Why Everybody Should Create A Travel Bucket List

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Have you created your travel bucket list? For all we know, you may have already ticked off half of the things on your list already, but if you haven’t made one yet, perhaps now is the time you did.

Why?

Here are some good reasons if you need convincing.

  1. Life is too short

Sorry to put a downer on things, but it would be a shame to miss out on the many opportunities and sights that await you in the world. We aren’t necessarily talking about getting on a plane, either, as there may be travel spots you haven’t visited in your own country. Why stay at home and have the same experiences day in and day out, when you could experience something new and exciting away from the norm. A bucket list is about making a plan, setting yourself goals; those things you want to see and do before you are longer in a position to do so.

 

  1. You will see more of the world

The world is just begging to be explored, and there are so many incredible places to visit. Whether you wander around Europe or explore the heart of Asia, you will see sights you have never witnessed before, eat foods you have never tried before, and meet people that you would otherwise never have the opportunity to meet. In short, you will experience new ways of life, and as a result, you will benefit your life by broadening your horizons in the many places available for you to visit.

 

  1. You can step out of your comfort zone

There are bound to be things you have always wanted to do but were a little bit afraid of doing them. By travelling outside of your comfort zone, you can push yourself into doing something new. You can still stay in a fancy hotel if you don’t want to give up all of your home comforts – you will fall in love with this art deco hotel, for example, – but at least you will be somewhere different, outside of your usual limits, with opportunities that will make you feel as if you have achieved something. It’s about taking risks, and you will only regret not taking them later on in life when you’re no longer able to travel.

 

  1. You will benefit from new experiences

A travel bucket list has two purposes. It’s about visiting places you have never been too before, and it’s about gaining new experiences when you’re at your chosen destination. You can hike through new terrains, try foods you have never tasted, take part in activities that you have only dreamed of previously, and test your limits in so many new ways. Consider these travel bucket list experiences, for example, and allow yourself the opportunity to try any that take your fancy.

And so…

If you haven’t made your travel bucket list yet, then perhaps now is the time to do so. This time next year you could be swimming with the dolphins, climbing through Aztec Ruins, or eating a barbecue down under. You could be doing any number of things, but the first step is in putting pen to paper after doing a little bit of brainstorming and dreaming about the things you would like to see and do. We wish you many happy travels. Thanks for reading.

 

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Hue

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Ancient city

After exploring the north of Vietnam, we departed Hanoi by train, and travelled south. Next stop, Hue which is described as the most royal city in Vietnam! Hue is located 700km (430m) south of Hanoi, in the Thua Thein Hue province, in central Vietnam. Hue was once the capital of Vietnam, founded in 1802 by Gia Long who was the first king of the Nguyen dynasty empire. Hue remained the capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen dynasty until 1945. This powerful family ruled the then capital from 1802-1945. To this day the influence of a royal lifestyle and royal customs have had a huge impact on the characteristics of the people in Hue.

The city has a rich and interesting history,  with the affects of war still very present today. Visiting the city was very enriching and very different from other parts of the country that we visited.

We stayed at a guest house for two nights and three days, exploring the ancient ruins during the day and  then enjoying the Hue nightlife.

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Highlights and must sees

The Perfume river

This ancient city lies on the banks of the Perfume river. So beautiful to see on a clear and sunny day. The Perfume river is surrounded by the ancient sights of Hue. It is also perfect for people watching, taking in the river life of the people who live here. We were also grateful to witness a stunning sunset over the ancient capital, while sitting at the banks of the river.

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The Tomb of Khai Dinh

This tomb was built for the twelfth emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, Khai Dinh. The tomb is located in Chau Chu mountain, on a steep hill near the city of Hue. The architecture is a mix of western and eastern influence and took eleven years to build!

Thien Mu Pagoda

Translates to the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady and is considered to be the unofficial landmark of the city, with its iconic seven story pagoda. In addition to its rich history, the Pagoda also looks out to the gorgeous Perfume river.

The Mieu

A place to worship ten of the Nguyen dynasty kings. The Mieu is an ancestral temple to Vietnams emperors.

Imperial city (The Citadel)

The former residence of the royal family. Now, listed as an UNESCO world heritage site. This site is a large complex of hundreds of monuments and ruins. Rich in history and devastated by the Vietnam war, this former site of the old capital has a moat and ten ornate gates guarding the palace, temples and tombs.

Hue, was much different from the rest of our backpacking journey through Vietnam. I enjoyed the history and culture of this ancient city. The next stop after Hue, is further south – Hoi An

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