Why You Should Make A Pre-Travel Bucket List
I’ve mastered the art of anticipation. To some, that might sound awful. But to me, the joy that comes from months of preparation before jetting off to a foreign place is invaluable. Yep, I’ll say it - The Pre-Travel Bucket List is my crowning glory in terms of trip preparation. Let me explain…
For some context, I began my travel journey in 2014 and ever since then I have enjoyed my career as a teacher and travel blogger. I’m very fortunate to know that every summer a new destination awaits me, if I so choose to go.
That said though, the winter months of the year are ones that I most dread. The dark, the cold, the very notion of summer being far away is enough to set even the best educator off the edge. What could I do to prevent the looming winter seasonal woes off? Look forward to that next trip. Cue the creation of the Pre-Travel Bucket List.
You do NOT need to be an educator to enjoy the results of a Pre-Travel Bucket List though. In fact, anyone with an upcoming trip (whether it’s next month or next year) can benefit from it!
What Exactly Is A Pre-Travel Bucket List?
A Pre-Travel Bucket List is a to-do list to get oneself ready for a life changing adventure ahead.
On this list includes movies to watch, language learning goals, recipes to attempt, cultural and historical books to read and much more. Really, it is up to you to fill with exciting things to do that will get you stoked for your upcoming adventure!
Why Make A Pre-Travel Bucket List?
What I love most about a Pre-Travel Bucket List is that it not only builds excitement, but it creates more educated, mindful explorers. Taking the time to truly consider all that you’d like to learn, discover, taste, try and research before jetting off means that you are entering this new travel experience with a base of knowledge you otherwise would not have had. It also builds appreciation for the experiences you will seek out while you are exploring.
For example, I spent the year 2021 learning at least one recipe from each region of Italy (you can read about this experience here!). I know that by investing my time in this quest, my experiences eating meals in Italy will be all the more meaningful. I now know firsthand how much time and effort a perfect dish of Cacio e Pepe takes - so I will enjoy it tenfold while I’m in Rome!
Simply put… a Pre-Travel Bucket List helps you bide the time before departing and assists you to become a more well-rounded, educated explorer.
How To Make Your Own
Ask yourself what would make you excited for your next trip. Is it foodie experiences or specific dishes you’re dying to try? Is it historical sites you’d like a base of knowledge on before experiencing yourself? Is it the city’s fashion houses? Is it mastering a brief conversation in the destination’s language? Whatever lights you up should go on your list!
When making your own Pre-Trip Bucket List, ask yourself:
What are the 3 historical events from this destination I should know before going?
What are some language goals I have?
Do I have any background knowledge of traditional dishes of the area?
What movies were made or are set in my destination?
Who are some artists, celebrities and musicians from my destination?
Who is a famous author from my destination? Are there any books or stories that are beloved from this person? Or are there any books set in my destination that pique my interest?
Is there a strong cultural movement or belief system in my destination? What do I know about this?
What meals am I so excited to try? Could I take a try at making it at home?
I always like to make a healthy mix of history, culture, food and language studies!
Having this bucket list of goals to fills my free time before departure with so much happiness and joy, I can’t even tell you. Try making a short list for yourself! It doesn’t have to be overwhelming or pages long! Even 5-6 things will make your trip all the more impactful, I promise you!