Beyond the Bucket List: Why I Created The Quiet Bucketlist

Written By Doug May

I love a good landmark.

There’s something thrilling about standing in a place you’ve seen in guidebooks or movies your whole life — the Eiffel Tower lit up at night, the Grand Canyon stretching into forever, the energy of Times Square.

But after the crowds, the photos, and the hustle… I always find myself craving something quieter.

A bookstore tucked behind a cathedral.
A forest trail twenty minutes outside the city.
A sleepy café where no one’s in a rush.

That’s the balance I seek when I travel — and it’s what led me to start The Quiet Bucketlist.

🌿 A Different Kind of Bucket List

This blog isn’t about skipping the big experiences. It’s about pairing them with smaller, softer ones — the kind that most people pass by.

I created The Quiet Bucketlist to celebrate the other side of travel:
The detours. The hidden spots. The quiet minutes that make the big moments feel fuller.

For every monument, I look for a garden nearby.
For every museum, a walk along a local river.
For every city, a day trip to somewhere a little less known — but no less meaningful.

✈️ What “Quiet” Travel Means Here

Quiet travel isn’t about silence.
It’s about perspective.

It’s finding balance after a full itinerary.
It’s noticing the small moments — the breeze, the background, the breath between activities.

It means giving yourself time to absorb a place, not just see it.

🧭 Who This Blog Is For

This blog is for you if:

  • You love the big attractions — but need breaks from the crowds

  • You’re curious about places most people skip

  • You crave space to feel what you’re experiencing

  • You believe the best travel memories often come from moments you didn’t plan

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m glad I saw that — but what else is nearby?”
— this blog was made for you.

📚 What You’ll Find on The Quiet Bucketlist

  • Off-the-beaten-path spots that complement major destinations

  • Day trips, nature escapes, quiet cafes, and slow walks

  • Guides that go beyond “what to see” and into “how to experience it”

  • Travel that’s about presence, not pressure

This is where your big adventures meet your peaceful pauses — where bucket list dreams are expanded, not replaced.

💌 Come Along

If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to follow along.
Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of one, The Quiet Bucketlist is here to help you find balance — and beauty — in every journey.

Doug May