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Via Ferrata. It’s part hike, part climb, part adrenaline overload.

FULL GUIDE 👉 click here

In this episode, I tackle the legendary Ouray Via Ferrata—yes, the one that zigzags across a canyon wall with only metal rungs and a harness between you and a whole lotta air.

Whether you’re a vertical newbie or a seasoned thrill-chaser, I’m breaking down everything you need to know before you clip in. Let's talk fear, gear, and unforgettable views!

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We explore Utah's Arches National Park, ranking the top 14 natural arches from most spectacular to merely impressive to help you prioritize your time in this geological wonderland🏜️

Read the full ranking: https://thebucketlistmermaid.com/best-arches-in-arches-national-park/

📋Here are some examples:

• Double Arch stands as the most impressive formation, offering grandeur and accessibility with minimal hiking
• Landscape Arch impresses with its impossibly thin, delicate span – North America's longest natural arch
• Partition Arch provides breathtaking valley views, especially at sunrise when crowds are minimal
• Sand Dune Arch creates an Indiana Jones-like adventure through slot canyons to a natural sandbox
• The famous Delicate Arch ranks fifth due to overwhelming crowds despite its iconic status
• Devil's Garden Primitive Loop offers the best experience for hikers seeking multiple arches with fewer crowds

🎙️If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe on any podcasting platform or leave a review if it was helpful or inspired you!

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"Okay, I totally panicked." That's the confession I open with on this adventure-packed episode about my experience tackling Devil's Garden in Arches National Park.

What starts as a seemingly straightforward trail quickly becomes one of the most adventurous hikes in the park—a fact I discovered firsthand when I found myself lost, wading through unexpected water crossings, and frantically searching for those elusive cairn markers.

FULL DEVILS GARDEN GUIDE 👉 https://thebucketlistmermaid.com/devils-garden/

🏜️Devil's Garden isn't your average national park stroll. This 8-mile primitive loop transforms dramatically once you venture beyond Landscape Arch, introducing narrow sandstone fins, steep scrambles, and minimal signage. I break down nine critical mistakes that hikers commonly make—many of which I personally experienced—and provide practical solutions for each.

🌲The beauty of Devil's Garden lies not just in its spectacular arches and formations, but in the solitude and connection with nature you can experience, especially with an early morning start.

🥾Despite my moments of panic and wrong turns, this remains my favorite hike in Arches National Park.

🏆I share my hard-earned wisdom on navigation challenges, weather considerations, packing essentials, and knowing when to turn around.

📋Whether you're planning your first visit or looking to retry this trail with better preparation, these tips will help you check Devil's Garden off your bucket list safely and memorably.

Have you had your own trail panic moment? I'd love to hear your hiking stories, triumphant or otherwise!

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Ready to snowboard without freezing temperatures? Sandboarding and sand sledding at the Great Sand Dunes offers exactly that—an adrenaline-pumping adventure where you trade snow for sand and still get all the thrills!

READ THE FULL SANDBOARDING GUIDE 👉 https://thebucketlistmermaid.com/sandboarding-the-great-sand-dunes-review-and-guide/

⌛️As someone who recently conquered these magnificent dunes, let me share everything you need to know before strapping in.

🇺🇸The Great Sand Dunes National Park hosts North America's tallest sand dunes, creating the perfect playground for this unique activity. You don't need to be Shaun White to enjoy it—just basic balance, a willingness to learn, and most importantly, the acceptance that sand will become your closest companion (I'm still finding it everywhere!).

☀️Unlike traditional snow sports, sandboarding requires specific gear designed for sand, not snow.

💸You can't rent equipment from the park directly, so plan ahead and secure your board or sled from nearby vendors like the Oasis or shops in Alamosa.

📝The technique differs slightly too—you'll lead with your dominant foot, lean back more than in snowboarding, and need to wax your board after every run.

😜While falling is inevitable (trust me, I emerged looking like a "sugar-coated donut"), the exhilaration of carving down massive dunes makes every grain of sand worth it.

Let's Go Adventuring:
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Standing at the edge of Island in the Sky, you'll understand why Canyonlands deserves to step out from Arches' shadow.

Full Canyonlands Guide for Adventurers 👉 https://thebucketlistmermaid.com/canyonlands-guide-for-adventurers/

The 34-mile Island in the Sky scenic drive offers the perfect introduction to this often-overlooked national park.

What makes this district special is how it balances accessibility with raw wilderness.

You can experience jaw-dropping vistas like Schaefer Canyon Overlook, where a dirt road zigzags impossibly down steep cliffs, and Mesa Arch, which frames distant mountains in what becomes a photographer's dream at sunrise. The mysterious Upheaval Dome presents a geological puzzle scientists still debate, while the Grand Viewpoint delivers a finale worthy of its name.

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While scrolling through Instagram, you've probably seen those dreamy shorelines where blush-colored sands meet crystal-clear turquoise waters – Komodo National Park's famous pink beach.

READ THE ENTIRE GUIDE 👉 https://thebucketlistmermaid.com/pink-beach-komodo/

🏖️Having visited pink beaches worldwide, I can make a bold claim: this remote Indonesian paradise houses what might be the most spectacular beach on Earth.

Let's chat about:

• What makes the sand pink
• How many pink sand beaches does Komodo have?
• How to get there
• Things to do
• Best tours
• Best time to visit
• Packing list
• Being realistic
• Editing tips for your photos
• More!

🌴💗Ready for your own pink beach adventure?

Subscribe to Tick It Before You Kick It for more bucket list experiences that will transform how you see our planet's most extraordinary destinations!

Let's Go Adventuring:
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Join us as we explore the majestic Taj Mahal in India, sharing essential tips for getting the most magical experience at this iconic bucket-list destination.

Visit the show notes for photos, tour guide recommendations, and more 👉 https://thebucketlistmermaid.com/visiting-the-taj-mahal-tips/

🔔 Stay tuned for the best insider tips for visiting the Taj Mahal and checking this off of your bucket list!

• Arrive extremely early before sunrise and be first in line at the East Gate for crowd-free photos
• Choose the East Gate for shorter lines; avoid the South Gate, which doesn't open until after 8 am
• Consider purchasing tickets online (approximately $15-18) or booking through Viator to skip lines
• Dress respectfully by covering shoulders and knees; consider wearing a traditional sari for a special experience
• Hire a guide or use an audio tour to appreciate the historical significance and symbolism
• Capture iconic photos from the entrance platform and explore unique angles as lighting changes
• Pack light for security checks and be mindful of the weather (summers can exceed 40°C/104°F)
• Visit nearby attractions like Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb, and Mehtab Bagh for sunset views

💗If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform so you don't miss another bucket list adventure.

Let's Go Adventuring:
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Have only ONE ☝️ day at Arches National Park?

Check out the show notes for more resources 👉 here

Arches National Park offers breathtaking landscapes filled with iconic natural arches and incredible hiking opportunities.

🏜️With a carefully planned one-day itinerary, visitors can maximize their experience by prioritizing sunrise hikes, key attractions, and stargazing, leaving them with unforgettable memories.

Listen to this episode of Tick It Before You Kick It for...

• Prioritizing sunrise and peak visit timing is essential
• Delicate Arch is a must; consider Mesa Arch as an alternative
• Balanced Rock offers an easy, picturesque photo opportunity
• The windows section is a great loop for capturing multiple arches
• The Devil's Garden area presents less crowded hiking adventures
• Sunset at Courthouse Towers provides stunning views
• Stargazing opportunities await in the park's dark skies

Let's Go Adventuring:
https://thebucketlistmermaid.com/

Follow the Tail:
@TheBucketListMermaid (YouTube)
@thebucketlistmermaid (Instagram)
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Get in Touch:
alexandra@thebucketlistmermaid.com