Turning 50 has made me stop and think about just how lucky I am.

It really is a privilege to age. To have another year, another chapter and another chance to make memories, see more of the world and say yes to things I might once have put off.

And what better way to celebrate than with travel?

I’ve decided that during my 50th year, I’m going to try to have 50 travel experiences.

And I’ve already crossed the first one off the list: celebrating my 50th birthday at sea. 

I’ve written more about that adventure here in TravelTalk: Fifty and Forever Young at Sea.

But 50 experiences doesn’t mean 50 big, expensive holidays.

That’s not what I’m looking for.

Some might be huge bucket-list adventures. Others could be as simple as finding a beautiful new place for lunch, watching a sunrise somewhere I’ve never seen one before or taking a spontaneous little getaway.

Because after 50 years, I’ve realised that travel memories aren’t necessarily about how much something cost or how far you travelled, but the unexpected moments that stay with you.

Of course, there are still plenty of big dreams on my list.

 - An African safari.

 - Seeing the Northern Lights.

 - France. France. France

 - Cruising the Nile 

 - Uluru

And yes, there will definitely be more cruising. I’d love to cruise somewhere I’ve never been before, try a completely different type of cruise or simply choose an itinerary because it looks fascinating.

After all, cruising has been such a huge part of my life that I can’t imagine celebrating 50 without a ship or two involved.

But I want to leave room for the unexpected.

Maybe I’ll say yes to something I’d normally say no to, or take a trip without planning every minute.

Maybe travel somewhere close to home that I’ve somehow never visited or revisit somewhere that holds a beautiful memory.

The thing is, I don’t want to come up with all 50 experiences myself.

I want you to help me. What should I do?

Give me your big bucket-list ideas.

Give me the little things that cost almost nothing. 

Tell me about the places you think I need to see, the journeys worth taking, the food I have to try and those experiences that have stayed with you long after you came home.

It could be as simple as having coffee somewhere with an incredible view. Near or far, big or small, luxury or completely free.

I want my 50th year to be about collecting stories, experiences and memories, not just stamps in a passport.

So, Cruising With Honey is putting the question out there:

If you could choose ONE travel experience for me to have during my 50th year, what would it be?

I’m listening. And who knows, your suggestion might just become number 50.