When we mention "bucket list" trips, the term typically suggests a hurried effort to travel the world as time runs short. Yet, why delay exploration until our later years? Let's instead embrace the concept of a "living list"—a vibrant, ever-evolving collection of dream destinations that are meant to be experienced now, while you possess the energy and health to fully enjoy them. My husband passed away at 59, having put off travel for future years that never came. This stark reminder teaches us not to postpone joy. I have several clients in their 70s who regularly join our escorted trips, revelling in the rich experiences the world offers and feeling safe as we travel together.
Start where dreams persist
Kick off your living list with locales that have always sparked your imagination. Maybe it’s the wild, untamed beauty of a safari in the Serengeti, witnessing nature in its most raw and spectacular form, or perhaps the ancient, mystic allure of Petra. These destinations have beckoned you for years through screensavers, stories, and films, promising adventure and awe-inspiring sights.
Add meaningful destinations
Expand your list by adding places with a personal or cultural significance. Whether it’s flying over the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon at sunrise, tracing your ancestors’ footsteps in old European villages, or revisiting a coastal town that holds childhood memories. Each destination offers more than just sightseeing; it’s a deeper connection to your past and a bridge to your identity.
Chase the thrill of discovery
Incorporate destinations that recently captured your imagination. Imagine the thrill of walking through the filming locations of your favorite series, like the grand estates of Downton Abbey or the opulent scenes from Bridgerton. Each visit lets you step into a world you’ve only witnessed on screen, creating a vibrant, personal memory from what was once a virtual experience.
Embrace the journey
A living list should be more than a series of checkmarks. It’s about learning, growing, and revelling in each moment. It appeals to all ages - like the spirited travellers in their 70s who join me on adventures, showing that the passion for discovery knows no age limit. These experiences underscore that life's richness doesn’t fade with time; rather, it deepens.
So why delay? Begin now, from wherever you are, with whatever you have. Travel transcends mere movement; it’s an engagement with the world that invites transformation and joy. It’s about living to the fullest, eyes and heart open to the wonders that the globe has to offer.
Crafting your living list isn’t just about planning trips; it’s about scripting an epic narrative of your life. Let each place visited narrate a chapter, each with its own colour and character, from the wild plains of Africa to the aristocratic estates of Bridgerton. Don’t wait until the end to start living. Let's start now, one extraordinary journey at a time, making every chapter as thrilling as the last.
In the coming weeks, I will explore more of the enchanting destinations we've touched upon. As the credits of my favourite series, Bridgerton, roll, this British writer is inspired to take you on a journey through its magnificent world. I'm eager to share every delightful detail of the locations you've seen on screen. Picture an afternoon tea in historic Bath, a tranquil walk along the Thames, a spirited Pimm’s Cup at a polo match, or a chic day at the races.
Stay tuned, gentle reader, as this writer is brimming with anticipation to share these escapades. One can hardly wait to transport you into the heart of these genteel recreations, each a page from the very book of Bridgerton itself. The pen is poised, and the tales of travels are soon to be told. Until then, I remain your faithful chronicler of adventures yet unwritten.
Email - [email protected]
Website - lorrainesimpson.com
Instagram @lorrainesimpsontravels
