Make 2025 the year you feel alive, thrive, and have spontaneous adventures.
Let’s face it: 2024 had us in a chokehold. The humanitarian crisis, natural disasters, and global conflict caused many to go into Karen mode, asking to speak to the manager for a refund.
The good news is that 2025 is the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac, signaling personal growth and letting go of bad juju.
On the travel front, feng shui consultant Thierry Chow tells CNN the fortune star will land in the east this year. Adventure seekers are encouraged to explore destinations in that direction.
What better way to explore than with your tribe; the people who get you? The world is the open pages of a book waiting to be devoured, one page at a time.
Below, we’ll delve into some amazing adventures to experience with friends.
#1. Vaadhoo Island, Maldives
As Chow says, if you’re heading east, Vaadhoo Island in the Maldives should be a strong contender on your bucket list.
Conde Nast Traveler named this destination one of the 57 Most Beautiful Places in the World – and it’s easy to see why. An almost untouched Eden, Vaadhoo Island has received its fair share of social media fame.
The “Sea of Stars” is a dazzling display of bioluminescent phytoplankton that illuminates the azure waters at night.
Like tiny stars dancing at the water’s edge, the phenomenon is a sight to behold. Strings of “stars” dot the shoreline as far as the eye can see. Instagram does not do it justice.
Experiencing this wonder is best done from a boat. A popular destination for sailing enthusiasts, Vaadhoo Island is easy to explore on a sailboat or catamaran. Part of the Raa Atoll, the region has many uninhabited islands.
Inflatable sailboats are largely encouraged because of the delicate ecological balance. Conservation efforts to preserve the nation’s coral reefs are a priority for the Maldives.
Easy to use for all skill levels, experienced sailors will find that a portable sailboat is best for navigating around the islands.
The versatility and design make an inflatable boat more adaptable than its expensive counterparts. Also, it makes sailing fun and more accessible.
Red Beard Sailing says some inflatable boats can effortlessly exceed 20 knots speed. They’re incredibly dynamic and maneuverable to take on the ocean and the lake.
Popular inflatable sailboats are Minicat models fitted with a front trampoline and a sturdy hull.
#2. Pamukkale Travertines, Turkey
An otherworldly place, the Pamukkale travertines are a gleaming gathering of travertine terraces and thermal pools.
Meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, Pamukkale’s chalk-white landmark is in stark contrast to the surrounding arid plains. Live Science reports that the hot springs emerge atop a 660-foot cliff overlooking the town.
As the water drips down, it deposits calcium carbonate, forming a white limestone crust that resembles small glaciers.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pamukkale’s effervescent bathing pools have attracted visitors for hundreds of years.
Cleopatra’s Pools is one of the site’s biggest drawcards. The thermal pools contain ancient ruins and swimming here is said to be a life-changing experience. Pack sunscreen and stay for the sunset.
#3. Mendenhall Ice Caves, Alaska
Ready to swap sunny skies and blue beaches for below-zero temperatures? The Mendenhall Glacier ice caves are steeped in mystery and folklore.
The famous blue caverns disappeared or so Alaskan authorities thought until several years ago. Word of a new cave spread like wildfire on social media, prompting Alaska Public Media to issue a warning to tourists about the risks associated with hiking to its location.
When Last Frontier Magazine’s Brian Weed explored the caves, he was astounded at visitors treating it as a simple excursion. Visiting the ice caves should be thoroughly planned.
OK, so here’s where we print the disclaimer: Mendenhall Ice Caves are dangerous and easy to get lost in.
Should you and your besties attempt the hike, Weed suggests a guided tour with someone knowledgeable about glaciers and cold weather travel who knows the route. The right gear like microspikes and trekking poles is extremely important.
Sadly, the Mendenhall Glacier is shrinking due to climate change. You can view the glacier from the visitor center boardwalk in Juneau as an alternative to trekking to the ice caves. But do it soon because by 2050 it might not be visible anymore.
Time Out
Many destinations are imposing new restrictions dealing with overtourism.
When picking a place to visit, consider the sustainable aspects. Support local communities. Visit destinations that preserve their cultural heritage.
The best time to go is out of season. There are fewer tourists, and you and your friends can immerse yourselves in the local culture and traditions.
Travel is about forging new connections, taking you out of your comfort zone, and seeing the world with eyes wide open.
Remember your next great adventure awaits. Travel thoughtfully and with purpose.
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