The Bucket List – Things to do in America before you die - Amerikaners

Acadia National Park, Maine
Rugged coastlines, Cadillac Mountain, and lobster rolls nearby.

Best Time to Go: Fall for foliage.
Estimated Cost: ZAR 9,000 – ZAR 18,000 (lodging, food).
Planning Tips: Book early for Bar Harbor stays; hike or bike the trails.

This is just the beginning! In future posts, we’ll dive deeper into each destination, share personal stories, and refine the list with your suggestions. What’s on your bucket list? Let me know, and we’ll keep this adventure growing. Stay tuned for Part Two!

Route 66 by Bike (my personal dream)
There’s something iconic about cruising the historic Route 66, and doing it on a motorcycle adds an extra layer of freedom. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, this 2,448-mile journey takes you through small towns, desert landscapes, and quirky roadside attractions.
- Best Time to Go: Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October) for mild weather.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 36,000 – ZAR 72,000 (bike rental, gas, lodging, food for 2-3 weeks).
- Planning Tips: Rent a bike in Chicago or LA, book motels in advance for popular stops like Flagstaff or Tulsa, and plan your route with a mix of classic diners and scenic detours.
Salmon Fishing in Alaska
Head to Alaska’s pristine rivers for a world-class salmon fishing experience. Whether it’s the Kenai River or Bristol Bay, you’ll be reeling in king, sockeye, or coho salmon amid stunning wilderness.
- Best Time to Go: June-August, depending on the salmon run.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 27,000 – ZAR 54,000 (guided trip, lodging, gear).
- Planning Tips: Book a guided tour early—spots fill up fast. Look into fishing lodges for an all-in-one experience.
Yellowstone National Park
Geysers, hot springs, bison, and grizzlies—Yellowstone is a natural wonderland. From Old Faithful to the Grand Prismatic Spring, it’s a bucket-list must.
- Best Time to Go: Late spring (May-June) or early fall (September) to avoid peak crowds.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 9,000 – ZAR 27,000 (entry, lodging, food for 3-5 days).
- Planning Tips: Reserve campsites or lodges 6-12 months ahead. Bring layers for unpredictable weather.
Casino Boat on the Mississippi River
Step aboard a riverboat casino for a mix of gambling, Southern charm, and river views. Popular spots include Baton Rouge or Biloxi.
- Best Time to Go: Year-round, but spring or fall for pleasant weather.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 3,600 – ZAR 9,000 (casino budget, meals, overnight stay).
- Planning Tips: Check cruise schedules online and book a dinner package for the full experience.
Slow Train from Chicago to Cincinnati via the Rockies
This one’s a dreamy, slow-travel adventure. While there’s no direct Chicago-to-Cincinnati route over the Rockies (you’d likely mean a broader western journey), let’s tweak it to the California Zephyr from Chicago to Denver, with stops in charming mountain towns.
- Best Time to Go: Summer (June-August) for lush scenery.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 5,400 – ZAR 14,400 (train tickets, hotel stays, meals).
- Planning Tips: Book Amtrak tickets early, and reserve hotels in stops like Glenwood Springs or Winter Park.
South to North Western USA Road Trip (Including Utah)
Start in southern Utah’s red rock country (think St. George) and head north through Salt Lake City, Idaho, and into Montana’s Big Sky territory.
- Best Time to Go: Late spring or early fall.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 27,000 – ZAR 54,000 (gas, lodging, food for 10-14 days).
- Planning Tips: Rent a car, map out national parks like Zion and Grand Teton, and book campsites ahead.
Monument Valley
The iconic desert landscape of Monument Valley, straddling Utah and Arizona, feels like stepping into a John Wayne movie.
- Best Time to Go: Spring or fall for cooler temps and epic sunsets.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 5,400 – ZAR 12,600 (entry, lodging, guided tour).
- Planning Tips: Stay at The View Hotel for sunrise views, and book a Navajo-led tour for deeper insight.
Best Skiing Options (Park City, Utah)
For world-class skiing, Park City offers powdery slopes, luxury resorts, and a vibrant après-ski scene.
- Best Time to Go: Winter (December-March).
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 18,000 – ZAR 45,000 (lift tickets, lodging, rentals for 3-5 days).
- Planning Tips: Book lift tickets and accommodations early, especially around holidays.
Grand Canyon South Rim
A jaw-dropping natural wonder, perfect for hiking, rafting, or just soaking in the views.
- Best Time to Go: Spring or fall.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 7,200 – ZAR 18,000 (entry, lodging, activities).
- Planning Tips: Reserve a spot at a rim-side lodge or campsite well in advance.
New Orleans French Quarter
Jazz, beignets, and Mardi Gras vibes—New Orleans is a cultural gem.
- Best Time to Go: February for Mardi Gras or spring/fall for milder weather.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 9,000 – ZAR 21,600 (hotel, food, entertainment).
- Planning Tips: Book hotels early for festival season; explore on foot.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Witness active volcanoes and lava flows on the Big Island.
- Best Time to Go: Year-round, but spring or fall for fewer crowds.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 27,000 – ZAR 54,000 (flights, lodging, tours).
- Planning Tips: Fly into Hilo, rent a car, and check volcano activity updates.
Savannah, Georgia
Historic charm, oak-lined streets, and ghost tours.
- Best Time to Go: Spring for blooming azaleas.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 7,200 – ZAR 14,400 (hotel, food, tours).
- Planning Tips: Book a walking tour and stay in the historic district.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali is a wilderness paradise.
- Best Time to Go: Summer (June-August).
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 18,000 – ZAR 36,000 (flights, lodging, tours).
- Planning Tips: Book a bus tour into the park; pack for cold nights.
Key West, Florida
Sunsets, conch fritters, and laid-back island vibes.
- Best Time to Go: Winter or early spring.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 10,800 – ZAR 21,600 (hotel, food, activities).
- Planning Tips: Rent a scooter and book a snorkeling trip.
Niagara Falls, New York
A thundering spectacle best seen from the Maid of the Mist boat.
- Best Time to Go: Summer for warm weather.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 5,400 – ZAR 12,600 (hotel, tours).
- Planning Tips: Stay on the U.S. or Canadian side; book boat tickets online.
San Francisco to Big Sur Drive
The Pacific Coast Highway offers cliffs, redwoods, and ocean views.
- Best Time to Go: Fall for clear skies.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 14,400 – ZAR 27,000 (car rental, lodging, food).
- Planning Tips: Stop at McWay Falls and book a night in Carmel.
Asheville, North Carolina (Blue Ridge Parkway)
Artsy vibes and mountain scenery along this iconic drive.
- Best Time to Go: Fall for leaf-peeping.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 7,200 – ZAR 16,200 (lodging, food).
- Planning Tips: Stay at a B&B and visit Biltmore Estate.
Sedona, Arizona
Red rock hikes, vortexes, and spiritual energy.
- Best Time to Go: Spring or fall.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 9,000 – ZAR 18,000 (hotel, tours).
- Planning Tips: Book a jeep tour and hike Cathedral Rock.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Crystal-clear waters and year-round outdoor fun.
- Best Time to Go: Summer for boating, winter for skiing.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 10,800 – ZAR 21,600 (lodging, activities).
- Planning Tips: Rent a cabin and try paddleboarding.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Rugged coastlines, Cadillac Mountain, and lobster rolls nearby.
- Best Time to Go: Fall for foliage.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 9,000 – ZAR 18,000 (lodging, food).
- Planning Tips: Book early for Bar Harbor stays; hike or bike the trails.

This is just the beginning! In future posts, we’ll dive deeper into each destination, share personal stories, and refine the list with your suggestions. What’s on your bucket list? Let me know, and we’ll keep this adventure growing. Stay tuned for Part Two!

by SIMON BARKHUYSEN

Part One

Welcome to the first instalment of Our Bucket List, a series where we’ll explore the most incredible, awe-inspiring, and downright fun places to visit across the United States. The idea here is simple: create a running list of must-see destinations and experiences, share some practical details like the best time to go and estimated costs (now in South African Rand, ZAR), and offer tips on how to plan each adventure. This isn’t about ranking the “best” spots in some definitive order—it’s just a collection of amazing ideas that spark excitement and wanderlust. So, let’s dive in and start building our bucket list together! Here are the first entries, including some of my own suggestions, plus a few more to round it out. We’ll aim for a list of 20 to kick things off.

The Bucket List (In No Particular Order)

Acadia National Park, Maine
Rugged coastlines, Cadillac Mountain, and lobster rolls nearby.

Best Time to Go: Fall for foliage.
Estimated Cost: ZAR 9,000 – ZAR 18,000 (lodging, food).
Planning Tips: Book early for Bar Harbor stays; hike or bike the trails.

This is just the beginning! In future posts, we’ll dive deeper into each destination, share personal stories, and refine the list with your suggestions. What’s on your bucket list? Let me know, and we’ll keep this adventure growing. Stay tuned for Part Two!

Acadia National Park, Maine
Rugged coastlines, Cadillac Mountain, and lobster rolls nearby.

Best Time to Go: Fall for foliage.
Estimated Cost: ZAR 9,000 – ZAR 18,000 (lodging, food).
Planning Tips: Book early for Bar Harbor stays; hike or bike the trails.

This is just the beginning! In future posts, we’ll dive deeper into each destination, share personal stories, and refine the list with your suggestions. What’s on your bucket list? Let me know, and we’ll keep this adventure growing. Stay tuned for Part Two!

Route 66 by Bike (my personal dream)
There’s something iconic about cruising the historic Route 66, and doing it on a motorcycle adds an extra layer of freedom. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, this 2,448-mile journey takes you through small towns, desert landscapes, and quirky roadside attractions.
- Best Time to Go: Spring (April-May) or Fall (September-October) for mild weather.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 36,000 – ZAR 72,000 (bike rental, gas, lodging, food for 2-3 weeks).
- Planning Tips: Rent a bike in Chicago or LA, book motels in advance for popular stops like Flagstaff or Tulsa, and plan your route with a mix of classic diners and scenic detours.
Salmon Fishing in Alaska
Head to Alaska’s pristine rivers for a world-class salmon fishing experience. Whether it’s the Kenai River or Bristol Bay, you’ll be reeling in king, sockeye, or coho salmon amid stunning wilderness.
- Best Time to Go: June-August, depending on the salmon run.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 27,000 – ZAR 54,000 (guided trip, lodging, gear).
- Planning Tips: Book a guided tour early—spots fill up fast. Look into fishing lodges for an all-in-one experience.
Yellowstone National Park
Geysers, hot springs, bison, and grizzlies—Yellowstone is a natural wonderland. From Old Faithful to the Grand Prismatic Spring, it’s a bucket-list must.
- Best Time to Go: Late spring (May-June) or early fall (September) to avoid peak crowds.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 9,000 – ZAR 27,000 (entry, lodging, food for 3-5 days).
- Planning Tips: Reserve campsites or lodges 6-12 months ahead. Bring layers for unpredictable weather.
Casino Boat on the Mississippi River
Step aboard a riverboat casino for a mix of gambling, Southern charm, and river views. Popular spots include Baton Rouge or Biloxi.
- Best Time to Go: Year-round, but spring or fall for pleasant weather.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 3,600 – ZAR 9,000 (casino budget, meals, overnight stay).
- Planning Tips: Check cruise schedules online and book a dinner package for the full experience.
Slow Train from Chicago to Cincinnati via the Rockies
This one’s a dreamy, slow-travel adventure. While there’s no direct Chicago-to-Cincinnati route over the Rockies (you’d likely mean a broader western journey), let’s tweak it to the California Zephyr from Chicago to Denver, with stops in charming mountain towns.
- Best Time to Go: Summer (June-August) for lush scenery.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 5,400 – ZAR 14,400 (train tickets, hotel stays, meals).
- Planning Tips: Book Amtrak tickets early, and reserve hotels in stops like Glenwood Springs or Winter Park.
South to North Western USA Road Trip (Including Utah)
Start in southern Utah’s red rock country (think St. George) and head north through Salt Lake City, Idaho, and into Montana’s Big Sky territory.
- Best Time to Go: Late spring or early fall.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 27,000 – ZAR 54,000 (gas, lodging, food for 10-14 days).
- Planning Tips: Rent a car, map out national parks like Zion and Grand Teton, and book campsites ahead.
Monument Valley
The iconic desert landscape of Monument Valley, straddling Utah and Arizona, feels like stepping into a John Wayne movie.
- Best Time to Go: Spring or fall for cooler temps and epic sunsets.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 5,400 – ZAR 12,600 (entry, lodging, guided tour).
- Planning Tips: Stay at The View Hotel for sunrise views, and book a Navajo-led tour for deeper insight.
Best Skiing Options (Park City, Utah)
For world-class skiing, Park City offers powdery slopes, luxury resorts, and a vibrant après-ski scene.
- Best Time to Go: Winter (December-March).
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 18,000 – ZAR 45,000 (lift tickets, lodging, rentals for 3-5 days).
- Planning Tips: Book lift tickets and accommodations early, especially around holidays.
Grand Canyon South Rim
A jaw-dropping natural wonder, perfect for hiking, rafting, or just soaking in the views.
- Best Time to Go: Spring or fall.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 7,200 – ZAR 18,000 (entry, lodging, activities).
- Planning Tips: Reserve a spot at a rim-side lodge or campsite well in advance.
New Orleans French Quarter
Jazz, beignets, and Mardi Gras vibes—New Orleans is a cultural gem.
- Best Time to Go: February for Mardi Gras or spring/fall for milder weather.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 9,000 – ZAR 21,600 (hotel, food, entertainment).
- Planning Tips: Book hotels early for festival season; explore on foot.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Witness active volcanoes and lava flows on the Big Island.
- Best Time to Go: Year-round, but spring or fall for fewer crowds.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 27,000 – ZAR 54,000 (flights, lodging, tours).
- Planning Tips: Fly into Hilo, rent a car, and check volcano activity updates.
Savannah, Georgia
Historic charm, oak-lined streets, and ghost tours.
- Best Time to Go: Spring for blooming azaleas.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 7,200 – ZAR 14,400 (hotel, food, tours).
- Planning Tips: Book a walking tour and stay in the historic district.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Home to North America’s tallest peak, Denali is a wilderness paradise.
- Best Time to Go: Summer (June-August).
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 18,000 – ZAR 36,000 (flights, lodging, tours).
- Planning Tips: Book a bus tour into the park; pack for cold nights.
Key West, Florida
Sunsets, conch fritters, and laid-back island vibes.
- Best Time to Go: Winter or early spring.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 10,800 – ZAR 21,600 (hotel, food, activities).
- Planning Tips: Rent a scooter and book a snorkeling trip.
Niagara Falls, New York
A thundering spectacle best seen from the Maid of the Mist boat.
- Best Time to Go: Summer for warm weather.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 5,400 – ZAR 12,600 (hotel, tours).
- Planning Tips: Stay on the U.S. or Canadian side; book boat tickets online.
San Francisco to Big Sur Drive
The Pacific Coast Highway offers cliffs, redwoods, and ocean views.
- Best Time to Go: Fall for clear skies.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 14,400 – ZAR 27,000 (car rental, lodging, food).
- Planning Tips: Stop at McWay Falls and book a night in Carmel.
Asheville, North Carolina (Blue Ridge Parkway)
Artsy vibes and mountain scenery along this iconic drive.
- Best Time to Go: Fall for leaf-peeping.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 7,200 – ZAR 16,200 (lodging, food).
- Planning Tips: Stay at a B&B and visit Biltmore Estate.
Sedona, Arizona
Red rock hikes, vortexes, and spiritual energy.
- Best Time to Go: Spring or fall.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 9,000 – ZAR 18,000 (hotel, tours).
- Planning Tips: Book a jeep tour and hike Cathedral Rock.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Crystal-clear waters and year-round outdoor fun.
- Best Time to Go: Summer for boating, winter for skiing.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 10,800 – ZAR 21,600 (lodging, activities).
- Planning Tips: Rent a cabin and try paddleboarding.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Rugged coastlines, Cadillac Mountain, and lobster rolls nearby.
- Best Time to Go: Fall for foliage.
- Estimated Cost: ZAR 9,000 – ZAR 18,000 (lodging, food).
- Planning Tips: Book early for Bar Harbor stays; hike or bike the trails.

This is just the beginning! In future posts, we’ll dive deeper into each destination, share personal stories, and refine the list with your suggestions. What’s on your bucket list? Let me know, and we’ll keep this adventure growing. Stay tuned for Part Two!

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