National Geographic bucket list

Approximately 600 hot air balloons fly over the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta held each fall. (Getty Images)

Considering National Geographic's legendary history of exploration, they began publishing travel coverage around the world in 1888, their 2024 bucket list may be even bigger than ours. It's no surprise that it's exciting.

Some of us may have had “watching the Olympics in Paris” on our list. NatGeo “ran the Olympic marathon in Paris.” The city will host the Marathon for All on Aug. 10, when 20,000 lottery winners will compete along the 46.2-mile route from Paris to Versailles.

Oh, and of course you want to ride a horse? Are you going on safari? How about a horseback safari in Kenya?

Route 66 road trip? How about doing it while 600 hot air balloons fly overhead?

Riding a horse on safari can be a little scary, but here's a list to get your imagination going. (There's also a lion!) Here's a sneak peek at the top eight. Find out more about all 20 adventures and other 'World's Best' travel inspiration at www.nationalgeographic.com.

7 Coolest Travel Adventures of 2024

1 Go on a horseback safari in Kenya

2 Run the Olympic marathon in Paris

Georgia's 3 Ski Tour UNESCO World Heritage Sites

4 Bear watching in Katmai National Park, Alaska