July Bucket List: Epic Travel Edition

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Hey there, fellow adventurers! July, with its balmy weather and extended daylight hours, is just around the corner. Welcome to your July Bucket List!

This isn’t going to be any ordinary bucket list. It is going to highlight the best travel experiences to cross off from around the world.

As someone who celebrates their birthday in July, I have a special fondness for this month. It’s the perfect time to dive headfirst into our wanderlust, chase those sunsets, or just enjoy a lazy afternoon in a hammock somewhere jawdropping! 

I’m a travel blogger who has spent numerous July’s exploring the fascinating corners of the world, and I can’t wait to share my top picks with you!

Let me guess, you’ve got the travel bug too, and you’re keen to make the most of this precious month. Perhaps you’ve got kids, and July is that magical window when school’s out. The world is your oyster, and family adventures are just waiting to be had! 

In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my epic bucket list for July travels, chock-full of experiences that will appeal to thrill-seekers and family vacationers alike. Trust me, these must-see spots and hidden gems are sure to create unforgettable memories. 

And better yet–this is going to be up to date for 2024! With current events and dates straight to your bucket list! 

So, grab your sunscreen, pack your bags, and let’s get ready for an adventure-filled July!

*I try to stay current on all of my dates, but they are subject to change. Please always check directly for up to date information before you go jet-setting. 

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Take a hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, Turkey

Experience the magic of floating through the sky at the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Cappadocia, Turkey! 

This annual spectacle, held in July, fills the sky with over 160 or more colorful balloons, offering breathtaking views.

Odds are that if you follow a travel influencer, this is their #1 photoshoot.

In 2024, the festival is set to take off on July 14-20th, creating an unforgettable visual feast for your July bucket list!

Attend the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada

Saddle up for the ride of a lifetime at the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Canada! 

This 10-day bonanza, often called “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth,” is packed with rodeos, concerts, and mouthwatering food. 

In 2024, the Stampede is set to kick off on July 5-14th, 2024, so dust off your cowboy boots and get bucketlisting!

Traverse Elsen Tasarkhai dunes on a 2-humped Camel in Mongolia

Get ready to channel your inner nomad as you explore the majestic Elsen Tasarkhai dunes in Mongolia atop a two-humped Bactrian camel! 

This golden sea of sand, often referred to as “the mini Gobi”, offers a thrilling ride, unveiling picturesque landscapes and a taste of the local nomadic lifestyle. 

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania

July is the perfect time to conquer the rooftop of Africa at Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania! 

This awe-inspiring climb, passing through five different ecosystems, is the epitome of a thrilling, life-changing experience. 

The best weather conditions are found from mid-June to the end of October. However, since it is the best weather, it might come with some additional crowds. 

Although it might be more expensive, I would recommend a multi-day tour so that you can go slow and with a guide:

Hike a glacier in Anchorage, Alaska

Experience the thrill of a lifetime by taking a helicopter tour to hike a glacier in Anchorage, Alaska! 

This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! In fact, every single person I have met that checked this off of their bucket list said it was one of the coolest things they had done in their lifetime. 

Although some companies run the helicopter all year, summer is the best time for weather and hiking the glacier.

Bonus Tip: If you aren’t as far north as Anchorage, you could take an Alaskan cruise and do this as an excursion. When I went on an Alaskan cruise, I found that they were often offered by the ship and included dog sledding and/or glacier hiking. These often only run in the summer during Alaska’s tourism season.

Try to Spot a Humpback Whale in the Great Barrier Reef in Australia

If you are an ocean wildlife love, head to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef this July for a chance to spot majestic whales! 

Whales often migrate from May to August to mate and give birth to their young, making it the perfect time to tick this adventure off your bucket list. 

The most commonly seen are the Dwarf Minke Whale, Humpback, and the Sperm Whale. 

When I was visiting the Great Barrier Reef, I was lucky enough to see a whale while diving and I, no joke, started crying from joy in my mask underneath the water!

With that being said, you can whale watch from a boat, but I would highly recommend going on a snorkeling or diving trip instead:

Delight in the tranquil beauty of the São Miguel Island, Portugal’s little-known island paradise

Explore the verdant tranquility of São Miguel Island, the crown jewel of Portugal’s Azores archipelago. 

This enchanting destination offers azure lagoons, picturesque villages, and geothermal wonders. 

There are plenty of outdoor activities to jump into, making the warm July weather perfect:

Hike the Dolomites in Italy

On your July bucket list, don’t forget to include a breathtaking hike through the magnificent Dolomites in Italy. 

These majestic mountains offer an unparalleled, awe-inspiring experience for every outdoor enthusiast. The summer months present ideal weather for exploring these picturesque trails, ensuring that all the snow has melted from the previous winter. 

Get your reggae groove on at Sumfest in Jamaica

Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica’s premier music festival!

This is the largest music festival in Jamaica and the Caribbean. 

This iconic event, slated for July 14th to 20th, 2024, promises a week of pulsating music, energetic dance, and the infectious spirit of the island. 

Chase Waterfalls in Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Embrace the untamed beauty of Croatia by adding Plitvice Lakes National Park (or Plitvička Jezera) to your July 2024 bucket list. 

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a majestic symphony of cascading lakes, waterfalls, and lush forestry. 

It is a nature enthusiast’s dream and a must add to any adventurer’s bucket list. I would especially recommend this if you are interested in waterfall photography:

Go Bird Watching in the Danube Delta, Romania

Get ready to whip out those binoculars as you venture into the Danube Delta, Romania – a birdwatcher’s paradise! 

There is other wildlife roaming around too, but the birdwatching is unparalleled.

This pristine natural oasis is home to over 300 bird species making it a prime spot for capturing some extraordinary bird sightings. 

Dive into the hidden depths of To Sua Ocean Trench, a natural swimming hole in Samoa

Plunge into the heart of the South Pacific and explore the crystal-clear turquoise waters of To Sua Ocean Trench, Samoa. 

This hidden gem, known as a “giant swimming hole” in Samoan, offers an unrivaled swimming experience in a serene, breathtaking setting. 

It is so beautiful, it really does make this mermaid want to cry tears of joy.

Make sure to talk to a local guide to chat about what time is best to go. High tide is generally considered better, but low tide might be a better fit for beginner swimmers. Or you can go with a tour:

Explore around Paraty Bay, Brazil

Get lost in the picturesque charm of Paraty Bay, Brazil, a UNESCO World Heritage site!

This little paradise, brimming with colonial architecture, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife, is sure to steal your heart.

There is a plethora of activities to choose from when visiting Paraty Bay, so you can can cater it to your travel needs:

Watch the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain

Feel the adrenaline rush at the historic Running of the Bulls! And it is exactly what it sounds like: where people literally run through the streets of Pamplona with bulls (usually wearing red and white)!

To clarify, I am saying that you should go WATCH this event…not PARTICIPATE. This is extremely dangerous and you should have extreme caution at all times.

This exhilarating event is scheduled for July 7-14, 2024. This is apart of the San Fermin festival from July 6-14, 2024.

Just remember, safety first – make sure to watch from a secure spot or, even better, enjoy the thrills from one of the many balconies overlooking the route. 

Party at Tomorrowland, a massive electronic music festival in Boom, Belgium

Get ready to dance the night away at Tomorrowland, one of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals in Boom, Belgium! 

This electrifying festival is scheduled for July 19th to 28th, 2024, and promises a magical experience filled with thrilling music, incredible performances, and a sea of like-minded music lovers from around the globe. 

Make sure to book your tickets early and pack your dancing shoes for this unmissable event on your July bucket list!

Hike Hanging Lake in Colorado

Embark on an awe-inspiring hike to Hanging Lake in Colorado, a pristine oasis boasting a cascading waterfall and crystal-clear lake. 

I am a bit biased on this one…because I am a Colorado native. I have hiked so much in Colorado, and I can honestly say that Hanging Lake blew me away!

The only thing that I would prepare yourself for is the crowds. It’s beautiful. And everybody knows it.

If you do make the trek in July, make sure to do so in the morning to avoid the mid-day heat and afternoon storms.

Pro Tip: Once you reach the top, don’t forget to walk a little further up to Sprouting Rock for two EPIC waterfalls.

See the fully flooded Okavango Delta in Botswana

Experience the splendor of the fully flooded Okavango Delta in Botswana, a true spectacle of nature to add to your July bucket list. 

This is the time when the Delta is a lush animal habitat, making it the perfect time for wildlife viewing. 

Due to the wilderness aspect of this bucket list idea, I would take advantage of the situation, splurge a little, and do a multi-day tour. Don’t forget your binoculars and a good camera to capture the mesmerizing wildlife encounters!

Dive with the Great White Sharks in Gansbaai

Get ready for the ultimate adrenaline rush! Swimming with Great White Sharks in Gansbaai, South Africa is a July bucket list adventure like no other. 

The peak shark season runs from June to September, due to the clear water visibility and the sharks migrating to Dyer Island.

Since the weather, water visibility, and the sharks themself are unpredictable, it is always a good idea to talk to the company and schedule a few trips out in advance.

I personally like the companies listed below because of their dedication to sustainable travel:

Go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda

Step into the heart of the wild and experience something truly extraordinary on your July bucket list – gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda. This awe-inspiring adventure offers an up-close encounter with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. 

The two most famous places to see the gorillas are…

• Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda – home to one of the highest concentration of mountain gorilla.
• Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda – contains about half of the world’s remaining population of gorilla.

The only thing that sucks about this one is that it is expensive. However, we are talking about once-in-a-lifetime activities and it does deserve a place on the bucket list!

When I was traveling in Tanzania, I ran across several people who had done this before meeting up with our group there. Each one RAVED about this, saying it was one of the coolest things they’ve ever done. Plus, no joke, their pictures could have been featured on National Geographic!

Enjoy the Crop Over Festival in Barbados

Join the vibrant Crop Over Festival in Barbados, a colorful celebration of the island’s rich culture and history. 

Mark your calendars for the Grand Kadooment Day, the festival’s climax, scheduled for August 5, 2024. 

It’s an explosion of music, dance, and spectacular costumes, making it a perfect addition to your July bucket list!

Tee off at the prestigious British Open Golf Championship

Unleash your inner golf enthusiast at the prestigious British Open Championship. This event moves around various destinations across the United Kingdom. But in 2024, it will be in Scotland! 

This iconic tournament, steeped in history and tradition, rolls out its green carpet from July 18th to 21st, 2024. 

Don’t miss your chance to see the world’s best golfers in action, amidst the stunning backdrop of Scotland’s classic links courses. It’s a must-see event for your July bucket list!

Attend the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris, France

Get ready to be dazzled by the grandeur of Bastille Day in Paris, a must-experience event for your July bucket list! 

On July 14th, 2024, the city of love transforms into a festive celebration, showcasing an impressive military parade, breathtaking fireworks, and lively parties. 

It’s a perfect day to immerse yourself in French culture and revel in the spirit of unity and freedom that defines this historic holiday!

Witness the Tour de France, the world’s most famous cycling race

For cycling enthusiasts, nothing beats the thrill of watching the Tour de France! 

This iconic race traverses some of the most stunning landscapes in France and is set to commence on June 29th, running until July 21th in 2024. 

Funny Story: the first time I went abroad by myself was for a college prep-program in London and France. I was only 17! And I ironically (and very luckily) stumbled upon the Tour de France! What an unexpected bucket list tick! 

Attend the traditional Heiva Festival in Tahiti

Say ‘Ia Orana’ to the vibrant Heiva Festival in Tahiti!

During this event, you can immerse yourself in Polynesian culture, where locals and visitors alike gather to revel in traditional music, dance competitions, and sports events. 

This festival is a spectacular celebration of life, love, and heritage – a must-experience event in the heart of the Pacific!

Soak in the Sziget Festival atmosphere in Budapest, Hungary

Dive into a world of music and arts at the Sziget Festival in Budapest, a must-add to your July bucket list! 

This epic Europpean festival, scheduled for August 7th to 12th, 2024, is one of the largest music and cultural festivals in Europe. 

It’s an eclectic mix of music, art installations, and performances, that take over the whole island and turn it into a paradise for festival lovers. 

Attend the epic Gnaoua Music Festival in Essaouira, Morocco

Unleash your inner music aficionado at the Gnaoua Music Festival in Essaouira, Morocco. 

This vibrant celebration of music, dance, and culture, expected to be held around July 22th to 24th (unconfirmed) in 2024, attracts artists from around the globe and spectators in their thousands.

Explore the majestic fjords of Norway

Venture to the breathtaking fjords of Norway on your July bucket list, a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed. 

Two of my best friends are Norwegian! And one of my favorite things about this country is that the winter wonderland landscapes melt into breathtaking green mountains during the summer. Sailing the fjords is one of the coolest ways to see this. 

July also coincides with the “midnight sun”, when the sun virtually never sets in some parts of Norway. This phenomenon is best seen in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway.

This is an experience that truly defines the magic of Norwegian summers!

Revel in the amazing music and festivities at the  Gentse Feesten in Belgium

Get swept up in the vibrant music and theatre at the Ghent Festival, Belgium.

This extravaganza brings the city to life with music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. There are even mimes and buskers.

This festival has been held for 50 years and attracts over 1 million visitors. 

Join in the joyous celebrations of the Naadam Festival in Mongolia

Step into the heart of Mongolian culture by attending the Naadam Festival, an explosion of color, tradition, and sportsmanship. 

Mark your calendars for July 11th to 15th, 2024, as this is when the locals compete in the ‘Three Manly Games’—wrestling, horse racing, and archery.

If you are going to the Naadam Festival anyway, I would consider doing a multi-day trip through Mongolia and Gobi Desert to maximize your time and bucket list while there:

Learn how to cook in Puglia

For a mouthwatering addition to your July 2024 bucket list, consider a culinary journey in Puglia, Italy’s hidden gastronomic gem. 

Packed with traditional cooking classes that are particularly delightful in the summer, you’ll master the art of Italian cuisine in a warm and welcoming environment. 

For those of you that are into the culinary arts, you won’t want to miss this one! It’s a gastronomic experience you’ll relish long after your visit!

If you are in Puglia and take a break from cooking, don’t forget to check out Torre Sant’Andrea for some epic natural views and crystal clear blue water!

Be a Spectator at the Highlands Games in Scottland

Don’t miss out on the local Highland Games, hosted in various towns across Scotland throughout July and August. 

This is for those who crave a taste of Scotland’s rich tradition and culture. These normally take place during the weekend and there are over 30 events each month.

In conclusion, your 2024 July bucket list is set to be an extraordinary journey, filled with flavorsome delicacies, awe-inspiring landscapes, and captivating cultures.

From the gastronomic wonders of Puglia, Italy and the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, to the natural spectacle of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia – your summer is teeming with global adventures.

So get ready to pack your bags and embark on these enriching experiences, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s to a July like no other! Embrace the thrill, the tastes, and the vistas. The world awaits you, traveler!