Why Experiences Matter More Than Possessions: My Ultimate Bucket List
✨ In Vietnam, just two weeks into our journey, I flew the drone from the side of a road on Cat Ba Island. As it soared higher, the screen revealed the stunning landscape of Lan Ha Bay. Rosie and I were in awe—she burst into tears, overwhelmed by the beauty and release of emotions after two incredibly tough years. We hugged silently, soaking in the magnitude of the moment.
This moment was a reminder of why experiences matter so much more than possessions. Material things fade, but memories like this stay with us forever. 🤓
This list was sparked by a simple question my wife, Rosie, asked me a while ago: ‘What are the things you want to do before you die?’ That moment got me thinking about my dreams—and how experiences shape the way we live. Let’s dive into why they mean so much—and here’s my own bucket list of dreams and adventures!
When I was younger, I wanted to make a lot of money to buy a lot of things: a big house with a pool, a Ferrari, and all the latest gadgets.
Years later, I couldn’t care less about any of that. The less I have, the better I feel.
But I still want stuff. The difference now is that I want to make money to invest in experiences—unforgettable ones that create cherished memories I’ll carry with me forever.
Why the change?
The realization hit me that material possessions rarely satisfy us for long. We crave that shiny new thing—a car, the latest iPhone, a new house. But once we have it, it quickly becomes part of the routine. After a few weeks, the excitement is gone.
Experiences, on the other hand, stay with us for years. Good or bad, they leave a mark. Even when things don’t go as planned, they become stories, lessons, and memories that enrich us.
This mindset pushes me to try more, with no attachment to the outcome. Because regardless of how things turn out, the journey itself becomes part of who we are.
The truth? We rarely regret the trips we take, the adventures we go on, or the things we try. What we often regret are the things we didn’t do.
Experiences aren’t just fleeting moments of joy—they’re the stories we carry, the emotions we feel, and the connections we make. They shape who we are, allowing us to grow, learn, and reflect. Unlike possessions, they can’t be taken away or replaced.
So, here’s my dream list—a collection of experiences I want to chase before I die. It’s a mix of the achievable, the ambitious, and the downright wild. No explanations, no particular order. Just dreams. 😁
Drive a Formula 1 car
Hike to Everest Base Camp
Visit Machu Picchu
Go on a safari in Africa
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
See the Northern Lights
Go to space
Go to the Moon
Go to Mars
Go to Antarctica
Swim with whale sharks
Attend a football (soccer) World Cup final
Attend a Premier League game at Anfield Road for a Liverpool FC match
Attend a Super Bowl
Visit Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for a Real Madrid game
Attend a Champions League final
See Daft Punk live
Go on a three-month cruise
Fly in a fighter jet
See a rocket launch
Attend a Formula 1 Grand Prix with paddock access
Eat sushi in Japan
Visit Japan during cherry blossom season
Visit Rome
Visit Athens
Visit the pyramids in Egypt
Walk on the Great Wall of China
Visit Iceland
See a volcanic eruption
Attend all Formula 1 Grand Prix races in a single season
Drive a Ferrari
Drive a Lamborghini
Visit the Galápagos Islands
See Niagara Falls
See Iguazú Falls
Visit the Grand Canyon
Take a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon
Live in Manhattan for six months
Take a three-month road trip in the U.S.
Explore the best U.S. national parks
Visit Patagonia
See a tiger in the wild
See a panda in the wild
Live on a beach for a year, swimming every day
Re-celebrate my wedding
Visit the Arctic Ocean
Travel the Trans-Siberian Railroad
Ride a camel in the Sahara Desert
See the Milky Way
Fly luxury first class on a 10+ hour flight
❤️ As I wrote this, I realized how much I’ve already done.
Things that would’ve been on this list just a few years ago—skydiving, scuba diving with manta rays, seeing the Taj Mahal, backpacking in Southeast Asia—are now cherished memories.
I’m incredibly grateful for the life I’ve lived so far and super excited for the years to come.
Why Experiences Matter: Life-Changing Memories
Many studies highlight that experiences bring more joy and lasting happiness than possessions—not just long-term, but even in the moment.
In addition to the story I shared at the beginning, I can vividly recall two other moments from our first year of backpacking in Southeast Asia that still give me goosebumps:
✨ Still in Vietnam, we visited the Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. From the outside, it looked unimpressive, almost run-down. But reaching the top floor felt like stepping into another world—an absolutely stunning and serene space. I sat on the floor, meditated, and felt an overwhelming sense of peace and connection. It was one of those unexpected experiences that stays with you forever.
✨ In Cambodia, we explored Angkor Wat on a guided tour, which was great. But a few days later, we rented a motorbike to tour on our own. That day stands out as one of the happiest of my life. We rode through the countryside, visiting quiet, empty temples far from the crowds. We stopped for lunch at a tiny local spot where no tourists go—the food was some of the best I’ve ever had. The combination of freedom, discovery, and authenticity made it unforgettable.
Moments like these remind me why experiences matter so much more than possessions. They create memories that shape us, bringing joy we can revisit for years to come.
Our lives are made up of stories, not stuff. Take a few minutes today to write down your dreams. It could be the first step toward living the life you’ve always imagined.
What’s on your bucket list? Take a moment to dream big—then share one of your goals in the comments or with me directly. I’d love to hear! 😃
I love this Jeremie! I’ve been taught, later in life, to dream big and to make those dreams known. I wasn’t raised to dream so it’s something I’m learning. I’ve made my list, it’s not as long as yours, but it’s a list: Attend Wimbledon, The Master’s, visit all 50 states, visit European countries, publish a book…and making them known, because you never know who can help make a dream come true! 😊
Love this