Outdoor enthusiasts, when last did you do something out of your comfort zone? The outdoors is a wonderful place to be, but if you’re never trying anything new, you’re cheating yourself out of some amazing experiences!
If your outdoor adventures could do with some leveling up, here are 5 ideas to try next time you head out to explore or on vacation.
Level up your outdoor adventure, whether on a short walk or backcountry excursion. Photo: Matthew Henry from Burst
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#1: Make A Change
Many of us love summer and the array of sunny activities that come with it. But if you’re keen to level up your outdoor game, why not trade your summer camping gear in for snowshoes and head to a winter wonderland for a new and exciting experience?
Something as simple as making a “weather change” could be the key to your next memorable adventure!
A different climate equals different activities for you to try. It’s also an opportunity for you to learn some new skills! Find something that sounds fun and challenging, like snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or ice fishing. Or, try adding a fun twist to your usual adventures!
In the same vein, if you’re usually a winter person, why not try a sunny summer holiday? Just remember to take your sunscreen and hat! Or, try having an adventure at night instead of during the day. If you’re really adventurous, try not to have the same type of vacation twice in a row.
Who knows, you may discover something you really love that you wouldn’t ordinarily have tried.
Read More:
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If you’re a summer person, snowshoeing is a great winter activity for a change of scenery! Photo: Susan Wowk
#2: Let Someone Else Set Your Itinerary
If you feel a little nervous at the thought of not being in control, you may immediately shy away from this idea to level up your outdoor adventure.
But if you think about it, all you need to do is go with the flow! Leave the planning of your trip or snowshoe outing up to someone else, and let’s be honest – the planning can be the hardest part anyway.
Get your best friend involved or a close family member. Someone who knows you well would be best. While we’re all for new adventures, you don’t necessarily want to leave it up to someone who doesn’t know about your peanut allergy or fear of horses, for example!
Give them all the details and let them decide on accommodation and all activities. A week or so before you’re due to leave, get the info you need and check out where you’ll be and what you’ll be doing.
Read More: Take Your Friends Snowshoeing (Really, They’ll Love It)!
Have a friend plan your outdoor adventure so you can go with the flow. Photo: Paul Wowk
#3: Take Your Dog Along
Pets make everything better! Having your pet with you not only adds an element of companionship but opens up a whole new range of activities.
If there’s something you love doing, chances are you can take your dog along with you. Hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, snowshoeing, you name it. You may find dog-specific activities, like agility training or interesting dog parks.
You’ll need to do a bit of planning to make sure your dog can be accommodated. However, most places have dog-friendly trails (like these in Banff), dog-friendly accommodations, and dog-friendly restaurants, and offer a range of activities that you can do with your dog.
Do a bit of research beforehand, and don’t forget to stop and let your fluff off-leash for a bit if allowed- your outdoor outing should be just as fun for them as it is for you!
Read More:
The Dog Days of Winter: Tips For Snowshoeing With Pets
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Bringing your dog along is a great way to up your outdoor adventure. Photo: Susan Wowk
#4: Go Tech-Free
There’s no denying that technology makes vacationing easier and more convenient. But what happened before we had GPS and could Google any place in the world at any moment?
This level-up idea for your outdoor adventures is not for the faint-hearted! The idea of going old-school tech-free may be daunting.
It will involve a bit of extra planning, especially if you are going into the backcountry, have pets or kids, and need to be in touch with those back home to make sure everything’s okay.
But an almost off-the-grid holiday could be the key to relaxation, as well as a bit of fun. Leave the GPS at home and rely on the map book. Talk to people instead of Googling activities in the area.
Read More:
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Go tech-free and use a map and compass on your outdoor adventure. Photo: Matthew Henry from Burst
#5: Organize Your Travels
If you’re a regular outdoor vacationer, what happens to all those photos and videos from your outdoor adventures?
Instead of just sticking them on social media and forgetting about them, why not create a travel blog to encourage others? Or, create a memory book of your outdoor adventures to share with family and friends.
It not only gives you a chance to journal about your experiences, but it’s also a great way to keep others updated on your travels and showcase some interesting locations that others may not know of.
A well-crafted travel blog or travel photos could even become a business venture!
Read More:
Snowshoe & Winter Journaling: Why & How To Keep An Outdoor Journal
Preserving The Memories of a Winter Wonderland
Journaling can be a record of your outdoor adventure memories for a travel blog or keepsake. Photo: Farah from Burst
Conclusion
The great outdoors is ever-faithful in its beauty, and if you spend plenty of time in nature, you’ll become familiar and comfortable with the feeling of it. But if you only ever have a few kinds of outdoor outings, you’re missing out!
Give some of these ideas a try to add some new flavors to your outdoor adventures. You may fall in love with something you’d never have discovered if you hadn’t stepped out of the box for a bit!
What are your favorite ideas to level up your outdoor adventures? Please share your ideas and experiences with us in the comments below.
This article was first published on November 12, 2020, and was most recently updated on April 6, 2023.
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