Hey there Reader,
Can you believe January is already behind us? If it’s any sign of how 2025 is going to go, we’re in for one wild, adventure-packed ride!
Whether you were braving the winter trails, planning your next RV escape, or just dreaming up your next big trip, I’ve got plenty to share to keep that adventurous spirit fired up!
Let’s dive into the highlights and gear up for an even more epic February! ⛺❄️🔥
February Bucket List Inspo
Starting off strong, let's get started with some February Bucket List inspiration from around the world!
Here are 5 quick bucket list ideas from around the world:
1️⃣ Kayak Through a Bioluminescent Bay in Puerto Rico 🌊✨
While most people think bioluminescence is a summer thing, February is actually one of the best times to see the glow in Mosquito Bay, Vieques. Cooler water = brighter glow! Paddle under the stars and watch the water light up with every stroke.
2️⃣ Explore the Ice Caves of Apostle Islands, Wisconsin 🏔️🧊
For just a few weeks each winter (if conditions allow), Lake Superior freezes over enough to reveal breathtaking ice caves along the Apostle Islands. Think giant icicles, frozen waterfalls, and an almost alien landscape that’s different every year.
3️⃣ Soak in a Natural Hot Spring in the Middle of Nowhere ♨️🏕️
Skip the crowded hot springs and head to Goldbug Hot Springs (Idaho) or Spence Hot Springs (New Mexico) for a remote, snow-covered soak with mountain views. Nothing beats warm water and crisp winter air!
4️⃣ Hike to the Wave-Like Sand Dunes of White Sands, New Mexico 🏜️🌅
White Sands National Park is surreal year-round, but in February, you get cooler temps, fewer people, and unreal sunset colors bouncing off the dunes. Bonus: sledding down these gypsum dunes is basically snowboarding, desert-style!
5️⃣ Visit the Lantern Festival in Taiwan 🎆🏮
While most people flock to China for Lunar New Year, Taiwan’s Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is a magical, less-touristy alternative. Write your wishes on a lantern and release it into the sky alongside thousands of others—talk about a once-in-a-lifetime bucket list moment!
Not in the mood for traveling in February? Here are some ideas that you can do from anywhere:
6️⃣ Do a Polar Plunge Challenge ❄️🏊♀️
Find the coldest body of water near you (lake, river, ocean, or even your backyard pool) and take the plunge! Bonus points if you make it a charity challenge or invite friends for extra motivation.
7️⃣ Learn a Survival Skill 🔥🪓
Challenge yourself to learn a new outdoor skill like fire-starting, foraging, or even building a snow shelter. No snow? Learn to use a compass or practice tying adventure-ready knots.
8️⃣ Try an Ice Bath Recovery at Home 🛁🧊
No access to a frozen lake? Fill your bathtub with ice and try a cold water immersion challenge—great for adventure training and mental resilience!
9️⃣ Take a 24-Hour Digital Detox Adventure 📵🌲
Turn off your phone, grab a backpack, and spend a full day exploring without technology. Rely on paper maps, ask locals for directions, and just be fully present in the moment.
🔟 Go on a Winter Photography Scavenger Hunt 📸❄️
Create a list of winter-themed shots (frosty leaves, icicles, foggy breath, snowflakes, etc.) and go capture them. If you’re somewhere warm, try a "winter without winter" theme—think palm trees and warm sunsets in February!
Favorite Photo from January
This month, I went and visited my adventurous BFF in Atlanta! While there, I got to get up close and personal with some whale sharks!
Can you believe how big they are? 🐋
Other than that, I have been doing nothing but working and snowboarding!
P.S. If you are interested in snowboarding, don't miss the full guide for beginners 👉 here!
Adventure Gear
I decided to put together a list of general travel basics that I have tried and loved!
Although it isn't related to adventure or bucketlisting, I think that it is a solid list for any traveler.
Other Adventure Ideas
Podcast - Tick It Before You Kick It
A podcast dedicated to your adventure bucket list!
Arches National Park Guides
The Arches National Park saga continues👇
New YouTube Videos
This month was filled with adventure, climbing, and mermaid (obviously!)
As always, I want to thank you for being a part of this adventurous community!
I appreciate you and hope that you have an incredible February 2025!
XOXO,
Alexandra Lauren
The Bucket List Mermaid💙
