The Power of a Bucket List to Kickstart Your Travel Adventures

As women in midlife, we often find ourselves yearning for adventure, for something new and exciting to break free from the routines of everyday life. If you’ve always wanted to travel but don’t know where to start, creating a Bucket List can be the perfect way to turn those vague aspirations into concrete plans. A Bucket List isn’t just a catalogue of dreams; it’s a roadmap that can guide you toward a more fulfilled and adventurous life.

It certainly worked like that for me.

After facing personal tragedy back in 2014, I formulated my first list and since then it has created a path for me to heal, find myself and have a wealth of adventures along the way.

The official definition of a Bucket List is:

“A number of experiences or achievements that a person hopes to have or accomplish during their lifetime.”

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The bucket in question is before you “kick the bucket” i.e. die.

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When I created my first list, I had just been through the most traumatic experience of my life (losing my beloved husband, Terry). The idea of including the prospect of death in anything I did was a little too close to home.

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So, I called it my Life List and it became my list of things to do to bring me back to life.

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Nomenclature is important and because of this, from here on in I will be using the term Life List. If you want to have a look for inspiration, then you can see the first incarnation of mine HERE.

This week we are going to explore why having a Life List is transformative and how you can use it to kickstart your travel journey.

Why Write It Down?

There’s something powerful about writing your goals down. Studies have shown that people are 42% more likely to achieve their goals simply by putting them on paper. Writing down your travel dreams helps to clarify them and makes them feel more real. Instead of a fleeting thought like, “I’d love to visit Paris someday,” it becomes, “I will spend a week in Paris exploring the art, culture, and cuisine.” Seeing your dreams in black and white gives them weight and signals to yourself that they are worth pursuing.

Dream Big, Start Small

When creating your Life List, include a mix of big, ambitious goals and smaller, more manageable ones. Here are some examples (click on any of the links below to read more on my blog or see it for yourself on my YouTube channel):

Big Dream Travel Goals

·????? Take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, Turkey.

·????? Visit the pyramids of Egypt and cruise down the Nile.

·????? Go on a safari in Tanzania to witness the Great Migration.

·????? Walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

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Easily Accessible Goals

·????? Spend a day exploring a nearby town or city you’ve never visited. If this is London, why not try my favourite walk which takes in 22 sights along the way?

·????? Attend a cultural festival or event in your local area.

·????? Take a cooking class to learn a cuisine from a country you’ve always wanted to visit.

·????? Watch a documentary about a destination on your Life List to spark your curiosity.

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Somewhere Inbetween

·????? Plan a weekend getaway to a local national park.

·????? Visit a famous landmark in your home country. During the COVID years I took it upon myself to explore all the royal palaces in London, something I had never done. You can read all my recommendations HERE.

·????? Book a short flight to a neighbouring country or region for a quick adventure. Recently I returned to Paris and if you only have 24 hours, follow THIS LINK to see how I spent my time.

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Turning Dreams Into Plans

A Life List isn’t just a “wish list”—it can be a powerful tool for planning. Here’s how to make it actionable:

Prioritise Your List

Identify the goals that excite you the most and rank them in order of importance or feasibility.

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Research and Break It Down

Start researching your top goals. What’s the best time to go? How much will it cost? What’s required to make it happen?

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Set a Timeline

Assign realistic timelines to each goal. For example, “Visit Paris by 2026” or “Take a cooking class this month.”

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Budget Accordingly

Begin saving for bigger trips. Break down the costs and set aside money regularly. Smaller goals may require little to no extra spending.

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Celebrate Milestones

Each time you achieve a goal, celebrate! It’s a step closer to living the adventurous life you’ve envisioned.

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Overcoming the Fear of Starting

Many women hesitate to take the first step because of concerns about travelling alone, finances, or simply not knowing where to begin. A Life List gives you clarity and focus. It allows you to start small and build your confidence over time. By ticking off smaller, local adventures, you’ll gain the courage to tackle those bigger, international dreams.

If you feel in any way hesitant, then my new programme Find Your Way: The Ultimate Guide to Starting Your Travel Journey has been designed specifically with you in mind. On the course we delve much deeper into not just creating your Life List but also making it become a reality. And that’s all with me holding your hand, to offer support and encouragement for every step of the planning journey. If you are interested in joining or want to know more then click on THIS LINK.

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The Joy of the Journey

Remember, a Life List isn’t just about the destinations; it’s about the journey and the joy of discovery. Each item you tick off brings new experiences, perspectives, and memories. It’s an opportunity to rediscover yourself, embrace spontaneity, and build a life rich with stories to tell.

Start Your List Today

Grab a notebook or open a notes app and start brainstorming your travel dreams. Whether it’s sipping coffee in an Italian piazza, hiking a trail near your home, or marvelling at the Northern Lights, write it down. Your Life List is the first step toward turning your midlife travel dreams into reality. If you want more inspiration, then get your hands on my 201 Inspirational Travel Bucket List Ideas HERE or watch my video on creating your own Life List HERE.

So, what’s the first thing you’ll add to your list? Let’s make it happen! Hit reply to this email to let me know or connect via your social method of choice (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Threads or LinkedIn) to give me all the details.

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New to Sue Where Why What

This week over on YouTube we are back in Canada with my list of must-do activities for a weekend in Toronto. I dive into the city’s top attractions, unique neighbourhoods, and hidden gems you won’t want to miss, especially if you’re a visitor exploring the city for the first time. From a cold plunge introduction in Lake Ontario to the unmissable CN Tower, the foodie paradise of St. Lawrence Market, where history meets charm at the Distillery District, Harbourfront views & a stroll in High Park are amongst the highlights. You can check it all out for yourself HERE.

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Did you find this email useful? If so, why not forward it to a friend?

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Until next time,

Safe Travels

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Sue x

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PS. For more advice, tips and inspiration on creating a Life List, then join me LIVE via Zoom using THIS LINK on Tuesday February 11th 6PM GMT (1PM EST). Add it to your diary now and I look forward to seeing you there!