Tag Archives: Adventure

Travelling Alone: how & why it can be inspiring

Many of us long to be free, to be liberated and embrace life in the most fulfilling way. But many get stuck on how to do so. They lack the courage to push themselves in doing what’s best for them.

Well if you have restless feet and crave the chance to wander around this magnificent planet; adventuring out alone and embracing a life of discovery might give you the ultimate freedom that you desire.

Solo travel means that every decision you make is for you, you do what you want, you go where you want, you eat what you want. As you discover each new place, you learn more about what you like. The ability for you to experience infinite possibilities gives you the chance to meet yourself. Your real self.

People have said that traveling alone reveals to themselves what they’re really like. This is so unbelievably true. It brings out the real you. You’ll learn how to survive on your own, you’re more aware of everything around you, and in each day that goes by you become more independent. It’s an experience like no other, being alone as you become a globe-trotter is about as self-indulgent as it gets. It’s a truly inspiring journey that I suggest every person does at least once in their life.

A great adventure like this one is nothing without its fair share of challenges. At times you feel vulnerable and isolated, potentially homesick. But you will persevere, and the challenges you experience and the strength that comes about because of them pushes you to interact with those around you. It’s at this point where you most crave that meaningful connection in such a foreign setting, that you’ll come across some truly amazing individuals. You’ll meet like-minded travellers, eager to make that unique bond only shared between wandering souls.

When you travel with family or friends, it’s easy to hide behind what you find comfortable. You naturally rely on those around you and can be easily negotiated to doing what they want on occasion. Not that being comfortable is a bad thing, you’ll just find that your journey will be more inspiring and refreshing when you step outside your comfort zone.

There have been many courageous people to take the leap before you, to dive into the great big world and come out on the other side, a better, more cultured individual because of it. So we thought we’d share with you some inspiring solo travellers who’ve left us with that all consuming travel bug. Matt Kepnes, better known as Nomadic Matt, is a backpacker and solo travelling extraordinaire, who’s been travelling the world for over a decade. His blog and Instagram are renowned in the travelling world, and provides an amazingly unique insight into how to live an inspiring adventure filled life.

Then there’s Kristin Addis, creator of Be My Travel Muse, her platform shows her dedication to solo travel and showing others how to do it fearlessly. Her followers get a look into her colourful adventures through her blog, Instagram and beautifully montaged Youtube videos. Third and finally, we have Alice Teacake, of Teacake Travels, her quirky nature and bubbly outlook on life and pushing boundaries leaves something to be admired. Each photo she posts or blog post she writes are aimed at inspiring girl power and people’s belief in themselves to be able to adventure out alone.

The list could go on forever, there are so many inspiring people out there, that have conquered their fears of the unknown and become advocates for the nomadic life. And there’s something to be said on the growing number of people taking a chance on such a life changing journey.

“Solo travel is such a gift because it gives us all a chance to be totally selfish for a while..it’s taught me that I’m resourceful, braver than I thought, more capable than I imagined.”

–  Kristin Addis.

Not only does travelling alone open up your journey to limitless spontaneity, but it allows you to better appreciate your surroundings. You’ll find yourself passing the point of being scared of the solitude, and come out feeling remarkably strong. It’s an incredible moment, discovering that you are at ease with yourself and where you are. To be okay with whatever gets thrown at you because you’ve learned to acknowledge the happiness found through being one with yourself.

And when it’s all said and done, the truly inspiring people you’ve met, the colourful and unique places you’ve seen, and the accomplishment of sheer and utter freedom will leave you with the most memorable experiences that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Check out the upcoming adventures on our calendar!

Travelling plastic free on your adventure

why plastic free is the way to go on your next adventure

Though it used to be considered a revolutionary material that was hailed for its ability to be reused, plastic has been doing more harm than good in the world for a while now. More and more discoveries are being made linking the use and disposal of this menacing material to the destruction of the environment and wildlife on this beautiful planet, almost getting to the point beyond repair.

So it’s time for the world to dump plastic for good – pun intended.

Plastic pollution is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and it’s set to double by 2025. Hundreds of thousands of sea turtles and other sea life, plus a million sea birds die each year due to waste and debris getting into waterways and oceans. Travellers, especially, should be mindful of their environmental footprint, as single use plastics are a big market for the person on the go, and many companies target that market.

So if these statistics strike a chord in your heart, never fear, because even as a traveller, there are plenty of ways you can help out the environment through cutting out plastic. Besides, waste-free travel is so in right now.

As daunting as it may appear at first glance, it’s not as hard as you think to balance your love of travel, with attempting to do right by the planet. Many people view cutting out plastic as too difficult, they view it as ‘losing something’ that brings convenience into their lives. But I implore you to look beyond such shallow notions, and don’t think of it as losing something, but simply swapping for something better.

Taking on this beautifully eco friendly task means reusable travel items will become your new best friend. Napkins, eco-bags, other reusable containers & bottles will become vital to you as you’re trotting the globe. Refillable toiletries will ensure you don’t buy plastic bottles, or bring them with you and then toss them when your done. Not to mention tote bags cut out the need for plastic bags completely.

Another thing to think about is how much plastic is wasted when you eat on your travels? How many of you haven’t even stopped to think about this when you buy a snack, then toss the packaging once your belly is content. This is why I propose giving in to the awesomeness that is the mason jar! Avoid buying packaged snacks when these cool-looking glass jars can be used to keep all kinds of contents, plus they are known for their durability which is something you’re going to want in the hustle and bustle of travelling.

The concept of takeaway is detrimental for the environment due to the excess in which people use it. Ordering takeaway will almost ensure you end up with copious amounts of plastic containers and waste after you’ve devoured you’re meal. So maybe opt for the good old fashioned idea of staying in and cooking a meal, or if laziness kicks in as it does from time to time while travelling, take the opportunity to dine in a restaurant. You’ll get to enjoy a fresh, delicious meal, further immersing yourself in the country’s culture, while also doing good by the environment.

Immersing yourself in other cultures opens your eyes up to life outside that bubble that many people live within. It leads you to approach life with more gratitude for what you have and what’s truly important. Becoming a more conscious individual makes you more grateful for all the things you have, one being this beautiful planet. So learning about what actually happens out in the world should be as big of a push as any to start doing more for the environment, in order to sustain its beauty.

Once you get into the habit of travelling plastic free, it will become second nature to you. After joining the cause to keep this planet remaining prosperous, you’ll find it becoming an overwhelming need for you to continue such an important cause. It’s an unbelievably satisfying feeling when you can proudly say that you’ve gone plastic free while you wander the world.  

Eco-friendly bloggers/influencers:

Plastic free travelling/living is becoming a more highly sought after way of life as time goes on. Even large social media influencers have gotten on the bandwagon. Jennifer Nini, aka Eco Warrior Princess, has created her empire around redefining what it means to live sustainably, she tackles the hard issues surrounding the environment, conservation, sustainable fashion, basically all the core topics regarding living an eco-friendly life.

Others have followed suit as well, with The Green Hub founder, Kira Simpson creating an online platform on her ‘eco-journey’, giving out tips and showing her experiences in going green. She published an article on her website that documented her travels as a ‘Zero-waster’ and the benefits to travelling mindfully. She brings up a good point, in regards to how a traveller who sets out to explore the world’s wonders without a care for their waste and footprint, is “the biggest example of irony”. Its true if you think about it, if you truly appreciate the beauty that this world offers, how can you contribute to the excess waste that’s tossed into our environment, especially in tourist prone destinations.

What else you can do to be a sustainable, eco-friendly traveller:

If you truly want to leave a lighter eco-footprint on this world, think about putting in the extra effort to research and seek out businesses and tour operators that run sustainably, as there are many hotels out there that are committed to being eco-friendly, offering alternatives to plastic and attempting to combat waste.

The Rainforest Alliance is one example of a company that focuses heavily on sustainable tourism, on their website you can actually see what companies and businesses around the world are environmentally certified, and there are many more companies out there doing the same thing in the hopes of making the tourism industry more green. It will make you feel even more fulfilled when you’re trekking it halfway across the world and you know you’re doing your part to help out this beautiful world.

Live to be eco-conscious, travel like the world is relying on your environmentally good decisions. Band together with like-minded eco-travellers, and create a green revolution. If we all chip in to reduce waste when travelling this exquisite planet, just think how amazing it will be for generations to come.

Check out the upcoming adventures on our calendar!

Meet Our Local Guides: Tanzania

Together with our Team Leaders, our local guides play a fundamental role in the success of all our adventures.

They come from a myriad of backgrounds and experiences so with their expert knowledge we know our adventurers are in the right hands to complete their charity challenges and achieve something they never knew they could.

The Mount Kilimanjaro Trek is an immense physical and mental challenge but the sense of accomplishment when you reach the summit of the world’s highest free-standing mountain is completely unrivalled! As one of our most challenging treks, the role of the local guides cannot be underestimated!

Emmanuel

Mount Kilimanjaro won over his heart pretty early on – Emmanuel started hiking as a porter in 2011, and did 17 hikes before he decided he wanted to study to be a mountain guide.

He says he is very proud to be a guide in his home country – the natural scenery and mind-blowing cultural and historical attractions are what he loves.

Emmanuel thinks Mount Kilimanjaro is a beautiful place to work and what he likes about leading the trekking groups is ‘surprising and being surprised by others’.

Antipas

Similar to Emmanuel, Antipas started hiking Mount Kilimanjaro as a porter and after six years, he decided he wanted to become a guide and took a guiding course run by the Kilimanjaro National Park.

He says he loves his country because it is endowed with many attractions such as Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

What makes Antipas such a great guide, is his appreciation for the mountain – he believes it is among the most beautiful and peaceful places on earth.

Check out the upcoming adventures on our calendar!

Interview with Justine: 15 years of Inspired

I sat down with Justine, the driving force behind Inspired, to have a look back at what she’s achieved since we opened our doors fifteen years ago. Had the pleasure of discussing her outlook on the growing popularity of ethical travel, her desire to create a company for social good & the bright future of Inspired Adventures

So Justine, have you always been impacted by companies preaching social good?

When I was about 14 I remember going into town with my Mum and seeing The Body Shop for the first time. I’d never seen anything like it before. I loved the fact that they were talking about community trade, ethically sourced ingredients, recycling the plastic bottles – and this is mid 80s. Anita Roddick was at the forefront of this movement, they were discussing women’s issues, no cosmetic testing on animals. It really struck a chord with me.

How does Inspired's adventures impact the lives of the participants?

It is often declaring that you’re going to do something out of your comfort zone; a fundraising challenge requires a lot of preparation and the confidence to go away with people you don’t know and actually completing that is quite transformational. It  can often make a difference in how they live their lives thereafter as they suddenly know themselves to be a bit of a local hero. It is the concept of ‘ordinary people doing extraordinary things. 

15 years of incredible work - What is there to celebrate?

We’ve raised – and counting – about $33 million dollars. I think it’s really wonderful to imagine the impact of that money and what it can and has achieved.

For example: We’ve funded a Kids Helpline counsellor on the phone for an entire year.

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We funded a piece of video equipment for rural hospitals so they could video conference in with bigger Children’s hospitals in the cities and help pioneer life-saving operations for kids.”

“It’s hard to comprehend what we’ve actually raised.  I say to the team often that it is the butterfly effect of that money that is often quite extraordinary.

Equally worth celebrating is the people are the 6,000 or more who have been on our adventures & the amazing people who sign up to; pledge a minimum amount, spend a year fundraising and getting fit & healthy, going to join a group of strangers and go somewhere in Australia or International, probably somewhere I’ve never been to trek, cycle or run a marathon and put myself out there.  It changes lives. For that year or so it gives people a goal and gives their lives meaning.

 

As a society the idea of sustainable and socially conscious travel is becoming increasingly popular and supported by the masses - Why do you feel that society is coming round to this phenomenon?

It’s very exciting that we finally are. It’s come an incredibly long way in the last 10 years. For many people it starts with diet and nutrition – avoiding processed foods and eating clean – thinking about different ways of approaching diet. Starting from the ground with not shopping at your local supermarket with plastic bags – making a commitment to the environment at home, one that is very manageable and achievable for us all to begin. It’s a natural progression for people to think about how they travel.

There’s been a real increase in smaller, niche, boutique travel agencies that really have a focus on ethical, sustainable & responsible travel practices. I think it’s become a lot more accessible and as the popularity increases it becomes a lot easier to travel that way. Following the sentiments of “Leave only Footprints”.

I’m really pleased the world is wising up, it seems a natural shift between how we live our lives and how we want to see & travel the world. As a parent as well it’s wonderful to be a good example to kids. Provide those insights and environmentally responsible practices, community education done in a really responsible way and keep educating the next generation.

What do you see as being the future of Inspired?

Creating extraordinary travel and fundraising for the younger generation.We’d like to place a focus on Australian travel, exploring our own backyard. We have an extraordinarily diverse and wonderful country with a lot to learn about the community and our history. Equally growing our New Zealand operation, which is exciting, and looking further afield. Working with other charities in the Asia-Pacific region and constantly look into new destinations & itineraries such as those this year to Costa Rica & Japan.

We’re running lots of Corporate adventures so that’s a wonderful opportunity for development too. It’s important that team-building and Leadership development for staff and inter-company relations to aid Corporates in being better global citizens and having an awareness of responsible travel & ethical practices.

What would you say to inspire other women who look up to you and have similar dreams?

Never give up!

Follow your instincts and listen to your heart, whatever feels right. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. Stay very true to yourself and find time to connect with the inner you – your creativity and your passion.

We as women are incredibly creative and passionate. There’s an opportunity to constantly be listening, looking and exploring. Tap into that inner-goddess.

Check out the upcoming adventures on our calendar!

Origin story: Mount Kilimanjaro summit

From Inspired Adventure’s CEO and founder Justine Curtis first climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2004 to our current figures – presently having over 500 adventurers partaking in this climb – it’s remarkable to see just how far the company has come. Reaching the summit of the world’s highest freestanding mountain, Justine gave herself only 3 months to raise $30,000 and attempt the biggest challenge in her life thus far.

This increasingly popular climb is an incredibly challenging 12-day trek through Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro National Park. Trekking from the rainforests of the East African plains, through five different climatic zones, to the final awe-inspiring glacier at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Mount Kilimanjaro 

Our founder Justine Curtis made the decision to climb as part of a management training course intended to forcibly get you  of your comfort zone. She created the immense challenge for herself to raise $30,000 within 12 weeks and with very little training or research to climb the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Raising the funds for a water pump for an orphanage in Zimbabwe. Whilst having being given the opportunity to climb before and rejecting it through fear, fitness and lack of preparation – Justine decided enough was enough and that no matter what she was going to reach the summit.

Our CEO tells a wonderful story of reaching the summit, saying that; “We got to the point where it was dusk, we were above the clouds and there was this tiny little orange dot on the horizon. This pinprick where the sun was going to come up and burst into the sky. It was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.”

Known as the rooftop of Africa; the climb can be completed without ropes or extensive equipment, the adventure is not one for the faint hearted. Justine has said that this climb was the “catalyst for me to create an exciting fundraising agency and share the opportunity with other people”.

Mount Kilimanjaro

As it currently stands Inspired Adventures has a 95% summit success rate which is extraordinary. For people who are of an average fitness level it’s surprisingly very achievable. Through Inspired Adventures the participants have been eclectic, from young teenagers trekking with their parents to the more mature 70s and 80s age range successfully climb it.

Justine tells us that; “The camaraderie is incredible, others empowering you with their commitment and hard work to get you to the top. There’s nothing better than that connection.” 

Interested in participating? See our website for further details.

Check out the upcoming adventures on our calendar!

Choosing The Right Gear For Your Adventure

Planning on embarking on an exciting adventure off the beaten track? Congratulations! There’s no better feeling than swapping the hustle and bustle of the city for the fresh, invigorating air that Mother Nature has to offer. But first, you will need to invest in some key items to ensure you have a comfortable and safe trip.

Here, we’ve provided some essential tips to ensure you have the right equipment for your epic outdoor escape.

Boots

There is nothing worse than blisters on a trekking adventure. They are painful and can lead to more serious injury if left untreated. Possibly worse is enduring the pain of breaking your boots in, only to have them fall apart halfway into your trek. Ensuring your boots are well-made and are the correct fit is imperative before setting off on your Inspired Adventure. Be sure to check the seams of your new boots, including the stitching and shoelace eyelets. These areas should be reinforced and the stitching should appear solid. Next, inspect the area where the sole meets the upper material. There should be no gaps! Gaps equals water, water equals soggy socks and soggy socks equals unhappy trekkers.

Whether you’ve purchased your boots especially for your adventure or you’ve had them for years, how you care for them primarily determines how well they will hold up as you take on the world. Chris Mein from Paddy Pallin shares his best tips for keeping your boots in tip top shape:

  1. Clean your boots thoroughly after every trek. Many foreign substances can affects the rubber, glue and leather of your boots.
  2. To dry your boots, stuff them with newspaper and let them air dry. Store them in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.
  3. Treat your boots with a conditioner before and after long treks to keep them supple and protected.

Trekking Poles

There are many benefits to using trekking poles. They significantly reduce the pressure strain on the opposite leg and allow you to lengthen your stride while protecting your knees. While the use of trekking poles is a personal decision, using them correctly is imperative.

The number one reason for complaints about trekking poles is that most people do not know how to use them. As a result, it is easy to believe there is no benefit to them or that they get in the way. Fortunately the proper technique is easy to pick up and can be mastered with a little practice. So how do you ensure you are getting the most from your poles?

  • Set the correct height: Stand up straight with your shoulders relaxed. Place the pole under your arm, then adjust it so the top of the pole is halfway between your armpit and your elbow. You will find that generally this height will work for the duration of your adventure.
  • Wrist straps: To get the maximum efficiency from your poles, you should place your hands through the loop, your thumb and forefinger forming a “U” or an “O” shape around the grip.
  • Terrain: Terrain impacts the way you will position your poles while trekking.

Hydration

There’s not enough and there’s too much. So how do you know how to maintain optimum hydration while trekking? Adventurer, Lucas Trihey explains how you can achieve the perfect balance:

  • Dehydration seriously affects performance and if not rectified can lead to fatigue, heatstroke and tissue damage. Taking small sips of water before you become thirsty and adding electrolytes will assist in preventing dehydration.
  • To avoid water intoxication, don’t drink more than your thirst level indicates and remember that the maximum amount of water that your gastrointestinal tract can absorb is about 800 mls per hour.
  • The right fabrics and garments play an important role in keeping your body temperature and fluid balance right. Covering up with technical fabrics on hot days helps conserve your fluids and using wicking fabrics helps your body’s evaporative cooling mechanism.

 

Feeling inspired?

Check out our calendar for your chance to take on an incredible adventure!

Outdoor Clothing: The Art of Layering

Whether you’re hitting the trails, camping under the stars or carving up the slopes, winter is a great time to soak up the plentiful benefits of the great outdoors. To ensure your outdoor pursuits are experienced to their maximum potential, keeping warm and staying comfortable is key, especially if the weather turns grim without warning.

So without further ado, meet your new winter bestie: the famed 3 layer system.

Base Layer

Base layers, otherwise known as thermals, are the articles of clothing that are worn directly against your skin. These layers are essential as they will draw moisture away from your skin, allowing you to move around while still staying warm. When choosing your base layers, steer clear of cotton as cotton will not dry or absorb your body’s moisture, and instead, leave you feeling cold, clammy and uncomfortable underneath your top layers. Merino wool is a great base layer, as well a plethora of vegan-friendly synthetic fabrics.

Middle Layer

The middle layer is your ticket to long lasting warmth! We recommend opting for something that’s breathable and has great insulation properties, such as a wool jumper or a synthetic fleece shirt. If the temperature is at an all time low, down insulated jackets and vests will be your saviour. What’s more, down clothing is lightweight and a dream to pack!

Outer Layer

The outer layer is the protective shell your other layers need to do their job, especially if strong winds take hold and rain-filled clouds looms above. When choosing a shell, ensure you do your homework as you’ll need something that will properly shield you from natural elements, such as rain and wind. We recommend investing in an outer layer that is high level water and wind resistant, lightweight and comfortable.

Feeling inspired?

Check out the upcoming adventures on our calendar!

4 Ways To Get Your Adventure Fix on a Rainy Day

It’s raining, it’s pouring and the day is probably going to be boring – said not us! Whether you’re an avid thrill-seeker, a fitness fanatic or a keen outdoor enthusiast, we’ve rounded up some great wet weather activities to ignite your adventurous spirit, no matter the forecast.

Indoor Rock Climbing

Calling all adrenaline junkies, meet your new best friend. Rock climbing is both a physically and mentally challenging exercise providing plenty of health benefits for your mind and body. A great activity for all ages and fitness levels, it will challenge a climber’s sequencing skills, executive functioning and problem solving skills. It is also encouraged to try in groups, as it is a great way to build trust and teamwork. The best part? You don’t need to search for an impressive outdoor rock to scale – there are plenty of indoor gyms to try!

Indoor Skydiving

Yep, it’s a thing! While it may not rival the real thing, it’s the safest form of body flight and suitable for all ages. Best of all, you do not need a parachute for indoor skydiving, and what may be an enticing pro for fellow Acrophobia comrades, you do not need to take the anxiety-inducing leap from a plane flying thousands of feet above the ground. Instead, giant fans create a wind tunnel encased in glass, propelling you up to recreate the feeling of free-fall so that you can swim weightlessly in the air.

Escape Room

One room. One team. One time limit. An Escape Room, also known as an “Escape Game”, is a thrilling, real-life adventure game. You and your team (which can range from 2-8 players) are locked in a room and surrounded by mysterious objects, all waiting to be inspected. You will have a set time limit (normally 50-60 minutes) to investigate, search for clues, solve puzzles, strategise and unveil the room’s secret plot or crack the code in order to set you and your team free. Try it if you dare!

Indoor Trampolining

Because who doesn’t love jumping up, down and all around? Trampolining is an effective low impact exercise known to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle toning, co-ordination and agility and overall health and vitality. NASA scientists are even huge fans, stating, “Rebound exercise is the most efficient, effective form of exercise yet devised by man.”

Feeling inspired?

Check out the upcoming adventures on our calendar!

Why we love our sunburnt country

With most Australians living within 50 kilometres of the coast, it would be easy to assume that seaside wonders are Australia’s greatest natural asset. However, turn 180 degrees and start heading inland and you’ll soon discover a vastly different beauty: the uniquely red, undulating desert that is Australia’s Red—and it will leave you breathless.

australia

From Uluru to Kakadu, the Australian Outback is staggering, its stillness and grace bringing peace to even the most frenzied traveller. The unique red rocks that are so distinct and iconic to the Outback are humbling, both in size and their seemingly random occurrence; you sense the power of nature, as well as the history and culture behind this vast landscape.

australian-highway

Anyone who has walked the base of Uluru will tell you how overwhelming small you begin to feel ­­– not in an insignificant way, but rather as part of a realisation that we as human beings are a small part of an enormous and beautiful picture. For anyone who travels to Uluru it is an awe-inspiring experience. For Australians, it’s an even greater honour to stand at the base of a stunning formation that holds so much significance to modern Australians, as well as the traditional owners of the land.

Natural beauty aside, the Australian Outback gives an unparalleled insight into the original custodians of this land. I found my first trip to the Outback both revealing and touching – what I thought I knew about our Indigenous Australians was overtaken by reality as I realised how little I knew about this amazing culture and their history. Not only did I learn about the Dreamtime, the significance of rock paintings, artistic expression, and the connection to land, I also came to understand the modern reality of many Indigenous Australians for whom life is rapidly changing, and rarely easy. This is an idea that I took away from my Outback experience and something I will never forget.

australian-mountains

There are many ways to experience the Australian Outback, from guided tours to creating your own bespoke adventure. Some of the best journeys include trekking the Larapinta Trail, trekking in Kakadu National Park, visit the Kimberley or travel from south to north Australian on The Ghan.

And once you’re there ­­– how do you make the most of your Outback adventure? Approach it without any expectations, breathe in the beauty of this breath-taking land, and make sure to engage with the wonderful local communities!

Feeling inspired?

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4 Ways to Get into the Adventurous Spirit

Whether you are three weeks or three months away from your next big adventure, it’s never too early to get into an adventurous spirit. Humans are creatures of habit and when we are in one place long enough, we naturally fall into a routine. When we travel, everything is new and exciting – but if we are not used to all the novelty, it can be a bit overwhelming. Here are five things you can do to help build up your adventurous side so that you have an amazing and authentic experience abroad.

1. Be curious and rediscover your neighbourhood

Spend an afternoon in your neighbourhood and go into shops, cafes or bars with the intention of meeting people and learning something new. Every person and business has a story, which is woven into the fabric of your neighbourhood. Take time to ask about, listen and enjoy the stories that define a place. Learn this skill now and when you’re on your adventure, you will truly be able to know a place rather than just skim its surface.

2. Host a traveller in your home

Australia is home to over half a million backpackers and long-term travellers from all over the world. Speaking from experience, most of these travellers are on a strict budget and would like a free or cheap place to spend the night. Chances are, you could find someone from your next travel destination and get a local’s perspective before you leave on your next adventure. A meal and a couch to sleep on is a small price to pay for knowledge that you might find indispensable on your next adventure.

If you’re planning on hosting someone in your house, use a site like couchsurfing.com so that you can see reviews from previous hosts to ensure a safe experience.

3. Broaden your pallet

Depending on where your next adventure is, you might be in a situation where you are expected to eat some funky stuff. So that you’re not caught off guard when you start your adventure, try going to a home-style restaurant of your travel destination’s origin. Can’t find one? Don’t worry. Just make it a habit to push your culinary comfort zone by trying new foods and you’ll do much better enjoying the cuisine abroad.

4. Start recording your life now

When I started traveling, I thought that I would be doing so many interesting things that the pictures would take themselves that I would have pages to write about all my adventures. However, after a long day of traveling, all I wanted to do was crawl into bed and sleep because I was so exhausted. Build the habit of recording your life now and it will be more natural on your next adventure. This will also encourage you to do more things worth taking pictures of and writing about.

Feeling Inspired?

Check out the upcoming challenges on our calendar and find your adventure!

 

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