Added by SFG¿mystic on 2 Jul 2012 07:53

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50 Things To Do Before You Die

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Decade: Rating: List Type:

163

6.9

6.8

Dolphin Tale (2011)

1. Swim with Dolphins

Swim with dolphins in Hawaii, The Bahamas or Florida

650

5.6

5.8

Into the Blue (2005)

2. Scuba dive on Great Barrier Reef, Australia

430

6.7

6.6

New York, New York (1977)

3. Fly Concorde to New York, New York, USA

Remember when you could fly from London to New York in less than three and a half hours.

It cruised at around 1350 mph at an altitude of up to 60,000ft (11 miles). The record crossing stands at 2hrs 52mins 59secs.

459

7.4

7.5

Whale Rider

4. Go whale-watching

4677

7.4

8.1

Jaws

5. Dive with sharks

Facts about diving with sharks

* Sharks can sense blood in the water as little as one part per million from a mile away.
* Sharks have colour vision. Their eyes respond to light ten times dimmer than humans.
* Most sharks have 5 to 15 rows of teeth in each jaw. The teeth don't have roots and are easily broken off. A tooth usually lasts a week before it falls out. Sharks keep replacing their teeth all their lives.
* Less than 10 people are killed by sharks each year.
* Of more than 350 shark species, less than 10 are considered dangerous to humans
* Shark meat is high in protein, low in fat, and has no bones. Shark oil is rich in vitamin A and is used in medicines, soap, cosmetics, and vitamins.

Top 10 Places to dive with sharks (as featured on Sky TV)

1. Dyer Island and Geyser Rock South Africa
2. Nassau, The Bahamas
3. Indian Ocean of South Africa
4. California West Coast - San Pedro
5. Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia - Closest city: Perth
6. Galapagos Islands
7. Malapascua, Philippines
8. Sangalakki Islands Borneo sea turtles (manta rays - not technically sharks)
9. Coral Sea - Cairns, Australia 12 hour voyage -
10. Ellesmere Port Liverpool UK - Blue Planet Aquarium

SFG¿mystic's rating:

124

4.9

5.5

Terminal Velocity (1994)

6. Skydiving

4803

8.2

Up (2009)

7. Fly in a hot air balloon

SFG¿mystic's rating:

386

6.2

6.5

Flyboys (2006)

8. Fly in a fighter jet

General information about flying a fighter jet:

Once on the base you will undergo a brief medical to ensure you are fit enough for your flight. It is generally considered that if you are fit enough to ride a roller coaster then you are fit enough to take a jet flight.

You will plan everything with your pilot before the flight- the type of experience you want to feel, the amount of actual flying you want to do and the route. Following the flight brief you will be fitted for you G-suit before being strapped into the ejector seat ready for take off.

These flights last approximately 40 minutes. Most people ask to return to earth within 30 minutes.

SFG¿mystic's rating:

824

5.4

Sahara (2005)

9. Go on safari

African Safari Tips

If you're on a guided tour, your chances of encountering problems are minimal. If you're travelling alone, keep up-to-date with local news so you know about potential "hot spots".

Get a local perspective - ask someone where you're staying to give you a run-down on any unsafe areas, and codes of dress and behaviours.

All reserves have a set of rules that you need to follow to ensure your safety. Many of the animals you'll come across are dangerous. Stay in your car and keep a reasonable distance. However, if you plan on doing any walking, take along boots, socks and long trousers as a precautionary measure.

Pack comfortable walking shoes and khaki, brown or beige casual clothes. Long-sleeved shirts and trousers will help protect you against the sun and insect bites.

SFG¿mystic's rating:

7.3

5.9

Northern Lights

10. See the Northern Lights

6.3

6.1

Secret of the Incas (1954)

11. Walk the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, Peru, South America

Machu Picchu ("old mountain" in Quechua, the ancient language of the Incas) nestles on top of a mountain saddle high above the Urubamba River in the middle of the cloud forest. It was both a centre of worship and astronomic observatory as well as the private retreat of the family of Inca ruler Pachacútec.

Machu Picchu is split into two major areas: the agricultural zone, made up of terracing and food storehouses; and the urban zone, featuring the sacred sector, with temples, squares and royal tombs which have been carved to an extraordinary degree of perfection.

The stone staircases and canals are found throughout this unique archaeological site.

1724

6.7

7.2

Bridge to Terabithia

12. Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, Australia

See the fantastic views of Sydney, Australia, the harbour and the world famous icon - the Sydney Harbour Bridge!

There are 200 stairs to the Pylon Lookout™, 87 metres (287 feet) above mean sea level, but on the way up there are 3 levels of exhibits where you will discover the history and construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the men who built it, and the vision of JJC Bradfield, chief engineer.

The Pylon Lookout™ is located in the South East Pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Access to the Sydney Harbour Bridge Pylon Lookout™is via the pedestrian pathway on the Eastern side of the Bridge from the city side (use the 'Bridge Stairs' in Cumberland Street, The Rocks). Or if you are coming from the North side use the steps near Milsons Point Railway Station.

At the end of (or even before) your visit to the Pylon Lookout™, why not enjoy the scenery and walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge? The walk to the North side of Sydney will take approximately 15-20 minutes from the Pylon Lookout™.

171

6.7

7.3

Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation (2011)

13. Escape to a paradise island

Most visited paradise islands:

-Hawaii
-Greek Islands
-Seychelles
-Galapagos
-Bahamas
-Balearic Islands

295

4.6

Driven (2001)

14. Drive a Formula 1 car

Formula One cars are the most expensive of all racing cars. Each car is unique in design and is manufactured individually by a constructor.

Formula 1 cars are designed according to airplane design principles.

All Formula One cars have front and rear wings; the airflow over and under the wings produces a downward force that presses the car to the ground.

All F1 cars have rear turbocharged engines.

5.9

6.2

White Water Summer (1987)

15. Go white-water rafting

White Water Rafting Recommendations:

-Be a competent swimmer.
-Wear a life jacket.
-Wear a solid, correctly-fitted helmet.
-Do not boat out of control.
-Boating Alone is discouraged. The minimum party is three people or two craft.
-Have a frank knowledge of your boating ability.
-Be practiced in self-rescue.
-Carry equipment needed for unexpected emergencies.

7.3

The Great Wall Is a Great Wall

16. Walk the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China was built over 2,000 years ago, by Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of China during the Qin (Ch'in) Dynasty (221 B.C - 206 B.C.). In Chinese the wall is called "Wan-Li Qang-Qeng" which means 10,000-Li Long Wall (10,000 Li = about 5,000 km).

After subjugating and uniting China from seven Warring States, the emperor connected and extended four old fortification walls along the north of China that originated about 700 B.C. (over 2500 years ago). Armies were stationed along the wall as a first line of defense against the invading nomadic Hsiung Nu tribes north of China (the Huns). Signal fires from the Wall provided early warning of an attack.

The Great Wall of China is one of the largest building construction projects ever completed. It stretches across the mountains of northern China, winding north and northwest of Beijing. The Great Wall is constructed of masonry, rocks and packed-earth. The Great Wall of China was over 5,000 km (=10,000 Li) long. The thickness of Great Wall of China ranged from about 4.5 to 9 meters (15 to 30 feet) and was up to 7.5 meters (25 feet) tall.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Great Wall was enlarged to 6,400 kilometres (4,000 miles) and renovated over a 200 year period, with watch-towers and cannons added.

7.2

Bungee Jumping of Their Own (2001)

17. Bungee-jumping

Bungee jumping was inspired by the vine jumpers of Pentecost Island in the Pacific Ocean Vanuatu group (formerly the New Hebrides). Each year, the men of the island's tribe construct huge wooden towers, over eighty feet high. They then carefully select vines from the jungle which they then tie to their ankles before throwing themselves off the top of the towers.

Modern bungee jumping was invented by members of The Oxford University Dangerous Sports Club. Using nylon braided, rubber shock cord instead of vines, they performed a four man simultaneous jump from the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, on April 1st 1979.

The decision to jump is sometimes an instantaneous one, but always based on the conviction that the system will work.

At first, it feels as if the cords are not working. The plunge goes on and on, the cords stretching to the maximum....the rebound is powerful, swift and indescribably fun!

143

7.6

7.7

Train of Life (1998)

18. Ride the Rocky Mountaineer train, Canada

Rocky Mountaineer Railtours two-day, all daylight rail journey follows the historical train route constructed over 100 years ago through Canada’s West and the Canadian Rockies. The entire trip takes place during daylight hours to ensure travellers enjoy all the scenery. Guests overnight midway in accommodation in historic Kamloops, British Columbia. Built around the two-day train trip are more than 40 package tours which explore the breathtaking scenery of British Columbia and Alberta by land, sea and rail.

Operating since 1990, the company is the largest privately owned passenger rail service in North America with sales representation in 18 countries and 350 employees during the operating season. In 2001, Rocky Mountaineer Railtours welcomed over 73,000 guests and celebrated its 500,000th guest in 2002. The mix of passengers from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Mexico and many more countries evidences the organization’s international reach.

Destination Cities:

-Vancouver
-Jasper
-Banff
-Calgary
-Kamloops
-Victoria
-Whistler

4.8

Route 666

19. Drive along Route 66, USA

U.S. Highway 66, popularly known as "Route 66" is significant as the first all-weather highway linking Chicago to Los Angeles. What sets this segment of national highway apart from its contemporaries is that it remains the shortest, year-round route between Chicago, Illinois and Los Angeles, California by more than 200 miles, which made Route 66 popular among thousands of motorists who drove west in subsequent decades

The often romanticized highway represents an outstanding example of the transition from dirt road to super-highway. Not only does Route 66 underscore the importance of the automobile as a technological achievement, but, perhaps equally important to the American people, it symbolized unprecedented freedom and mobility for every citizen who could own and operate a car. In response, the federal government pledged to link small town USA with all of the metropolitan capitals.

6.9

Song of Nevada (1944)

20. Fly in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon, Nevada, USA

GRAND CANYON FACTS:

The Grand Canyon is one of the great natural wonders of the world. It was first set aside as a forest reserve in 1893 by President Benjamin Harrison. Later, in 1908, it was established as Grand Canyon National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt.

-It doubled in size in 1975 through an act of law signed by President Gerald Ford.
-Named World Heritage Site in 1979.
-Averages 5 million visitors per year.
-Drops almost one mile at deepest point.
-Helicopter rides over the Grand Canyon can be taken from Las Vegas, Nevada.

Orient Express

21. Take the Orient Express from Venice to London

This fabled train has carried politicians, royalty and aristocrats. It's a synonym for adventurous and romantic travel. Surrounded by lavish Art Deco interiors you can enjoy breathtaking scenery along the way.

The immaculately restored Wagons-Lit carriages of the Orient-Express have beautiful inlaid wood panelling, plush furnishings.

1010

6.8

6.9

Water for Elephants (2011)

22. See elephants in the wild

Elephants live for up to 70 years in clan units of six to 70 members, led by a female.

Elephants are herbivores and eat over 220 kg (440lb) of vegetation everyday.

The elephant's trunk has over 100,000 muscles and tendons. The trunk is a combination of the elephant's top lip and nose. The tip of the trunk is very sensitive and has a 'prehensile tip' or finger that the elephant can use to pick up very small objects. The trunk is the elephant's lifeline and they are totally reliant on it for feeding and drinking.

Elephants flap their ears to keep cool. This motion regulates their body temperature by cooling blood that is circulating around the ear.

Once plentiful in Africa, they have suffered dramatic population declines due to the rapid increase in the human population, resulting in changes in land use, leaving insufficient undisturbed habitat and also as a result of the increasing demand for ivory tusks.

2773

6.2

6.4

Happy Feet

23. Explore Antarctica

Speculation over the existence of a "southern land" was not confirmed until the early 1820s when British and American commercial operators and British and Russian national expeditions began exploring the Antarctic Peninsula region and other areas south of the Antarctic Circle.

Not until 1840 was it established that Antarctica was indeed a continent and not just a group of islands. Several exploration "firsts" were achieved in the early 20th century.

Following World War II, there was an upsurge in scientific research on the continent. A number of countries have set up year-round research stations on Antarctica. Seven have made territorial claims, but no other country recognizes these claims.

In order to form a legal framework for the activities of nations on the continent, an Antarctic Treaty was negotiated that neither denies nor gives recognition to existing territorial claims; signed in 1959, it entered into force in 1961.

1378

7.5

7.8

The Motorcycle Diaries

24. Ride a motorbike on the open road

1045

7.7

7.8

Midnight Cowboy (1969)

25. Have a go at cowboy ranching

6.5

7.1

Everest (1998)

26. Climb Mount Everest

EVEREST FACTS

Everest was formed about 60 million years ago.

Elevation: 8850 metres

Named after: Sir George Everest, in 1865, the British surveyor-general of India. Sir Everest was the first to record the height and location of the mountain.

First ascent: May 29,1953 - Sir Edmund Hillary, NZ and Tenzing Norgay, NP.

A normal expedition lasts 60-90 days and is done during the months of April/May and October/November, depending on conditions.

233

7.3

Niagara (1953)

27. Wonder at a waterfall

-Niagara Falls Canada and USA border

-Victoria Falls, Africa

SFG¿mystic's rating:

4409

8.1

8.3

2001: A Space Odyssey

28. Travel into space

Galapagos

29. Explore the Galapagos Islands

The archipelago of Colon, also known as the Galápagos Islands, is the last natural laboratory where the specialists and visitors can observe the constant process of the species in evolution.

This place is considered one of the ten tourist marvels of the planet, located approximately one thousand kilometers from the continental coast.

753

6.3

6.5

FernGully: The Last Rainforest

30. Trek through a rainforest

137

5.3

5.8

All the Pretty Horses

31. Gallop a horse along a beach

1969

6.8

7.1

The Prince of Egypt (1998)

32. Ride a camel to the Pyramids, Egypt

397

6.4

6.7

Transsiberian (2008)

33. Take the Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Vladivostok

SFG¿mystic's rating:

1384

6.3

6.6

Australia (2008)

34. Catch sunset over Uluru (Ayers Rock) , Northern Territories, Australia

The classic thing that everyone has to do when they go to Uluru (Ayers Rock) is to watch the sunset over the rock. There's even a special viewing area.

The change in colour as the sun sinks is incredible, with most changes being most noticeable over the last 5 or 10 minutes before the sun drops below the horizon.

3440

6.9

7.5

The Aviator (2004)

35. Go wing-walking

SFG¿mystic's rating:

6.3

6.1

The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1952)

36. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa

KILIMANJARO FACTS:

Kilimanjaro stands 205 miles south of the equator, in Tanzania's northern border with Kenya.

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the African continent, standing 19,340 ft. It is also one of the world's highest free standing mountains, looming over the plains below which average about 4,000 ft elevation.

The best months for climbing on Kilimanjaro are January, February, and September, though one could easily climb throughout the year. Also great are July/August (colder), and November/December (wetter).

475

5.5

5.9

Joe Versus the Volcano (1990)

37. Fly over a volcano

There are around 1510 'active' volcanoes in the world. Volcanologists disagree on what comes under the term 'active', but 1510 volcanoes have erupted in the last 10,000 years, which means they are active in the world of volcanoes. There are thought to be many more volcanoes on the sea bed.

The biggest volcano in the world is Mauna Loa in Hawaii. Its whole volume is about 80,000 cubic kilometres.

Sometimes lightning is seen in volcanic clouds. It's not clear why this happens but it could be to do with lots of hot particles bashing into each other, causing static charges.

SFG¿mystic's rating:

655

6.8

7.3

Eight Below (2006)

38. Drive a husky sled

Huskies were bred to race and pull sleds in the snow; they need plenty of exercise.

Huskies come from the snow and although they adapt well to different climates, they are happiest in cooler temperatures. In summer they often dig to keep cool and need shade and water.

When fully trained, there are four basic commands that the Huskies respond to:
Haw – means left
Gee – means right
Easy or whoa – means stop
Hike – Go (used to get them going).

596

5.3

5.9

Vertical Limit (2000)

39. Hike up a glacier

Glacier-hiking equipment
Try and keep your gear lightweight yet durable. Equipment should withstand rigorous use in a rough, mountainous countryside. Help could be many hours away should something go wrong with your gear.

Food and Supplies
Bring your food, equipment and other supplies with you. Avoid food such as bacon or smoked fish, soaps, and cosmetics with strong odours as they attract bears.

Waterproof matches in airtight containers, metal matches, fire starter and ‘tinder' are suggested. Extra food and clothing, a signal mirror, smoke flare, durable space blankets, plastic bags, and a good first aid kit are extremely valuable if you plan on being out for several days. Cord can be used to make a shelter and hang food in trees. Most hikers carry water purification filters or chemicals.

Stove - A gasoline or propane stove is essential.

Footwear
Boots should be a sturdy hiking or mountaineering type that provides good ankle support. Some hikers prefer boots with the rubber shoe and leather upper, like the Maine Hunting Shoe. Many pair of socks are essential. Tennis shoes are good for crossing rivers.

SFG¿mystic's rating:

6.8

6.2

Rollercoaster (1977)

40. Ride a rollercoaster

4.2

4.9

Gone Fishin' (1997)

41. Fish for blue marlin

Fishing information
Blue marlin is the most tropical of all marlins but are distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In the Atlantic, blue marlin range from New England to Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Uruguay; in the Pacific, the are seen from southern California (rarely) to Chile and Hawaii. In common with striped marlin, they are rarely encountered in shallow near shore waters, preferring blue, oceanic waters.

The blue marlin is best fished where bait is most plentiful - along weed lines, around schools of small tuna and other pelagic bait fishes, in areas where seamounts or other subsurface structure creates up currents, along sharp bottom contours and near water temperature changes.

The blue's enormous size and legendary fighting ability make it one of the most highly-targeted fish in the world. Anglers commonly troll natural baits such as mackerel, tuna, bonito, ballyhoo and dolphin in hopes of enticing one of these giants. Brightly coloured lures and teasers are also commonly used.

Largest recorded: 1,402 pounds (Brazil), 1,376 pounds (Hawaii).

1046

5.3

6.2

Sky High (2005)

42. Go paragliding

Paragliding is the simplest form of human flight. A paraglider is a non-motorized, foot-launched inflatable wing. It is easy to transport, easy to launch, and easy to land. The paraglider itself is constructed of rip-stop nylon from which the pilot is suspended by sturdy Kevlar lines. The pilot is clipped into a harness and oriented in a sitting position for maximum comfort. With a paraglider, you actually fly like a bird, soaring upwards on currents of air. Paraglider pilots routinely stay aloft for 3 hours or more, climb to elevations of 15,000 feet, and go cross-country for vast distances.

155

7.4

The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005)

43. Play a round of golf at Augusta, Georgia, USA

Augusta National's natural setting is in the Sandhills area of the Atlantic coastal plain and the Appalachian Piedmont area. The property's highest elevation -- more than 280 feet above sea level -- consists of a sand, kaolin clay and quartz cobble deposit formed about 75 million years ago when the seashore was in today's middle Burke County. Dinosaurs and giant crocodiles roamed the land.

At Augusta National, during the golf course construction in 1931, gold was discovered in these rocks and their quartz veins.

The small pond fronting the 11th green represents part of the original creek channel, which has changed many times as the golf course design has changed over the years.

SFG¿mystic's rating:

334

7.1

Gorillas in the Mist (1988)

44. Watch mountain gorillas

205

6.9

7.1

Two Brothers (2004)

45. See tigers in the wild

6.4

Out Cold (2001)

46. Do the Cresta Run, Switzerland

The Cresta is an ice run, three quarters of a mile long.

The Cresta Run is still built from scratch every year using the natural contours of the valley and earth banks to provide a framework on which to pile the snow.

The Cresta Run usually opens two or three days before Christmas and continues for nine weeks until the end of February. There are over thirty highly competitive races and riding takes place every morning of the week.

The Cresta Run has two starting points: Top and Junction. The current record from Top is 50.09 seconds, held by James Sunley.

Beginners are encouraged to go down in a time of between 65 and 75 seconds.