Like all travelers, I want to explore and experience all the breathtaking beauty this world has to offer. That’s why I keep a “Live It List” focused on slow travel and thoroughly enjoying these must-do adventures.
I can see the future, and boy does it look bright.
I see the water splashing as I dive into the Galapagos waters, twirling among sea turtles and whale sharks. I see the pain filling my face as I climb boot step after boot step up Africa’s tallest mountain. I see the sun rising over monolithic statues as I explore the remote trails of Easter Island.
No, I’m not Miss Cleo in the making (RIP). I’m an adventure-obsessed traveler with one hell of a “Live It” List.
Flying trapeze in NYC – definitely a Live It List item!
Don’t you mean “Bucket” List?
Nope, no typos here. I’ve always loved the thought of a bucket list, but the whole idea of a list based on looming death seems so … morbid. Rushed. Competitive. Like country counting, the bucket list is all about checking things off instead of absorbing and truly experiencing them.
That’s why I opted for the Live It List, an alternative to the bucket.
The Live It List is dedicated to the adventures I want to have in my lifetime – but only if I can fully dedicate the time to experiencing them. Instead of rushing through each thing before I “kick the bucket” (AKA die), I’ll focus my time and energy on being in the present, enjoying the now. That means embracing the pain, relishing in the joy and staring endlessly into the beauty that surrounds me.
For example, instead of stopping by the Grand Canyon for a quick photo then back on the tour bus, I hiked through the heat, embraced the sweat (um, there was a lot) and truly took in this world wonder.
Check that one off the Live It List!
My Live It List is always growing
Unlike the bucket list, I don’t just check off an adventure and move onto the next. Nine times out of 10, one activity peaks my interest into another, and another, and thus, the Live It List grows and evolves.
Sure, I’ve hiked the Grand Canyon, but now I want to sleep there – at Phantom Ranch in the middle of the wilderness (if I can get my plans together early enough to actually reserve a spot!).
If I were following a traditional bucket list, Grand Canyon round two may seem like a waste of time – I already saw the canyon, after all! – but the Live It List is focused on living out my adventures, not checking them off, so Phantom Ranch, here I come!
What’s on my Live It List?
Ohh, I’m glad you asked. This is the fun part! A few highlights from my super-long Live It List include:
The Galapagos Islands
I’d give anything to meet Charles Darwin himself, but since that probably isn’t in the cards for me until I really do “kick the bucket”, I’ll take the second best option: Exploring the Galapagos. Instead of a quick in and out trip, my goal is to spend time on the Galapagos’ most remote islands, walking amongst the rarest species and diving into the deep abyss. This one will hopefully be happening sooner rather than later…
Easter Island
Every time I see a photo of Easter Island, my heart skips a beat. It’s a Polynesian masterpiece, a glimpse into a history we’ll never fully understand – and that’s why I love it. Easter Island is a mystery I want to explore on foot, for multiple days, instead of a quick statues photo before re-boarding a cruise ship and moving full-steam ahead.
The North Pole
What’s up, Santa!? In addition to greeting the big guy, I’m so intrigued by the crazy boat ride from Alaska way up north. I’ve read it’s treacherous, rocky and definitely nausea-inducing, but the idea of exploring the good, the bad and the ugly of the raw, arctic unknown sounds right up my alley. Note: If you have any tips on any of these destinations, please share in the comments!
As you’d imagine, this list is just a teeny, tiny glimpse into my robust Live It List. I recognize there’s way more on it than I’ll get to in my lifetime, but that’s OK. Instead of rushing through each activity to get to the next, I’ll take my time, enjoy the experiences and make the kind of memories only slow travel can create.
Do you have a Bucket – or Live It – List? Share some of your top destinations in the comments below!
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