Have You Made a Post Pandemic Bucket List?

This past week I have had the pandemic blues. Lockdown, gloomy weather, and wanting to be home to help with family things an ocean away that I can’t control or help with. I know perspective is everything, but this last week has kind of kicked my butt. Finding myself stuck in the now, the uncertainty, and the challenges of this pandemic wasn’t doing anything for my mental health. So, I started working on a post pandemic bucket list. Have you made a post pandemic bucket list yet?

Dreaming of what the future might hold in a tangible way can be great for your mental health. Getting stuck in the here and now can seem endless and none of us know when the pandemic will be “over”. The bucket list doesn’t have to be things far away and it doesn’t have to be something expensive. It’s more of a way to dream of the future, dream of what could be, and keep yourself moving forward.

This particular post pandemic bucket list is travel related, but you could do one really about anything! Maybe it is to go to live music or theater events. Maybe you want to have lunch with your grandma every Wednesday or can’t wait to play sports again. Mix one together with a list of anything you are excited to do after the pandemic.

For my list I went for some fairly attainable options, but also some more exotic and far less likely to happen options as well. Part of the dream with these trips for me is not just the location, but also who I’d go with. Take a shot, make a list, and remember that this pandemic won’t last forever and there are better days ahead. (And, yes, I wrote that to remind myself, too).

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My Post Pandemic (Travel) Bucket List

6. Antartica

Seabourn has incredible itineraries in Antartica, which include an opportunity to actually go on Antartica and even has a shore excursion to go kayaking. What? Yes. Definitely a dream trip (let’s be real, probably not going to happen) but alas, I’m going to dream for the soul purpose of dreaming.

5. Greek Isles cruise with my mom

My mom and I went to Greece when I was a teenager and I have only fallen more in love with it as the years have gone on. I’ve recently been introduced to Celestyal Cruises and would love to explore the Greek Isles with a Greek (and all inclusive) cruise line.

4. Alaskan cruise or Norway cruise in a balcony cabin with my husband

It may seem odd to say either one, and many will be shocked to see Alaska on the list as both of us have been to Alaska quite a few times. However, my husband has never been there as a passenger and has missed so much of the scenic cruising in Alaska. Norway is also spectacular with some of the best scenic cruising around. Putting either/or on this one as it might involve where we are flying from and either offers the incredible scenic beauty we are looking for. P&O has some fantastic Norway itineraries and Holland America Line has some great Alaskan itineraries including Land & Sea options going to Denali National Park.

Want to know more about how to pick the right Alaskan cruise for you?Take a look at this post.

3. Roadtrip around the north of Scotland with my husband… maybe one of my best friends, and quite possibly my mom

While researching about the National Trust for Scotland I found so many incredible places to visit in Scotland. This is part of why lockdown is so annoying because there is so much incredible beauty so close by and yet we can’t go. So, alas, I want to go find some castles. Luckily Scotland has a lot to choose from!

I also recently found out about Interlochy Castle hotel and I think my mom would just love it. The Highland Lassie also looks like it could be a great way to explore and cruise along the north west coast of Scotland. It all looks fantastic, and the more I research the more incredible places I find.

2. A transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2 with my mom, and maybe my grandma. (So she can visit Scotland without having to fly!)

When the Queen Mary 2 came out in 2003 I think it is safe to say that I was a bit obsessed. At the time my life dream was to design cruise ships. Needless to say her engineering marvels and unique distinction as an Ocean Liner – as well as being the largest passenger ship in the world when she debuted – had me in awe.

I’ve always wanted to sail on her – and what better way (and with what better excuse) than to bring my grandma across the ocean to see Scotland? Might have to take it both ways come to think of it…

1. Roadtrip Across the US with my husband

This is a great one to put on the list because it can incorporate so many other dream trips. Our list is relatively long and varied: a musical New York City, hiking in the Grand Canyon, exploring the Las Vegas strip, Glacier National Park, Mount Rushmore, Maine (for the Stephen King tour), Vasquez Rocks in California, Lake Powell, Yellowstone National Park… so many places to go!

I have also found this guide to America’s National Parks that has given me so much inspiration and great information, as well as the trusty Lonely Planet Guide to Road Trips in the US to guide us and give us recommendations. Otherwise, we hit the open road with no real set schedule at hand. If something exciting comes up or if there is a town we’re really into, we just go. Somewhere between a month and two months. There is so much to see and do in the US (remind me where the worlds largest ball of twine is?), this would be a dream trip.

This List is Just A Start

This list might change and I’m sure that we won’t do everything on this list (at least not directly after things have opened up from the pandemic). But, I am going to keep dreaming, planning, and getting myself excited about the future adventures that life will hold.

So, have you made a post pandemic bucket list yet? What are you waiting for?