Adventure. It’s a pretty hefty word with a lot behind it.
To me, adventure is more than just jumping out of airplanes … more than climbing a mountain. I’m so not that girl. In my world adventure is about taking risks. Going off my beaten path to experience something new.
As a traveler, each day is an adventure. Whether it is getting off a bus before check-in time at a hostel and trying to find something to do, or kayaking in the Mediterranean.
I tried to be adventurous each day on my trip. And, unlike the time I fell off the cliff while embracing adventure/sports, I normally was met with pretty great results.
So, how can someone have an adventure without raising your pulse?
Well …
1. Don’t plan. Well, plan a little. But, don’t feel the need to always stick to the plan. There were plenty of times when I would wake up in the morning and decide I wanted a different view, so would ask around to other people in the hostel, find out where they were going/coming from, and then make a game-time decision as to where I would go later that day. To ensure I wasn’t bed-less for the night, I would book a room, but that’s it.
2. Book a hostel, not a hotel. Hostels are much more social than hotels. At hostels, you are much more likely to meet like-minded people who want to check out A, B or C. Some of my closest friends today have come from hostels. Just be sure you follow hostel protocol during your stay. Nothing sucks worse than being That Guy/Girl at a hostel.
3. Try the local cuisine. I didn’t really venture anywhere with cuisine that was too out of my comfort zone, but I can assure you eating bugs AND snake are both on my list when I hit Asia this year.
Para morirse — food to die for in Valencia
4. Get lost. Within reason. Pop on some good music, grab the camera and wander. Take note — don’t be ignorant about wandering. Find out the safe places to go before you leave your room. Ladies, keep your purses under your arms. And don’t broadcast your riches.
Being Jewish in the Krakow Jewish District
5. Hit the local markets. It’s easy to get lost in the maze of fresh fruits, veggies, flowers and crafts. Super easy. And, most times you can actually purchase items at these markets without spending a lot of money.
6. Rent an apartment for a little. If you want to spend more than a night or two in a city, rent an apartment. All over the world, there are apartments to rent for a few nights to months or longer. When I traveled, I rented a gorgeous little place on the Adriatic for a few nights with some friends. It was amazing.
7. Talk to the locals. Nothing can make an experience in a foreign place better than having a local’s insight. The more locals you meet, the more opportunities you have to really get the flavor of a place.
8. Volunteer. There are plenty of options for short-term volunteer work all over the world. Plus, volunteering opens you up to meet other travelers and locals. And, its totally good karma.
The only English-speaking town in Spain
9. Take a class. Learn how to make sushi or prepare Thai dishes. Or do a language exchange.
10. Rent a car. This may be a little bit risky, but it lets you travel places you might not normally see.
Steering wheel death grips and driving in Romania
11. Go camping. Get a cheap tent and fork out the few bucks to camp instead of stay at a hostel.
12. Use a squat toilet. Seriously. You haven’t lived until you use one.
13. Go to a nudie beach. Or a topless beach. If necessary, grab some tall boys before hitting the surf. Just make sure you do it. And use sunscreen to prevent burning of the bits.
14. Find a festival or event that sounds good and go. Like La Tomatina in Spain, or Exit Festival in Serbia. Or Fringe in Scotland. This would require a little planning, but still. Go.
15. Don’t book a return ticket. Until you have to.
What do you think makes for a travel adventure?
This post was sponsored by InsureandGo Travel Insurance.
6 Comments on "How to have a Travel Adventure without Adventure Travel"
Great tips dear! I think just leaving your front door can be an adventure. It’s all in the attitude
So true!!
Great tips. I loved reading this was so inspirational!
Thanks!
im 11 and bored i dont EVER have adventures and when i do it boring what should i do
Go outside and take a walk