Discover in this article, 10 ideas for going on a mini adventure, 10 ideas for travelling differently.
You will no longer have any excuse not to go on a mini adventure!
Where can i go on a micro adventure?
our 10 ideas!
Maybe you don't have to travel halfway around the world to go on an adventures! Adventure can take many forms, one of them is called a "mini adventure".
In recent years, mini-adventures have been on the rise and we can understand why:spontaneous, brief, local, low-cost and positive for the environment, the mini-adventure promises that you won't need to board a big Boeing to live a unique experiences.
Whether you are alone, with friends or with your family, going on a mini adventure is an invitation for fresh air, to put your routine and your daily worries on pause.
On the programme:van expeditions, immersion into the forest or even a night under the stars.
In short, a mass of activities in the heart of nature that will recharge your batteries and that's for sure!
1. What if we went on a bike?
80 kms on a bike, not knowing exactly where you're going...
Do you remember that old lotto advertisement?The winner was spinning their globe at random in search of their next holiday destination. To the question - "Where can I go on a mini adventure? ", you are told to do more or less the same thing. Except this time, the trip will be close to home (even more proof that you can escape without taking the plane!).
Today, the winner is you!
Step 1: Instead of a terrestrial globe, rendez-vous on Calcmaps (yes, we give in to modernity on this one!).
Fill in your address and draw a circle with a radius of 80 kilometres around your home.
Step 2: Randomly choose a point on the circle (just to spice up your mini adventure even more!)
Step 3: Jump on your bike and pedal 80km towards the unknown!
If you are not used to using your legs, this mini adventure could be sporty.
It invites you to excel yourself.
Whatever your level, don't forget to enjoy yourself.
Savour every moment, clear your mind, have a picnic, take time to look around you.
Step 4: The day is coming to an end, hop on the next train that will take you home (you deserve it!).
A little tip from us:
- To begin with, prefer low-elevation journeys as well as cycle paths.
- Before leaving, remember to check the condition of your bike: the brake system, wheels and tyres in particular.
2. How about going up in altitude?
breakfast at the summit
Headlamps on, it's time to climb to the nearest peak. The crest of a mountain, a hill or a plateau, it doesn't matter, it's all about getting high enough to appreciate the first light of day.
As a reward for this nocturnal effort? A dazzling spectacle and a delightful breakfast!
A little tip from us:
Even if going on a micro adventure has the advantage of requiring very little organization, remember to check the weather forecast and your itinerary before setting off in the middle of the night! It would be a shame not to be the winner of this race with the sun ...
3. Would you like a little idea for next weekend?
a bivouac in full nature
It's time to swap your home for a tent. Right now, you don't feel like you're winning the game but trust me, you will soon change your mind.
The bivouac opens the doors of minimalism. A world where the simplest things are the best and where basic comfort makes you happy. No room for frills, the experience brings you back to basics and true moments spent together.
You can see it from here, a tent, a camp-fire, stories all evening long and then wakening up with a view of nature.
Head to the forest, the mountains, or even a park near you for an off-the-beaten-path adventure that is sure to get you out of your comfort zone and your usual day to day life.
A little tip from us:
Be careful not to bivouac on private land or light a fire if it is not authorized.
4. Do you fancy being part of a good action? join the useful with the pleasant
How many times have you found yourself in the middle of nature, hair blowing in the wind, sunglasses on your nose when suddenly: plastic bottles, cigarette ends and other rubbish spoils the landscape!
A hike in the mountains, a walk in the forest or a walk by the water? Any expedition is good for trash hunting. Gloves and a rubbish bag in hand, combine the useful with the pleasant by collecting all the waste that crosses your path.
In addition to making a gesture for the environment, the action is fun, pleasant and even more motivating when you are together, with children or between friends for example.
It's win win!
For the fittest among us, a sportier version exists.Likewise, you can pick up rubbish on your way, but this time while you're running!
Does this interest you?We have launched ECO-HIKING:a sporting, civic-minded day that helps you (re) discover the joys of hiking while also helping the planet by picking litter up. Do you fancy coming?
5. And what about a night under the stars?
Sleeping under the stars is one of those things you should do at least once in your life.
Two essentials you need to know before embarking on an adventure:
- You need to choose carefully where you are going to sleep.If possible, far from cities (choose the countryside or the mountains to enjoy a clear sky) and far from roads.
- Don't neglect your equipment!Duvet, groundsheet, technical clothing, mosquito repellent ...
Are you ready?
The experience is unforgettable.Nature is everywhere.Air humidifies after dark, from the first rays of the sun that wake you up, nature decides everything. Your senses are awakened and your perceptions shaken.
We do not promise you a restful night but a memory that you will remember for ever, that is the most important!
A little bit of advice from the inventor of Mini-adventures:
Alastair Humphreys, allias Mr. Mini-adventures advise you to try out the experiment in your garden first. A first step before going further on your adventure, try on the beach or in the middle of the forest.
That's perhaps not a bad idea!
6. How about having something to eat?
Let's take a walk in the woods in search of food. Mushroom, herbs, fruit, berries... The forest can turn out to be a fabulous pantry, provided you pay attention.
In the category: Back to basics and the connection with nature, this 6th idea for going on a mini-adventure is right on target. It adds extra flavour to your outing; that of harvesting all that is edible on your way and tasting it the same evening.
You will not find more organic products than the ones you can pick yourself!
And your walk takes on a kind of a treasure hunt, enough to motivate the troops but especially your children!
Pick up your baskets!
A little tip from us:
CAUTION - eat only what you are sure of!
There are now many books and apps out there that can help you decide whether or not a particular food is good to eat or not. Fungi can also be inspected at a drugstore or poison control centre.
7. Where can i go to see wild wildlife?
Who has never let himself dream in front of a nature documentary saying: "Isn't it beautiful! I want to see wild animals too! "Well imagine, they are also right next to you, you just need to know where to look.
And for that, the internet is your best ally!
By entering "Where to see wildlife in my area", your search engine will give you a perimeter, if not a specific location, to observe wildlife up close.It's as easy as that!
Get up early, grab your backpack and binoculars because a family of wild boars, foxes, deer or puffins may be waiting a few kilometres away from you.
8. Do you still have some free time? go on a mini van adventure
Adventure, freedom, autonomy, open spaces, nature ... Do you fancy it?Good thing, that's what vanlife offers you!
Or as I like to call it, happiness in 8m².
Your new house on wheels has all the necessary comforts: a kitchen, a mini-fridge, a bathroom, several beds and storage space. Add a reserve of water, gas and batteries and you're ready to go on a van adventure.
Welcome to modern nomadism. We move slowly, according to the seasons and landscapes. A responsible way of travelling that takes you on to the most beautiful roads to see the most beautiful viewpoints of your neighbouring regions.
We warn you, once you've got the hang of vanlife, it'll be difficult to travel any other way!
A little tip from us:
- Take care when managing your resources (water, electricity, gas, food).In everyday life, we tend to use and abuse, but if you travel in a van, you will have to learn to assess!
- The Park4night app will guide you through your first steps in a van!The app indicates the spots to where you can sleep (choose green first!) And the areas where you can fill and empty water.
9. And how about jumping into the unknown?
Now that's a new and refreshing idea!
Nothing more accessible and yet very exotic!Locate a river near you on a map, put on your swimsuit and let yourself be carried by the current while enjoying an exceptional natural setting .
A little cooler than a heated swimming pool, but this mini adventure is worth the visit, isn't it?
10. What will your next challenge be?
Going on a mini adventure is above all daring, having a try, leaving your comfort zone.
Once you have some mini adventure experiences under your belt, challenge yourself and excel yourself:
- Live a few days in the forest in total autonomy:bivouac under the stars or in a tent, eat in the forest, make a fire or even build a cabin.
- Start to fit out your own travel vehicle:a vw, a van, a camping-car, everything is possible!
- Run a marathon
- Parachute
- Create an event to bring together as many people as possible around a specific goal: Pick up the rubbish on our paths and beaches
- Embark on a hitch hiking adventure and try to reach a capital
- Take the very steps of a famous ascent
- Climb the tallest trees in the world
- Canoe down a stream
- …
All kinds of challenges which are within everyone's reach and which give a little spice and adventure to our daily lives.
So when are you leaving on your mini adventure?
