Want to create a lifetime of memories?
Bucket list travel is taking the world by storm over the past several years. No one wants to miss out on those one-of-a-kind experiences that make all the hard work worth it.
But here’s the thing…
Not all travel experiences are created equal. Some are worth every penny you spend on them. Others are an absolute waste of your hard-earned money.
In this guide, we’ll help you separate the life-changing experiences worth saving for from the disappointments that suck all the budget dry.
Table of Contents
What you’ll learn:
- Why Bucket List Travel Is Worth the Splurge
- The Top Experiences That Are Worth the Money
- Driving an Exotic Car as The Ultimate Adventure
- How to Save Money by Avoiding Costly Bucket List Mistakes
Why Bucket List Travel Is Worth the Splurge
Travel spending has never been higher. According to a recent report, travelers aged 50 and over anticipate spending an average of $6,659 per year on vacations in 2024. That’s a lot of dough to drop on experiences over stuff.
And that number is only going up.
The demand for bucket list experiences with bragging rights that actually mean something is fueling this trend.
Travelers are spending on experiences they want to remember, not things they want to forget about. They want stories, not more possessions.
The best trips are never about the most destinations in the least time. The best trips are about doing something that makes you see the world in a different way.
That’s what’s driving luxury experience sales through the roof these days. The global luxury car rental market size hit $49.15 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at nearly 8% annually over the next several years.
Pretty telling, huh?
The data shows that travelers are willing to open their wallets for premium experiences as long as they know where to spend it.
The Top Experiences That Are Worth the Money
The big question is…
What bucket list experiences actually deliver on the promise? Which ones can you brag about years later? Which ones make you feel justified for all the splurging?
Here are the top experiences worth the savings.
Driving an Exotic Car Through Scenic Routes
There’s just something about pulling up in a Lamborghini or Ferrari on a twisty coastal highway. Nothing compares to the rush of adrenaline mixed with a jaw-dropping view.
The problem is most travelers don’t focus on avoiding common rental mistakes before booking, and it ends up wrecking their dreams. From insurance confusion to picking the wrong car for the roads… every error adds up and adds a headache.
So before you book your dream drive, spend a little time researching and planning. It will make the difference between an amazing experience and a money-wasting trip.
Why this experience is worth it:
- Bucket list bragging rights no one else has
- The drive itself is an experience like no other
- Photo opportunities that outshine any tourist traps
Private Island Getaways
Skip the crowds and dive headfirst into total bliss with a private island getaway.
You know the one I’m talking about.
The all-inclusive resort is so expensive that nobody even bothers going. Complete peace and relaxation without the sweaty tourists and third-string resorts.
Private islands cost. A lot. The seclusion and service make it worth it, though, for many travelers.
Book your getaway in the shoulder seasons to get the best discounts while avoiding the highest prices.
Wildlife Safaris in Africa
Few bucket list experiences compare to spotting the Big Five in the wild. Lions hunting at sunrise, elephants socializing in the afternoon… just no substitute for being there in person.
This bucket list trip takes research and planning. Aim to book the best lodges 12-18 months in advance to ensure you secure your dream vacation.
The shoulder seasons in between high season wildlife periods are perfect for maximizing sightings with less crowds and lower prices at lodges and camps.
Helicopter Tours Over Natural Wonders
Natural Wonders like the Grand Canyon, the Northern Lights, or volcanic landscapes are awe-inspiring from the ground.
Add a helicopter tour of these bucket list destinations and they take on new life.
Helicopter excursions range from wallet-friendly 15-minute hops to multi-day bucket list adventures. Start small to test the waters before going all in on longer and more costly adventures.
Driving an Exotic Car Is The Ultimate Adventure
What is this telling us about luxury travel?
40% of travelers are planning on bucket list trips in 2025, according to Squaremouth’s survey. And a growing share of them are interested in vehicle rental experiences.
Why? Because exotic car adventures check all the adventure boxes while being accessible to more travelers. Safari tours in Africa, boat charters in Southeast Asia, chartering private islands all require an exact alignment of weather, wildlife, permit conditions, and other unknowns.
Renting a Ferrari can happen literally anywhere almost instantly.
What sets exotic cars apart from other splurges:
- Instant gratification: No waiting for any of the perfect conditions outside of your control. Book the car and drive it whenever you want to.
- Complete control over the experience: The car experience happens entirely on your schedule.
- Shareable with everyone: Everyone in the car enjoys the experience together and has memories to match.
- Scale investment from a few hours to a full road trip
- Year-round experiences with no seasonal access limitations
The only mistake that ruins the exotic car rental experience is not doing your research.
Insurance, mileage, and fuel coverage vary drastically by company and contract. Missing this due diligence before booking can send your budget on a one-way ride to nowhere fast.
Ask questions, do your homework, and know what you are agreeing to before signing. A little research saves lots of headaches later.
The key location mistake most travelers make is where they plan to drive. A Ferrari on a jam-packed city grid does not compare to the same Ferrari on an empty mountain road. Let the environment be the amplifier for your bucket list adventure.
How to Save Money By Avoiding Costly Bucket List Mistakes
Bucket list experiences can come with huge bucket list price tags. Here’s how to not lose that investment.
Do Your Research Before Booking
Every destination and experience comes with its share of hidden fees and expenses. Airport surcharges, resort extras, equipment rentals, rental car insurance… they all add up quickly.
Spend 30 minutes doing the research and take those surprise costs out of the budget.
Book Direct Whenever Possible
Third-party booking sites are attractive, but they tack on fees and usually lock you into the plan with less flexibility than booking direct to the service provider.
Whenever you can, book directly.
Know the Cancellation Policies
Life happens. The one trip you can’t change your mind about is the one with the strict cancellation policy. If you book directly, call before booking if you want flexibility.
Read the Recent Traveler Reviews
Destinations change, and an experience you would not book based on a 2019 review might look pretty good these days. Look for recent 6-12 month old reviews when researching experiences.
Consider Travel Insurance
Yes, even bucket list trips should be covered with the right travel insurance plan. Medical emergencies, flight cancellations, and trip interruptions are a fact of travel life that you do not want to face uninsured.
Wrapping It Up
Bucket list travel is not about throwing the most money at the most expensive experiences.
It is about spending money on the most experiences that will matter the most to you.
Exotic car rentals, private getaways, safaris, helicopter tours… it all delivers memories that last longer than any new purchase ever could. You just need to do the research first.
- Bucket list travel is experiences, not possessions
- Do your research first
- Know all costs before booking
- Don’t make common mistakes that waste money
- Spend on experiences that light you up inside
The best bucket list experiences have just enough work in front of them to make the payoff feel earned.
The journey is the destination, even on the bucket list.
Ready to plan yours?
Go for it.
What are you waiting for?
