In fact you’re right: one life won’t be enough. Take this as the biggest challenge of all that you’ll encounter on the road. It’s important to challenge others and accept their challenges, but it’s just as important to understand that if you don’t succeed in something, it’s not the end of the world. Maybe you set one too many goals. Maybe you started too many things and left them unfinished. Or maybe you are investing all your energy into thousands of ideas instead of focusing on a few of the most important ones.

Saying no comfortably and without guilt requires you to really think about what you stand for. Why are you saying no? When you say no to unwanted obligations in your life or to a long bucket list, ask yourself what you’re making room for? Once you can identify and embrace your priorities and focus on what you want more of, you’ll feel more justified saying no in order to pursue those goals. It could be time with your family, a new exciting project or a cause you believe strongly in.

Remember, all this takes time. Be patient and mindful.

And while we’re at it, we’ll share another secret to checking off more dream destinations (or life goals for that matter) from your list: give a few of them up. When you stop pushing yourself beyond your boundaries, you’ll no longer live under the constant pressure of failed attempts and you’ll have more energy to concentrate on the essentials. Take your time when you visit a new place. Wander around, meet the locals, acknowledge the little things. Try not to plan too far ahead and focus on yourself, because travel happens as much in your mind as outside of it.

Have you given up anything in order to travel more mindfully? Share your story and a couple of photos at office@203challenges.com and become an inspiration to others. 

The post The greatest challenge on the road: give up something appeared first on 203Challenges.

Food plays an essential role in my life. I’ve always appreciated local produce and high-quality ingredients that can be combined to create authentic soul food. If you add delicious wine, strong coffee and good company, your experience will turn into a feast for your senses.

As one of my biggest food and travel inspirations – Mark Weins – says:

“I believe when you travel, there’s no better way to connect with people, than through food.”

Ready to test your taste buds? This exquisite bucket list will give you food for thought.

Fresh coconut and tropical fruits in Hawaii (or any other exotic island)

Once you’ve set foot in Hawaii, you’ll find yourself surrounded by fruit you never imagined existed and can’t even pronounce – rambutan, egg fruit, pitaya (dragon fruit), poha berry, cherimoya, lilikoi, longan, mangosteen… the list goes on and on. I recommend trying as many as of these exotic fruits as you can, if only for the sake of it. Coconut water is the to-go drink in Hawaii – healthy, rich and refreshing. For a sweet and healthy fruit snack, make sure you try the island’s locally grown lychees, mangoes, guavas, papayas or pineapples.

Sushi and sashimi in Japan

© Lina Kirilova

If you had asked me before my trip “Why Japan?” I would’ve said “For the food!” I love sushi, and where else can you enjoy this iconic dish in its finest form? The best sushi can definitely be found around the famous Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, an area full of affordable restaurants. If you want to step up your food game,  book yourself in for an exclusive fine-dining experience at Yoshihashi, or aim even higher and head to Narisawa – officially rated the second-best restaurant in Asia.

Coffee in Colombia

Colombia is one of the few countries in the world that grows only the fine-flavored variety of Arabica coffee beans. Coffee tourism has grown so popular that the country now offers a wide range of tasting tours around the various plantations. Even though there are big coffee chains emerging (Starbucks opened in 2014), Colombia is more focused on developing its coffee culture by opening new specialty coffee shops. 

Pizza, pasta, gelato, tiramisu, cannoli and espresso in Italy

Italian cuisine is world-famous, appealing to and satisfying almost any taste. Pizza, pasta, seafood, wine, coffee, mouthwatering desserts – you name it, the Italians have perfected it. Napoli is renowned for having the best pizza because they believe in keeping it simple – tomato sauce, mozzarella and fresh basil is all you need. When in Sicily, make sure you try the traditional southern dessert of cannoli, filled with smooth ricotta. Anywhere else in the country, indulge your sweet tooth in tiramisu or gelato. Ask anyone in Rome where to get the best tiramisu and they’ll most likely give you one of the following answers:

#1: “Tiramisu? My nonna makes the best tiramisu in Rome!” or

#2: “Pompi!” (the city’s most famous cake shop)

If tiramisu isn’t your thing, aim for a scoop – there’s hardly a bad gelato in the whole country! Finish off with a shot of espresso taken right at the bar.

Tapas, paella, gazpacho, jamon serrano or churros in Spain

© Lina Kirilova

Spain – and especially Catalonia – has one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred chefs in Europe. Once in Spain, it’s your duty to eat like a local and indulge in some tapas! There are a number of decent tapas bars in any big city. Valencia claims to have the best paella, while jamon and churros are the most reliable sweet treats throughout the whole country.

Pastel de nata in Portugal

Pastel de nata | © Lina Kirilova

Pastel de nata – also known as Pastel de Belem – is one of the main reasons to visit Portugal. This typical custard tart can be found anywhere throughout the country, but its historical roots lead back to 1837 in Belem – one of the historical districts of Lisbon. This delicious dessert simply consists of eggs, sugar, pastry dough, cream filling and cinnamon. You can taste the tradition in Pasteis de Belem bakery, which still offers the unique Portuguese sweet made using traditional methods. Coffee and wine complement the dish nicely.

Seafood in the Mediterranean

© Lina Kirilova

I’ve already mentioned three Mediterranean countries that offer an abundance of fresh, delicious seafood: Italy, Spain and Portugal. But there are more! Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Croatia and Turkey also make the list. Take a trip to one of these coastal countries to indulge in calamari, squid, mussels, shrimp, clams, scallops, octopus, eel, oysters and all varieties of freshly caught fish.

Dates in Qatar

Dates are not just a dried fruit in the Middle East; they’re a ritual. I discovered their delicious richness during a long layover in Doha’s international airport. I was wandering around the shops looking for something to satisfy my sweet tooth when my attention was drawn to a stand offering a variety of dates. There were plain dates, dates filled with roasted nuts – walnuts, almonds, cashews – and dates covered in premium Belgian chocolate. Each bite was a taste of gourmand paradise. It was only later that I discovered the true significance of dates; along with a cup of bitter black coffee, these soft fruits are used as a welcome dish and a sign of hospitality.

Dim sum in China (or Chinatown)

© Lina Kirilova

I was first introduced to dim sum in the narrow streets of Chinatown, San Francisco – the largest Chinatown outside of Asia and the oldest in North America. I was starving after a long day spent running up and down the hills of San Francisco when a sudden encounter with a local brought me to Chinatown for a finger-licking snack. As I devoured the savory snack, I asked myself: what are these dim sum made of? Well, they are small steamed dumplings made with a range of different fillings – from shrimp, beef, and pork to leek, cabbage, daikon and even sweet rice. 

Sachertorte in Vienna

Sachertorte has been around since 1832, and it’s probably one of the most famous cakes in the whole world. Despite this, the original recipe remains a well-kept secret in the Sacher Café in Vienna. In order to indulge in a heavenly piece of chocolate-y Sachertorte, you’ll have to wait in line between 15 and 45 minutes depending on the season. However, the cafe’s staff do a pretty good job of getting people in and out as quickly as possible, allowing the masses to enjoy the sweet treat. For maximum deliciousness, pair the cake with a cup of traditional Viennese coffee: a mélange or a franziskaner.

***

Does this list seem too challenging for you? You can also travel for food without even leaving your own city. How? Just go to that Indian restaurant you’ve always wanted to try, or look for a cafe selling a cultural cuisine you’ve never tasted before and give it a shot. We challenge you to experiment – it could be Ethiopian or Mexican, Thai or Turkish, Nepali or Vietnamese. Step out of your comfort zone and you’ll find a world of tempting food just waiting to be devoured.

The post The foodie’s bucket list around the world appeared first on 203Challenges.

This is the story of how I challenged myself to swim under each and every waterfall I saw during my trip to Maui. It was the first time I’d set foot on one of the Hawaiian Islands and, to the best of my knowledge, I had chosen the wildest one to explore!

Maui is the second-largest of the nine Hawaiian islands. You’ll fall in love with the island as soon as you arrive, with its gorgeous beaches and perfect waves creating an irresistible charm. The scenery changes with around every corner, with everything from tropical bamboo forests to rocky black sand beaches, volcano craters and beautiful waterfalls. 

Inspired by Maui, I’ve put together a list of my five favorite waterfalls across the USA. Enjoy!

Twin Falls

Maui, Hawaii

If you’re looking to spend a few hours away from the sandy beaches of Maui, I advise you to take the road less (or more) traveled to Hana. Along the way you’ll find most of the accessible waterfalls on the island. Right at the beginning of the road at the second mile marker you have your first chance to swim under a cascade at the majestic Twin Falls. A large path winds around the waterfall, with hidden side trails leading to some good spots to jump into the clear and purified water.

The Seven Sacred Pools

Maui, Hawaii

There are a number of falls along the Road to Hana – some more accessible than others – but the best falls by far to swim in or stand under are Ohe’o Gulch’s Falls, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools. This incredible natural landmark consists of two major falls: Waimoku and Makahiku. You can reach both of them following the Pipiwai Trail – a 2 mile (3 km) hike through a mystical bamboo forest. Those two – along with many more waterfalls – form dozens of pools in the gulch, with the water flowing right into the ocean nearby. The Seven Sacred Pools lie within the limits of Haleakala National Park, but don’t be misled by its name; this is not a sacred Hawaiian site and there are more than seven natural pools to swim in. 

McWay Falls

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, California

Big Sur is a traveler’s favorite, offering a number of off-the-beaten-path secrets like Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. If you’re prepared to make the trek to the park and then do a bit more exploring, you can swim under a waterfall flowing directly into the ocean. The 82-foot (25-meter) waterfall is not the easiest to find, but that’s what makes it so precious.

Havasu Falls

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Located deep in one of the remotest parts of the Grand Canyon, Havasu Falls offers you a stunning view of its cascading waters for the price of a charter helicopter ride or a 10-mile (16-km) hike. If you don’t feel like hiking that far with all your gear, you can rent a mule to carry you (slowly) to the turquoise waterfall. 

Mooney Falls

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Similar to Havasu Falls, you will find Mooney Falls at the far end of the Grand Canyon, outside the National Park. And just like Havasu, i’s a difficult spot to reach, but that only makes the journey more worthwhile. There’s no doubt that, once you arrive, you’ll agree Mooney Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls you’ve ever seen.

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One hundred years of Solitude, published in 1967, quickly became one of the most iconic novels of the 20th century. The masterpiece written by Nobel prize laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez enchants the reader with pinches of what is known as ‘magical realism’. Rumor has it Garcia Marquez was inspired by his hometown, Aracataca, when describing the mystical village of Macondo.

© Lina Kirilova

You can find Aracataca by the Magdalena River in the province of Magdalena, near the Caribbean coast. Nestled among the banana plantations, the small town drips with Caribbean heat and scenic beauty. Locals, maps and bus drivers will tell you its real name is Aracataca, even though the magic of Macondo awaits around every corner!

© David Grabowski

The only noted attractions in town are the house where Gabo was born and the church where he was baptized. Nevertheless, the dirty, narrow streets still exude the spirit of the novel. The well-curated Casa Museo Gabriel Garcia Marquez is located in a reconstruction of the house where Garcia Marquez was born in 1927; the original house was sold by the family and knocked down years ago. However, the buildings have been carefully restored to resemble their original state.

© Lina Kirilova

© Lina Kirilova

Useful information

Today Aracataca remains a small town on the side of the only highway connecting Santa Marta, Bucaramanga and Bogota. The easiest way to get there is to follow the coastline, either from Santa Marta or Barranquilla, then turn towards the banana plantations. What should be an hour-and-a-half-long trip turns into a three-hour journey thanks to heavy traffic and the chaotic nature of Colombian driving. Make sure to fill up your fuel tank and bring lots of water, snacks and patience! Entrance to the house-museum is free of charge and the address is Carrera 6 No. 5-46. You can visit it Tuesday through Sunday from 8 am – 1 pm and 2–5 pm.

The post Follow the steps of Gabriel Garcia Marquez in Colombia appeared first on 203Challenges.

Have you ever heard one of those tall tales about an extremely lucky purchase? You know, like the guy who bought a second-hand painting that turned out to be a Van Gogh original, or the yokels who were tricked into buying a bad plot of land only to discover oil reserves underneath? In fact, one of the best lucky investment stories in history is far from an urban legend.

This story happened exactly 150 years ago – at 4 in the morning on March 30, 1867. After a night of heated negotiations, US Secretary of State William Seward and the Russian Minister Attaché signed the treaty for the purchase of Alaska. The US got its future largest and wealthiest state for $7.2 million, or $4.74 per square kilometer. At this price, my country (Bulgaria) would cost about $521,000. Even if we apply the inflation rate and calculate the amount in today’s money, it seems far too modest – no more than $123 million for 1.5 million square kilometers of land.

© Lina Kirilova

Nowadays, the scale of the purchase seems beyond belief. The most shocking thing is that Russia not only agreed to this but initiated the arrangement. Why? Well, at the time Russia was caught between two wars. This meant the country was suffering extreme financial problems and had no strength or resources to defend Alaska. From the Russian perspective, the Last Frontier itself was a wilderness, valuable only for seal hunting.

© Lina Kirilova

Many years went by before the United States appreciated the significance of the purchase of Alaska. First, gold was found in the Yukon, then oil, gas and other minerals. The expansive wilderness turned out to be a real treasure!

© Lina Kirilova

Today, Alaska’s GDP (gross domestic product) is about $49 billion a year – as much as my country’s (Bulgaria’s GDP for 2016 was $50 billion). Unfortunately, William Seward didn’t live to receive praise for his future vision – in his lifetime, American society and the press criticized his “pointless spending of public money”. The purchase, along with the new territory, was unfairly named “Seward’s Folly” after the misunderstood visionary.

© Lina Kirilova

Here are some fun facts about Alaska that will make you want to head north straight away:

1. Alaska is the biggest state in the United States. It is twice as large as its next rival, Texas, and is also larger than the combined area of the 22 smallest US states. Three Californias, 12 New York states, or 470 Rhode Islands could fit into Alaska. If Alaska were a country, it would be the 20th largest in the world!

2. Of the 20 highest peaks in the United States, 17 are in Alaska. Alaska is also home to North America’s highest peak, Denali, which rises to 6 190 m (20 310 ft). The name of the peak comes from the native Athabascan language and means “The Great One”.

3. Alaska or “Aleyska” is the Aleut word for “great land”.

4. Alaska is also the widest state of all. It spreads across both the eastern and western hemispheres. What’s more, it boasts the northernmost (Point Barrow), easternmost (Pochnoi Point on Semisopochnoi Island in the Aleutians) and westernmost (Amatignak Island in the Aleutians) points in the United States.

5. It’s the only state in the US to have coastlines on three different seas (the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea).

6. There are more active glaciers and ice fields in Alaska than in the rest of the inhabited world. Five per cent of the state is covered by glaciers.

7. The Aurora Borealis (also known as the Northern Lights) can be seen an average of 243 days a year in Fairbanks, Alaska.

8. John Muir (also known as “John of the Mountains”) fell in love with the wild, unknown and unexplored territory of Alaska. He made several trips to The Vast Land in the late 1800s and recorded his experiences and reflections in Travels in Alaska – a book he was still working on at the time of his death in 1914. To this day, Muir’s words ring true:

“To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world”.

The post Visit Alaska, a jewel from the imperial bargain bin! appeared first on 203Challenges.

L’église de la Madeleine

6 pm – I take the metro and go down to the banks of Seine to enjoy the lovely sunset. I exit at La Madeleine and marvel at the extraordinary church for a while. Then, I head down to Place de la Concorde, one of Paris’s main squares. It is not dinner time yet, so I decide to satisfy my sweet-tooth with a 150 year-old French classic.

Ladurée, a 150-year old macaron bakery

6:15 pm – Luckily, Ladurée is on my way. The luxury Pâtisserie established in 1862 and it has become the world’s best-known seller of premium macarons. They sell an average of 15 000 macarons every day! I had to make a quick stop!

Coconut, pistachio and rose macaron

6:30 pm – Only 3 macarons later, I walk out the store. The winners were Coconut, Pistachio and Rose. So sweet and tender! Anyway, I would love to see the sun set over the Seine, so I hurry up to the closest bridge. I stop only to snap a couple of photos of the Obelisk and the Arc de Triomphe in the background.

6:45 pm – I walk over Pont des Arts just in time. The river, the colors, the amazing architecture around…What a stunning view! I sit in awe here for a second admiring the sunset.

Sunset over the Seine

7 pm – Pont des Arts is also famous for the love locks attached to it. The tradition started back in 2008. Couples used to attach padlocks marked with their names and then throw the key into the Seine river below as a romantic gesture. This tendency grew so popular that the bridge became structurally weaker carrying the weight of all that love. Unfortunately, in 2015 the Parisian authorities took drastic measures and began detaching sections of the bridge railings together with the padlocks. They have replaced them with love locks inspired graffiti.

The love locks on Pont des Arts

7:30 pm – I walk along the river until I reach Île de la Cité,  the famous island where the city was founded. I cross over Pont Neuf and go on gazing around until I end up in front of the magnificent Notre-Dame de Paris. The cathedral is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world. I take my time to admire this elaborate work of art – sculptures, stained glass, rose windows. It is difficult to take your eyes off Notre-Dame, especially in the twilight.

Our Lady of Paris

8 pm – I need a break to recover after devouring all that beauty. I find the perfect spot across the street – Shakespeare and Company Café. Time for some French hot chocolat!

The Bohemian Café

8:30 pm – Overwhelmed by this gorgeous spring day, I realize I am starving. I head back to Monmartre. Looking for a good meal as well as a good time to end up the night right, I walk upon a truly unique bistro. Le refuge will serve you wine in baby bottles while you are eating fondue. It is also great value for money. If you choose the fixed menu, you’ll be served an appetizer, cheese or meat fondue (go for the cheese!), dessert and wine for as much as 22 euros. A pretty good deal, right?

Dinnertime!

9:30 pm – On my way to the hostel, I cannot stop myself from walking by Sacré-Coeur once again. A quick night photo shoot and I am done!

Sacré-Coeur by night

10 pm – Time to call it a night. Merci Paris and a bientot!

Next time you end up in Paris with a day or two on your hands, make sure to hit a few of these places, but do not hesitate to explore and find your own favorite spots in the city. After all, that is what the true Paris experience is all about!

Bon voyage and bon appétit!

The post One day in Paris when you have a long layover – Part 2 appeared first on 203Challenges.

I am passionate about traveling and backpacking. My usual itinerary is as eventful as possible. As an avid traveller, when it comes to accommodation, hostels are my first option.

What do I look for in a hostel?

In general, I look for a good location, relatively good reviews and a variety of services that the hostel offers free of charge or in exchange for a small fee. After all, you’ve got to make your money count, especially when traveling on a tight budget.

During my recent trip to Colombia, the hostel that combined all three in the best possible way was:

Hostel Masaya in Santa Marta

©Masaya Hostels

Located in the heart of Santa Marta, the second oldest city on the Caribbean coast, Hostel Masaya offers the most perfect hostel experience you could ask for!

The hostel is situated in a National Heritage listed Colonial house with a spacious inside patio, three floors, and wooden staircases. The atmosphere takes you back in time. That’s not all – you can enjoy the two pools, a rooftop that has one of the best views of the Cathedral, relax-zones, hammocks, deckchairs, and a cozy bar where you can sip on late night drinks or have breakfast in the morning.

A place to gather and to share

© Masaya Hostels

Masaya aims at being not only a comfortable hostel, but a social place. The hostel offers a different 100% Colombian cultural activity every day. There are salsa lessons, cooking classes, live music and Spanish parties!

The first time I walked in Hostel Masaya I truly thought it was the hostel with the most unique atmosphere I have ever been to. I ended up staying there twice during my trip – once in a dorm, once in a private room. Both are comfortable, spacious, with nearly 5-meter tall ceilings. The private rooms are named after famous Colombians such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Shakira, Carlos Vives, Juan Valdez and more, and there is a catchy colorful theme going on in each one of them.

© Masaya Hostels

© Masaya Hostels

My stay at Masaya made me reconsider the way I travel. I decided that from now on I will put aside more time to dive in the local atmosphere and just to relax. Even for as little as two days, I enjoyed every minute of my Masaya experience drinking mojitos at the rooftop and swinging in the hammocks. The staff was friendly and helpful.

No breakfast is usually a deal breaker for me

I would definitely cross off my list a hostel that does not offer free breakfast (Cheap deals are acceptable). No wi-fi would also be an issue. It is the 21^st century, right? However, one of the best hostels we stayed in Colombia was a wi-fi free zone and it was just great. If you would like to tune off and relax, I highly recommend:

Casa Loma in Minca

No Wi-Fi, no problems | © Lina Kirilova

Casa Loma is the place to chill, relax, detox and go offline! It is an alternative hostel with open-air dorms and hammocks situated on a hill overlooking Santa Marta and the Sierra Nevada National Park. In order to reach the hostel, you first have to hike about 10 minutes up cobblestone stairs.

The view at the top is totally worth it, particularly at sunset!

The view from the top | © Lina Kirilova

The hilltop wooden house is the main building of the house. You will find the kitchen (maybe with quality kitchen counter or other stones for kitchen) and common area there, as well as a couple of terraces and a few hammocks to enjoy the view. Casa Loma is surrounded by tropical forest and you can hear birds singing everywhere! With no roads, cars, shops or noisy neighbors you will be able to fully enjoy the peace and quiet, reconnect with your inner self, just lie in a hammock, drink a beer or take a nap.

The hostel serves only vegetarian food and it offers a delicious set breakfast menu and a daily lunch and dinner menu. They are famous for their curry and Mexican nights.

Breakfast | ©Lina Kirilova

I was happy to arrive in time for sunset (I had a time for yoga retreat), so I could join the dozen lucky people on the terrace for happy-hour cocktails with an amazing view.  A couple of passion fruit Mojitos later we all watched in awe as the sun set behind the mountains.

Sunset vibes | © Lina Kirilova

The third place I would like to mention here is:

Casa del Ritmo in Santa Marta

© Casa del Ritmo

Casa del Ritmo is a typical colorful house located near El Rotadero – one of the famous beaches on the Caribbean coast. I spent only one night there on my way back from Minca. It was towards the end of my Colombia trip but the setting and atmosphere, and especially the friendly service made me feel at home.

The hostel was not busy at the time, so I was pampered by the staff’s full attention and hospitality. Sandra showed me around and recommended dinner and drink options. She is funny and just great! Every room is named after a different music genre – Pop, Jazz, Bossa Nova, Tango, Salsa and so on. I got Salsa!

© Casa del Ritmo

Talking about food, this is another veggie hostel that offers fresh local food. Don’t miss the happy hour of the Art bar! They use real fruit for their Mojitos, Margaritas and Caipirinhas. Casa del Ritmo is also one of the few places where I was able to find the limited addition coca-infused beer Happy Coca from the Nevada brewery.

© Casa del Ritmo

© Casa del Ritmo

If you have an extra day or two, consider joining some of the different activities the hostel organizes. They include sunset yoga for women on the beach, zumba classes, live music and open mic jam sessions, movie and popcorn, poker nights, salsa parties and many more.

© Casa del Ritmo

© Casa del Ritmo

“Life is not what one lived, but what one remembers and how one remembers it in order to recount it.” Gabriel García Márquez

Note: I was not paid to write this review and I did not receive a free stay in exchange. I paid for my room just like you… but I loved it so much that I felt it deserved this write-up!

The post 3 unique hostels in Colombia to kick back and relax appeared first on 203Challenges.

Planning can take over all aspects of our lives.

Family. Social life. Friends. Relationships. Marriage. Children. In this day and age, it’s so easy to get carried away and let our anxiety for the future control our life, forcing us to over-plan. How often do you stress about a plan B or a worst-case scenario instead of just going with the flow?

As John Lennon once said:

“Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.”

Traveling is one activity that can require meticulous planning, with flights, hotel reservations and itineraries all begging to be organized in advance. But if you get too caught up in planning, your relaxing holiday could turn into a stressful, inflexible experience. This begs the question: how do we keep travel fun, challenging and spontaneous?

Here are a few tips for enjoying an unplanned trip:

1. Be spontaneous! Follow an interesting sign and change your plan

We think the ability to abandon your plans and venture into the unknown is directly proportional to your enjoyment of traveling (and life) in general. So, even if you have a plan, the next time an unexpected sign or an intriguing place name piques your interest, follow your intuition!

2. Thinking of turning something down? Say yes at the last minute!

We challenge you to accept the next travel suggestion that you would normally say no to. Spontaneity goes hand-in-hand with an open mind!

3. Take the random stop challenge

Forget the destination – we challenge you to set out on a journey with nothing more than your starting point planned. This is your chance to be spontaneous and leave the rest to fate. We promise it will be a trip to remember!

How to do it:

By train – Go to the station and catch the next train. Get off at the third (or fourth, or tenth…) stop and explore.

By car – Take a friend, then once you hit the highway ask them to close their eyes and give you random directions, such as “take the third exit, then turn right after four streets”. Who knows where you’ll end up?

By plane – This option is for advanced travelers only! Go to the airport and get on the next available flight to anywhere. Have your luggage packed. You can go alone or with friends (if they’re brave enough to accept the challenge). The destination is not important, so you can aim for the cheapest or the most exotic – whatever tickles your fancy. Spend the weekend there and see what fate has to offer!

4. Embrace the slow return challenge

This challenge is all about taking the easy way there and the scenic route home. That could mean taking a flight to your destination then meandering back over several days by bus, train, or even sticking your thumb out on the side of the road. If you’re driving, take the highway there and the back roads on your return, stopping at every town or landmark on the way to really get a feel for the area. We’re sure you’ll enjoy every place, every encounter and every moment on the road!

5. Spend a weekend in the wilderness without bringing food or a tent

Mountain tourism is incredibly popular these days, partly because even the most casual mountaineer can find good equipment, tents and waterproof clothes. If you’re really in adventure mode, however, you might challenge yourself to spend two days close to nature without all of the creature comforts. Search for food and water, hunt, build a shelter, and start a fire the old-fashioned way without matches or a lighter.

6. Get lost on purpose

Getting lost in an unknown city is the best way to be spontaneous, to find exciting things and to meet interesting people (away from the crowds of tourists). You’ll be amazed how quickly you stumble upon unexpected treasures and off-the-beaten-track experiences.

7. Trust a friend to organize your trip

Set a budget and leave the organization to a close friend. Before you leave, you’ll simply receive an envelope with reservations, GPS coordinates and a list of necessary things to pack. Sounds quite spontaneous, doesn’t it?

8. Close your eyes and spin!

Still haven’t got plans for the weekend? You don’t need any. Just spread out a map of the country/continent in front of you, or, if you’re feeling particularly brave, grab a globe and give it a spin. Close your eyes and let your finger be the travel agent – wherever it lands is your next destination! We should point out that if your finger lands in the middle of the ocean, you might want to take a second stab at it…

9. Cure your boredom with an adventurous challenge

Stop. Take a deep breath. Grab “203 Travel Challenges” (it was designed as a travel book but it also acts as a random challenge-generator). Open the book to a random page and complete the challenge waiting for you there. Prepare to get out of your comfort zone and leave the rest to serendipity!

How many of these challenges have you done? Share your experience and become an inspiration to others. Send a story and a couple of photos to office@203challenges.com.

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Old City of Dubrovnik – The Old City is a place you want to get lost in. Numerous narrow streets, small and big squares, marble alleys, churches, beautiful buildings with preserved authentic architecture and stairs leading to the stone walls of the city where the sea welcomes you with its entire expanse. And thousands of boats along the shore, waiting to take you on an unforgettable journey.

Stradun Street (Placa) is the heart of Dubrovnik. This is the main street of the city, full of entertainment, events and catering establishments and shops. The buildings have identical architecture, built of stone and levelled. Each new building in the region should meet the set requirements so as to preserve the stylish look of the environment. Only the Clock Tower, located in the end of the street, dominates over the others with its 31 m height, being one of the symbols of the city.

Big Onofrio Fountain (Velika Onofrijeva Fontana) has 16 sides, each of them having an original mask, the mouth of which is a tap pouring drinking water. This is a perfect place to refresh yourself on a hot day. The fountain was built in the XV century by Italian architect Onofrio della Cava, who built the water supply system of the city. It is located close to the Pile Gate.

The City Walls of Dubrovnik – the entire city is surrounded by defensive stone walls, some 2 km in diameter. There are 12 forts, 15 bastions and 4 round and corner towers. Fort Bokar was built to protect the Gate Pile. Nowadays it hosts some of the events within the Summer Festival held in the city. The walls were constructed in the Middle Ages – XIII-XIV, to protect the city from attacks. While taking a walk in their unique atmosphere, you will also enjoy an incredible view to the shore and the seaport.

Sponza Palace was built in the XVI century when it served as a customs building, monitoring the trade of goods. Its architecture combines Renaissance and Gothic styles. The first school in Dubrovnik was sheltered here, too, as well as the bank and the armoury. Nowadays it stores the state archives and many historical manuscripts.

The Rector’s Palace (Knežev dvor) was built in the XIV century as the official headquarters of the ruling republic. It is located on Stradun Street and its architecture combines Gothic and Baroque styles. It shelters the Cultural Historical Museum. Here you can see a rich collections of paintings, icons, ceramics, retro furniture, textile, glass and metal pieces of art, as well as many photos.

The Dominican Monastery (Dominikanski samostan) is situated in the northern part of the Old City of Dubrovnik. It is built in a Gothic and Renaissance style. It shelters works of art by Italian and Croatian artists, while the monastery’s garden houses a well from the XIV century, which is still active.

Franciscan Monastery – the Franciscan Church and Monastery complex (Franjevački samostan) is comprised of a monastery, clock tower, XV century well, Baroque church, pharmacy store from the XIV century – the third-oldest in the world, which continues functioning until nowadays, as well as one of the biggest libraries in Croatia with more than 20,000 books, 1,200 of which are old text and musical manuscripts. Generally, there is much to be seen here and there is no risk of getting bored at all.

Fort Lovrijenac is located in the western part of the city, outside the Walls of Dubrovnik, on a 36 m high steep rock that sticks out into the sea. According to legends, the fort was built in only three months to stop the Venetians from constructing their own fort at the same place. Nowadays, it is a scene for many Shakespeare plays performed during the Summer Festival.

Minceta Fortress is the major stronghold of the Old City, placed right between its two gates. It dates back to the XIV century and was reconstructed in the XV century. It is the highest point in the Old City of Dubrovnik and one of the symbols of the city.

St Blaise’s Church (Crkva Sv. Vlaha) was built in 1716. A curious fact is that the previous temple situated at this place survived a powerful earthquake back in 1667 but few decades later (1706) it burnt down to the ground. Venetian Marino Gropelli is the architect of the church. There is a gold-plated statue of St Blaise at the main altar, made by local artists in the XV century. In one of his hands the Saint holds a scale model of Dubrovnik the way the city looked before the 1667 earthquake. St Blaise (Sveti Vlaho in Croatian) is the patron saint of the city of Dubrovnik and there are celebrations honouring the saint organised every year.

Lokrum Island is situated half a kilometre away from the coastline of Dubrovnik and its green hills can be seen from afar. There is a botanical garden with plants from all over the world on the island. Your memories from this place will be sweet with eucalyptus. The island is around 100 m above sea level. There is an old French stronghold atop of the hill. The way up to it is very exhausting but the nice view to the shores of Dubrovnik seen through the green trees is worth it.

The Elaphiti Islands (Elafitski otoci) is a small archipelago with a dry and warm climate, long summer and very short winter. A perfect place to lie under the shadow of the palm trees with a cocktail in your hand. The Elaphiti Islands include the islands of Sipan, Lopud, Kolocep, Daksa, Ruda, Misnjak, Jakljan, Kosmec, Golec, Crkvina, Tajan and Olipa. Sometimes Lokrim is considered part of the Elafits, too. Here you can also find dense forests and spacious beaches. You can reach the island by ferryboat from Dubrovnik, running at regular intervals few times a day.

With a cable car to Srd Mountain – Please yourself with this unforgettable experience – take a ride to the Srd Mountain with a cable car. The top of the mountain offers a beautiful view to the shore. You can reach Srd Mountain by bike, too, riding amidst the rich mountain greenery.

A boat trip – After a long day of strolling down the streets, a boat trip will have a very relaxing effect. You will enjoy the shores of Dubrovnik from the sea and pass by some of the beaches. You may take a boat from the old port and reach the new one, or the other way round, or you may sail to one of the nearby islands. One of the best ways to enjoy your boat trip is by traveling in super luxury yachts and discover the magnificent waters of Dubrovnik. Feel the sea breeze into your hair. Full steam ahead!

Dubrovnik Summer Festival – every year the city turns into a big scene from the start of July until mid-August. Dances, music, opera, ballet, theatre – every single day. The citizens of Dubrovnik never give up and even when there are no available places they enjoy the shows from the windows of their homes. Everyone is invited, feel welcomed to the festival!

Beaches of Dubrovnik – there are both central and numerous hidden beaches where you can find peace and privacy. Most of the beaches in Dubrovnik are rocky. Babin Kuk beach is the most popular one and if you want to visit it, you should go there early in the morning because later on it will be impossible to find a place. There are several smaller, picturesque beaches in the Old City but they are hardly accessible. The Plat beach is located few kilometres away from the city, it is rocky, wide enough and not too crowded.

Have some seafood – squids, clams, white fish, crabs, cuttlefish, octopus, shrimps, whatever you order, it will be the right choice because Croatia is famous for its tasty, mouth-watering seafood, while the locals do their best to provide fresh products every day. Don t forget a glass of nice wine. Cheers! Or Živjeli! in Croatian.

Try orahnjaca – a traditional Croatian sweet dish with walnuts, a perfect end to the delicious lunch or dinner. Bon appetit!

Shops in Dubrovnik – the streets in Dubrovnik are full of stands selling souvenirs, spices, lace, tea, textile, jewellery, and everything you can imagine. The fashion stores for clothes, shoes and accessories are found in the Old City, as well as on Stradun Street. DOC Kerum, on the other hand, is the biggest trade centre in Dubrovnik where you can buy everything, including home appliances and furniture.

Night life in Dubrovnik – Latino and jazz clubs, discotheques with electronic music, cocktail bars with live music, Irish pubs – whatever you like. There are many entertainment establishments in the Old City, too, as well as on Stradun Street and along the beaches.

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The point of this article is not to encourage you to break the law but to show you there are beautiful places out there where visitors are not allowed (which is more or less the same).

We have heard stories about fascinating off-limits spots around the world. Destinations like Snake Island (Ihla da Queimada Grande, Brazil) with a population of at least one snake per square meter, or North Sentinel Island (where 400 Sentinelese people still keep their isolation from the modern world) should remain banned. However, there are other places that sooner or later should be opened to the public.

My story happened on a late summer day. A day my friends and I went on a hike. Nothing extraordinary so far, right? That day turned out to be one of the most exciting in my life.

The recap: A group of friends and I were taking a break from work in Hawaii. We were mastering the Italian ‘dolce far niente’ – the sweetness of doing nothing. Besides swimming, surfing and lying on a beach, we hadn’t engaged in any other island activity.

The trip was towards its end. We were brainstorming ideas of what to do on our last day when all of a sudden a friend casually asked ‘Have you heard of the stairs?’.

Looking for the trail through the forest © Tzvetelina Chorbadjiyska

The Haiku Stairs (Haʻikū) is a steep hiking trail overlooking the Valley of Haiku in the Kaneohe area of Oahu, Hawaii. It’s a steel staircase made up of 4000 steps built back in the 1940s. Its purpose was to help the military access a radio station based on top of the ridge during World War II. Rumor has it that the station could communicate with submarines located as far as Tokyo. It also had the status of a top secret facility.

Haiku Stairs are not the most difficult hike you can take on the island. Getting there is a piece of cake – take interstate H3 towards Windward Coast Kailua, exit at Haiku neighborhood and drive all the way up until you reach the last houses. Going up is not as easy.

Still, it turned out to be the coolest, most thrilling and beautiful hike I have done in my life!

© Tzvetelina Chorbadjiyska

You have probably heard people refer to it as Stairway to Heaven simply because the adrenaline and the views from the top are amazing!

But why was it such an extreme and thrilling experience? The staircase is quite steep and could get slippery when wet, but that’s not all. The main thrill comes from the fact that it has been closed to the public for the past 30 years. It grew as a popular hiking trail in the early 1980s until the government saw it as too dangerous and closed it down in 1987.

It has been illegal ever since. Even though against the law, hikers, locals, and foreigners ignore the signs “no trespassing” and climb the stairs. Sometimes dozens a day! That is why in 2013 a security guard was stationed at the base of the trail.

Since 2013 it has become more and more difficult to access the stairs. Yet people don’t give up. They would start as early as 2 am to arrive there before the guard and enjoy the break of dawn and the sunrise views from the top. In my case, we waited for the sunlight and then headed to the trail. I recommend arriving around 8-9 am to allow yourself time to find the trail that goes around the guard through the rainforest.

© Tzvetelina Chorbadjiyska

Basically, the stairs are a series of ladders bolted together. Once you set foot on them, hold tight on the side rails. The first section of stairs is very steep. If you have a fear of heights – don’t even think about it. Otherwise, you should prepare for a good cardio workout. There are a couple of platforms on the way where you can catch your breath. Higher up, the trail rises above the clouds. It could get foggy, misty and quite humid, so keep your hands on the rails and your eyes on your feet. You’ll have plenty of time to admire the view.

My friends and I hurried up in order to have more time to admire the view at the top. We made it back in about 2 hours. During the hike, we got all sweaty and wet from the intensive workout and the quick forest showers drizzling over the top. Therefore, I recommend wearing light clothes in natural colors which fade with the forest – green, brown, beige.

© Tzvetelina Chorbadjiyska

On the way up my heart didn’t stop racing. The adrenaline of doing something illegal kicked in. The words going on and on in my mind were ‘incredible’, ‘amazing’, ‘unreal’.

The thought that the stairs are right in front of you and yet forbidden, is so tempting. I wouldn’t judge anybody who tried or who is about to head over there after reading this. You should definitely be careful, know your abilities and limits, and realize that you’re doing it at your own risk. At the top, it’s all worth it.

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