Latest news with #bucketlist
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
My husband and I took our kids and parents on a bucket list trip. It was so worth it.
My husband and I are part of the sandwich generation, raising little kids and caring for parents. We realized that it was time to do those bucket list trips we had all been waiting for. The trip was over a year and my dad still raves about it. When you first have kids, lots of well-meaning (or obnoxious) folks will tell you, "The days are long but the years are short." What no one tells you is that this also applies to our parents. As part of the sandwich generation raising young children while also seeing our parents age and all the ups and downs that accompany that, that adage now hits hard. Both my dad and my husband's parents are now in their 80s, while our youngest child is 6. When we were in the throes of new parenthood and trying to figure out how to juggle two full-time commuting jobs with day care, daily life, and everything in between, the thought of trying to plan a multigenerational vacation honestly probably never occurred to us. Sure, there were the little weekend trips here and there, but as it became clear our parents were aging, we started wondering about those bucket list experiences they'd always wanted to do with their grandkids that everyone just kept putting off year after year because life is always too busy and time always goes way too fast. We'd taken for granted that our parents were relatively healthy, mobile, and active. As someone who lost my mom at 29, I was always highly aware that life is short and we should take our opportunities while able. Even with that knowledge, the years flew by. For my dad, the bucket list dream he'd always talked about was taking all of his kids and grandkids to South Korea, where he was born, and introducing us to the remaining aunts and uncles of his eight siblings that we'd never met, along with a particular request to rent traditional Korean clothes (hanboks) and wear them for family pictures. He was already over 80, which seems to mean you just never know if there will be a bad fall or serious health issues at any given moment. Basically, the time to go was yesterday, so after chatting with my younger siblings, we got moving. While planning a multigenerational trip that involves five adults with their own schedules and three young kids to another country is no small feat, we managed to make it happen — and I'm forever grateful we did. One of the primary challenges was finding places to stay that allowed room for everyone and thanks to an amazing traditional Korean house, called a hanok, my brother found on AirBnB and another spacious multi-room condo Airbnb, we were able to be together but still have some space to spread out, which I would argue is essential with a trip with multiple family members. I'll never forget meeting aunts and uncles for the first time and my kids will talk about all the things we did together with their grandfather and uncles and beg to go back. While the trip was now over a year ago, but dad still raves about it. I made him a photo book to remember the trip and it wasn't all the sightseeing we did or delicious food we ate he remembers, it was just the time spent together. Fast-forward a year later and we were able to make another parent's dream trip with their grandchildren come true. My mother-in-law is a lifelong equestrian and had often brought up wanting to take a trail ride with the entire family at a ranch. At the time, many of the grandkids were too young to ride, but this past year seemed like the perfect time. We headed off to the gorgeous Alisal Ranch in Santa Ynez for a memorable girls-only trip, from Grandma to the six-year-old. It was clearly a property meant for family reunions and multigenerational vacations. The cabin we stayed in had a clever Murphy bunk bed, couch bed, and spacious bedroom for Grandma to rest comfortably. It was a slower pace of trip that appealed to both young and old. Sitting on the porch watching horses meandering around while the sunsets will always remain a highlight, as will the friendly goats in the barn the kids went back day after day to pet. Eating each meal together and just hanging out is basically what any grandparent really wants, and we had that in spades. The trip culminated in a wonderful morning horse ride to a "cowboy breakfast" (the youngest and I went in a wagon instead). The all-inclusive nature of the property made it a super easy no-fuss planning process and everyone got to do what they wanted, whether it was just running around the expansive lawn, making crafts in the kids' art room, or playing ping-pong and roasting s'mores with Grandma. If you're like me and have been sitting around wondering when to make a special trip with the grandparents happen, the answer is now. None of us are getting any younger, and it's such a precious window when everyone is healthy enough, the kids are willing and able, and you have the opportunity to make literal dreams come true. There will never be a perfect time when work or extracurricular activities don't have to get rearranged but trust me, it's not something you'll ever regret. Read the original article on Business Insider
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Daily Mail
How solo female travellers are embarking on trips of a lifetime to bucket-list destinations - from Antarctica to Uluru
Are you craving adventure beyond the tourist trail, but have no one to travel with? You're not alone. For many women, the idea of solo travel is exciting, but the reality can be overwhelming. Between the daunting task of planning an itinerary, safety concerns, and a fear of feeling lonely, that dream trip often stays just that: a dream. But a boutique travel company is redefining the way women explore the world, curating women-only journeys to awe-inspiring, bucket-list destinations, far from the crowds and the same old tourist traps. From camping in Uluru, swimming with Manta Rays in the Great Barrier Reef, or journeying to Antarctica for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, OceanZen Travel is making dreams a reality for Australian women. The best Bucket List Trips with OceanZen Travel Antarctica Set foot on the seventh continent, taking in the breathtaking frozen landscape, braving a polar plunge in the icy ocean, and witnessing majestic wildlife in their natural habitat. The Antarctica Expedition is a rare opportunity to experience the untouched beauty and mystery of this magical part of the world. Ready for a once in a lifetime adventure? Find out more here. Dive into the mesmerising marine wonderland on a getaway to Lady Elliott Island in the Great Barrier Reef. The most popular of OceanZen Travel's expeditions, the tour includes a fully guided diving experience swimming with Manta Rays. Ready to escape winter with an island paradise escape to reconnect with nature? Find out more here. Tonga Five days of snorkelling and swimming with pods, mums and calves, or lone males singing for a mate makes for an unforgettable experience. The Tonga expedition takes place in September, when whales seek warmer waters to mate and birth their calves. Can you imagine swimming alongside a magnificent humpback whale? Find out how you can join this trip here. Uluru The Northern Territory's sacred centre is a must-visit destination. Uluru is more than one of the world's most iconic landmarks, it is the spiritual heart of Australia. Sleep around a campfire while gazing at a starlit sky, hearing the stories of the Anangu people, hike the Kings Canyon Rim Walk and dine under a canopy of stars at the famed sounds of silence dinner. Dream of a soul stirring journey to the Red Centre? Find out more here. OceanZen Travel was Founded by Steph Gabriel in 2017. The entrepreneur owned a swimwear company and while in Tonga in 2016 for a campaign shoot, she shared videos swimming with whales on social media. Followers responded asking how they could have the same experience, and the idea for a travel company was born. 'Seeing the profound impact that these soul-stirring experiences has on the women that come away, lights my soul up,' Steph told Empower Her. 'It's so important for women to step outside their comfort zone and travel the world... and discover a new version of you that you didn't even know existed. Other incredible trips include a ski tour in New Zealand, a 4WD adventure on Fraser Island, and a Northern Lights expedition to Greenland. Facebook reviews recommending the company are simply gushing, praising the quality of the service and the 'magical' sense of community the trips cultivate. 'The OceanZen retreats are an unforgettable experience- once you've been on one you'll realise that one isn't enough!' one past traveller wrote on Facebook. 'To be surrounded by incredible, supportive and like-minded girls for a weekend is so soul nourishing, and you'll come back feeling so fulfilled - and with the amazing trip locations which help too! 'To share these experiences with people who are just as stoked to be there as you are creates lifelong friends and memories. Facebook reviews recommending the company praise the 'magical' sense of community the trips cultivate 'Steph is amazing, and truly cares about each and every one of the girls on the trip. There's no one else I'd want to go on a trip with!' Another client raved: 'Hands down best travel agency ever. Steph is amazing and really makes sure you have the best time possible on your trip. It is such a great experience and being able to go to these incredible and breathtaking places is such a blessing. 'If you have ever considered solo travelling and don't know where to start don't look further than OceanZen, trust me you will not regret it. So thankful to have met Steph and gone on a trip with her; I'm already booking my next trip and can't wait to go.' 'It's so important for women to step outside their comfort zone and travel the world... and discover a new version of you that you didn't even know existed,' Steph says of the trips 'I cannot recommend travelling with OceanZen enough! I recently went on a retreat to Lady Elliot Island and it was simply amazing,' another traveller commented. 'Steph organises everything to perfection. You don't have to lift a finger the whole time and it was just such a fun experience. 'Steph makes you feel so welcome from the get go, and it was great meeting the other ladies who were also on the trip. I truly can't wait until I can go on another retreat with Steph. I promise you won't regret travelling with OceanZen Travel!'
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Avid traveller names the 5 places she'd never go back to including one of Brits' favourite holiday destinations and a city with 'dark energy'
A seasoned globetrotter has shared a list of cities and countries she would 'never' revisit - including one notably luxurious hotspot she described as 'soulless and dystopian.' The avid traveller, known only as Eva on TikTok, has visited dozens of bucket-list destinations across the globe, including Versailles, Lake Como, Crete and New York City. But in a slideshow post uploaded to her page @travelgirl423 in April, revealed six standout locations that left her feeling deflated as a tourist - citing 'scams' and 'constant' harassment, high costs and 'dark energy' as some of the driving factors. The first surprising hotspot Eva highlighted as a no-go - despite it welcoming more than a million tourists every month - is the Canary Islands, as there's 'nothing to do' and 'the food wasn't great.' She added: 'The beaches are gorgeous, but it got boring real quick. I wouldn't recommend going for more than three days.' The second destination Eva vowed to never return to is Los Angeles, due to the iconic city being 'a lot more grim' than she'd expected. Though she insisted there were lots of attractions and activities, the content creator couldn't shake off the feeling that a 'dark energy' was present, which had left her feeling 'uneasy' during her trip. She also described the landmark city as 'super expensive' and difficult to navigate for tourists who are unable to drive. Next, Eva shared that she has no intention of returning to the Egyptian city of Hurghada due to the 'constant harassment' she experienced from local men. She advised: 'It was VERY overstimulating and I wouldn't recommend it for women unless you're travelling in a big group or hire a tour guide.' The fourth destination that felt especially lacklustre to Eva was Dubai, a UAE nation widely known for its awe-inspiring architecture and luxury shopping. However, according to the travel enthusiast, the popular holiday spot felt 'soulless' and 'dystopian', and she compared it to a 'simulation with dark energy'. The fifth location Eva highlighted is Bali. She first described it as 'gorgeous' with 'lovely' locals, though the jetsetter admitted she had been put off returning due to a 'bad experience of Bali belly'. Finally, the travel fanatic declared she would never revisit the Indian capital of New Delhi as she found it 'really hard' navigate the city while facing 'a lot of harassment from the men'. Over 400 people shared their views in the comments, with many arguing that the content creator's experiences are subjective. Over 400 people shared their views in the comments, with many arguing that the content creator's experiences are subjective One person quipped, 'Literally nothing to do in the Canary Islands? Good god,' while another added, 'I've been to all of the Canary Islands over the years and never found one of them to be boring.' However, one unenthused former visitor hit back: 'I went to Gran Canaria and I agree it was a very boring holiday and the food was bad lol, really beautiful island though.' Meanwhile, one person commented: 'Anyone that dislikes Dubai went to Dubai on a budget. If you want to enjoy the real Dubai you have to go there with money,' while another said, 'I've been to egypt 6 times, 4 to hurghada, never been harrassed at all.' One former visitor to Los Angeles wrote: 'Yes I felt the dark energy of LA too.' Finally, one person wrote: 'I think you should be grateful that you have had the chance to visit all of those place, some people can not even afford a weekend away.'
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
Paramedic takes on driving challenge for cancer
A paramedic from Cornwall is taking on a bucket list challenge of driving 7,000 miles (11,265km) across Europe to raise money for the cancer charity that supported him. Richard Mellor aims to drive his electric car from his home in Bodmin across eight different countries to the most northern point in Europe reached by road in Nordkapp, Norway. Mr Mellor, from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, was diagnosed with cancer seven years ago and has been supported by Macmillan Cancer Support. "I want to do this road trip to show that, even after multiple operations and during extended cancer treatment, you can still live your dreams," he said. The trip will see him travel through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Finland before the final leg in Norway. He is due to start the challenge on 5 June, will wild camp along the route and said he hoped to complete it in about three weeks. Mr Mellor said when he was diagnosed with cancer "everything stopped" and he "forgot to keep living". He said the "cancer dominated everything" in his life. "My life was just getting through each day and I felt I couldn't make any plans for the future," Mr Mellor said. "Many people have a bucket list that they intend to do one day, but before you realise, that day has passed." He hopes to raise £3,000 for the charity so they can support others in the future. More news stories for Cornwall Listen to the latest news for Cornwall Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ Annual 'rowathon' to raise cancer charity funds Cancer hike raises more than £500k for charity 'My bowel cancer diagnosis prompted me to raise awareness' South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust Macmillan Cancer Support
BBC News
18-05-2025
- BBC News
Cornish paramedic takes on dream drive during cancer treatment
A paramedic from Cornwall is taking on a bucket list challenge of driving 7,000 miles (11,265km) across Europe to raise money for the cancer charity that supported him. Richard Mellor aims to drive his electric car from his home in Bodmin across eight different countries to the most northern point in Europe reached by road in Nordkapp, Mellor, from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, was diagnosed with cancer seven years ago and has been supported by Macmillan Cancer Support. "I want to do this road trip to show that, even after multiple operations and during extended cancer treatment, you can still live your dreams," he said. 'Cancer dominated everything' The trip will see him travel through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Finland before the final leg in is due to start the challenge on 5 June, will wild camp along the route and said he hoped to complete it in about three Mellor said when he was diagnosed with cancer "everything stopped" and he "forgot to keep living".He said the "cancer dominated everything" in his life."My life was just getting through each day and I felt I couldn't make any plans for the future," Mr Mellor said."Many people have a bucket list that they intend to do one day, but before you realise, that day has passed."He hopes to raise £3,000 for the charity so they can support others in the future.
