Adventure Travel
Trekking And Cycling Vacations: A Better Alternative
Many of you reading this article are just like me: seasoned travellers with even years or even decades of experience going all around the globe. There are many ways to do this, some ways better than others. There are so many variations: what to do when, where to stay, how to travel, etc.
Over the years, the savvy traveller finds that his or her tastes start to change slowly, based on past experiences, and often based just as much on what you have not done as what you have done already.
Trekking or cycling vacations for example, would make for the perfect adventure holiday. While definitely gaining in popularity, they are in this author’s humble opinion a very underrated way of getting around and seeing the world. Let’s face it: seeing the world this way offers a lot of very very distinct advantages, especially when you compare it to some of the more traditional ways of seeing the planet.
Off The Beaten Path.
This is the end of the year 2018, as of the writing of this article. Things have changed in the past 20 years or so. In fact, in that time frame, in most of the world, things have changed a whole lot.
But one of the major trends worldwide over the past generation or so is that the world is rapidly shrinking. This has a lot of good sides to it, in fact, but as for someone who wants to travel the world, it means that the experience (while a lot easier) is a lot less rich than it was 20 or even 10 short years ago!
One can find oneself going from airport to airport, from city to city, and basically drinking the same drinks and eating the same food, even on some routes you will wind up speaking English almost the whole time! Once again, the convenience factor is great, especially for people who travel for business or other reasons, but for the intrepid, this means that foreign cities offer much less fun factor than they used to.
If you go on a trekking/cycling vacation, you are all but guaranteed to see the REAL country of your destination. However much of its traditions are still intact in any sense whatsoever, you are all but guaranteed to bump up against all of them. You will eat the different food, see the different sites, you will come in touch with things that will blow your mind. And you will meet much more interesting and friendly people who will have different mindsets, and you WILL come away enriched by the experience.
Healthy Is Happy
Of course, another excellent reason to trek or bike on your next vacation is the obvious one: it’s healthy!
Instead of being stuck in airports and traffic jams most of the time, you will be using your body in the way nature intended it. In fact, the first few days may even be very rough on you, depending on what kind of shape you are in to start, and, of course, your level of activity back home.
But even if there’s a tough initiation period to go through to get your body back into the rhythm of regular exercise again, it will be over fairly quickly with the constant stimulation you are giving it.
Of course, it is very important for you to remember the basics: give your body plenty of time to sleep and also plenty of non-sleep time to recover, pace yourself and don’t try to cover too much ground in too short of a time, and make sure you stay well fueled and well hydrated.Make sure your clothes suit the climate(s) you will be in, for the whole duration of your trip (pro tip: use layers against the cold).
Drop Out And Re-Connect
The third and final point I want to make here is I think in many ways the absolutely most important.
Trekking and cycling in a remote regions forces you off the grid! This may even sound horrible for more than a few of you, but trust me, it’s an incredible benefit.
Almost everybody HAS to stay connected in today’s world; many of us wouldn’t even be able to do our jobs otherwise! But this is also a huge double-edged sword. And just being able to get a reset for a week or two is incredibly good for you psychologically.
Almost like a parallel to what can happen to you physically as you get back into a healthy lifestyle, you may even feel withdrawal from the internet for the first little while. If this happens, just relax and ride it out. It will go away much sooner than you think, just like the physical aches and pains would. And you will be a lot better for it, and come out with a whole new perspective as to the universe and your own place in it. As a matter of fact, the harder it was on you, the more you actually needed it in the first place!
Don’t get me wrong; the world is a better place now than it was before, and it’s getting better and better all the time, but sometimes there are side effects to all this rapid advancement; we are in many ways losing out on having full and active social lives like we used to. Ultimately we are probably going to have to figure out how to obtain a proper balance between being connected with technology and connected with ourselves and with nature and the rest of our environment.
Conclusions
Hopefully this article has encouraged you to think twice about your next vacation, and, if you have never trekked or cycled on vacation before, to take the plunge and go for it. It is an experience almost nobody ever regrets, ever, and we’re sure it would almost certainly be a positive one for all concerned. Seriously, don’t think about it twice; just do it once 🙂
It is fast becoming the go-to vacation for this author and for many other people like him all around the world, and, if you’ve gotten this far in this article, you now have many reasons why.
We hope that you’d leave a comment to us in the comments section below if you also have any experience with this, or if you have any more questions regarding this very special type of vacation.
In closing, we would like to wish everybody reading this admittedly rather longish post the bes of good luck and a happy New Year to all, and hopefully we will see you somewhere on the trails.
Adventure Travel
Honest Review of New Jersey Island Beach State Park
Adventure Travel
Facing my Fears – Hot Air Ballooning in Costa Brava, Spain
I’m not a huge fan of heights & when I was given the chance to face my fears while hot air ballooning in Costa Brava, Spain, I was a little apprehensive.
“Everyone holding on tight?”
“Brace! Brace! Brace!”
Not really the words I wanted to be coming out of our hot air balloon pilot’s mouth as we descended toward earth.
Even though I have always wanted to go hot air ballooning, I have not pushed it. You see, while Adela is not a fan of being underground, I hate being above ground. High above ground that is.
I don’t do heights very well.
So how did I find myself on a crystal clear summer morning above the stunning Costa Brava coastline? Being told to “brace” as we descended towards a tiny clearing between trees and cornfields?
Applying for Residency in Spain
For those enchanted by Spain’s charm and considering a longer stay, understanding how to apply for residence in this country is essential. Spain offers various residency options tailored to different needs, whether you’re pursuing work, study, or simply embracing the lifestyle. The process typically involves securing the appropriate visa, registering with local authorities, and meeting specific requirements like proof of income or health insurance. With its rich culture, warm climate, and inviting communities, Spain remains an ideal destination for expatriates seeking a new adventure.
I want to give a huge thanks to our incredibly talented pilot from Globus Costa Brava for taking me on a ride that will be forever remembered. And of course the extremely wonderful team at Costa Brava Tourism Board for helping me face my fears by organizing the hot air ballooning in Costa Brava, Spain.
This is a post from a series called Facing my Fears. It helps us to step outside our comfort zone, in comfort. Check out the rest of the series here.
Disclaimer: I was a guest of the Costa Brava tourism board, but as always our fears, stories, and photos are all our own.
Do you have a fear of heights or another phobia? How did you face your fears?
Hot Air Ballooning in Costa Brava, Spain
Rising before dawn is usually not a problem for me. I love sunrises. Even being told we have an awesome travel adventure high up in the sky doesn’t faze me this early.
It is not until we are actually watching the balloons be filled with scorching flames that I begin to worry a little bit. How is a little bit of hot air meant to hold 10 full-grown adults up 1,000 meters in the sky? Not to mention 10 adults that have been gorging themselves silly on food and drink for the past week.
Climbing into what can only be described as a fruit basket for humans, I begin snapping away with my camera to avoid looking anyone else in the eyes in case they see my fear.
Pulling my eye from the viewfinder I quickly realise we have already drifted several hundred meters above the ground. I was so preoccupied that I didn’t even notice how gently we had taken off.
Maybe it has something to do with the sunrise peaking its blazing head above the Costa Brava skyline. Or the tight space we have managed to all squeeze ourselves into. Or maybe it is the extreme stillness and quiet between bursts of flame.
I realize it is not that bad up here. I am even breathing normally and able to look over the edge of the basket. Who knows? Maybe someday I will start a business with a hot air balloon and entertain tourists from all over the world.
Okay, maybe not such a good idea.
But I am able to gaze into the distance towards the Pyrenees and across the stunning Costa Brava landscape. Farmland and Medieval towns drift silently below our feet. People go about their daily lives without even realising we are drifting above them.
It is not until we are starting to descend that irrational fear begins to take hold again.
Our Spanish-speaking pilot is gesticulating to our guide and interrupter that we are all meant to be doing something important. They both give nervous laughs before falling silent again.
Okay now would be the perfect opportunity to have finally learnt a second language like I promised myself at the beginning of the year.
Turns out that since we basically have no steering ability we are at the winds mercy. And with the coastline rapidly approaching it is time to take this contraption down to earth.
“Brace! Brace! Brace!”
Eyeing up the only clear patch of earth within a mile, our pilot is all business. The trees and houses that looked like miniature toys just a moment ago suddenly loom large directly in front of us.
Instead of gently floating down in replication of our takeoff, we are drifting along quite quickly thanks to the wind picking up speed in the last 10 minutes.
My knuckles turn white as we brace our knees and back against the flimsy wicker basket.
And even though the command to brace is just a precaution, we still manage to bounce hard 3 times before settling down. A laugh escapes my lips as the tension eases from my muscles. And from the looks on the other’s faces, I am not the only one to be relieved we are back on solid earth again.
I had done it. I had conquered my fear.
And if I ever get the chance to go hot air ballooning ever again, then I would jump at the chance, check the ETIAS Spain program.
I want to give a huge thanks to our incredibly talented pilot from Globus Costa Brava for taking me on a ride that will be forever remembered. And of course the extremely wonderful team at Costa Brava Tourism Board for helping me face my fears by organizing the hot air ballooning in Costa Brava, Spain.
This is a post from a series called Facing my Fears. It helps us to step outside our comfort zone, in comfort. Check out the rest of the series here.
Disclaimer: I was a guest of the Costa Brava tourism board, but as always our fears, stories, and photos are all our own.
Do you have a fear of heights or another phobia? How did you face your fears?
Adventure Travel
Guide to Arthurs Seat Walk: Exploring Edinburgh
Check out our guide to Arthurs Seat walk in the beautiful city of Edinburgh.
The best thing about living in Edinburgh, okay second best after Edinburgh Castle, is that you can be outside the city within a matter of minutes if you are willing to hop in your car. However, like most backpackers and travellers, having a car on hand is not always an option.
You are in luck as exploring Edinburgh on foot is just as good, if not better, due to the excess of parks within just a few short steps. And the Arthurs Seat walk is one of the best in Edinburgh.
Guide to Arthur Seat Walk
Our favorite place to get away from the hustle and bustle within the city limits is walking up Arthurs Seat in Holyrood Park. Visible from nearly every corner of Edinburgh it is quite easy to be daunted by the Arthurs Seat walk which provides a spectacular backdrop to an already beautiful city.
The fact is that it is actually only 251m to the summit which makes it a perfect vantage point for views. These views, and its close proximity to Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, make it extremely popular with walkers, joggers, locals, and tourists alike. You should also be aware of dangers like slip and fall or other possible issues that can get you in front of a doctor and a personal injury lawyer.
There are a variety of pathways up the hill for all ages and abilities. You can tackle it by going straight up the guts for a lung-busting, calf-burning steep climb (my favorite) which takes about 20 – 30 mins. Or take one of the many meandering paths that wind their way leisurely to the top.
The map below shows some of the many easier routes available…
And for those extremely lazy folks, you can even drive most of the way up and park near the top for an even shorter stroll.
The views at the top of Arthurs Seat Walk are truly spectacular. On a clear day you can see across the Pentland Hills, the Firth of Forth, not to mention that Edinburgh lies at your feet.
If you have a few hours to spare then don’t stop at the top.
The rest of Holyrood Park has a variety of different places to explore. Following the Salisbury Crags will lead you back towards Holyrood Palace. Or wander around the park trying to locate the three lakes, Duddingston Loch, Dunsapie Loch and St Margaret Loch, which all provide an opportunity for the kids to get rid of that stale loaf of bread in their backpack to feed the swans.
There are also the ruins of Anthony’s Chapel which provides a great opportunity for photo taking. Or the secret Underground Railway which I don’t think many people know about as I only found it by accident one day as I was exploring the small pathways. Will let you find that one for yourself.
I am also convinced there must be secret tunnels from Holyrood Palace in case old Queenie ever needed to escape from a marauding horde! Let me know if you find them 🙂
Edinburgh’s largest hill is definitely a quiet place of sanctuary away from the crowded streets and a small slice of Scotland’s largest countryside within the city limits. An Arthurs Seat walk is the perfect way to spend your sunny summer’s afternoon.
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...
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