5 Bucket list events not to miss in 2022

2022 is an epic year for travel. “Why,” you ask? The world is ready to celebrate, and these are the bucket list experiences that will only happen in 2022. All you have to do is join in on the festivities with us on our guided tours. From a German play that only happens every ten years to national park birthdays, make these events in 2022 a must-add to your travel bucket list.

1. See King Tut’s Tomb to mark 100 years since its discovery

It’s been a century since archaeologists unearthed King Tut’s tomb, but its cultural relevance remains as timeless as ever. See the luxurious, golden trinkets from the king’s tomb at the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities on tour. It’s the only royal tomb from the Valley of the Kings found relatively intact, containing artifacts that were untouched for nearly 3,000 years. While at the Valley of the Kings, get a bird’s eye view in a hot air balloon on tour to have an unbelievable experience on top of another unbelievable experience.

“We rose into the air at sunrise and gloated above the Colossi of Memnon towards the Valley of the Kings,” said Go Ahead staffer Kevin. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime view and experience and was truly worthwhile.”

Uncover more of what Egypt has to offer on our guided tours →

2. Celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 70th year on the thrown

Raise a cup of tea to the Queen’s 70th year on the British throne (but maybe coffee is more fitting for the amount there is to see and do in London). The Queen has ruled longer than any other Monarch in British history, and she is the only female member of the royal family to join the armed forces. (She even served in WWII!). She celebrated her 90th birthday in 2016, but age is just a number. She continues to follow the same schedule she’s had for much of her reign, including spending plenty of time outside with her beloved corgis. (She’s proudly owned over 30!)

If you’re interested in learning more about British royal history, head outside of London to visit Windsor Castle. Add the excursion on all London tours to view the castle that’s been a retreat for the British Royal Family for 900 years. Then stop by the Queen’s royal residence at Buckingham Palace and try to catch the Changing of the Guard. Don’t let the look on the guard’s face fool you. They’re happy to see you, we promise. All this sightseeing will surely make you hungry. Take a stroll to Borough Market and grab a bite at the oldest food market in London. Follow your taste buds through the multicultural market for everything from English cuisine staples to bold international flavors.

Want to explore more of England? Check out our England guided tours →

3. Attend Oberammergau in Germany

The Passion Play in Oberammergau is a unique bucket list idea and a tradition like no other. Every ten years since 1634, the people of the German city take to the streets for this grand event. And after a two-year delay due to the pandemic, the Passion Play promises to be one of the biggest events of 2022. Nearly 2,000 of the 5,300 locals will come together to recreate the story of Jesus’s life and death. But step aside DiCaprio— the honor of acting in the play is reserved for those who were born in Oberammergau or who have lived there for at least 20 years. The townspeople will put on 100 performances from May through October, each of which lasts eight hours. Every show has a three-hour dinner intermission where you can explore Oberammergau’s other hidden treasures.

See the Passion Play with us and take in 400 years of tradition on our Oberammergau tours →

4. Hike in Yellowstone National Park to celebrate its 150 birthday

Pack your hiking boots and your party hat and head over to one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. Yellowstone National Park is turning 150 years young this year, and America’s first national park is aging like a fine wine. Ulysses S. Grant established Yellowstone as the world’s first national park in 1872 to protect more than 2 million acres of hot springs, winding rivers, and flaring geysers. Nature is just plain showing off here. Everywhere you look is a bucket list experience.

“Just when we thought we’d seen the most spectacular scenery, we would travel on and be blown away by more spectacular scenery,” said Go Ahead traveler James.

Stroll along the boardwalks around Old Faithful, the parks’ most famous and frequently erupting geyser. Count the colors in the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the U.S. (It covers more area than a football field). Keep your eyes peeled for bison, moose, and wolves roaming the valleys— and sometimes even the road. And if that’s not enough to get your blood pumping, explore more than 900 miles of hiking trails. America’s backyard should be at the top of your travel bucket list in 2022.

Discover America’s first national park on our trips to Yellowstone →

5. Visit India to celebrate the 75 anniversary of its independence

Sights. Sounds. Spiciness. Experience it all in the vibrant, mystical land of India. August 15th marks the day India established independence from British rule after nearly 200 years. Many credit Indian lawyer Mahatma Ghandi for leading the march to freedom with a series of non-violent protests. Indians celebrate this momentous occasion with flag-raising ceremonies drills, and singing the national anthem. Kite flying is an Independence Day tradition with colors filling the sky. Grab your favorite color and join in the festivities.

Elegant mosques and famous war memorials honoring India’s Independence in Old and New Delhi are just waiting to be explored on tour. Pay tribute to Gandhi by visiting Raj Ghat, Delhi’s Gandhi memorial, and visit the Gandhi Museum in Old Delhi. Then, head over to New Delhi to view the India Gate, India’s most famous war memorial. Finally, travel to Agra to see India’s most iconic landmark, the Taj Mahal. Visit the massive, white marble mausoleum with the incredible backdrop of a sunset on tour.

“The Taj Mahal blew my mind. I had chills once I stood in front of it,” said traveler Katie. “Photos don’t do the Taj Mahal justice. You MUST see in person.”

Learn more about the sites and experiences that define this vibrant country on our India tours →

Browse our guided tours and start crossing these experiences off your bucket list.