You’ve Earned It’s 100 bucket list ideas – Page 2
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Travel Route 66 in a sportscar
Explore the iconic Route 66 and experience the ultimate USA road trip. Travel enthusiasts from all over the world migrate to the U.S. annually to experience the nostalgia of driving Historic Route 66. Over the years it has been a fixture in popular culture, the stuff of dreams and the setting for several movies like “The Grapes of Wrath”
A trip down the Nile River
Taking a cruise on the Nile is a time-honoured way to explore Egypt. For centuries, travellers have sailed stretches of the world’s longest river, finding the unexpected sights of river life every bit as thrilling as the tombs and temples on the schedule.
Do New York – inside out!
Visit New York City for an unforgettable adventure. From Wall Street’s skyscrapers to the neon of Times Square to Central Park’s leafy paths, New York City pulses with an irrepressible energy
Take a riverboat cruise
River cruising is the in-vogue travel trend, and gets you to inland Bucket List places. The experience is leisurely. In retirement, life should become more leisurely. River cruises are not about rushing here and there. You visit key sights but there is also time to relax. Visit Uniworld River Cruises here.
Sundowners on the deck at Ngwenya Lodge
A quintessential bucket list activity! The main game viewing deck at Ngwenya Lodge overlooks the Crocodile River and Kruger National Park and is guaranteed to let that stress slip away.
Picnic on top of Table Mountain
A visit to the top of Table Mountain can last for hours as you take in the spectacular views, discover the unique flora and fauna, and stand in awe in front of the many waterfalls on the summit. All the activity and clean mountain air is bound to give you an appetite, so a picnic on top of Table Mountain will add to that ultimate experience.
A walk on Hout Bay Beach at sunset
Enjoy the mesmerizing views from the beach. The bay is surrounded by mountains with the distinctive Sentinel Peak. Hout Bay Beach is spectacular for a sunset walk and sundowners!
Take a walk on the wild side
Experience a luxury slackpacking Wild Coast hike from Kob Inn to Chintsa (or part thereof). The hike takes in some of the most unspoilt and picturesque sections of our coastline and can be walked by anyone who is reasonably fit and enjoys rambling, as there are no serious challenges other than the odd river which must be waded. Contact Wild Coast walk for more information
Eat your way through the Midlands Meander
The Midlands Meander is a gourmand’s heaven and the ultimate South African foodie road trip. The route through rolling green hills, misty valleys and postcard-worthy tree-lined avenues are lined with fantastic restaurants, delis, farm stalls and countless artisanal producers. Piggly Wiggly cappuccino – enough said! You’ll have to look that one up!
Pancakes at Harrie’s Pancake House in Graskop
The best pancakes in South Africa! Delectable savoury and sweet pancakes. How does this sound? Black cherries in liqueur, banana in a caramel sauce, dark chocolate mousse and milk tart custard, with ice-cream or cream.
Sossusvlei
One of Namibia’s most spectacular landmarks with its red dunes, white salt pan and Deadvlei. The sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert are often referred to as the highest dunes in the world. Sossusvlei is one of the most spectacular sights in Namibia. The best time to view Sossusvlei is close to sunrise and sunset; the colours are strong and constantly changing, allowing for wonderful photographic opportunities.
A dinner with a top politician, and enjoying an open and frank question and answer session
A bucket list idea, submitted by a YEI reader. Who would you like to dine with?
Buy a lego set
Make up the lego and display it in your lounge when you next have visitors – you have the right to act like a kid again
Swim with the dolphins
Swimming with the dolphins will leave you buzzing for weeks. There is nothing better than this incredible experience of swimming with dolphins in their natural environment.
Take a ride in a helicopter
Helicopter travel is a unique way to explore and discover South Africa’s beauty
Travel all seven continents
For some, travelling to all seven continents is a goal reserved for the bucket list. The Continent Club was formed for those individuals who have set and achieved the difficult goal of visiting at least 6 of 7 continents – North America, South America, Europe, Australia, Asia, Africa, Antarctica. This remarkable achievement needs to be recognized!
Take a shower in a waterfall
Too cold for me! (Ed)
Read the bible – from beginning to end
Reading the Bible in one year is easier than you think when you follow a schedule!
Visit the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China, one of the wonders of the medieval world, is the largest man-made structure ever built. Use Dragon Holidays to arrange your trip to China – highly recommended by YEI Editor – “Bucket List # 1 – tick – the best holiday I have ever had!”
Forgive someone for something that has been niggling you
Forgiveness is divine and it gives you a chance to be a better person.
Stay in a treehouse in Hoedspruit
Pezulu Tree House Lodge is a small, exclusive tree house game lodge situated in a private game reserve in Limpopo. The units have been built around the trees, resulting in huge branches which are still growing, passing through the tree houses.
Ride a rickshaw along Durban’s beachfront
Rickshaw rides are for when you are looking for something that is uniquely Durban. These iconic symbols are very much part of the Durban main beach rickshaw culture that is Durban. Although, there are only a handful left, their pullers are very dedicated to this dying craft. Although there are less than 20 pullers left, they are dedicated to the art of thrilling their customers. Aside from the beautiful decorated transport, the pullers are decked out in beautiful head-dresses, which are mainly beads and other traditional decorations. All of these beautiful decorations are hand crafted, and there are no two the same.
Experience the night sky in Sutherland
Home to the southern hemisphere’s largest telescope and impressive views of the Milky Way, Sutherland in the Karoo tops the list of prime stargazing territories. The dry climate means cloud-free nights for 80 percent of the year and the flat landscape flaunts an unobstructed sky.
Learn the principles of permaculture to grow your own food
Combining the best of natural landscaping and edible gardening, permaculture systems sustain both themselves and their caregivers. Like all gardeners, permaculture enthusiasts love plants for their beauty and fragrance, but they seek out plants that offer practical benefits along with aesthetic satisfaction. Instead of a border of flowering shrubs, for instance, a permaculture site would make use of a raspberry or blackberry border.
Walk a lot
123-year-old Carmelo Flores Laura, potentially the oldest living person documented, says he owes his longevity to regular exercise. “I walk a lot, that’s all. I go out with the animals,” Flores told the Associated Press.
Choose to be happy every day
And extend your longevity! A 2011 study published in the journal, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that amongst older people, the group that scored as “happiest” had a death rate of 3.6% – this was less than half the death rate of the unhappiest group, which was 7.3 %.
Consider yoga as your exercise of choice
Yoga instructor, Tao Porchon-Lynch, is aged 95 – she credits her long, healthy, happy life to yoga which brings the benefits and stress and anxiety relief, better balance and increased flexibility.
Factor in a cup of (Greek) joe every day
A daily cup of antioxidant- and polyphenol-rich Greek coffee could be the secret to a longer life. Researchers from the University of Athens Medical School conducted a study on 71 men and 71 women who live on the Greek island of Ikaria. Residents on this island tend to live to age 90 or more. The researchers found that those who drank boiled Greek coffee daily had better endothelial functioning than those who drank other kinds of coffee.
Never too late to study for a degree
YEI reader, Anne Burgess was 51 when she qualified with her first degree, 62 when she started her own business, and 64 when she qualified with her second degree. Research shows that making the decision to study later in life can not only help reinvigorate your career, but often your life too.
Drink one or two glasses of alcohol a day
Whoopee! Studies have shown that drinking, but only in moderation (not more than 2 glasses a day), could help you live longer. This, according to a 2010 study featured in the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. Consuming more than two glasses has the opposite effect – it can lead to increased falls, potential adverse interaction with medication and a higher risk of alcohol use problems.
Live a spiritual life
In a survey of centenarians, 84% agreed that staying in touch with one’s sprituality is really important for healthy ageing. Whether it’s being part of a faith-based community or maintaining your own meditation practice, finding what spirituality means to you could help you enjoy more of your golden years.
Be active – daily
The comedienne, Betty White, said at the age of 91, that she owed her good health to being active all the time. “To be 91 … and still working — that’s what I wouldn’t have expected. I’m the luckiest broad on two feet.”
Walk the battlefields of KZN
Walk the battlefields of KZN with an experienced guide who will regale your group with the exciting exploits of the Zulu, Boer and British wars. Consider booking a tour with African Battlefields, listed in the YEI Directory here.
Dive with the great white sharks
Enjoy an adrenalin-building, unique experience. Experience a cage diving trip which will give you the opportunity to see great white sharks in their natural environment, where their grace and beauty is most evident. White Shark Diving Company in Gansbaai is deeply committed to conservation. They are one of 8 cage diving operators based in Gansbaai – the ‘Great White Shark Capital of the World’.
Take a luxurious trip on the moving five-star “hotel-on-wheels”
A trip on the Blue train seems to be tantalisingly out of reach. But dreams are meant to materialise! Take a trip on the Blue Train which traverses South Africa and enjoy the breathtaking scenery while indulging in a trip of spectacular luxury.
A hot air balloon ride over the Magaliesburg
Make memories and book a trip with Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris. If you’re going to do it, do it in style in a unique and inspiring way. With a glass of champagne in hand, float into the air and fly over the tree tops in a region boasting some of the best ballooning weather in the world. Enjoy an indescribable thrill before you land for a delectable and generous champagne breakfast.
Stay the night at a lighthouse
The Cape Columbine lighthouse is one of only four lighthouses in South Africa offering overnight accommodation. The other lighthouses that currently offer accommodation are Danger Point (Gansbaai), Cape St Blaize (Mossel Bay) and Great Fish Point (Port Alfred).
Ride the Moses Mabhida Skycar
Enjoy a Durban experience which will take you to new heights. Your journey starts with a two-minute SkyCar ride up the stadium arch, before you step onto the platform and take in the unparalleled 360º views of Durban and beyond.
Eat in one of the World’s 100 Best Restaurants for 2017
La Colombe has been awarded 73rd position in the World’s Best Restaurants for 2017. An experience not to be missed, La Colombe is situated a short distance from the bustling city of Cape Town, and is perched on the side of a mountain. Treat yourself to a bucket list item of note – the ultimate culinary experience.
Trawl one or all of the Cape Winelands wine routes
The Cape Winelands, and beyond, offer a multitude of wine routes to explore, along with brandy routes, wine biodiversity routes, and the world’s longest wine route. Factor in a visit to Bonnievale Wines. Bonnievale Wines make darn good wine! Bonnievale Wines invites all pensioners and regular You’ve Earned It users to take advantage of a wonderful discount on wine purchases. Don’t forget to take this voucher with you on your next visit to Bonnievale Wines – click here to download and print your discount voucher, and click here to view the Bonnievale listing on the YEI website.
Visit the Owl House
The small village of Nieu Bethesda plays host to the wonderful treasure called The Owl House,which draws thousands of visitors to this dusty little South African town. Weird to some, wonderful to others, the Owl House is a work of outsider art created by Helen Martins between 1945 and 1976. Driven to despair by the dullness of her daily life, she took steps to transform her world with light, colour and texture.
Indulge in a Freak Shake
At least once in your life, and it has to be on a Friday, indulge in a Freak Shake. The Backyard Café in Diep River, Cape Town, is a little oasis in suburbia. Do yourself a favour and book a table there on a Friday, and try their sugar-rush drink, the Freak Shake. Don’t tell too many people about this though – let’s keep the Freak shake to ourselves!
Visit the Tsitsikamma, the garden of the Garden Route
There is a reason the Western Cape’s Garden Route is crawling with tourists. But the highlight of the entire route has to be the 80km long stretch of coastline known as Tsitsikamma, the garden of the Garden Route.
Tip: Enter our awesome competition for a stay at the Tsitsikamma Village Inn. The winner of this amazing competition can then tick the Tsitsikamma off their bucket list!
Oribi Gorge, KZN
In a spectacular natural setting, the scenic Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is a photographer’s and nature lover’s paradise. Besides its magnificent views, Oribi has a wealth of other attractions including wildlife and birdwatching.
Cango Caves
The Cango Caves is South Africa’s oldest tourist attraction, inhabited since the Early Stone Age and the biggest show cave system in Africa. It is frequently described as one of the great Natural Wonders of the World.
A walking tour of a township
See how the majority of South Africans live, and experience community life. Walking tours in the various cities include visiting iconic sites such as visiting Elephant House (Durban’s oldest standing home); a trip to Ohlange High School, home to the voting station where Nelson Mandela cast his ballot in the historic ’94 elections; Mahatma Gandhi’s home and museum, lunch at a local shebeen (tavern), the Mzinyathi Waterfall and a visit to a family home for a deeper insight into local life.
Watch a soccer game or rugby game
Rugby and soccer are treated like religions in South Africa. Create the opportunity to watch the sport played live! Regardless of if you are into the game or not, the real entertainment comes from the supporters. Expect dancing, singing, flares, horns, and a whole bunch of fun.
Book a trip to Robben Island
This will land up being one of the most moving experiences of your life. Robben Island is now a world heritage site, but it was where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years of his life. Tours of Robben Island are conducted by former prisoners who offer incredible insight into the history of the place.
The Apartheid Museum
Another must for all South Africans. The museum shines a spotlight on the system of racial discrimination. From Apartheid and white minority rule to the transition to a non-racial democratic society, be prepared for a real reflection of what it was like to live in pre-apartheid South Africa.
Travel route 62 in a sportscar would be a thrill and as exciting as my first ride in a sports car at the age of 18 when I was training as a nurse at Greys Hospital, KZN