Dad’s Bucket List Trips

The Story Behind the Trips

Dad’s bucket list became our family story.

Rachel Friem taking a selfie with her father and his wife at the airport before a family trip. Rachel Friem's family exploring Jordan together on a bucket-list trip. Rachel Friem sharing dinner with her father, stepmother, husband, and extended family during their Egypt and Jordan trip.

My dad has traveled to more than 80 countries, and his list is still growing. Over the years, his dream of seeing more of the world has become a reason for our family to keep showing up, work through the logistics, and make the trip together.

These are the places we have explored, the plans that changed, the stories we still laugh about, and the journeys still ahead. Some are true bucket-list adventures. Others matter because one of my dad’s biggest goals has always been bringing his family together.

My dad exploring an ancient temple in Egypt, one more stop in a lifetime shaped by travel.
A Family Travel Legacy

Where the Travel Legacy Began

My dad’s parents worked as brewery consultants and visited more than 130 countries, including Antarctica when reaching it was far less common.

As my dad approaches 84, we are prioritizing the more demanding trips. We carefully consider the pace, terrain, travel days, and what everyone needs.

He never wants the family to slow down or miss something because of him. He is honest about what he can do, and we plan so he can remain part of the adventure without everyone needing to experience each moment the same way.

The Journeys

The Trips So Far

Rachel Friem with her father and extended family inside an ancient Egyptian tomb during their 2021 bucket-list trip.
Our family exploring an ancient Egyptian tomb during our private Egypt and Jordan tour.
Egypt & Jordan · 2021

Where Our Bucket-List Trips Began

My sister-in-law and I planned a private tour around my dad’s must-do experiences.

The highlights: the pyramids, temples and tombs, a Nile cruise, the Dead Sea, a desert safari, and Petra.

A private air-conditioned coach and local guides in each country gave our family the comfort and flexibility we wanted.

We also returned with an unexpected addition: Petra, the dog I found and rescued near her namesake city.

Full trip stories coming soon
More Bucket-List Stories

The Adventures Continued

Rachel Friem's father standing in front of a waterfall during his 2022 trip to Norway.
Norway · 2022

The Trip They Scouted for Us

When a death in our family forced us to postpone, my dad and stepmom completed our shared itinerary first and sent back invaluable advice.

One tip became family legend: his $170 Hurtigruten upgrade inspired mine, but a math mistake turned it into a $1,700 champagne-and-dining surprise.

Full story coming soon

Rachel Friem's father smiling while holding a white falcon during a family trip to the United Arab Emirates.
United Arab Emirates · 2024

A Place He Never Expected

With my husband working in the Emirates, we invited my dad to experience a country he had never visited.

We explored Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the Grand Mosque, but the falcon hospital became the standout. Watching my dad feed one revealed a fascinating side of Emirati culture.

Full story coming soon

Rachel Friem with her father and two brothers beside a waterfall during their 2025 Greenland family trip.
Greenland · 2025

A Rare Trip with Dad and My Brothers

Greenland brought my dad, my two brothers and me together for a remarkable family adventure.

Between icebergs, waterfalls and shared laughs, it became one of my favorite trips. The scenery was spectacular, but having that time together made it unforgettable.

Full story coming soon