There’s a lot of talk about the ubiquitous comfort zone and everyone’s efforts to escape from it, as if it’s Hell on Earth. But what does it really mean, and how can you turn that vague goal into specific actions?

First of all, getting out of your comfort zone has two distinct characteristics:

1. If you don’t want to do it, it is definitely out of your comfort zone and you should do it.
2. Often, the things that get you out of your comfort zone aren’t blissful and pleasurable at all while you are doing them. Some of them really suck. When time passes and your brain ‘polishes’ the memories, some of them may start to look like adventures, while others will always remain cringe-infusing images in your mind. In both cases, you will have cool stories to tell around the fire.

So, why is it so hard to get out of your comfort zone?

Making yourself do something that you don’t want to do is always hard. But it’s not impossible. You can make it a bit easier when you remind yourself that pushing your boundaries will ultimately bring you great happiness. According to an article in Psychology Today, happiness is maximized when you confront a crisis with grace.

Additionally, studies prove that it’s easier to step beyond your normal self when you have your more adventurous friends around. Their readiness to take risks can be contagious.

5 simple ways to get out of your comfort zone while you are traveling:

1. Eat something you wouldn’t normally eat. Don’t just stick to things that look delicious; at least once per trip, you should eat something that provokes thoughts in your head like “oh my, I would never ever put this into my mouth”. You may not like it, but you should at least try it.
2. Go somewhere you wouldn’t normally go. You hate museums? Visit at least one and make a genuine effort to find something enjoyable about the experience. Galleries? Make them interesting by getting this free app, which will tell you the story of every painting and naked ancient Greek sculpture. Don’t like baking on the beach? Go with a friend and ask them to help you make it fun (by trying water sports, boating, SUP…).
3. Haggle. Haggling at exotic markets can always go in a totally unexpected direction. No matter what happens, the experience will keep you alert and thinking of ways to win the battle of wills.
4. Swap your playlist for local music. You can listen to the latest Taylor Swift hit whenever you wish, but when you are abroad, mute Look what you made me do and try a local radio station to get a sense of what people listen to where you are. Ask around to find a local band/artist to add to your favorites. If you start every day of your trip with the same song, you will actually create longer-lasting memories.
5. Meet locals. If you are not particularly sociable, try to talk more with the receptionist at your hotel or ask a few personal questions to your tourist guide (like do they have a family? In what part of the city do they live? Is it a considered a good or a bad area? What do they do in their free time?). The deeper you delve into the lives of others, the greater the possibility that you’ll receive an unexpected offer that will take you somewhere unknown – and that’s an adventure in itself!

Pin it or save it for later, because you never know when you will want to break out of your comfort zone:

The post How to travel out of your comfort zone (and what it really means) 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.

1. Quit your job

2. Build a campervan

3. Travel

At least this is what Mike Hudson would tell you if you ask him.

He started doing a lot of dreaming in 2013 – he wanted to live in a van and travel the world. Unlike many similar dreams that are born and die every minute around the world, this one actually turned into reality. Mike quit his job, moved out his house in Sheffield, UK, gave away the furniture and… bought a big old van.

“The first few days I was overwhelmed with things I needed to do. The van was a mess. It got worse the more time I spent with it; more rust, holes in floor, oil leaks, bodge after bodge. It was a write-off and it even had forklift truck marks underneath where it had probably been shifted about some scrap yard,” he tells the story in his blog.

March 2014, the van conversion was complete, the journey began.

Two years later Mike is in Morocco – relaxing by the coast in a secluded spot – and answering our questions:

I travel by van because… it lets me live a simple happy life of freedom, adventure and experience variety every day.

Turning a dream into reality is… a human thing that we are all wired to do.

Quitting my job to travel was a decision that now I see as… the best decision of my life.

The first thing I do when I arrive at a new destination is… stop and observe.

I never travel without... a positive mindset and a healthy outlook on the world.

The place I would come back again and again is… Greece, Greece, Greece.

The strangest thing that ever happened to me on the road was… I really don’t know what is strange and what is not any more. Even crazy coincidences are kind of normal now, although I don’t take them for granted.

Actually I never have time for… the radio and the disgusting music they feed us.

My last destination was… I’m in Morocco right now. I’m by the coast in a secluded spot with some other vans.

My next destination is… I’ll go south down the coast. I heard about this valley full of vans and homes of wheels with cool people.

5 tips for travelling by van… laugh, live, be nice to locals and police, don’t plan too much, let curiosity lead the way.

If I have to share something inspiring with you, it would be… the night sky.

The bench with the greatest view in the world is in… I love this question but I’m afraid I haven’t travelled the world so how can I say? But I’ll say Athens, Greece on Filopappos Hill at sunset with a bottle of wine.

This interview was originally published on TravelBench.net.

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Talking about “traveling”, for some people a “vacation” means lying on a tropical beach or staying in an expensive hotel and there is nothing wrong with that.  As the saying goes:

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us”.

But now, we challenge you to think outside the box and look closely into these trip ideas. They will help you relax and grow as a person at the same time.

1. Travel back to your roots

You are always looking forward to the next trip in your calendar. What if you look back in time for once? Do you know what part of the world your ancestors come from? In order to move on with your life, you should find out where you started from. What’s more, you never know what secrets you will discover. You might be the heir of a royal family or an ancient kin! Take your parents or grandparents along. Traveling through places where they grew up may prove to be an emotional experience.

2. A long-distance trek

You love the outdoors and staying active or you would like to complete a pilgrim trek because of religion. Whatever the reasons, to conquer hundreds of miles on foot or by horse is an impressive accomplishment!

A long-distance trek offers you the chance to tune off, detach and clear your head. Surrounded by nature, you will be rewarded with plenty of time alone to figure out where you’re at in your life. An open mind and a backpack is all you need to start.

Here are some worldwide trek ideas:

Camino de Santiago or just El Camino  for short is a pilgrimage that begins in France and ends in front of the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Northern Spain. For many years now, pilgrims from around the world take part in the 500-mile/800-km picturesque trek.

When in the United States, you might get inspired by the story of Cheryl Strayed, (author of Wild). She took on a 1000-mile self-discovery hike following the Pacific Crest Trail all the way from Mexico to Canada. Cheryl set out on her journey all alone with barely any hiking experience, but we recommend you gear up well and fully prepare before you go.

Following the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru is on top of my bucket list. Even though this site has become Peru’s most popular attraction and one of the most visited in the world, I still believe it is worth it to see the 15th-century archaeological ruins. There are a few options for hiking to Machu Picchu. Just bear in mind there is a 200-people daily limit on the trail for conservation reasons. Find out more here.

>>> Read more: 8 Unique Things to Do in Peru for First-Time Visitors

3. Live with locals

You might have planned the perfect trip abroad – to use a map, wander around the streets, get lost, and eat a local dish. Yet there is something missing. What you really need is a local who will spend some time with you. A local who will tell you about history, show you all the off the beaten track spots or just have an interesting conversation with you over coffee or beer. You can meet up with locals through emerging social platforms like Courchsurfing and GlobalGreeters or you could simply join a free tour.

>>> Read more: 7 Free Travel Tools You May Not Be Using (Other Than Couchsurfing)

I have lots of experience with locals. My favorite one so far was during an university exchange program in Portugal. I shared an apartment with 3 Portuguese girls for 6 months and had the best time of my life!

4. Become a volunteer

You want to do something valuable with your time? Become a volunteer! You just need a cause that suits you. Volunteering as a way of travel allows you to spend from a few weeks up to a couple of months in a foreign country. You will have the chance to improve small communities, interact with locals, gain priceless experience and make new friends at the same time. You can even become a volunteer in your hometown – plant trees, clean up parks or organize music festivals. Whatever you choose, remember that an act of kindness made for someone else will immediately boost your happiness.

You will find good volunteer trip ideas almost anywhere in the world. Building houses in Costa Rica, teaching English in Nepal or caring for abused elephants in an Elephant Nature Park in Thailand. There are endless possibilities. I personally have the latter on my bucket list. If you’re also against riding elephants as a tourist attraction, visit the Park’s website and learn more here.

5. Go on a big road trip

One of the most beautiful and picturesque roads in the world are also the curviest ones. But they are totally worth it! Going on a big road trip without a specific travel plan is somewhat liberating and challenging even for experienced travelers. To have an authentic experience, you could eat in diners and sleep in motels along the way!

A few road trip ideas:

US Route 66 is probably the most famous road you can take. Established in the early 20th century, it originally ran from Chicago all the way to Santa Monica, California, covering a little less than 4000 km (2500 miles).

Another scenic road in the USA is the Pacific Coast Highway also known as Highway 1. It runs for 1000 km along the Californian coast passing attractions such as Santa Barbara, Big Sur, Monterey, San Francisco Bay Area. What’s more, Highway 1 connects two of the largest cities in the state – Los Angeles and San Francisco. Get ready for rocky cliffs, wild nature and stunning views.

You can find similar scenery of the ocean, clear blue skies and green fields on the Southern coast of Australia where the Great Ocean Road stretches for as long as 243 km (151 miles).

>>> Read more: 13 Useful Tips Before You Head on a Road Trip in Australia

6. Overcome your fears

Do something that scares you! Skydive, bungee jump, scuba dive, rock climb, talk to foreigners or ride a bicycle. Whatever gives you the creeps, face it! The first and most important step is to give it a try.

When it comes to traveling, adventures and extreme sports, people have this common “What if something happens…” fear. What if, what if… but what if nothing happens? It’s natural to be afraid of something you have never done before. You are afraid not because it is scary, but because you have no idea what to expect. If that is the case, just remind yourself there are thousands of people around the world who have done it before you. And they are normal people, just like you!

Fear means you are about to do something mind-blowing! After you do it and the adrenaline rush kicks in, you will feel silly for previously being afraid.

7. Find out where your food comes from

In the time of GMOs, altered foods and artificial products, we challenge you to find local venues where you can see for yourself where our food comes from. It could be a winery or a brewery where you could get acquainted with the production process – from picking up grapes through fermentation to bottling. When in South America, be sure to visit a coffee plantation and do a coffee tour. Pick up, dry, roast and grind coffee beans for your own cup of coffee.

A challenge for advanced travelers would be to visit a farm or a ranch and do some volunteer work. Once you learn what it takes to make cheese and butter out of milk, you will definitely appreciate food more. Wherever you travel, do as the locals do – drink wine in Tuscany or Provence, whiskey in Ireland, espresso in Italy. And simply enjoy every bite!

8. Travel solo

Travel solo at least once per year

At least once a year set out on a trip planned especially to fulfill you and you only. Solo travel enriches you in a way companion travel cannot. Make sure you choose an activity or a destination where you feel safe enough, but still outside your comfort zone. It could be a week in a foreign city abroad, a digital detox or a camping weekend. Be ready to feel the self-confidence, creativity and clear mind that will come along.

The post 8 meaningful travel experiences to enrich your life appeared first on 203Challenges.

That’s what Ben Pike told me when I asked him about his upcoming adventure – kayaking across Europe in a double kayak where everyone is welcome! Yes, you read that right; if you are somewhere on the route, you are invited to join.

The plan: Kayak from the coast of Holland to the Black Sea, crossing the whole of Europe by river over about three months. Thanks to the canal system in Europe there exists the unique opportunity to cross the entire continent by river.

When and where: Ben is arriving in Amsterdam on Wednesday, August 16, and he plans to buy a two-person kayak as quickly as possible and head southeast towards Germany. Ben will have a free space in the kayak and he invites anyone who wants to join him for part of the trip.

“It won’t all be beautiful scenery and butterflies, but if you like a challenge, want to push yourself and love storytelling, then get in touch! Also, if anyone lives on route and could offer a shower/a place to stay/or even just wants to come say ‘hey‘, then I’d love to hear from you!” says Ben.

Photo courtesy of Ben Pike

A short background: Ben is not an adventure newbie – his last trip was 17,000 km around India in a tuktuk that Ben turned into one of the world’s first camper-tuktuks… Before that he cycled a tandem bicycle from England to China, picking up anyone who wanted to join along the way. Before that he built a raft to sail from the Caribbean to South America. So… are you ready?

Follow Ben’s trip on his YouTube channel.

The post To cross Europe by kayak, join this epic challenge (even for a mile) appeared first on 203Challenges.

But this is not the only epic train you can hop on. Here are several more ideas about great adventures on a train:

The Ghan, Australia

The Ghan Train, Australia | Photo credit: Gary Bembridge

The train crosses almost 3,000 km (1,860 mi) through the Australian wilderness, passing through Darwin, Alice Springs and Adelaide.

El Chepe, Mexico

The El Chepe Train, Mexico | Photo credit: Justin Vidamo/Flickr

The train connects Chihuahua and Los Mochis. The railway crosses the desert to the north to reach as far as the Pacific Ocean. You will enjoy splendid views while traveling, such as Barranca del Cobre canyon.

Flam Railway, Norway

Flam Railway, Norway | Photo: Visitnorway.com

Very short, at high altitude, the Flam Railway connects Myrdal and Flam in Norway. While traveling you will enjoy Aurlandsfjord as well as many wild waterfalls, cascading down into the mountain hollows.

El tren de la Sierra, Peru

El Tren de la Sierra, Peru | Jorge Gobbi/Flickr

The train passes through the Andes and is usually called El tren de la Sierra. It connects Lima and Huancayo. This is the world’s highest railway. You will see 54 bridges, 68 tunnels and make more than 1150 turns across Peru.

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

The Rocky Mountaineer Train | Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer

The train flies between Vancouver and Calgary, resting at Banff and Jasper Stations. Mountains, lakes and forests take turns behind the train’s window. You can spend between five and 13 nights on the train.

Bernina Express, Switzerland and Italy

Bernina Express | Photo: Rhaetische Bahn/swiss-image.ch/Christoph Benz

From Chur in Switzerland to Tirano in Italy, Bernina Express offers four hours of magnificent mountain landscape views through the Alps. Almost 200 bridges are scattered along the route.

Orient Express, Europe

Orient Express | Photo credit: Simon Pielow/Flickr

A train crossing routes, which make you daydream: Paris – Venice in one night or Paris – Istanbul in five nights, passing through Bucharest and Budapest. Read more about Orient Express.

Put comfortable shoes, underware and hot jacket and go 🙂

Featured image: Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountaineer

The post 7 iconic trains to ride around the world (other than the Trans-Siberian) appeared first on 203Challenges.

Here’s the inspiring story of Lexis Noelle and her little converted blue-bus “Lola”:

Photo courtesy of Adventuring with Lola

– Who is Lexis Noelle and what does she dream of?

– My name is Lexis Noelle, I am a 19-year-old girl from New York with a strong desire to travel and explore new places. I was never the college/bookwork type so after I graduated High school I went to my mom and told her I need to do something that I’m going to love doing and sitting in school was not it. She knew who I was and what I loved so we decided since I love camping and exploring new places, why not get something that would make traveling a lot easier and fun to do! And that is where “Lola” came along. My biggest accomplishment so far was being invited by “Girl Camper“ (Janine Pettit) to be in the Rhinebeck NY, “Country Living Fair”. For years I had the “Country Living Magazine” delivered to my house and I remember flipping through the pages and looking at all the awesome décor and content they had. I never thought that “Lola” and I would be a part of the fair! Going to the fair really made me realize what I accomplished and it made me look at things so differently. Talking to women/men about why I bought a bus instead of just going to a dealer and buying a brand new camper, and what she is capable of made them look at my idea in a totally different way than they could imagine. It was a 3-day fair with a lot of questions, a lot of answers, and a lot of pictures. It was an experience I will never forget.

Photo courtesy of Adventuring with Lola

– Who is Lola and how (and when) did she come into your life?

– “Lola” is a 1989 Canadian blue-bird short bus that my mother and I turned into a “glamper” on wheels. I was looking around for something that would suit my needs, and would be practical for me to handle driving. After months of looking for the perfect vehicle I was giving up hope on finding the right one. I stopped looking for little bit and went online one day just to see if maybe something came up, and there she was. A light pastel little blue vintage bus with endless possibilities. I contacted the seller and he was a few blocks away from my house in the same town!!! My mother and I hopped in the car, went to his house, took her for a test drive, and the rest is history. She was mine.

Photo courtesy of Adventuring with Lola

– How long did it take to renovate and furnish your bus?

– My mother and I did the conversion together, being that she already had her own bus conversion. She knew how to lay a floor and do all the stuff I didn’t know how to do. She helped me with the layout and the “hard” parts and told me the rest was up to me to decorate and make my own. The conversion took about 3 months of sleepless nights, late night shopping runs, and a lot of laughs.

Photo courtesy of Adventuring with Lola

– What was the hardest part?

– The hardest part was choosing how I wanted my layout. What would be most practical for me, and utilizing the most space I could.

– What was the fun part?
– The fun part was definitely the decorating! I had tons of ideas and seeing those ideas come to life was amazing.

Photo courtesy of Adventuring with Lola

– What are the perks of living a bus life?

– The perks of living a “bus life” is escaping the everyday norm that a lot of people have a hard time separating from. Living a “bus life” means you can literally take your little home on wheels anywhere and always have a place to hangout, cook, sleep, shower, go to the bathroom in. The feeling of being able to open your back door and having a different view of wherever you go, whether it is mountains, a lake, a sunset, a beach is something you cannot even put a price on.

Photo courtesy of Adventuring with Lola

– What was one thing you hadn’t realized about living in a bus before you actually did it?

– Right now I am currently part time “bus life” working to save more money to be comfortable hitting the road full time in “Lola”. I travel on my weekends off and my vacation days, always with a plan to see or explore something new.

– How do you find living with so little stuff?

– One thing about “bus life” is that you seriously realize how much you don’t need. There is no better feeling than having only what you really need and not having the burden of clutter on your shoulders.

Photo courtesy of Adventuring with Lola

– What’s the trip that has changed you the most?

– My trip to Rhinebeck NY has been my favorite, seeing and meeting so many people and encouraging them to think outside the box gave me such an amazing feeling. Also watching them take a inside tour of “Lola” and seeing their reactions to how a short bus can fit a kitchen, bathroom, dining room and a full sized bed and still have a ton of space to move around freely completely shocked them.

– Many people dream of breaking the routine and start living in a van or converted bus. What would you tell them?

– I would tell those people if it is something they really would love to do, then they should 100% go for it. Make sure that the vehicle you want is going to suit your needs and comfort the best, watch a ton of Youtube videos on others living this lifestyle and most important have fun with it!

Photo courtesy of Adventuring with Lola

– What’s one inspiring thing you’d share with us?

– I am beyond happy that I have “Lola” and that she came out to be exactly what I wanted. I can’t thank my mother enough for pushing me to accomplish this goal, and always motivating me to go beyond my comfort zone .

– One challenge for everyone reading this?

– Go somewhere that you’ve always drove past, biked past or even walked past and always wanted to stop and see and take pictures of but never took the time out to do

*

Follow Adventuring with Lola on Facebook and Instagram.

Pin it to your travel board:

The post This cute bus to camper makeover will inspire you to follow your dreams appeared first on 203Challenges.

His book, “Terning: Around the World by Bike”, is a story about the challenges he faced, but it is also a story about the kindness and generosity of the people he met along the way. As Sam says, “I am no brave adventurer; the book is the story of a twenty-three-year-old who cycled around the world in spite of himself, his flaws and (often pretty stupid) decisions’. 

We reached out to Sam to ask him about his dreams, his inspiring encounters on the road and his next challenges. There he is.

– Who is Sam Gambier and what are his dreams?

– I grew up in Cornwall, UK, and went to uni in London. When I was twenty-three, I left England and spent two years and eight months cycling around the world and since then have lived in Spain and China. (I know you didn’t really ask me, but…) I believe our experience on this planet should not be confined by the borders drawn across it and I feel lucky and guilty, in equal measure, that I was born in a place that allows me to explore the world more freely than most. I dream about a world in which we recognise ourselves as inhabitants of one shared place, rather than several disparate places separated from each other (though perhaps I should do less dreaming and more doing!).

– What was your motif to choose a bicycle as a means of transport to circumnavigate the world?

– A bicycle brings you closer to people than most other forms of transport could. The barrier of a window pane is removed, as is the ease and comfort that the window pane brings; the world is not framed for you to look at, rather you become part of the picture. On a bicycle you feel each metre, every hill and all the space between us, and I’m sure in some way this leads to a greater understanding of our world, at least its physical form. I am also quite a shy person, and a bicycle piled high with belongings starts conversations better than I do.

– What was the most heartwarming act of human kindness you experienced during your trip?

– I experienced so many moments of miraculous human kindness that it is really difficult to highlight just one. In almost every country I cycled through, people gave me food and shelter, and shared their lives with me. I think the place in which I was most overwhelmed by kindness was in Sumatera, Indonesia. Almost every day, people invited me into their homes: I slept on the floors of single-roomed houses with families of five or six; visited schools and mosques; rode about the towns visiting friends and seeing the local sights and was always met with openness, kindness and curiosity.

– What was the biggest challenge you hadn’t expected?

– Probably myself! Loneliness set in quick, and at the beginning I couldn’t shake the idea of spending so much time alone. Two-and-a-half-years by myself seemed unfathomable, and I felt the love I have for those close to me with a keenness I hadn’t experienced before. I am no brave adventurer; the book is the story of a twenty-three-year-old who cycled around the world in spite of himself, his flaws and (often pretty stupid) decisions. That I made it was a testament to the kindness and generosity of the people that I met; it was these meetings that made the journey worth it and encouraged me to carry on.

– What would you say to someone who considers repeating your feat?

– Do it, first and foremost. It will give you much more than you could ever put in and will be a life-affirming, enriching experience. People will show themselves to be wonderful and kind and you will see parts of the world which most people fly over or drive through. There is no need to plan in meticulous detail, but be prepared; it is a deeply rewarding way to travel, but it is not always the easiest. And, of course, you will not be repeating anything. I feel like when we travel we visit a time as much as a place. Even if you followed a route cycled a thousand times, it would be your adventure, remarkable and unique.

– What is your next big travel challenge?

– In the summer, I’m planning to walk a little way across Norway, from Otta to Odda, because 1.) it has a nice ring to it, 2.) it seems like a nice amount of walking to do in a month and 3.) it seems like it will be absolutely stunning. I’m a little older now, and maybe have more patience for walking; I’m looking forward to living in a tent in the real world and escaping the man-made one with jobs and bills and all that stuff for a little while.

– Share something inspiring with everyone reading this!

– Ummm… that’s put me on the spot! I really don’t consider myself to be a very inspiring person. The only thing I will say, if you are thinking about going on a mammoth adventure, is that if I can do it, anyone can.

***

Sam Gambier’s book, “Terning: Around the World by Bike”, is on Amazon here: 

To get an idea of what you can expect, read an excerpt from the book HERE.

All photos: Courtesy of Sam Gambier

Discover more travel books and interviews with travel authors here!

The post Sam Gambier’s trip around the world: 2,5 years by bike appeared first on 203Challenges.

The Lycian Way is 540 km long and you will need around 29-30 days to walk it.

The route curves around the coastline in South Turkey and offers:

– a scenic route between the mountains and the coast

– old Roman roads and offbeaten paths

– some steep parts but with enough resting points

– local transport connection so you don’t have to walk all the way

About the route

The name of the route comes from the ancient name of this part of Anatolia – Lycia. The route was explored and marked by the Turkish-British non-professional historian Kate Clow in 1999. Since then, thousands of hikers have been following it every year and it has gained international popularity.

The coast is far from the major resorts, so you have great blue waters to swim or go kayaking. You’ll also pass through pine forests, mountain peaks, ancient ruins.

Start: Oludeniz (near Turkish resort Fethiye)

End: Geyikbayiri (20 km from Turkish resort Antalya) – the trail can be walked in both directions

Where to stay on the route: You can sleep in village guest houses or small hotels along the way. There are camping areas available, too.

What to eat: You can find groceries and shops in the villages along the way but sometimes the prices are unreasonably high.

Best time to do it: February – April or September – November. Summer is scorching.

Route marks: red and white stripes but have in mind that in many places the marks are poor and you’ll need a map and compass.

Self-guided routes and various options for the route here.

Photos: flickr/sunriseOdyssey

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Filatelista – (n.) a person who collects passport stamps.

Meet Lola Méndez, a full-time traveler sharing her adventures on her blog Miss Filatelista. She’s been on the road for over three years now and has explored more than 50 countries. Passionate about sustainable travel she seeks out ethical experiences that benefit local communities.

What are the crazy things you experience while traveling for so long? How can we easily make our own trips more ethical? What does one dream of after spending so much time on the road? Here’s what Lola shared with us in a special interview with 203challenges.com.

– Who is Lola Méndez and what are her dreams?

– Wow, this is a loaded question! There’s so much to unpack here. Maybe I should ask you for a word count? To be brief I’m a recovering New Yorker with Uruguayan heritage. I’ve been traveling full-time for three years and work as a freelance journalist. Through my travels and my work, I focus on sustainability both environmentally and socially. My dream is that either through my eco-luxury blog, Miss Filatelista, or the articles I’ve published on various media platforms, will encourage others to take small steps towards being more responsible as they travel. A great place to start is my monthly series of responsible travel challenges. Each month I tackle one topic in depth with sage advice about how to make small changes that will make a big difference for the communities you visit and our precious planet.

– Share three of the craziest things that you’ve experienced on the road!

– Fortunately, the crazy things that happen on the road end up being the most memorable! I don’t usually run into too many hardships but funnily enough, yesterday was one of those ‘omg what is HAPPENING’ kind of days. I went to sunrise yoga at 4:30 AM on the beach in Hoi An, where I’ve been living for two months. I stupidly left my iPhone 6S in the taxi but miraculously the driver brought it back within 15 minutes and would only accept the equivalent of 3 USD from me. I was feeling incredibly lucky and that perhaps I had good karma after all.

Later that afternoon I got a reminder to check into my hotel in Hanoi today, when I thought my flight was in two days! I almost completely missed my flight and had no idea that the day I’d just spent in Hoi An would be my last day in this city I love so much. I was quite frantic when I was about to cross the road and then saw a girl I knew from Spain whom I hadn’t seen for three years, I called out to her, checked for traffic, then as I crossed the road I was hit by a motorbike for the first time ever!

To continue the chaos of the day when I got home my house was completely unlocked and all of the lights were on. But nothing was missing. I only have a bruise from the accident. I didn’t miss my flight. I got my phone back. My lesson here is that I had gotten way too comfortable and need to stay aware of my surroundings, something everyone can use a reminder about every once in a while. All in all, the crazy day turned out fine, nothing is missing, and I’m not injured. But I hear the universe loud and clear that I need to be more aware!

– What are some myths that need to be busted about ethical and sustainable travel?

– There’s a lot of judgment in the responsible travel community which is counterintuitive and doesn’t help encourage people to be more conscious in any way. There is no such thing as a perfectly sustainable traveler. I don’t aspire to be a completely ethical traveler, because I don’t believe this is a possibility. Instead, each and every day I am learning new ways that I can limit my waste, reduce my negative impact on the places I travel, and new methods to support the people and places that I’m so fortunate to visit.

Another major thing to be aware of is that the term ‘eco’ is widely misused, especially here in Southeast Asia. Eco is often simply used to describe something that is outdoors in nature. I’ve visited eco-lodges that serve water in plastic bottles and gone on eco tours that destroy nature instead of nourishing it. Learn from my mistakes!

– What are a few easy steps we can make to travel in a more ethical way?

– The series of responsible travel challenges on Miss Filatelista is a great place to start traveling in a more ethical way. There have been seven detailed dedicated posts so far that discuss topics such as ethical wildlife viewing, overseas volunteering, respecting local culture, and plastic-free travel.

– What’s the best tip you’d give a novice traveler?

– The most important thing I’ve learned while traveling is how to be open-minded and not judgemental about things that seem unusual to me based on my western upbringing. As travelers and world citizens, we must remember that there are a million different ways to live a life, and one is not better than the other. If you come across a situation that you deem less than ideal it is important to put your privilege in check and not make assumptions or project your unwanted opinions. Just because you wouldn’t be comfortable in someone else’s living situation didn’t mean it’s wrong or bad. Instead be gracious for this learning opportunity and do your best to emerge yourself in a culture. I guarantee you’ll walk away as a more well-rounded, understanding, and worldly person. Also, don’t travel for the photo opportunity. Aim to be a meaningful traveler, not an influencer. If the internet disappeared tomorrow and you couldn’t document and share your experiences, would you travel? If you have to consider this question then it may be time to reevaluate why you’re traveling.

– What’s the one thing you never travel without?

– As a dedicated sustainable traveler, I always bring my reusable water bottle and neck pillow on flights. Doing so helps me cut back on wasteful plastic packaging consumption, (although cardboard packaging is also an environmentally eco-friendly product). Airplane pillows are always wrapped in plastic and water is usually provided in a small plastic bottle or plastic cup. It’s quite simple to cut out this single-use plastic waste with long-lasting eco-friendly alternatives.

– What’s the first thing you do when you arrive at a new place?

– Food. Anything food related has to be the first thing I do when I arrive in a new place! Especially because I’m vegan. So, heading off on a locally-led food tour or a cooking class helps me get a grasp on what traditional foods are veggie friendly and gives me a chance to learn the local lingo for terms I’ll need to know in order to eat! As I’ve just arrived in Hanoi a few hours ago I’ll actually be headed off on a vegan food tour with responsible tour operator Backstreet Academy for lunch. I’m already so hungry and can’t wait to taste northern Vietnamese dishes and compare them to central and southern specialties.

– What’s your next great travel challenge?

– This is going to seem a bit odd coming from someone who has traveled continuously for so long, and often alone, but my biggest challenge at the moment is readjusting to solo travel. For quite a while I was traveling with my ex-boyfriend and got very comfortable due to having a large male companion to protect me, drive me around, share costs, and take my photos. I know those all seem so superficial but those comforts made traveling so much easier. I’m slowly making my way back to being a confident solo traveler but I’m very apprehensive about being alone again especially after enduring several sexual assaults while traveling alone. I have to remind myself daily that I thrived alone in India for 6 months and can handle any situation on my own.

– Share something inspiring with everyone reading this!

– I get asked a lot about what has inspired me to travel and what keeps me motivated to keep exploring. After giving it a lot of thought I think my upbringing prepared me to be a globetrotter. My father escaped the military junta in Uruguay by walking for four months across South America. He traveled out of necessities but spun his adventures into my bedtime stories which sparked a fascination with the world from a young age. My father’s plight also developed my sense of understanding, compassion, and eagerness to explore remote corners of the globe. Growing up in an international Uruguayan-American family exposed me to travel at a young age and resulted in my compulsive sense of wanderlust which has percolated throughout my life.

My desire to continue gallivanting is simply powered by the unknown. I’ve seen so little of the world. There are endless cultures that I hope to have the chance to get to know. So many more people I hope to meet and or meals I want to eat! There are so many more places to go, there is so much more to learn. This is my greatest motivation in life and my biggest source of encouragement to keep on traveling.

All photos: courtesy of Lola Méndez/Miss Filatelista

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