is the most luxurious and exclusive way to travel and the perfect way to experience flying like royalty.

So, what is first class? First class is the highest class of travel available on an airplane. Tickets are more expensive than economy-class tickets, but you get a lot more bang for your buck regarding amenities and service.

In general, first-class passengers can access larger seats, more legroom, better food and drink options, and enhanced customer service.

One of the best things about flying first class is that it’s a great way to experience different cultures. When you fly internationally in first class, you’ll have the opportunity to meet people worldwide and learn about new cultures.

You’ll also be able to relax and enjoy your flight, knowing that you’re flying in the lap of luxury. Ready to book your first-class ticket? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about flying first class.

Learn at least 3 Different Languages

Learning to say “I love you” in 10 languages is a great way to expand your horizons and show that you’re an adventurous, open-minded person. It can also be a cute surprise for your boo!

It can also help you when traveling around the world and make it easier for new people who don’t speak English to understand that you’re trying to be friendly and make them feel welcome.

On second thought; “I love you” might be a bit strong to make someone feel welcome…maybe stick to “Hello! Let’s be pals!”

Take a Six Month Trip

A multi-month road trip is the perfect way to see the country and enjoy its sights, sounds, and experiences. You’ll want to ensure you’re prepared before hitting the open road. In addition to packing your clothes and toiletries, you’ll need a map (and compass!) and a GPS unit or two.

You should also pack at least one tent, although bringing more than one is a good idea if traveling with multiple people. And don’t forget the flashlights.

Sleeping under the stars is one of the best parts of a road trip, but you’ll need some light once the sun goes down. With some planning and preparation, a multi-month road trip can be the adventure of a lifetime.

Stay in a unique destination AirBnB i.e. Castle, Tree Tops, and Igloos

If you’re looking for something to do on your next trip with your sweetheart, this is a good option and great for bucket lists. There’s nothing like staying in a castle to make it feel like you’re living out your fairy tale romance.

Many castles are even connected to real-life royalty and other famous people who were once residents. Who wouldn’t want to stay somewhere with that kind of history?

There are castles all over Europe, but if your partner is into traveling far from home and experiencing new cultures, why not go beyond the continent? You could visit one of these castles around the world:

Ireland: Bunratty Castle Hotel & Folk Park
Scotland: Craigievar Castle Hotel & Country Estate
Germany: Schlosshotel Kronberg im Taunus (also called Schloss Kronberg)
Austria: Hotel Schloss Leopoldskron

Go to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is famous for its Carnival, one of the most vibrant festivals in the world. The celebration of spring began in the late 18th century and has evolved into a ten-day event with parades and floats covering miles of city streets.

At night, the people take to their rooftops, dancing, and drinking until dawn breaks over Rio’s beaches. Carnival begins with a ceremony known as Rei Momo (King Momo), where a puppet king representing the old year meets with his opposite—a fool representing the new year—to exchange gifts in hopes that they’ll avoid mistakes during their time together.

It ends on Ash Wednesday when everyone gathers at sunset to commemorate Christ’s death by singing songs while wearing white clothing instead of yellow or purple, worn during Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday).

If you’re interested in experiencing Carnival in Rio firsthand but aren’t sure how to fit this exciting bucket list item onto your itinerary, no worries! We have plenty more travel tips coming soon.

Take Dance Lessons

You’re planning a romantic getaway with your significant other. You already have the perfect hotel in mind and know which restaurants you want to try.

But what about the activities? If you’re looking for something unique to do as a couple, why not take dance lessons together? It’s a great way to get to know each other, have fun, and get fit.

Plus, you’ll learn a new skill! And who knows? Maybe you’ll even find yourselves crossing ‘dance at a ball’ off of your bucket lists for couples! So go ahead and give it a try. It might just be the best decision you make on your vacation.

Spend Christmas in another Country or City

Spending Christmas in a foreign country is a bucket list for many couples. If you want to check this one off your list, the holidays are perfect. Hotels often have special Christmas menus, buffets, shows, and Christmas markets; plus, it’s a great time to be out of town. This idea comes with many options depending on where you decide to go.

You can find hotels that have special dinner menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (or just dinner). Some offer Santa visits at night when kids can come downstairs in pajamas and meet Santa by the fireplace while sipping hot chocolate while listening to carols being sung by local choir groups or choirs hired by the hotel themselves.

No matter what you’re looking for, spending Christmas in a foreign country is an experience you won’t soon forget.