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.

#1 The man who follows the crowd will usually get no further than the crowd. The man who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been before. – Alan Ashley-Pitt

#2 I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them. — Mark Twain

#3 It is through the voice of one crying in the wilderness that the ways of the gods must be prepared. – Oscar Wilde

#4 There are some places in life where you can only go alone. Embrace the beauty of your solo journey. — Mandy Hale

#5 The more I travelled the more I realised that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends. – Shirley MacLaine

#6 “It seemed an advantage to be traveling alone. Our responses to the world are crucially moulded by the company we keep, for we temper our curiosity to fit in with the expectations of others…Being closely observed by a companion can also inhibit our observation of others; then, too, we may become caught up in adjusting ourselves to the companion’s questions and remarks, or feel the need to make ourselves seem more normal than is good for our curiosity.  – Alain de Botton

#7 The man who goes alone can start today, but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready. — Henry David Thoreau

#8 Some journeys in life can only be traveled alone. – Ken Poirot

#9 I am never happier than when I am alone in a foreign city; it is as if I had become invisible. — Storm Jameson

#10 Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone. – Wendell Berry

#11 Travel only with thy equals or thy betters; if there are none, travel alone. — The Dhammapada

#12 I think one travels more usefully when they travel alone, because they reflect more. — Thomas Jefferson

#13 Don’t be scared to walk alone. Don’t be scared to like it. — John Mayer

#14 Through travel I first became aware of the outside world; it was through travel that I found my own introspective way into becoming a part of it. – Eudora Welty

#15 Until recently, it was considered that only losers, who obviously have zero friends in the whole wide world, are forced by their wretched fate to drag themselves alone along the paths of the planet. Today, traveling solo is perceived as a more normal phenomenon, one that we recommend you practice at least once a year. – 203 Travel Challenges

#16 To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the most pleasant sensations in the world. You are surrounded by adventure. – Freya Stark

#17 I learned my strengths and my weaknesses. I experienced the exhilaration of the ups and the despairs of the lows and most of the feelings in between… I learned courage and I learned it myself – Ann Stirk

#18 The most important relationship in your life is the relationship you have with yourself. Because no matter what happens, you will always be with yourself. — Diane Von Furstenberg

#19 It’s a long ride home with nothing but me for company. I bore myself sometimes. Not often. Just now and again. 
― David Hewson

>>> Discover more thematic collections of travel quotes.

Pin it for later, because you never know when you will need a good solo travel quote:

The post The 19 best quotes about traveling solo that nail its essence 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.

When you travel alone, you think more about the destination, and you’re forced to really engage with what’s around you. You’re more likely to meet more locals and experience culture more deeply as a result, and it’s fully up to you how you spend your time and what you do. You don’t have to worry about shifting what you want to do to accommodate the preferences of other people you’re traveling with.

With that being said, the following are some tips to keep in mind as you plan a solo vacation.

Choose a Reputable Hotel

You may be tempted to book an Airbnb every time you head out of town, but there’s something to be said for booking a larger hotel or resort if you’re traveling alone.

First, there is a sense of security that can come with staying at a hotel versus staying on your own in a rental. There’s also the ability to ask the hotel staff for recommendations and have them help you along the way. There may also be great amenities at a hotel that can come in handy if you’re traveling alone. Larger and more well-known hotels also tend to be in safer neighborhoods for the most part. If you do decide to book an Airbnb or something similar, make sure you do your research not just on the rental itself but the area it’s located since security can be more of a concern if you’re traveling alone and especially if you’re a solo female traveler. After all, 100,000 cities across the world have active Airbnb listings making it very popular among travelers. .

Prepare to Branch Out

Just because you’re technically traveling solo, it doesn’t mean that you have to be alone. If you’re interested in doing so, make plans to go places where you’re likely to meet other people. For example, instead of renting a car, if it’s an option in your destination, take the train. Before you go if you’re traveling abroad to a place where a different language is spoken, try to learn at least some essentials so that you can interact with locals. Use social media as a way to meet up with other people at your destination, or think about using Meetup to find groups of like-minded people who will be in the same place as you.

If you’re too shy to meet people out and about, but you would like some human interaction, book tours. Group tours can be geared around certain demographics or themes—for example, you might find a tour for single people or people interested in something that you are also interested in. You get to engage with other people, and you get a real feel for your destination when you do tours.

Travel Light

There can be amazing experiences associated with traveling solo, but there can be logistical challenges. Traveling on your own means that you’re responsible for carrying all of your luggage on your own. Make it easy on yourself by packing light. If you can fit everything into a backpack, that may be your best option.

Plan As Much As You Can Ahead of Time

As exciting and life-changing as solo travel can be, it can also be scary and intimidating. You can take some of the fear factor out of it by planning as much as you can before you ever leave home. For example, plan how you’ll get from place-to-place and learn where the nearest public transportation stops are near where you’re staying. Outline the attractions that are important to you to see and ensure that you know when they’re open and how to get there. Have a list of restaurants near where you’re staying that you’d like to visit, and for anything you can, book tickets ahead of time. This will help you feel like you’re more in control of your trip, but don’t plan so much that you don’t have some room for flexibility.

You can plan different services that may help you with the trip. For example car hiring or auto transport for your own car.

Finally, let someone at home know you’re leaving, where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone. You may want to set up a schedule for when you’ll check in so they know you’re safe and everything is going well on your solo adventure.

The post Tips to plan a solo vacation appeared first on 203Challenges.

After years spent traveling, I reached a deep understanding of my own reasons for traveling – what is my personal motivation to travel tens of thousands miles around the globe every year. Now I have travel rituals I wish I’d had years ago.

Here are three of the most important.

1. Tourist attractions are not all worth it

Peter Hershey

When I was younger, I made my travel plans according to a list of attractions. Visit museum A, visit gallery B, eat, visit castle C… At the end of the day all you have is a crazy mixture of centuries, kings and painters in your head, with no way to remember who was who and when they built that church. And no real feeling for the place.

What I do today: I no longer go to a place only because everybody else does. Climb the Eiffel Tower? Thanks, but no thanks. I prefer to spend time at its bottom, lying on the grass and gazing at the ant-sized people lining at its top. You have a better bird’s-eye view of Paris from the Montparnasse Tower than from the Eiffel Tower. I read about the attractions and I choose only those that are relevant to my interests. One castle for the day is enough. 2 hours or more in a gallery? Yes. But only in the one I really like. The rest of my time is meant for local markets which I really love.

2. You can’t really feel the place on your own

Get a map, randomly roam the streets, eat the local food… but still something is missing. Or someone. The last piece of the puzzle is a local who will spend a few hours with you, explaining what to see and why it is like that. Plus you make new friends all over the world.

What I do today: Get in touch with locals every single time. In order to be sure that you will have a local to talk to and to walk with, use websites such as Global Greeters, Couchsurfing, join a free tour, ask friends who have aquaintances in the city you are visiting.

3. It’s not scary/lonely/dangerous to travel alone

For many years traveling alone was seen as a vice – an occupation which only people with no friends found fun. Actually, solo traveling is for those who crave and appreciate time by themselves.

What I do today: At least once a year I embark on a trip designed to fulfill my and only my expectations, pace and mood. Sometimes it’s a week abroad, sometimes just a weekend with my bike and tent, no destination, just letting myself experience life. I decide when and where to sleep, eat or star-gaze on the spur of the moment. It’s fantastic!

Do you have your own travel rituals? What are they?

The post Three travel rituals I wish I had when I was younger 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.

The post The recipe for a perfect life? Quit your job, buy a van, travel! appeared first on 203Challenges.

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.

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Most people take this question for granted but it’s essential when planning a tour. Choosing the perfect bike could be a tough call even for the pro cyclist. Lightweight or heavyweight, off road or on road experience, short or long rides. When choosing a bike, aside from the budget, you should consider the kind of tour you are about to venture on.

You may decide to buy or rent a budget tour bike, a tricycle for the elderly or an expedition bike. It’s completely individual, however, you should ask yourself various questions before settling for one.

Are you prepared? 

Before you embark on the tour, set your preferred start and end date and time. Cyclists love to cycle. Unless we have a specific goal or end date, the temptation to go on may blind us. However, those who cycle to achieve a goal, need the motivation to keep on going. 

Remember to pack a repair gear to help out in case you need a temporary fix or a quick repair. Enroll for a basic course on how to repair your bike. Check if the saddle is comfortable and the bike is clean. You should be good to go!

If you’re planning to take a route for several days, weeks or even a month, ensure your body is prepared for the challenge. Train daily to ensure you are comfortable with taking on long rides. Pack your necessities for the road – enough snacks, water, as well as a first aid kit. 

Don’t forget the route maps, your ID, other documents and enough money for the trip. 

Have fun 

Don’t forget that the primary reason behind your trip is to have fun. Plan multiple stops for breaks, lunch, to snack or just to rest. The bike gives you all the freedom other means of transport do not.

Allow the ride to excite you. Go at your own pace. Be mindful of the new places and feelings you get to experience. And have fun!

The rules 

Whether you are taking a ride within your comfort zone or visiting a foreign country, make sure you understand the local rules.  Some of the ones to check include:

• Always use the established bike paths, it’s illegal to cycle on secluded pavements.
• Beware of wild animals when riding on off-road terrains.
• Bridleways can be used by bikers and cyclists, however, they should allow hikers and horse riders to pass first. What is more, the bridleways are often not suitable for all bikes.

Make sure you read the cycle code of conduct especially when riding in a new foreign place.

To sum up

Set on your journey. Some things you will have to figure out and learn on the go. Bottom line, when on the road – handle your bike carefully to avoid any unexpected repairs. Also, choose safer routes especially when going for a long-distance ride.

Cycling on bike paths or quiet routes, in parks or open spaces, your options are countless. Choose wisely and start planning!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sophie Elise is a passionate cyclist, author and blogger. Her favourite topics include exciting women biking stories, health, fitness, adventures and more. You can often find her work on sportsly.net

The post The effective guide to planning a safe and enjoyable bike tour – Part 2 appeared first on 203Challenges.

But, when you want to go for a bike tour, proper planning is essential for a smooth ride. Remember, biking isn’t the same as driving a car where the routes are the obvious four-lane roads. You must identify your preferred route and stick to it. 

Where exactly do you want to go?

The world is flooded with biking routes and let’s face it, you can’t conquer all of them at once. The first thing to do is choose your destination. Where exactly do you want to go to? 

Once you have identified the location, use any available hints, resources and recommendations to map out your exact route. Especially when going somewhere you have never been and alone.

When taking a town route

Whether you are familiar with the town or not, bike routes and car routes are different. Moreover, you don’t want to find yourself on a busy road when you can use other available side roads and detours.

Make Google Maps your best friend. The application shows all the possible routes that take you to a particular destination. However, don’t rely fully on it, because it will mostly show you common roads full of traffic. Google usually chooses the familiar bike lanes, but you can benefit from the street view option to get to know your surroundings.

In the bike-friendly countries, you can easily get a bike map from your local bike shop. If you’re into technology more than the old-fashioned way, then make use of the local GPS site and application (most municipalities will have one). The maps will show the exact route and landmarks that you will see on the way. They are quite helpful and easy to understand. What is more, you can create your own map or download available ones onto your bike computer.

Going from town to town

Race map routes are also quite useful when town-hoping or biking from a bigger city to another one. They are detailed for racers and include shortcuts and detours as well. Alternatively, go online and check the racers websites for a map of the route.

What if you are taking on a different country?

Do your research and understand the area, before reaching the border. Figure out if you need to exchange money to the local currency and what are the mobile service provider rates. Don’t forget to use the GPS and to download local guiding maps from the area of interest.

Luckily, you can access any helpful information within a single click or scroll on your mobile.

To be continued…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sophie Elise is a passionate cyclist, author and blogger. Her favourite topics to write about include exciting women’s biking stories, health, fitness, adventures and more. You can often find her work on sportsly.net

The post The effective guide to planning a safe and enjoyable bike tour – Part 1 appeared first on 203Challenges.