Welcome to the To DO List. These are the things that are getting the visitors excited in cities as far-flung as Dubai, Miami, Melbourne and Madrid. From massive new museums to breathtakingly intimate music festivals via one-of-a-kind exhibitions and immersive artworks, this is your guide to the 10 very best experiences of their kind taking place anywhere in the coming months.
1. Giza, Egypt
When it finally opens this year, the Grand Egypt Museum (GEM) will be the biggest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. It’s located in Giza, within snooping distance of the great pyramids and a 40-minute drive from the capital, Cairo.
2. Volunteer at a Elephant Rescue in Thailand
In Northern Thailand, an hour from Chiang Mai’s city center, You can spend a memorable day volunteering at the Elephant Nature Park. This is a special place where there was an eclectic bunch of Asian Elephants; some old, some young, some blind, some injured from working in the logging industry, some abused and some rescued from the circus.
3. Swim in Jellyfish Lake in Palau
Jellyfish Lake in the Micronesian country of Palau is home to millions of jellyfish that are deemed relatively harmless since their sting is so light. It was still crazy frightening for the first five minutes to be surrounded by jellyfish, some brushing up against your body. But, after the panic dissipated, this was one of the all-time favorite bucket list travel adventures.
“I HAVEN’T BEEN EVERYWHERE, BUT IT’S ON MY LIST.”- SUSAN SONTAG
4. Enter a submarine base full of digital art (Bordeaux, France)
When the Germans were forced out of France in 1945, they left their huge Atlantic Wall submarine bases behind them in Bordeaux. These massive, indestructible concrete buildings are set to turn museum from April 17, when the Bassins de Lumières takes up residence. A brand new digital art centre, it will display the works of major artists on the walls and across the four huge pits of this monumental structure. It’s set to be a completely immersive experience that includes gangways, water and going ‘ooh’ a lot.
5. Brave the icy water at a floating Arctic hotel (Swedish Lapland, Sweden)
What is it? Rising out of the water like a pile of artfully arranged logs, the Arctic Bath is utterly unique – and not just because of its striking design. From 2020 you’ll be able to find this floating hotel and spa – which promises luxury, comfort and a holistic approach to wellness – in the heart of Swedish Lapland on the Lule River. Local wood and stone give a relaxed, homely air to the various cabins and suites, while the in-house treatments, focussing as much on the mind as the body, make this year’s hottest opening for eco-conscious pampering.
6. Take a Christmas Market Cruise Through Europe
There’s nothing that can get you into the holiday spirit quite like the Christmas markets in Europe. Between the lighted cathedrals, festive markets and a simple glass of glühwein, it would be hard not to feel festive!
Viking River Cruises invited me to cruise along the Rhine River to visit almost a dozen Christmas markets throughout Germany, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands. This Christmas market river cruise was definitely one of my favorites on the 100 things to do before you die list!
7. Stand in Front of the Taj Mahal in India
The Taj Mahal a marvel on marble was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in commemoration of his favourite wife, Empress Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan married Arjumand Bano Begum (Mumtaz Mahal), grand daughter of Itimad-Ud-Daula, the Wazir (Prime Minister) of Emperor Jahangir in 1612 AD.
Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631 A.D. at the birth of her 14th child. The grief stricken emperor made all efforts in building the tomb in her memory, which is universally acknowledged as one of the most beautiful creations on earth.
8. See the Changing of the Guard in London
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a mesmerizing spectacle where the Old Guard hands over the security responsibility to the New Guard.The guards arrive by marching pass Victoria Monument, directly in front of Buckingham Palace, and then entering through the ornate front gates of the palace. This is combined with synchronized marching, precision drills, and the band playing. It’s a show like no other, but get there early!
9. Hot Air Balloon over Cappadocia
See the surreal landscape of Cappadocia from high above in a sky dotted with colorful balloons. Cappadocia is the land in central Turkey known for its fairy chimneys (rock formations), rolling vine- yards, and troglodyte dwellings that are best seen from three thousand feet in the air. This top rated balloon tour can take you up up and away.
10. Get a Fish Pedicure
Fish pedicures are popping up all around the world, but mine was done in Spain. For €15,00 I had my feet nibbled on by Garra Rufa fish in the tiny Spanish beach town of Sitges, just forty minutes from Barcelona. This crazy technique became popular as a relief for eczema and other skin disorders, but is now a trend around the world and one of the weirdest things to do before you die.
