Tag Archives: Inspired

5 Reasons to Camp in Winter

Ah winter… the season to fasten down the hatches and hibernate until the spring – said not us!

Too often we channel our inner hermit as soon as temperatures drop, but unbeknownst to many, winter is actually the perfect time to reap the benefits of the outdoors.

Our favourite and most tried and true cure for cabin fever during wintertime is to go camping.

Here’s why:

Less People

Camping is a great way to swap the hustle and bustle of city life for the soothing sounds of nature – and it’s even better to do it in winter. There will be less people pitching tents at your choice of campground (if any!) and those last minute reservations are always welcomed. You will have first dibs on the perfect spot as well as the communal BBQ facilities, showers and toilets. Massive pros!

Fewer Bugs

After a gruelling summer swatting flies and running from cockroaches, you can finally rest easy because those pesky bugs are few and far between in wintertime. Like certain animals, many types of insects will go into hibernation to escape the cold temperatures.

For precautionary purposes, we still recommend you stay armed with aeroguard – just in case…

An Excuse to Upgrade Your Gear

Winter camping offers a scenic splendour that is often unrivalled, however those breathtaking surroundings can turn from beautiful to unbearable in an instant. To enrich your experience outside and stay comfortable while you camp, don’t skimp on quality.

Opt for a dome or tunnel-shaped tent as it will retain heat and withstand wet weather. Choose a 4 seasons sleeping bag or add a thermal liner to keep you warm after dark, and separate yourself from that bitterly cold ground by adding a foam strip under your inflatable mattress.

Campfire and S’mores

An open campfire accompanied by some tasty s’mores is a sure way to create a warm winter wonderland outside. But before you grab the guitar and ignite the night with standout sing-alongs, always follow the campfire rules and etiquettes – and be sure to check your campsite’s fire restrictions and regulations.

Witness More Wildlife

During peak camping seasons, the presence of wildlife can be scarce. With fewer campers around in winter, your chances of seeing more wildlife are very high. Some of Australia’s most spectacular species can be found across a range of National parks – and they’re worth keeping an eye out for.

Check them out here

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

Adventurer of the Month – Bernhard Budiono

 Name: Bernhard Budiono
Cause: UNICEF
Adventure: Unicef Trek for Children Kilimanjaro 2014 and Unicef Trek for Children Everest Base Camp 2015Bernhard

Bernhard is a true adventurer at heart! After having just climbed Kilimanjaro in 2014, Bernhard was one of the first to sign up to take on Everest Base Camp just a few months after his return. He also managed to trek the Kokoda Track somewhere in between! He has been a real trooper, proving that travel really can be a platform for personal  transformation and global impact! Bernhard captured some truly inspiring moments along his journey. You can see more on his Instagram gallery here: Bernhard Budiono Photography 

“The first time I took on an Inspired Adventure for UNICEF, we were off to the mighty Mt Kilimanjaro. To be honest, my first thoughts were it was just another bucket list item to tick off. However, the more I delved into the experience, the country, the people and the cause – I became increasingly engaged with the whole idea. After working in Northern Africa and seeing the UN flags and banners, the whole concept of their work began to be more real.

When the earthquakes occurred earlier this year, my motivations changed, but my resolve did not. The work with the NGOs became more about disaster relief, and I found that the trek became more focussed on the role of UNICEF. It was even more incentive to go! We were lucky enough to be given the opportunity to go to the office in Kathmandu.

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My friends and family have been pivotal in my adventures, successes and above all, in me being who I am today.

“The adventures I’ve led haven’t been for notches on the belt, but more so to make an impact in a world that we sometimes see as spiralling out of control.”

The excitement of going to new, exotic places, pales in comparison to knowing that you are changing the lives of people elsewhere. Some wise words were given to me by a very inspirational person, and they’ll stay with me till the day I die.

 “Success should never be measured by wealth, fame and fortune, but by the number of lives you can impact in your lifetime…”

I think that was all I needed to motivate me. It wasn’t so much for the physical challenge or anything like that. Just one word – impact – that’s what excited me.

Learning and understanding the work that organisations like UNICEF do on the ground has been critical in motivating me to move into the humanitarian and development field. I think above all, it’s helped me find some purpose with my spare time. To explore, experience, learn and above all – love more.”

If you would like to be our next Adventurer or Fundraiser of the Month, simply share your inspired journey on social media and tag #IveBeenInspired

Feeling inspired?

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