Most of us dream of traveling the world one day, probably when we’re stable enough to afford it, at least. But the thing about life is that there’s never a ‘right’ moment to do the things we want to do. There will always be roadblocks along the way, and we’ll end up postponing our plans because the timing isn’t right for us. Truth is, there’s no better way to experience life at its fullest than being able to travel around the world. That being said, it’s time to take a break from paper works and deadlines and enjoy earth’s hidden gems by having your own set of summer travel goals.

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10 Amazing To-Dos for the Perfect Summer Travel Goals

There are so many things we are yet to do in this world, so many places to visit, so many dreams to chase, and so many moments that are just waiting to happen. While we all wish we could just drop everything and book a one-way ticket to paradise, it’s really not that simple. Luckily, creating a list of travel goals to complete during the summer is a smart way to get started.

To help fill up your list of summer travel goals, here are some awesome travel to-dos and must-see destinations our planet has to offer:

1. Go on a Safari Adventure Across Africa

We can learn a lot about earth’s wildlife from programs like Animal Planet and National Geographic, but there’s nothing like having a first hand experience of the great outdoors.

The beauty of Africa is best not seen alone because there’s something about the place that needs to be shared with somebody who may appreciate it as well. Witnessing these exotic animals in their natural habitat through an African Safari is an overwhelming experience that not everyone has the privilege of having. For travelers who want to fly to South Africa for viewing, the months from May to October would be the best time to go. On the other hand, if you want to witness the great Masai Migration in East Africa, you’ll need to go between mid-August and late October.

2. See the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, otherwise known as the Aurora Borealis, is a phenomenon that occurs when electrically charged particles from the sun enter our planet’s atmosphere. Although they appear in many colors, pale green and pink are commonly witnessed by spectators, while shades of red, yellow, blue, green, and violet have also been reported. This captivating phenomenon attracts thousands of tourists from around the world every year.

And, since it’s summer in your hometown and an escape from the scorching rays of the sun is your main objective, traveling up North won’t be such a bad idea. While Reykjavik, Iceland is the most affordable and accessible location to witness this phenomenon, you may also chase the Aurora in places like Norway, Finland, Sweden, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

3. Hike the Inca Trail of Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu, a UNESCO heritage site since 1983, is one of Peru’s most visited ruins, bringing in over a hundred thousand tourists each year. The site is famous for its finely crafted stonework and terraced fields, not to mention the Inca civilization’s interesting architectural and agricultural expertise. Many experts believe that the site was once a royal estate for the Inca leaders and nobles. Dozens of theories also point to the site as a religious palace for the Inca tribe. Due to the many speculations that surround the Machu Picchu, the heritage site was nominated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.

Though hiking isn’t for everyone, passing up a trek in this ancient path is one you’ll certainly regret in the near future.

4. Take a Dip in the Dead Sea

Most people perceive the Dead Sea as just that: a dull, lifeless body of water that’s just dead. But do you really think visitors would go out of their way just to come back disappointed?

Ironically, the Dead Sea is anything but dead. It is eight times saltier than any ocean, which explains why it makes the human body more buoyant than normal. If you aren’t a strong swimmer, then floating around the Dead Sea would be an ideal vacation for you. Not only is it an amazing place to cool off, but the mud found on the lake’s seabed is also great for your skin. The richness of Jordan’s historical lake definitely deserves a good spot on your list of summer travel goals!

5. Walk on Water in Bolivia

Why use Photoshop to make it seem like you’re walking on water when you can get the real thing in Bolivia’s most iconic tourist destination?

A tour of the world’s biggest salt flats is a once in a lifetime experience you wouldn’t dare pass up. The mesmerizing landscape of the Salar de Uyuni makes it one of the most magical travel destinations in the world. Although getting to the said location can be a hassle, considering Bolivia’s serious transportation problems, the complexity of seeing this unique wonder is certainly worth the struggle.

6. Swim in the Blue Lagoon

Apart from the Northern Lights, Iceland also offers tourists a comforting experience at the famous Blue Lagoon.

Being the most popular destination in Iceland, it’s relatively hot temperature is perfect for the nation’s freezing climate. You can also enjoy a relaxing massage right in the Blue Lagoon, with a tasty cocktail drink from the swim-up bar in one hand. However, try not to let your hair touch the water, as the Lagoon’s extreme temperature can cause serious damage to your beloved locks.

7. Stargaze in the Cali Desert

A quick escape from the bright lights and busy streets of the city can be healthy for your state of mind. So taking a trip to the outskirts of California to do a little stargazing might be the most achievable summer travel goal on this list.

At night, the California desert in Borrego Springs is one of the best places to view the constellations in the U.S. Thanks to the preservation efforts of various conservative groups, the desert is the perfect place to go camping with friends during the summertime. A front row ticket to gaze at the Milky Way is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss in your bucket list.

8. Swing at the “End of the World”

Ecuador’s La Casa del Árbol has an extreme attraction that welcomes thrill-seekers to an experience they’ll never forget. Dubbed as the ‘Swing at the End of the World’ for a reason, the famed tourist attraction lets visitors take a swing over an abyss without any safety measures to hold onto. And, because not everyone has the heart (or the stomach) to give it a try, most visitors come to the place just to see what the fuzz is all about.

9. Find Polar Bears in the Arctic

We can often find Pandas and Black Bears in zoos, but rarely will you encounter a Polar Bear in captivity. These magnificent creatures are adorable on all levels, which is why going up North to get a glimpse of these giant mammals will surely be an experience of a lifetime.

Sadly, the extreme effects of climate change have caused the ice in the Arctic to melt at an alarming rate. Scientists fear that Polar Bears, along with other animals that rely on cold temperatures, will have little chance of survival as the negative effects of climate change will slowly destroy their natural habitat. This has to lead the population of Polar Bears in the Arctic to gradually decrease in number, so they may face extinction if urgent actions aren’t taken.

10. Set Off on a Backpacking Journey

You must be wondering, what’s so great about hauling a huge backpack halfway around the globe when you could take a well-planned trip to some popular tourist destination instead?

If you ask backpackers why they’d rather travel a lot differently than an ordinary tourist, you’ll get all sorts of answers. You see, backpacking is about living freely. You get to meet a variety of people, learn about different cultures, spend less than normal, and change your plans whenever you feel like it, all within a given time frame. Adding this to your summer travel goals is a great way to make the most out of your three-month vacation, as this gives you the chance to visit a series of destinations while sticking on a tight budget.

How You Can Accomplish Your Summer Travel Goals

Traveling out of one’s comfort zone can be a scary thought, but it also gives you a sense of excitement like no other. Some people fear of getting lost in a foreign land, getting stuck at some unknown place or even running out of money to survive the next few days. People claim that these factors hold them back from doing something spontaneous with their lives, but people also forget that going on an adventure is all about spontaneity.

If you are having trouble deciding where to go first, you could choose a place or an activity that you feel most excited about. This will encourage you to save and plan accordingly before the actual trip. But if you’re worried about the financial aspect of traveling, it is highly suggested that you read up on blogs and other websites that offer numerous travel advise for budget travelers. Additionally, a lot of airlines provide exclusive deals and promos during special seasons, as well as hotels, houses and apartments offering very cheap rates (you may have heard of Airbnb and Booking.com). Travelling isn’t always expensive if you just learn to take the cheaper alternative of things.

Whether you’re traveling alone or with a friend, setting up a list of short-term goals and long-term goals for your summer travels is a great way to maximize the whole experience. This will inspire you to continue crossing out items from your bucket list before life slows you down. Remember, travel while you’re young and able. There’s a wonderful life outside the four corners of your room just waiting to be explored.