Your 2018 Bucket List, by the Month

What's on your bucket list for 2018? With so much out there to see, taste, experience and explore, the hardest part about any bucket list is finding enough time to do it all!
Fortunately, the New Year is an ideal time to narrow down the top bucket list entries for 2018. Read on to discover our favorite picks, from month to month.
January: Stay at an ice hotel
Don't run away from the cold; embrace it instead by doing something you can do only in the middle of winter — spend the night in a hotel made of ice. You might be surprised to know that there are several frozen inns to choose from, including a snow castle in Finland or the stunning ICEHOTEL in Sweden. Each venue offers its own version of snow-themed luxury and a variety of winter-themed activities to keep your blood flowing on even the chilliest days.
February: Puppy love
This winter, add some love to your life while saving a life: Foster a shelter dog. An important part of the animal rescue world, fostering means caring for a shelter animal until it finds a permanent home. Bonus: Studies suggest that pet ownership can reduce risk of heart disease, proving that dogs are indeed a human's best friend!
March: Mush!
Speaking of dogs, cross The Last Great Race on Earth off your bucket list and head to Alaska to see the start of the Iditarod. Teams of hardy sled dogs traverse almost 1,000 miles of frozen lakes, tundra and forest in this historic race from Anchorage to Nome. Renting a car while in Alaska? Brush up on your winter driving skills before you get behind the wheel.
April: Try a new hobby
Always wanted to learn a musical instrument, speak another language or knit your own socks? This spring, cross that hobby off your bucket list. Whether you enroll in a ballroom dance class, learn to code, make pottery on a wheel, run a 5K or do something completely different, it's never too late to enrich your life with a new skill.
May: Fast horses
For more than a century, celebrities have descended on Churchill Downs to watch the world's best equestrians and thoroughbreds do their thing at the Kentucky Derby. It's a bucket list don't-miss — just don't forget your mint julep and a big, floppy hat.
June: Full of hot air
See the world from a whole new perspective by jumping into the basket of a hot air balloon. Experienced fliers recommend wearing layers of clothing to deal with temperature changes, slathering on the sunscreen and wearing a hat to shield against heat from the burner.
July: Time to camp
July is the ideal time to get back to nature on a camping trip. Throw your tent into the car, load up the sleeping bags, double-check that your safety kit is complete, and hit the road for some memorable family fun. With more than 130 National Park campgrounds to choose from, there's sure to be a site near you.
August: Celebrate the King
During the dog days of summer, take a trip to Memphis, Tennessee, for the annual Elvis Week celebration. Each August, the city honors the legacy of its native son, Elvis Presley, through song and tribute contests galore. It’s a don't-miss for fans of the King!
September: Pick a peck
Fall means harvest time, so gather the family and head to a local farm to pick fresh fruits or veggies. Depending on your geographic location, September often brings crops such as apples, pears, peppers, pumpkins and watermelons. Online u-pick guides make it easy to find local farms and determine which types of produce are available.
October: Fall foliage drive
As the leaves put on their annual red, orange and gold show, take the family for a drive to admire the fall colors. If you're in New England, head north to Maine's Acadia National Park to enjoy rugged coastal scenery and pristine forests that offer stunning views. Trees reach peak color mid-month, says the National Park Service.
November: Spicy hot
The chilly days of November are the perfect time to learn to cook chili. Keep your taste buds toasty as you explore the many methods of creating this blend of chili peppers, meat, spices and — depending on who you ask — beans and tomatoes. Bonus: Once you perfect your recipe, you'll be the hit of the office chili cook-off!
December: Fun in the snow
The weather outside may be cold, but don't let that stop you from bundling up for fun in the snow. Bond with family and friends while engaging in winter sports such as ice skating, sledding, downhill or cross-country skiing, snowboarding or making snowmen and snow angels with the little ones. Finish with a steaming mug of hot cocoa by the fire, and check "perfect snow day" off your list.
No matter where your interests lie, you'll find plenty of memorable activities and experiences to check off your bucket list in 2018.