Oh, we know. It’s nice to soak up the sun on a two-week jaunt to Bermuda, kiss the Blarney Stone in Ireland or set sail on the Caribbean. But have you ever thought about vacationing in your own backyard? No, not for a week, or even two weeks. Not even a day. Just those sixteen golden hours between 5 pm to 9 am on a weeknight. The gap between your 9 to 5 job ending and your non-working hours beginning. It’s called a microadventure. And it’s exactly that — a mini adventure, done alone or with friends. It also happens to be one of the hottest travel trends today.
A New Way to Venture
Alastair Humphreys, National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year in 2012, coined the phrase in his bestseller on the subject. In his book, Humphreys spotlights the positives of quick, meaningful “micro” excursions that keep you close to home, save you money and satisfy your inner explorer. And Humphreys should know. He has cycled around the world through 60 countries and 5 continents in 4 years, canoed 500 miles down the Yukon River, and walked across India. Humphreys is an expert on the topic to say the least. And despite these awe-inspiring accomplishments, he now hails the perspective-changing values of adventures done on a much smaller scale.
Not Diluted, Just Deeper
Those of us who have not rowed across the Atlantic Ocean (another one of Humphreys amazing achievements) should think of microadventures not as a diluted down adventure, but a smaller, more potent one. Like a shot of espresso versus a 16-ounce cup of coffee. Quick, uncomplicated, close by and cheap, these excursions can occur in your backyard. Across the street. In a neighboring park. Of course, it goes without saying that if your burst of travel involves camping, you must select a location where it is legal to set up camp for a night. Rules are rules.
Break the Routine
Camping is one of the more popular ways to break everyday routines and make the most of these 16-hour pockets of free time. However, it’s not the only way. A microadventure does not have to be an overnight event to be a success. It just has to be a purposeful one.
These brief, meaningful experiences can be whatever and wherever you choose – hiking with a friend under the stars, hot air ballooning, bicycling along a river, walking a route you haven’t explored before, climbing a hill or eating dinner outside on a blanket in a national park. But microadventures are much, much more than just doing something outside. They are encounters in nature one hasn’t had on their itinerary before. Activities that are most likely not found in one’s current comfort-zone.
So, Get Out There. . .
But start small. Keep things simple. If you choose to camp, gather the basics. A small tent, food and water, a flashlight, blankets and sleeping bag should do the trick. Head out into your backyard and just breathe, immerse yourself in the sounds of nature and reap the rewards of doing something new, exciting, challenging and refreshing.
These getaways give us a brief retreat from the everyday work, eat, sleep, repeat routine without the need to use vacation days. Or take out a loan. Or pack a suitcase. They have the transformative power to make us feel happier and more content. It has even been said that breaking free from the confines of the usual work week improves focus and memory and gives neurons something new to play with. Microadventures are hassle-free, laid-back, inexpensive and many times, free of cost.
At Dana Communications, our award-winning travel and tourism agency is dedicated to adventures great and small, inspiring journeys, resort stays and itineraries that fit into everyone’s schedule, even yours. The agency has successfully navigated some of the world’s finest destinations to bring meaningful travel options to light through television, radio, social, web, and digital media. Dana Communications is your go-to for the unforgettable — whether it’s a dynamic half-day trip for two along the Jersey Shore or three weeks of Five-Star luxury among palmetto trees on the Carolina coast. You have sixteen not-on-the-clock hours each day. It’s up to you to use them. Microadventures are a great way to start.
For more savvy ways to escape with the latest travel trends and amp up your adventure quota, contact Lynn Kaniper at Dana Communications 609.466.9187.
