Move over bucket list. There’s a new travel trend in the making: the f**k-it list. We may be five years post-pandemic, but travelers are still — and increasingly — eager to explore, discover, and live life to the fullest. And this translates into bold, unapologetic f**k-it travel where we wake up and decide, “Why not?”
Whether it’s chartering a yacht in the Caribbean, hobnobbing with penguins in Antarctica, or dog sledding in Greenland, the new travel trend is about living in the moment and chasing experiences that make your heart race. Because, let’s face it, life’s too short for “someday.”
Benefits of Spontaneous Travel
F**k-it travel can have profound benefits for the soul. Research published in Nature Mental Health found that people who embrace more open-ended, spontaneous behaviors often report higher levels of happiness and emotional resilience.
That’s the beauty of f**k-it travel: It taps into this spontaneity and allows you to embrace freedom, push boundaries, and connect with the present.
As travel advisor Amy Bear of Barefoot Travel puts it, “It can help you step outside your comfort zone, create unforgettable memories, and often lead to unique, unplanned experiences that you wouldn’t have scheduled otherwise.”
“Plus, it’s a great way to reset and recharge without the pressure of overplanning,” she adds.
But spontaneous travel doesn’t mean reckless spending or throwing caution to the wind. For some, it may be splurging on an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora, while for others, it’s grabbing a low-cost flight to explore a nearby city just because there was a deal. The beauty of a f**k-it list is that it’s entirely yours to shape.
How to Plan F**k-It List Travel
When it comes to f**k-it list travel, spontaneity works best when paired with a touch of preparation. Being ready to act on a whim means creating opportunities for those “f**k it, let’s go!” moments.
For instance, sign up to receive last-minute travel deals from your favorite travel sites like ShermansTravel, apps, and advisors. If you’re a loyalty member with hotels and airlines, enroll in flash sale alerts — and don’t forget to check their websites often. Your inbox might overflow, but the right deal could turn a passing idea into an unforgettable adventure.
“Being open to dates and destinations can save you a lot, especially with flexible tools like last-minute flight and hotel deal apps or websites,” says Bear. “Additionally, tap into travel memberships like wholesale travel clubs such as Costco Travel or Sam’s Club, which can provide excellent value while keeping the planning process simple and cost-effective.”
Still, Kristi Marcelle of Marcelle Travel warns that not all destinations should be on a f**k-it list, and going for the cheapest deal will not always warrant a positive experience. “Like Japan, where there is such a shortage of guides and drivers, and the best local partners are booking nine to 12 months out,” she says.
While Marcelle believes spontaneous travel relieves the pressure of must-sees and must-dos, she suggests doing a little homework ahead of time, so you’ll be in the know and prepared to make a decision when the opportunity presents itself.
Travel advisors also suggest setting up a “f**k-it fund,” a stash of savings to make it just a little easier to say “yes” to a bold adventure, like when friends have decided they want to travel to Thailand and ask you to join, when you’re already on vacation and discover a band you love is in town, or when you’ve been feeling burnt out at work and need a mental health break on a beach right now.
Loyalty points and miles can also be a great tool for offsetting costs by allowing you to redeem points for flights, hotel stays, and rental cars. Some credit cards offer additional travel perks, like spa treatments, so you can say “f**k it” and book that massage in the grass hut overlooking the ocean just because you can.
To find unique experiences, websites like Groupon can be a game-changer, offering discounted deals on adventures you may not have thought of, such as hot air balloon rides over the surreal vistas of New Mexico or underwater Scuba scootering in the crystal-clear waters of Hawaii.
F**k-It in 2025
Looking for inspiration? Here are some off-the-beaten-path destinations that may call to you this year.
Greenland: Visit the island of ice and glaciers now that United Airlines announced it will offer direct flights from New York in June.
Mongolia: Imagine horseback riding across the steppes and exploring the rugged beauty of Mongolia, with United also starting flights to Ulaanbaatar from San Francisco in June.
Cape Verde: With easyJet launching its first flights to Cape Verde from London in March 2025, you can discover Africa’s stunning beaches, Creole culture, and year-round sunshine.
For more f**k-it trip ideas, read our Top 14 Travel Destinations for 2025.