Tag Archives: Adventure

Adventurer of the Month – Amanda Cox

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Amanda Cox

Cause: SANE Australia
Adventure: SANE Australia’s Great Wall Challenge
Social: @madcowsdiary

As our Adventurer of the Month, Amanda has scored herself a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher! To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

The Long Walk #FamilyDay #MadCowSANETrain #ivebeeninspired @inspiredadventures

A photo posted by Mad Cow (Amanda Cox) (@madcowsdiary) on

What inspired you to take on your Inspired Adventure with SANE Australia?

It was a combination of things really. I LOVE adventure and was looking for something exciting to do this year, and I really enjoy long walks in exciting places. I have wanted to visit the Great Wall of China since I was about 10 years old, and for the last decade and a bit, I have been an avid advocate for mental health, and particularly that of mums. A friend had recently done a trek to Peru with Inspired Adventures, so I did a bit of research and found this one; it was like all my personal planets aligned. I absolutely had to sign up.

(The lure of a duck dinner at the end of our trek, which also happens to fall on my birthday, was just a bonus!)

How are you feeling about the challenge ahead? Have you ever been to China before?

I’m really excited. A little anxious I may not have the fitness levels required to trek without slowing everyone up, but I think my excitement and anticipation for the trip will make up for that. I hope so anyway! I’m fascinated by the history of the area and of the Wall itself, and I just think the whole experience will be incredible.

I have been to Shanghai before – I was chosen to be a Live Positively Ambassador for a large global corporation, and was invited to visit a few of their corporate spaces in Shanghai. It was mostly a business trip, so we really only got a few hours to explore the city. It was amazing – as were the dumplings, which I still get cravings for even six years on.

"It is a constant reminder that I am making a small difference to someone and that support services like SANE Australia are very much needed"

What have been some of the highlights of your fundraising experience so far?

I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of some people. It’s really inspiring. I’ve also found people quietly opening up about their experiences of mental illness, and although that doesn’t really relate to fundraising, per se, it is a constant reminder that I am making a small difference to someone and that support services like SANE Australia are very much needed. It’s a little overwhelming and very humbling, but also extremely fulfilling.

Last one ... #FamilyDay #WerribeeGorge #MadCowSANETrain #ivebeeninspired ... 3 hours hiking, just less than 10km 🙂

A photo posted by Mad Cow (Amanda Cox) (@madcowsdiary) on

What have been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?

I think my biggest challenge has been ensuring I can do enough training for the trek; I don’t want to struggle along but want to be fit enough to really absorb the whole experience. I work full time, and have a small writing business on top of that, I have three boys and a husband, too. So my days are busy.

I’ve overcome it by prioritising my need to train, and incorporating walking into my commute to and from work; each week I get off at a train station earlier and walk from there, and have pretty much set up a small wardrobe of work attire at the office to make life a little easier.

I also take the family along with me on Sunday adventures walking wherever we can (you can follow that progress on my Instagram, with the hashtag I’ve created especially for this #MadCowSANETrain). We get to spend time together, and I get to train – they pretend they hate it, but they don’t really.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?

I have a lot more of a positive outlook on things, and have much less time for drama and negativity in my life. I also feel a lot more excited and inspired about lots of things – the proverbial “just do it”, which I have adopted because I’m just so busy and working towards a lot of things I’m enjoying doing, has taken a priority in my thoughts, which has been great.

Having the desire to do the trek as easily as I can has really meant I just do the training, even if I don’t feel like it, or it’s cold or raining, or I’m tired … and this attitude has spread to other areas of my life. I love it.

What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming adventure?

What I’m really looking forward to is feeling the whole experience. When I walk in places with incredible views, I just immerse myself in those moments, and that’s what I’m looking forward to. It’s almost overwhelming, and just an amazing sensation. That and being supported – and supporting – others as we go, people with similar desires to make a difference around a cause that is so important to me.

I also have to add – dumplings and duck! I’m so looking forward to those things!

"I feel a lot more excited and inspired about lots of things"

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

I’d just encourage them to do the training, and keep the end goal in sight. Take it one step at a time (pardon the pun!), follow the recommendations for both the training and the fundraising, and just ask for help and support. Surround yourself with people who are willing to help you achieve your goals, and connect with like-minded people who are willing to accompany you as you do the physical training.

As for the fundraising – I’m of the belief that if you don’t ask, the answer is always no, so just ask and keep asking.

Be adventurous … it makes it all more fun.

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Become our Adventurer of the Month to win a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher

Take a picture whilst on your adventure or when you’re training and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with an adventure, and fitness focus will be our Adventurer of the Month – it’s that easy!

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Inspired Adventures Fundraiser of the Month

Fundraiser of the Month – Jeremy Sims

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Jeremy Sims

Cause: Beyond Blue
Adventure: NYC Marathon
Fundraising Page: everydayhero.com/au/jeremy-sims
Social: @jeremyyysims

As our Fundraiser of the Month, Jeremy has scored himself a $50 donation to his fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What inspired you to take on your first Inspired Adventure?

A few years ago I was strolling around the streets of Manhattan and stumbled across the NYC Marathon. As I watched the band of people striding past me sweating it out with such determination to reach the finish line, I immediately knew that I too wanted to be running along side them.

Why did you choose to fundraise for Beyond Blue?

I believe that mental health is one of the most predominant health issues of this generation, and often it’s the most misunderstood. It is so important for people like me to support Beyond Blue so they can continue to raise awareness and support those affected by mental illness.

"I have been so overwhelmed by the support of everyone in my life and how quickly I have been able to raise the funds."

You are clearly really involved and invested in the art of giving back to the community, what do you think is so exciting about being able to take on an adventure as well as give to a cause you care about?

Running a marathon is an adventure in itself but running for Beyond Blue in the NYC Marathon will make the adventure that much sweeter.

What are your total funds raised so far? Are there any key fundraising ideas that have been the bulk of your success?

I have now raised over the $6,000 mark, which would never have been possible with out the phenomenal support of friends, family, colleagues and local WA businesses. I have yet to initiate any specific fundraising events but I have been taking advantage of the world of social media by sharing my page and training progress with everyone.

What have been some of the highlights of your fundraising experience so far?

There is nothing more exciting than receiving that email that says you have received a donation. I have been so overwhelmed by the support of everyone in my life and how quickly I have been able to raise the funds.

What have been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?

I start work pretty early, so for me the biggest challenge has been facing the early cold winter mornings to train. My motivation to get up is the realisation that Perth winter is most likely warmer than it will be in NYC for the marathon in November.

"If you don’t just do it, you never will"

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?

I have definitely been feeling physical pain in areas that I have not felt before, but in all seriousness this adventure has made me more efficient with my time and life generally.

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Just do it! It took my couple of years to get around to it but if you don’t just do it, you never will.

Fundraiser of the Month

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!

instagram@INSPIREDADVENTURES

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Food files: Nepalese teahouses

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So, you’re going trekking in Nepal! That’s amazing. The mountains, the scenery, the people – it’s all incredible and you will have the time of your life.

Even though you are so excited and can’t wait for the adventure, I bet you are a little worried about the food … Maybe just a tad? Well, it’s your lucky day, because we’ve been there and created this handy guide on how to dissect a Nepalese teahouse menu! You’ll be a pro in no time.

How does it work?

Each night on your trek, you will be staying in local teahouses. Originally, teahouses were a place for hikers and mountain climbers to drink some tea (obviously), eat and sleep for free overnight (usually on the floor). Nowadays, it’s a bit more formalised and you book rooms or beds for a small charge with an expectation that you eat your meals at the teahouse. Most teahouses are family run, which means you get an amazing insight into the local culture.

So how does it all work? When you arrive at your teahouse each day, you’ll be given a key to your room and you can go dump all your things. Depending on your pace and how long you walk that day, you are usually there in the mid-afternoon so you’ll have a tea to relax. There are SO many options for tea – my personal favourite was Honey, Lemon and Ginger (which was sometimes spelt Zinger or Ginzer in the menu).

Usually, you put your order for dinner in by either 5.00pm or 6.00pm so the kitchen can prepare. You’ll let them know what time you want to eat – most people eat around 6.30pm – 7.30pm. There will be little notebooks that you can write down your order in with your room number on the top. You will also order your breakfast on the same page before you go to sleep and specify the time you want to eat in the morning.

Breakfast

I absolutely loved the options for breakfast! There was so much to choose from and I figured that since I’m here trekking and not just lying by the pool drinking cocktails, I was allowed to have some slightly unhealthier (but yummier) options!

My go-to was often porridge. Sometimes I’d have apple on top, sometimes just honey and cinnamon. It was easy to digest as well when I started to lose my appetite at higher altitudes.

My treat option was french toast! One day I even had it twice – once for breakfast and then again for second breakfast (yes, that’s a thing) in the mid-morning. If you trek to the Everest View Hotel (which is a beautiful view point of Everest a couple of hours walk from Namche Bazaar), make sure you have a coffee and french toast – it was literally one of the best things to ever happen to me.

You can also have eggs – fried or omelette are the most common. I also had toast with honey quite a few times.

Nepal teahouse breakfast: Porridge
French Toast Nepal

Lunch and Dinner

Dal Bhat is the go-to meal in Nepal. Locals will often eat two or even three meals of Dal Bhat per day. It will differ from teahouse to teahouse but generally, it’s made up dal soup, rice and usually a small mix of veggies in a curry style sauce. You will usually have pappadums or roti on the side too. It’s delicious and the bonus is that you will likely be served seconds … and thirds. No one’s judging!

Other than Dal Bhat, there are SO many options again. Most of the menus are very carb heavy – lots of potatoes, soups, noodles, rice dishes, pasta and of course, momos!

Sometimes you’ll even come across pizza or amazing dishes like Lasagne on the menus! If you are trekking with a guide, they will usually always tell you what the best food options are at each teahouse as they all have their specialities! One day in Tengboche, we were recommended the Lasagne and it was incredible (see the pic!)

*Handy hint* If you are hiking to Everest Base Camp, it’s best to avoid meat. All meat is flown into Lukla and then carried by porters or yaks, so you can pretty much guarantee it’s been out of a refrigerated environment for some time.

Lasagne Nepal
Nepal Teahouse Blog Dal Bhat

The costs

The prices at the Teahouses are much cheaper than you are used to in Australia. The rule of thumb is it will get more expensive as you climb higher.

For breakfast, you are looking at around 300-450 rupees per meal ($3-$4 AUD). For lunch and dinner, it will cost you anywhere from 400-900 rupees per meal (depending on what it is). That’s about $5-$12 per meal. So if you are taking the most expensive option it would be about $28 a day for your food and then including any snacks you get for morning or afternoon tea. Tea is about 80-120 rupees. I budgeted about $35-40 AUD per day for food/drink and it worked out well.

Nepalese Menu
Nepalese Menu

So there you have it! Trekking through Nepal is an incredible experience, and staying in the local teahouses makes it that much better because you really get to live like the locals, as well as learn more about their customs and culture. So next time you’re in Nepal, make this your new mantra:

Don’t eat the meat, try the french toast, drink all the teas and have fun! 

Feeling Inspired?

Check out our upcoming Nepal treks to Everest Base Camp or Annapurna!

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12 years on with Inspired Adventures

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IN 2016, we are celebrating ‘12 Years of Inspired Adventures’—12 years of incredible achievements, amazing stories and exciting adventures to enchanting destinations.

From our first dollar fundraised in 2004 to over $21 million raised last year, we know we would not have reached such heights without our charity partners, their incredible fundraisers and all the people who support them. The memories, moments and milestones we’ve shared over the last decade are what inspire us to aim higher and reach further as every year passes.

In taking on an Inspired Adventure, you make the decision to travel for good, to help change our world for the better. We find that many people who have returned from an Inspired Adventure go on to do amazing things. Indeed, it’s hard to come back from an Inspired Adventure without a certain shift in your soul. If you can scale mighty mountains, cycle across countries or trek through rugged jungles, all while raising significant funds for a cause you’re passionate about, what can’t you do?

But where did it all begin?

Inspired Adventures was the light-bulb moment of Justine Curtis, our CEO and Founder. In 2001 on a sabbatical to India, Justine met her hero and inspiration: Palden Gyatso, a former Tibetan political prisoner who was imprisoned and tortured for 33 years by the Chinese government. Mirroring the plight of many dedicated travellers, Justine returned to Australia wondering how to translate all that she had learned in India to something worthwhile and useful for the world. With a background in marketing, she helped launch a large street fundraising agency called Face-to-Face that empowered youth to fundraise for charities.

While sitting through a management training course, Justine had the crazy (yet inspired!) idea to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with three friends and raise $30,000 to fund a water pump for an orphanage in Zimbabwe. In 12 short weeks, she went from thinking climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was “literally insurmountable” to standing on top of the mountain, armed with a new vision for a business.

So in 2004, Justine started Inspired Adventures, a fundraising agency that raises thousands for charity while also taking people on the journey of a lifetime, physically and emotionally. She says, “I wanted to support people from all walks of life, so they could prove to themselves that they are greater than they ever thought possible.”

Blog India 2005
Blog India 2005

In tribute to her hero, Justine decided the first charity partner she wanted to work with was the Australia Tibet Council. She approached Paul Bourke at ATC, told him her idea, and the rest is history. The Australia Tibet Council went on their first adventure to India in 2005, where fundraisers who undertook the adventure raised a massive $50,000. The next few years saw Inspired Adventures and the Australia Tibet Council travel with passionate ATC supporters, taking on challenging treks in northern India. Then in 2013, Inspired Adventures and ATC began taking supporters on insight tours to Dharamsala, in northern India, where they could experience the rich Buddhist culture of Tibet with a group of like-minded people.

Now in 2016, we have again teamed up with the Australia Tibet Council for this year’s Dharamsala Insight tour. So what’s the experience like? On this two-week adventure, you will be immersed in the ambience of Dharamsala, the political and spiritual home of the Tibetan community in exile. You will gain unique cultural insights through visits to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama’s temple, the Norbulingka Institute, the Tibetan Children’s Village, the Tibetan Nuns’ Project, the Tibet Museum and so much more. You’ll hear the moving stories of life in Tibet from newly-arrival refugees, witness the enduring strength of the Tibetan struggle as you visit cultural and political organisations, and hear from young and passionate Tibetan activists about their dreams of a future Tibet.

Best of all, by joining this adventure, you will be supporting the important advocacy work of the Australia Tibet Council as they campaign on behalf of Tibet’s people, culture and fragile environment (your travel cost includes a $1,200 donation to ATC).

DLN-nuns
Insight 2013 HHDL-group4

Interested in joining the trip?

Contact Inspired Adventures or the Australia Tibet Council at insight@atc.org.au to learn more!

When you sign up, you will be able to provide a friend with $200 off their travel cost if they join the adventure. Also, if you’re a past Inspired Adventures participant and you sign up for this adventure, you’ll also receive $200 off your travel cost!

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8 Places to Practice Meditation While Traveling

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This post was originally published on Breathe Travel.

It’s not always easy to find a good spot to meditate when we’re on the road.

I often keep reminding myself that meditation is not exclusively limited to a calm, serene and quiet location. On the contrary; there may be times when the most unexpected, noisy and crowded place can be exactly the right space for a rewarding meditation practice.

Lively places can invite us to include the sounds, smells and sensations of our surroundings into our practice by either focusing on them or by letting them emerge and pass on in a more vipassana style of meditation.

It is not necessary to sit cross-legged in a meditation and we certainly don’t always need a bolster or meditation cushion. All it takes is some flexibility, open-mindedness and the will to practice – anytime, anywhere.

Here are eight places that make for a great meditation space when traveling:

1. Airports, bus stations and train terminals

Why not spend your waiting time in meditation? Airports, bus stations and train terminals make great spots to get into your own peaceful zone and will make your waiting time worthwhile.

Just grab one of the chairs in the waiting hall or use your luggage as a meditation cushion to sit on and tune in with yourself and your surroundings.

Just make sure you set a timer so you don’t relax so much you miss your trip!

2. Transport vehicles

It’s not only the waiting areas that work well, but the respective mediums of transportation too. Traveling time on buses, trains, planes and even ships makes room for a nice bit of meditation. Lean back into your chair, close your eyes … and travel to your inner world as the outer world passes by.

3. Museums

Museums make for a perfect location to meditate as they are often peaceful and serene spots. Focusing on an object, such as a painting, sculpture or an installation invites us to practice both dharana (intense focus, concentration) and dhyana (meditation, contemplation). You might be inspired by the displayed art and objects as well.

yoga
meditation_yoga

4. Public squares

Any open public area can qualify for a good meditation spot. Use the shady space in the corner of a city square for a seated meditation with open or closed eyes. Find the stillness within yourself as the world drifts by.

5. In bed

Practicing meditation doesn’t require you to be in a seated position. In fact, a lying meditation like yoga nidra is one of the best ways to include it into your everyday routine since you lie down at least daily!

No matter if you are in a quiet hotel room or a more lively hostel, simply close your eyes and meditate away. Nobody else around will even notice your state of meditative bliss.

To be honest, it is sometimes not easy to stay awake when meditating in bed. But if you fall asleep your body will get a little extra rest, which may be exactly what you are in need of in the given moment.

6. Religious buildings

Churches, temples, mosques or pagodas are a natural choice, as they are peaceful spots specifically designed for spiritual and inner contemplation.

You can find them anywhere while traveling, even the smallest of villages tend to have a religious venue of some kind where you can rest quietly and meditate. And you certainly do not need to be religious to enter them – being respectful to the etiquette of the place is usually all it takes.

And on top of your personal meditation practice, you may get an interesting cultural experience too!

7. Nature

Meditate on a stunning mountain top, in a lush forest, on a breathtaking beach, a vast desert or a lively city park. Relax and indulge in the abundance that nature has to offer.

Staying connected with nature in all its beautiful and diverse facets while meditating is a truly wonderful experience and in my personal favorite spot, both on and off traveling!

8. Retreats

Retreat centres are the most obvious of places and certainly the best when you want to dedicate some exclusive time to deepening your meditation practice. Pick your choice from a wide variety of retreats such as a silent retreat in Bali or a meditation weekend in an old monastery in Tuscany.

Anything that feels right for you will make for a rewarding meditation experience!

This article was written by Helene. She is a yoga teacher and traveling yogini, taking the practice with her wherever she goes. She teaches yoga and hosts retreats in Europe, mainly in Spain and in her native home, Austria. Helene blogs about her passions, yoga and travel via her project ‘Space for Yoga’ – http://spaceforyoga.eu/en/.

Check out her social:

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Fundraiser of the Month – Katrina Dupree

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Katrina Dupree

Cause: Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)
Adventure: BCNA’s Tuscany Trek
Fundraising Page: gofundraise.com/page/katrinadupree
Social: @katiedu_pree

As our Fundraiser of the Month, Katrina has scored herself a $50 donation to her fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What inspired you to take on your first Inspired Adventure?

I was inspired to take on my first Inspired Adventure challenge because at the reasonably young age of 40 in October 2015, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. For about 5 months life was all about cancer, tests, treatment and then recovery. I was fortunate that I didn’t have to have chemotherapy, but ongoing hormone treatment provides its own challenges. Through all of this, I tried to remain positive but was looking for a way to make some sense of the horrid disease cancer is.  I got an email from the BCNA about their Tuscany and I finally felt like I had the chance to turn the negative situation into something positive.  I could fundraise for such an important cause, raise awareness for early detection, give for the benefit of others, and drive myself to regain my fitness all at once. I had my light bulb moment.

How are you feeling about your upcoming adventure?

Participating in the trek is something completely outside of my comfort zone. It scares and excites me at the same time.  I haven’t travelled much but have always wanted to see more of the world, but to do it with a group of strangers is not something I’d normally do. I don’t worry about being physically fit; it’s the rest of the unknowns that scares me.

What are your total funds raised so far?

So far, I’ve raised around $1,400, which would not have been possible without the generosity of my parents, sister, grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins and some beautiful friends.

"Participating in the trek is something completely outside of my comfort zone. It scares and excites me at the same time."

What have been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?

I’ve always been a fiercely independent person (just ask my mum), and got through every doctor’s appointment, looking after my house, working full time on my own (except one week my mum stayed with me after my breast surgery). Asking people to donate, come to events and to help out has been one of the hardest things for me to do. I don’t think I’ll ever be good at it!

Also, some of my fundraising plans had to be reconsidered, and now I am coming up with alternatives as the movie afternoon I’d planned didn’t sell as many tickets as I’d hoped, and corporate donations for a trivia night have been hard to obtain. I’m a hugely passionate baker, so morning teas through my various work locations will also play a part in raising funds, which is a double bonus cause I get to do something I enjoy, feed people I care about, all while doing something positive.

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

As hard as some parts of this have been, I’d encourage anyone looking to spread positivity and do good for others to get involved with an Inspired Adventure. Not only will you create awareness, but you will also learn about yourself too … isn’t that what this whole journey of life is about?

Fundraiser of the Month

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!

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Adventurer of the Month – Laura McDonald

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Adventurer of the Month – Laura McDonald

Cause: National Breast Cancer Foundation
Adventure: Steps Towards A Cure 2016
Social: @parislaura

As our Adventurer of the Month, Laura has scored herself a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher! To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

I conquered it #greatwallofchina #stepstowardsacure

A photo posted by ♡♡ Laura Mc ♡♡ (@parislaura) on

What inspired you to take on your Inspired Adventure with NBCF?

I have always fundraised for the NBCF in the past, holding biggest breakfast events during October each year and attending other events.  I attend these events in honour of all the survivors of breast cancer and those who have not been so fortunate.  As women, we need to look after each other and do what we can to find much needed cures and less invasive medical procedures for those diagnosed.

What were some of the highlights of your fundraising experience?

A huge highlight for me was how my friends and family rallied around me to support and encourage me to raise my funds.  I held a number of small events, but believe it or not my biggest fundraising success was selling chocolates and snacks.  I set up a ‘tuck shop’ at my work where I sold cans of drink, packets of chips and chocolates.  From just chocolates alone I raised about $2,000! I luckily had the support of the people I work with to keep them supplied with sugary treats.

What was your biggest challenge in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?

When I signed up to trek the Great Wall of China, my biggest challenge was that I was not fit enough to take on such an adventure.  So ten months before the trek, I changed my lifestyle completely, began eating healthy and increased my exercise.  I started seeing a personal trainer who worked on building up my strength in both legs and upper body.  I would walk up and down 17 flights of stairs every day at work just to build my muscle tone. On the trek in China, it was hard physically, but my determination saw me complete all 5 days on the wall.

"As women, we need to look after each other and do what we can to find much-needed cures and less invasive medical procedures for those diagnosed [with breast cancer]."

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your adventure?

I have realised that if I can manage to trek The Great Wall of China for 5 days, then I can do anything!

Looking down and contemplating a long journey! #greatwallofchina #stepstowardsacure #stepsforacure #IveBeenInspired #teamB2016

A photo posted by ♡♡ Laura Mc ♡♡ (@parislaura) on

What was the best part of your adventure?

I met some amazing and inspiring people in China, everyone was willing to help out and everyone got along together.  Our tour guides and Inspired Adventure’s Team Leaders also kept the team together and kept everyone motivated. Oh, can I also mention that The Great Wall of China was a pretty damn impressive thing to see? I liked that I got to see sections of the wall that the every day tourists would not normally bother to go and see.

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

No matter how fit you are, keep pushing yourself to do better before you go. The fitter you are, the more fun you will have on the adventure.

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Become our Adventurer of the Month to win a $100 Paddy Pallin voucher

Take a picture whilst on your adventure or when you’re training and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with an adventure, and fitness focus will be our Adventurer of the Month – it’s that easy!

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The Camino Frances (The French Way) – Sarria to Santiago de Compostela

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 The Camino de Santiago is one of the most awe-inspiring and beautiful treks in the world. Following in the footsteps of the Romans, the Knights Templar, pilgrims and modern day adventurers, trekking El Camino is an experience you will never forget. From Sarria to Santiago, you will trek under the shade of old oak trees into peaceful hamlets set against the rolling green backdrop of Galicia. At night, you will experience Spain’s colourful culture and cuisine. There are many different routes of El Camino, but below is a sneak peek of what it’s like to trek El Camino with Inspired Adventures!

DAY 1 – SARRIA TO PORTOMARIN (24KM)

Today you start out of Sarria leaving behind the gorgeous cobblestone streets, small churches and quaint tapas cafes. The day starts off with a steady climb through thick dense forest, it’s so incredibly green it’s amazing. You’ll pass small streams and moss covered trees. Pilgrims will pass you along the way calling out a friendly “Buen Camino” (wishing you a safe and happy journey). Arriving into Portomarin, you’ll cross the river and wind your way into the main square where you’ll find the Church of San Xoan de Portomarin. Pilgrims hang out at the cafes and bars surrounding the main square celebrating with a cerveza or vino after a long days walk.

Day1-Sarria
Day1

DAY 2 – PORTOMARIN TO PALAS DE REI (26KM)

Saying farewell to the little town of Portomarin, you’ll start by crossing back over the River and rise steadily on an open country trail. You will pass nice hamlets such as Gonzar and Ventas de Narón and tackle a few big hills today but be rewarded with the view from the top. We take plenty of stops, taking our time and enjoying the Camino! We arrive into the town of Palas de Rei, a small Galician village. Our hotel, the Complejo la Cabana, is just outside town with big balconies to relax after the days walk.

Day2

DAY 3 – PALAS DE REI TO ARZUA (30KM)

Today is the big one! Starting out early as we have a lot of distance to cover. The walk today also features 3 big hills with the last known as the ‘leg breaker’. We stop for lunch in the lively market town of Melide, where octopus, Galicia’s most classic dish, is readily available in the pubs and cafes that line the street. As you get closer to Arzua, you’ll pass through the pretty hamlet of Ribadiso crossing a small bridge and trickly stream–it’s a nice place to pop your sore feet into the water! Finally you arrive into the town of Arzúa, famous for it’s local cheese. You’ll find many places to eat, drink or get massages!

Day3-1

DAY 4 – ARZUA TO AMENAL (24KM)

Day 4 is one of the prettiest days on the Camino. You’ll be walking through mainly forest areas, thick with eucalyptus trees making you feel right at home. Not too many hills today, the walk is easier on the body. In the afternoon we arrive into Amenal and our hotel right on ‘the way’.

Day4-2

DAY 5 – AMENAL TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA (16KM)

This is it! Today’s destination is the end of the pilgrimage, Santiago de Compostela! We start by winding out way out of Amenal and alongside a main road and the airport, bit strange after being out in the countryside the last 5 days. Soon though we are back on a quiet trail lined with rows of tall eucalyptus trees. You pass through Monte do Gozo, a vantage point where you will catch your first glimpse of the spires of the cathedral in Santiago. From here you make your way down the hill and into the outskirts of Santiago. Goodbye country and hello to Santiago. From here you wind your way for roughly 4km through the streets of Santiago before you find yourself on the northface of the Santiago de Compostela Catheral. Pilgrims and locals gather here and clap people in as they make their way into the main square, the Praza do Obradoiro. You’ll find many pilgrims lying on the ground, staring up at the Cathedral and basking in the sun.

The beautiful old town of Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO heritage site since 1985, is worth exploring. There are plentiful cafes, bars, shops and is home to one of the oldest universities in Spain.

Day5
Santiago1

Feeling inspired?

Check out our calendar for our 2017 El Camino adventure!

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Making the leap: 3 inspiring women in business

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Here at Inspired Adventures, we love hearing empowering stories of women (and men!) who took a leap of faith and reached for their goals, no matter how crazy or difficult it seemed. We’ve found three particularly inspiring ladies who are doing amazing things in their own business and had the opportunity to ask them the hard-hitting questions (like where they are planning their next holiday!) Check it out!

Holly Woodhouse, Founder of 'Say Yes to Adventure' Magazine

1 – Tell us about yourself. What’s your professional background?

I studied a Bachelor of Design in Wellington and have worked in the creative industry for the last ten years. Sport and adventure are a huge passion of mine; I’m always heading outdoors for a weekend in the mountains and competing in new events, which have included the Coast to Coast, Red Bull Defiance and Marathon des Sables. Next on the list is a 230-kilometre ultra through Peru’s Amazon Jungle in June.

2 – What is Say Yes to Adventure all about? How did you come up with the concept?

Say Yes to Adventure was created for the adventurous person in all of us. Someone who loves the outdoors and the opportunities that arise from this.

But not only do they love adventure, they appreciate good design and a high-quality magazine when they see one. Say Yes to Adventure is designed for the coffee table, to be enjoyed by people of all ages for years to come.

I was searching for a creative way to raise funds for Running for Rangers, an organisation which supports the ranger’s welfare across the private wildlife conservancies in Kenya. I always wanted to create a high-quality adventure magazine, so this seemed like the perfect time and reason to start one and the perfect way to combine my love of adventure and design.

3 – What can we expect to see in a SYTA mag?

Ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Each contribution, whether a story, image or illustration, explores the emotion that comes from having an adventure. It doesn’t have to be someone who is running across the world, or diving to the depths of the ocean (although these are amazing), it’s more about getting outside and pushing your boundaries. It’s also not full of clutter; no product reviews, no race reports, just well-written stories that inspire the adventurer in all of us.

4 – What’s it like running your own business?

Amazing. Stressful. Rewarding. It’s a tough gig starting out, and there is no way I could have done this without the support of my family. I have to be so organised. Currently, I am still working another job so at least I know the bills are paid, training for an ultra-marathon and publishing a magazine all on my own. But I’m not complaining; I’ve chosen this path and soon it will be my full-time job.

5 – Any cool plans you can let us in on for the future?

There are so many plans! I’m a bit of a dreamer, what I’m not going to do! After a year of being in business and it going well, I’ve decided to take it further afield and it available for purchase in stores in Australia, the UK and Europe, not just online as it is now, within the next six months.

6 – Do you have any advice for other women looking to start their own business?

Just go for it. Dive straight in and don’t think about the negative. Obviously, having a plan is a great idea, but let the natural process take over. If you worry too much about the nitty gritty, you’ll lose the passion. Starting a business is hard work, and if you don’t have passion and believe in it 100%, then it’s a hard road. Also, not everyone is going to be nice to you (a huge reality check for me). But I love the saying “When you encounter resistance… When you strike a nerve… It means you’re onto something.”

7 – Which country is on your travel bucket list?

Which country isn’t on my bucket list! Being the publisher and editor of an adventure magazine, I am continually inspired by the amazing people out there. I want to go and do all the things that my contributors are doing!

To subscribe to SYTA or read more, visit their website 

Emma Walker, Founder of 'She Went Wild'

1 – Tell us about yourself. What’s your professional background?

I’m from Wales in the UK and have been living in Sydney for the last 3 years. I started in marketing after doing my degree, but never felt completely happy in the position. After I met my partner we started a glamping company that we ran for 2 years before moving here. This is where my love for events came in, as we were heavily involved with local events. When we moved to Australia I spent two years working for a creative event company as their national event co-ordinator.

Our passion for the great outdoors and adventure sports led us to create She Went Wild. I’m hugely excited about meeting women who are as interested in the outdoors as we are, and hope that She Went Wild and the exhibition in November will help inspire more women to get outdoors.

2 – What is She Went Wild all about? How did you come up with the concept?

We hope that women – or anyone who visits – whatever their age or background, take a sense of adventure away with them. The feeling that they are part of a community, and are capable of achieving whatever they want. I want women to have found inspiration and the tools that will empower them – whether they be certain products, services or simple reassurance to get outdoors, meet new people and experience new things.

The concept developed through my own experiences really. Noticing how the sports that I was taking an interest in were all marketed heavily towards men. I find it difficult to find certain equipment for my size sometimes, and yet all the courses I’ve been involved with lately are full of women. I also visited a number of other outdoor exhibitions, but again there wasn’t much focus on women, and I struggled to feel inspired. So I decided to take what I knew, and what I loved, and combine the two to create something new and exciting. That’s how She Went Wild was born.

3 – What can we expect to see at She Went Wild?

You can expect to see equipment and courses for various sports and hobbies, companies who can help you book your next big adventure, keep you warm and secure with clothing and apparel as well as interactive activities and workshops for women of all ages.

You’ll be able to hear talks from Australia’s most inspirational women, enjoy food from the best food trucks in town, all whilst listening to some really great live music. Basically an awesome day out! We’re also proudly donating $5 of each ticket to our chosen charity One Girl, who work really hard to give girls in Uganda and Sierra Leone access to an education.

4 – What’s it like running your own business?

It’s always been a dream of mine to work for myself. It’s incredibly challenging but really rewarding. You need to be strict with yourself and get into a routine and keep motivated. I’ve been overwhelmed with the incredible support I’ve received since going live and it’s pushing me to work harder.

5 – Do you have any advice for other women looking to start their own business?

Do it! We had a very challenging time in our life a couple of years ago when my partner was pretty sick, and the one thing I am thankful for is it really gave us a wake-up call, you make your life how you want it. There’s always obstacles in the way, or sometimes feels it’s not the right time, but just bite the bullet and give it ago. You don’t always have to give up everything to try it, ease your way into it if that makes you feel more comfortable. If you’re passionate, dedicated and keen to make a change in your life there really is no better time.

6 – Any cool plans you can let us in on for the future?

We have loads! Some a crazier than others, but I’d love to take the event to the UK where I’m from and of course NZ the adventure capital of the world. We’re hoping to work collectively with local businesses to create some really cool workshops where we can all learn new things, meet new people and engage more with the outdoors.

7 – Which country is on your travel bucket list?

I have two; India and Patagonia! I speak Welsh fluently, and strangely Patagonia is one of the few places in the world where the Welsh language is still spoken, so combined with the sheer beauty of the country, it’s always been high on my bucket list. I have always been fascinated by India, the diversity of the landscapes, the music, food and the many cultures of the country. We have some friends getting married there next year and I cannot wait to visit, hopefully to head up North towards the Himalayas.

Read more about the event here

Kaylene Langford, Founder of 'StartUp Creative'

1 – Tell us about yourself. How did you get to where you are?

My name is Kaylene and I am the founder and director of StartUp Creative and StartUp Creative Magazine. When I finished school I went to work as an outdoor education officer, running adventured based outdoor school camps, it was my dream job. From there I continued my working as a youth worker and later went on to work with the Queensland Government Youth Sector reforms.

I thought my career was on track to influencing the way youth work was rolled out across the state and soon realised that it was a very rigid industry that was very slow to change. I was commuting 3-6 hours a day to the job at the time and noticed that my work was compromising my general health and wellbeing. I started reading a book on the train, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and found the quote ‘Whatever the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve’. I knew I had to be the one to create my dream job and that sitting around complaining about my job and long commute wasn’t going to get me anywhere.

That same morning on the train, I designed the business model for StartUp Creative. Four months later I finished in my full time role, took on contract work and built StartUp Creative.

2 – What is StartUp Creative all about? How did you come up with the concept?

When I first heard about the ‘startup’ scene, I was excited by the non-traditional style of launching a business. I knew I wanted to be a part of the fast paced world that was making serious noise in the way business was being done.

From my previous experience of working with young people, I knew that the startup style would suit the ‘millennial generation’ that are known for being tech savvy, risk takers and full of ideas. Whilst the startup scene was attractive it was also very full of lingo and tech talk, which went straight over my head. I decided to learn everything I could about launching a successful business along the way and then offer my learnings to other young people who wanted to rune their passion into a viable business. I strive to keep our content catchy, relatable and easy to digest because I truly believe anyone can start and run their own business if they are deeply passionate about what they are doing.

3 – What’s it like running your own business?

 Absolute FREEDOM! Which can be good and bad. Most of the time I am gobsmacked at the fact that I don’t have to answer to anyone. I think after 8 years of working as an employee, I am so conditioned to being accountable to someone. Now, I am accountable directly to my customers, who inspire me to be better everyday so it doesn’t feel like work. I love the feeling of being able to set my own schedule and design my business in the most innovative and creative ways I know how.

Whilst it is amazing to be able to start work at 11am and take Mondays off, there is also a huge responsibility to keep it all together. A business never stops and I believe it should never stop growing and that overall responsibility lands wholly on me. It can be quite stressful to manage magazine deadlines, budgets and events all by yourself and there have been times when I think ‘what the hell have I done’, but I would say the good out weighs the bad a lot of the time. I am a highly competitive person and am always challenging myself to improve so I think I am probably my own biggest critic. 

4 – How does it feel to know you’re helping young people achieve their dreams every day?

This is my favourite thing about running StartUp Creative! A week after we launched Issue #1 of the StartUp Creative Magazine I started receiving emails from people who had read the magazine front to back and were so inspired to start their own business. It’s exactly what we were aiming for but it still blew my mind that it was working. I love hearing peoples startup stories and I love even more being able to stand in someone’s corner with them and help make their dreams a reality.

I am so deeply passionate about people living the best most enjoyable life they can and I will do anything to help make that a reality for them. I know what it was like to be going through the motions of a mundane life that lacks excitement and opportunities to grow and I also know the pure joy and relief that comes when you hear that life doesn’t have to be like that. I look at the way I used to live my life, hustling everyday for my 9-5 job to make enough money so that I could enjoy my ‘real life’ on the weekend and am inspired by the new life I have created for myself, I only want that for everyone, it is possible!

5 – Any cool plans you can let us in on for the future?

So many plans! My head is always racing with ideas of what to do next. Ultimately I would love to use my skills from my youth workdays to build a high school for year 11 & 12 students who want to graduate as a founder of their very own startup. 

6 – Do you have any advice for other women looking to start their own business?

Get out there and start! There is always a way to make it happen today! If you’ve got a list of things that you need to do before you start, write them all down on a piece of paper and throw them in the bin! They are just excuses that you’ve told yourself because it is a scary thing to do. Starting a business is the best way to learn how to start a business, surround yourself with good people who believe in you and tell yourself ‘you can do it’ every single day. Eventually, you’ll put you’re head up and realise, it’s done!

For more info, visit Kaylene’s website

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Fundraiser of the Month – Mandy Kopelke

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Mandy Kopelke

Cause: Plan Australia
Adventure: Plan’s Cycle for Girls
Fundraising Page: http://cycleforgirlscambodia.gofundraise.com.au/page/mandykopelke
Social: @mandycycles

As our Fundraiser of the Month, Mandy has scored herself a $50 donation to her fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.

What inspired you to take on your first Inspired Adventure?

Actually it was very spur of the moment! I am on Plan’s mailing list and received an email from Plan International about the Cambodia challenge that really grabbed me – it just seemed to be the right thing at the right time! I wasn’t sure that we could manage it as a family as my husband is away from home with work often, but when I mentioned it to him he immediately said, “Do it! We can work everything out” … so here I am.

Why did you choose to fundraise for Plan International?

Since the email I received from Plan really grabbed me, I went on to read more about the #becauseIamagirl campaign. The story of how the campaign was started by Marianne Raven hit home and made me think about how lucky I was to be born into a society where I had rights, the opportunity to be educated and make a good life for myself and my family. I want my kids to understand that they too are lucky and that there is much we can do to facilitate change and make the world a better place. It only takes 1 small act to start making a difference.

You are clearly really involved and invested in the art of giving back to the community, what do you think is so exciting about being able to take on an adventure as well as give to a cause you care about?

The whole experience is exciting. I have an amazing challenge on the horizon where I will be cycling 350kms through a country I have never visited, and visiting a Plan International project on International Day of the Girl. But this is only part of the story. I am gaining personal confidence, setting goals, learning new skills, getting fit, bringing together my friends and family and all in aid of #BecauseIamaGirl… we are going to make a difference somewhere that needs it most, and what makes it super special is that I am a girl doing it for other girls.

"I am gaining personal confidence, setting goals, learning new skills, getting fit, bringing together my friends and family and all in aid of #BecauseIamaGirl"

What are your total funds raised so far? Are there any key fundraising ideas that have been the bulk of your success?

The fundraising was the scariest part of the challenge for me – I am exceptionally self-sufficient and don’t like to ask anyone for anything… but I have surprised myself. So far I have raised almost $2,000, mainly through donations and small fundraising ideas. I have decided to achieve my goals through lots of small events through the year – a little soon mounts up. This suits the way I work and think. I believe it is important to raise money in ways that suit your personality and personal network so that it is a fun, rewarding and of course successful experience without the stress.

What have been some of the highlights of your fundraising experience so far?

I am an artist and am using my art as a focal point for my fundraising. Last month I released the first series of my “HeArts of Hope” – hand painted wooden hearts, each one uniquely designed, with all profit being donated to my fundraising campaign. They sold out within the week and I already have a waiting list for series 2 which will be released shortly. I will also be donating 75% of the purchase price from 2 of my latest abstract paintings, “Feeling Flowery” and “Babbling Brook”, to the campaign. At the end of May I will also be attending a car boot (and trailer!) sale, selling lots of items that my friends are donating. I’ve used Facebook a lot to advertise what I’m doing to my friends and their response has been amazing. I have a house full of things already, a borrowed trailer and friends volunteering to help on the day. I am very excited to see how we go and feel blessed to have such wonderful friends!

What have been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?

My biggest challenge is by far the fundraising, but I’m finding that little events along the way and the constant talking to people to raise the profile of what I am doing seems to be working. I’ve also started sharing my experiences on Instagram and am loving the motivational comments that people leave.

Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?

I am doing something really meaningful and important, so I feel really great about myself.  Understanding more of the background of the campaign has also put life into perspective in many ways. Here in Australia we take a lot for granted. My family is my support team and having them involved every step of the way is also helping them to learn what is important in life. By the time my #cycleforgirls comes around I will also be fit as a fiddle… that change is still in progress!

"It only takes one small act to start making a difference."

What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?

Go for it! There is a way to get around all the hurdles. Initially the challenge might seem like an elephant sized task, but breaking it down into bite-sized pieces will ensure that you achieve your goals. Getting your family on board with the excitement is important, mine are my ever loving support crew, my children (and husband!) are proud of me and tell everyone that will listen what we are doing.

Fundraiser of the Month

Become our Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!

Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!

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