This list of travel challenges is meant to make you step a little out of your comfort zone. If you like spending time in nature, then you’ve probably already completed some of these challenges. Nevertheless, there are ideas here that will help you plan your next outdoor adventure.

1. Roll around in the snow after taking a sauna (in the name of health!).

2. Organize a night picnic with lanterns/candles/campfire/the full moon.

Photo: Dave Lastovskiy/Unsplash

3. Go where 90% of animals and plants are unique and can’t be found anywhere else (we mean Madagascar, but if you find another place that meets the criteria, go ahead!).

4. Boil eggs in a valley of geysers – there are just over 1000 geysers on Earth, but it seems the influence of hot water on the human mind hasn’t been well studied yet because people tend to think of weird stuff to when they see a geyser. Like boiling eggs (there are hundreds of videos of this; check them out if you find the idea interesting).

5. Pop a bottle of champagne when you climb a new mountain peak. You deserve it.

Photo: © Lachezar Sokolov/www.203challenges.com

6. Spend the night in a hammock in a forest or on the beach.

7. Jump into a warm, open-air mineral pool while it’s snowing.

8. Bathe in a waterfall (one idea).

9. Hug a very special tree (a local attraction, a very old tree or a family tree).

10. Practice gökotta. Gökotta is a Swedish word that roughly translates as “to rise at dawn in order to go out and listen to the birds sing”. Read more about gökotta.

Photo: © www.203challenges.com

11. Try volcano boarding – hike up to a volcanic crater, enjoy the view, then try something more interesting: slide down the volcanic stones and ash with a special board at a speed of up to 75 kph (47 mph).

12. Discover sandboarding – slide down a sand dune with your feet fixed to a board.

13. Skinny-dip in a remote mountain lake.

14. Stand before the Gates of Hell.

15. Fly high in a hot-air balloon.

16. Breathe in the scent of lavender in Provence (between June and August is the best time to do it).

17. The most difficult challenge for active people: Spend a whole day doing nothing. Rest, observe the world around you, take a nap in the afternoon, have a cup of tea… Genuinely try to enjoy doing nothing.

18. Sleep in a floating bungalow (one idea here).

Photo: © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

All ideas are inspired by the book “203 Travel Challenges. Travel the World. Explore Your Inner Self.”.

Pin it for later:

Need more inspiration? Take a look at our photo guide of our planet!

​This type of trip can inspire you to take a new path – enroll in a livestock breeder course, learn a new skill, or something else.

The post 18 travel challenges for nature lovers appeared first on 203Challenges.

So what does it mean?

Gökotta is an untranslatable Swedish word, which essentially means “to rise at dawn in order to go out and listen to the birds sing”.

What is the origin of the tradition?

In some parts of Sweden, there is a tradition of going out into the wild on Ascension Day (40 days after Easter) to listen to the birds, and in particular the cuckoo, sing their songs for the first time in spring. Even churches in many parts of the country agree to hold their Ascension morning service in the open so believers can hear the cuckoo sing.

Why should you do it?

It has long been known that having a positive and energetic morning is the most important step toward crafting a peaceful and productive day, though it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear that obnoxious alarm clock in the morning.

The other aspect of the concept – immersing yourself in nature – is yet another booster for mental and physical well-being.

And if that’s not enough, think of it as a way to get closer to Swedish culture without having to actually go to Sweden.

Want an extra challenge?

Have you already incorporated gökotta into your routine? We still have one more challenge for you: go camping near the city on a work day and start the following morning by using the birdsong as your alarm clock (here’s how we did it last summer). When you arrive at work, all your colleagues will be wondering where your good mood has come from.

More sunrise ideas

You’ve already made it out of bed, realized how different life is under the soft light of sunrise and want some more creative suggestions for how to celebrate the dawning of the day. Take some inspiration from our list of sunrise challenges and give yourself an energizing start to the day.

Read more: 10 sunrise ideas to start the day with a smile

Discover more untranslatable words: like aylyak in Bulgaria or dolce far niente in Italy. 

The post The Swedish concept of gökotta – listen to the morning birdsong appeared first on 203Challenges.

The forest can heal you. You’ve just got to get in touch with it, as the Japanese do.

Shinrin… what?

Shinrin-yoku is a Japanese practice that promotes walking in the forest as a way to improve your overall health. The term translates literally as ‘forest bathing’. It originated in the 1980s and is now becoming more and more famous all around the world.

What do the scientists say?

In recent years a lot of studies have been undertaken to analyze the physical and psychological effects of shinrin-yoku. Here are a few of the proven physical benefits:

• Lowers heart rate and blood pressure
• Boosts the immune system
• Reduces sleeplessness

… and the psychological ones:

• Reduces stress and depression 
• Increases liveliness
• Increases concentration

What is actually behind the superpower of the forests?

There are two popular explanations as to why taking a walk in the forest has such a positive effect on our health. The first one attaches importance to phytoncides – antimicrobial volatile organic compounds that plants give off in order to prevent themselves from rotting or being eaten by insects or animals. By breathing in those compounds, according to the theory, we can reduce stress and achieve relaxation. The second explanation emphasizes the sense of awe people get from admiring the beauty of nature as a means of stress relief.

How to practice shinrin-yoku

It’s important to understand that shinrin-yoku is not a hike, nor a fitness exercise. The miles you walk and the time you spend don’t really matter. The key is to leave your cellphone and your problems at home and just wander through the woods. You have to engage four out of your five senses – sight, smell, hearing and touch – because it’s the combination of mindfulness and natural environment that gives shinrin-yoku its restorative powers.

The best alternative, of course, is to practice shinrin-yoku in an actual forest, but if you don’t have one nearby, you can always opt for a stroll in the park. Break up your walk every now and again by taking some time to simply stand and observe the nature around you. If you go with someone else, don’t chat all the way, but rather make an agreement to remain silent for as much time as possible.

Nowadays, a lot of shinrin-yoku experts organize guided forest walks offering you insights into the finer details of the practice. You can search for the one closest to your town, or maybe even plan your next trip around a shinrin-yoku destination.

Do it now!

• Turn off your phone right after reading this article.
• Put on your most comfortable shoes.
• Get to the nearest park or forest.
• Wander aimlessly.
• Take a break – just stand and observe.
• Now turn it into routine – when you’re finished put your next three ‘forest bathing’ sessions into your planner. (Do it now! You know you’ll forget if you leave it for later.)

The post Shinrin-yoku – how to practice the Japanese tradition of forest bathing (Infographic) appeared first on 203Challenges.

Big adventures are inspiring and they are great for impressing strangers in bars, but they happen quite rarely and the gap between them can make your life feel empty and uneventful. Plus, sometimes you just can’t take a day off from work even when you’re itching to get out and do something fun.

But all hope is not lost! There are several options that you’ve probably failed to notice in your despair.

After all, on a normal working day you’re free:

• in the morning;
• during your lunch break;
• after work (including the evening).

Here are 12 ideas for mini trips and adventures that you can squeeze into these breaks. They’re exciting, Instagram-worthy (because we all crave that killer shot that gets 100+ likes) and will help your free spirit survive until the weekend comes.

#1 Organize a sunrise picnic

A sunrise picnic by the lake | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges.com

A picnic can be so much more than eating an alfresco meal on a blanket. Simply changing the time of your picnic can completely change the experience. Leave home an hour or so before sunrise, take a flask of coffee and breakfast in a basket, then drive somewhere beautiful to greet the new day.

>>> Try more creative picnic ideas.

#2 Head outside for your morning workout

Outdoor yoga routine | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges.com

Yoga, tai chi or downhill biking – whatever your sporting passion is, try it somewhere new and exciting. Why practice your morning meditation in your living room when you can do it in a forest or a quiet park?

#3 Go ‘forest bathing’ like the Japanese

Go forest bathing | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges.com

The Japanese call it shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) – the practice of walking in the forest to improve your health. The Swedes have a somewhat similar tradition called gökotta, which involves heading to a forest before sunrise to listen to the first birdsong of the morning. It’s much more exciting to tell your colleagues you practiced shinrin-yoku or gökotta instead of simply saying “I went to the park this morning.”

#4 Walk to work

Swap your daily commute for a walk to combine a healthy lifestyle, physical activity and a peaceful rebellion against big city’s pollution. It’s no coincidence that there’s a Walk to Work Day – use it as inspiration!

#5 Do something unusual in your lunch break

If you stop thinking of your lunch break as just a meal time, you’ll be able to come up with tons of amazing activities that you can squeeze into your day. If you’re struggling for inspiration, read this list of unusual lunch break ideas.

#6 Hop on your bike and ride to the nearest peak

Cycle for the sunset | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges.com

All the sweat and pain of climbing a hill on two wheels is worth it when there’s a jaw-dropping view at the top. Take a bottle of wine and share it with your fellow mini-adventurers on a summer’s day; you can enjoy the sunlight long after work is over.

Psst. We’ve compiled a cycling playlist here.

#7 Dine on a lake shore

Dine on a lake shore | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges.com

Instead of having dinner at home or at a restaurant, grab your favorite takeaway and head to the nearest lake. Reservoirs, river banks, city ponds and fountains will also suffice if your neighborhood is lacking in lakes. Of course, lakeside meals are often interrupted by lakeside birds, so keep some crumbs at hand for your feathered friends.

#8 Book a table at a restaurant in another city

Indulging in a scrumptious meal is always a special event, no matter whether you’re abroad or at home. To make this weekday night even more special, research a good restaurant in a neighboring city and head there. Don’t forget to try the dessert of the day!

#9 Go stargazing

A blanket, a friend and a half-hour drive out of the city are the only three ingredients you need for a memorable night under the stars. If it’s August and you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you can plan to see the Perseids meteor shower.

#10 Sleep in a hotel in your own city

Choose a cozy boutique hotel in your own city and treat yourself to a midweek vacation. Take advantage of all the services: the spa center, the gourmet restaurant, the rooftop bar…

#11 Go midweek camping somewhere close to your city

Go midweek camping | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges.com

Midweek camping is so unexpectedly refreshing that once you’ve tried it, you may wonder why you’ve wasted all those years sleeping under a ceiling. It’s much easier than it sounds; you don’t need a day off and you don’t need to drive for miles. Simply read our guide: How to organize a midweek nature escape in 10 easy steps.

#12 Go on a night hike

Provided you have an acceptable mountain/hill close to where you live and there’s a trail you know like the back of your hand, you have no excuse not to put your headlamp on and head on a refreshing hike under the moonlight. Choose a night with a full moon for an extra special experience.

Featured image: © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges.com

Like these ideas? Pin them so you always have them at hand:

The post 12 midweek mini trip ideas for when you can’t take a day off appeared first on 203Challenges.

What is Meteora?

Meteora is a rock formation near Kalambaka (Central Greece). It’s one of the most impressive monastery complexes in the world. And most importantly, it’s a breathtakingly beautiful example of people’s constant search for spirituality, peace and a connection with the divine – an example how when men and nature unite, ‘otherworldly’ things can happen.

Some 60 million years ago rain, wind, and earthquakes sculpted the unusual rocks of Meteora, leaving a cluster of sandstone and conglomerate megaliths that reach heights of over 550 m (1,800 ft). There is evidence of people inhabiting this area – in caves carved into the rocks – dating back around 20,000 years.

In the 11th century, the first monks started coming here in search of isolation and a connection with God. Three centuries later, in the 14th century, the first monasteries on top of the rocks were built.

What do these rocks look like to you? – Jon Worth/Flickr

The monasteries

Back in those days, the only way to get building materials to the top of the rocks was with ladders, ropes and baskets – a feat that required hazardous work and great determination from the monks. Despite that, they managed to build 24 monasteries by the time the 16th century had arrived.

The monks saw the rock formation and the monasteries on top as the perfect place to retreat from the Ottoman occupation; the only way the peaks could be reached was by a ladder, which could be pulled back if enemies were threatening.

Six of those monasteries are still functioning today: the Great Meteoron, the Varlaam Monastery, the Roussanou Monastery, the Holy Trinity Monastery, the Saint Nicholas Anapafsas Monastery and the St. Stephen’s Monastery.

Great Meteoron Monastery – the oldest and biggest monastery at Meteora / Wikipedia

The activities

The incredible scenery makes Meteora perfect for hiking – there are some guided hiking tours around the rocks that take you to the best viewing points. More adventurous visitors can also try scrambling or traditional rock climbing.

Hand in hand, looking out – Toa Heftiba/unsplash

Fun facts about Meteora, Greece

•  Meteora literally means “suspended in the air“.
•  Meteora is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
•  During World War II, Nazis bombed the site. Many works of art were stolen during the bombardment.
•  The landmark is featured in the James Bond movie For your eyes only.
•  The Eyrie of Vale of the House of Arryn in Game of Thrones is based on Meteora.
•  In Max Brooks’ novel World War Z, one of the characters who survives the zombie apocalypse escapes to Meteora.

And since the zombie apocalypse is something we should all be well prepared for, pin this post to remind yourself of your future zombie-proof sanctuary:

The post Suspended in the air: the story of Meteora, Greece appeared first on 203Challenges.

Origin of the name

In Bulgarian, Koncheto means “the Little Horse”. According to a mountain story, the ridge was given this name because before the metal support rope was installed in 1963, inexperienced tourists crossed the ridge by straddling it like a horse and crawling. Is it really so scary? Take the appropriate equipment, some food and water and see for yourself.

Pirin Mountains, Koncheto Ridge | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

What you will see at Koncheto

Koncheto sits at an altitude of 2800 m in the Pirin Mountains and connects the peaks of Kutelo and Suhodol. On the very edge there is a metal rope to keep you safe. At its narrowest points, the ridge is only 40 cm wide, with steep rocks on both sides. It’s useful to know that the weather here changes quickly; often it is sunny on one side of Koncheto while the other is shrouded in fog.

Wild flowers in Pirin Mountains | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

From Vihren mountain hut to Koncheto

A good starting point to Koncheto is Vihren mountain hut, accessible by car on a paved road 12 km from Bansko. On the way to Koncheto you can climb Mt Vihren (the highest peak in Pirin, at 2914 m), or pass along the foot of the mountain and climb it on the way back. It will take you at least 4 hours from Vihren hut to Koncheto if you climb Vihren (8 hours for the whole day). The trail from Vihren hut through Mt Vihren to Koncheto is marked with red. If you decide not to climb Mt Vihren (just so you know, the view is worth it!), take the only fork in the trail to the right following the green signs to Koncheto. The climb is difficult along both trails and the change in altitude is significant (about 1,000 m)

This route starts from Vihren mountain hut, but you can also start from Yavorov hut (5 hours one way). 

Pirin Mountains, Koncheto Ridge | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Useful information

In June and August hundreds of people pass along the ridge, so be careful and patient. Keep in mind that you are in the mountains – wear comfortable clothes and bring trekking poles. In windy weather, it’s good to have a seat to attach to the metal rope. Remember, the ridge is dangerous in wet weather! If you aren’t sure of your own strength and skills, hire a mountain guide. 

Discover more fun travel ideas and challenges in Bulgaria!

Pin it to your wanderlust board:

The post Hiking in Bulgaria: see the view from Koncheto Ridge in Pirin Mountains appeared first on 203Challenges.

While researching what to see and do in and around Larnaca, Cyprus, I came across the exciting information that flamingos fly over to this Mediterranean island for the winter. As a dweller of a non-flamingo country, I felt my pulse skyrocket, and leggy pink birds turned into the main theme of my trip to Cyprus.

Here’s a quick guide on how to see greater flamingos in Cyprus, along with some other useful information and interesting facts.

When to see flamingos in Cyprus:

Between November and March.

Where to see flamingos in Cyprus:

#1 The Salt Lake in Larnaca

Cycling at Larnaca Salt Lake, Cyprus | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Larnaca Salt Lake is located just off the main road to Larnaca Airport and is easily accessible from the city through a beautiful park area. There are paths, benches, and observation decks following the lake’s banks. Bring a packed lunch and enjoy the sun and the views.

How to make it better: Hire bikes from the beach and ride to the lake through the beautiful Patticheio Park. Don’t ride too close to the lake – the mud is extremely sticky and you’ll have a lot of trouble cleaning your bike (as I did!).

Fun fact: Once, the salt obtained from the lake was one of the major exports of Cyrpus. It used to be carried by donkeys and piled in enormous heaps on the banks of the lake until the end of the 1980s.

#2 Limassol (Akrotiri) Salt Lake

Flamingos sometimes hang around at Akrotiri Lake near Limassol, even after winter has passed.

Another favorite flamingo haunt is Limassol Salt Lake, also known as Akrotiri Lake. It is the biggest lake in Cyprus, although it remains remarkably shallow; its deepest spot is only 3 feet (1 meter) in winter, while in summer it’s all dust and a shining white salt crust. Between 2,000 and 20,000 flamingos call it home from November to March. Akrotiri is the only lake in Cyprus that enjoys the company of (at least a few) flamingos all year round, because it doesn’t completely dry up in summer.

Fun fact: Two years in a row – in 2015 and 2016 – there was a black flamingo visiting Akrotiri Lake, so keep your eyes open for this unusual guest.

#3 Oroklini Lake

Watching flamingos at Oroklini Lake, Cyrpus | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Watching flamingos at Oeroklini Lake, Cyrpus | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Watching flamingos at Oeroklini Lake, Cyrpus | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

This was pure chance; just half a mile from our seaside hotel near the village of Oroklini, 10 mi (15 km) from the center of Larnaca we came across a roadside observation hideout, where we could admire Oroklini Lake’s feathered inhabitants without disturbing them.

How to make it better: Plan to visit the lake shortly before sunset. The soft light and the bright colors of the sky set the perfect background for flamingo-spotting.

What else you should know:

The salt lakes are protected areas – don’t litter, chase the birds for a selfie or interrupt their life in any other way.

Bring your long-focus lens to shoot better images.

Pin it to your flamingo board, because everyone needs a little pink in their life:

The post Where to see flamingos in Cyprus: a nature lover’s guide appeared first on 203Challenges.

Have a sunrise picnic

Get up early to welcome the day with scenic views and positive vibes.

Have a beach picnic

To avoid the midday heat ruining your experience, go early in the morning or late in the evening, and don’t forget to bring a beach umbrella for shade.

Have a picnic outside the city

Grab a few friends and head on a drive outside the city to enjoy a picnic in fresh surroundings.

Play your favorite childhood games

Do you miss kites, skipping and everything that brought a smile to your face back in the day? This is the perfect chance to rediscover your inner child.

Prepare some fancy food

Everyone can bring sandwiches, but how about some shrimp or sushi and some fine wine?

Have a candlelit picnic

Because candles can make every moment a bit more special.

Bring different national dishes

Ask each of your friends to prepare traditional food from a different nation’s cuisine.

Have a themed picnic

Get everyone to wear a particular color of clothing or a T-shirt of a certain theme (animals, favorite artist, favorite quote etc.). Ask them all to make playlists with their favorite songs, then put the soundtrack on shuffle.

Play board games

Good old board games make up the last missing part of that idyllic picnic picture.

© Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

What’s your creative picnic idea?

The post 9 fun picnic ideas for an unforgettable day appeared first on 203Challenges.

Avid globetrotters already know the benefits of travel in life. Above all, travel is healthy for your body and your mind. Next time somebody asks why you can’t settle down, just reply “For health reasons!”

Here are some scientific findings from studies published in the past couple of years:

1. Travel is like a pill. Once on the road, you immediately relax and feel relieved. Research shows that a two-day getaway is enough to lower the cortisol and stress levels in your body.

2. For all the ladies out there, keep in mind that women who travel less than twice per year have a higher risk of suffering a heart attack.

3. On the other hand, statistics show that men who don’t take all their vacation days off work suffer a 30% higher chance of heart disease!

4. Travel can take you away from pollution and the craziness of big cities, bringing you closer to nature and the essentials of life. It clears your mind and opens your horizons, while the digital detox of a vacation can inspire you and boost your creativity! Have you set out on a trip and stumbled upon a solution to a problem in your life?

To sum up, we have found the best remedy:

Travel as often as you can and stay healthy!

Have you discovered other health benefits of traveling? Share your experience with us!

The post Got a headache? Pack your bags! appeared first on 203Challenges.

Sleeping under the stars is the best way to get new energy and ideas for work. You can do it after you finish work and go back to the office the next day on time. If you find the idea adventurous and absurd – it’s only because not everybody does it. But I guarantee you will have а broad grin spread across your face the next morning. I live in a busy capital and I practice this weekday escaping every summer.  

THIS MIDWEEK ESCAPE IDEA IS PERFECT FOR:

> seasons: summer, late spring, early autumn

> types of travelers: couples, friends, solo

How to do it in 10 easy steps

Here is our usual scenario: 

#1 Choose the closest mountain, forest, hill, camping site or another wild location you love. It’s important to choose a place that is within a reasonable distance from your office (personally I prefer it to be no more than an hour drive away). 

#2 After work on a summer Tuesday take the bus to the the closest wild place where you can put up a tent. If there is no public transportation, go by car or by bike.

#3 Set up the tent before dusk. It’s proven that sleeping in a tent gets your biological clock back to normal.

#4 For a boost of courage and to keep bears at bay, take a vodka/whisky shot or whatever medicine you have against bears.

#5 Start a fire and grill some sausages. Alternatively, take a look at my favorite camping recipes ready for under 10 minutes. 

#6 [Optional] Some locals from the near village come to visit, you have a drink together and they leave, and you go to sleep in you bed under the stars.

#7 Get up at 7 am, have breakfast and pack your stuff. If you have a Sherpa around, give them your bags. If not, carry them yourself, awaiting better times.

What a glorious place to be on a weekday morning!

#8 Take the bus back to the city and take a quick shower.

#9 Enter the office on time, a broad grin on your face.

#10  Everything works out even better if you happen to have a shower at your workplace. If you happen to be camping near a waterfall, you can take your morning shower there. 🙂

Here you can read a detailed story of how I swapped my bed for a hammock last summer (all done on weekdays).

All photos: © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

The post How to organize a midweek nature escape in 10 easy steps appeared first on 203Challenges.