Fun Tips to Enjoy Your Micro-Adventure on a Budget

Young traveling couple lay down on a beach for a break.
A micro-adventure is a short adventure that is simple, local, and affordable but still fun, exciting, rejuvenating, and rewarding. (Image: Eldar Nurkovic via Dreamstime)

Adventures are typically associated with long trips, exotic places, and great experiences. But there’s a way still to enjoy yourself with a tight budget and limited time; micro-adventures

What is a micro-adventure

According to Alastair Humphreys, an English adventurer, author, and motivational speaker, a micro-adventure is a short adventure that is simple, local, and affordable but still fun, exciting, rejuvenating, and rewarding.

The best news about micro-adventure is that it is short and sweet. You don’t need weeks or months off work or to break the bank to travel. All you need is a few weekend days and a spirit willing to explore. 

There is no right or wrong time for micro-adventures. You can adventure any day after work, on weekends, or on holidays. Any peaceful and lovely space can be a great place to micro-adventure. 

Start with places near you, even your backyard.

How to plan a perfect micro-adventure

Unlike holidays and vacations, micro-adventures can be tricky at first. It may feel like you are using your free time, but those little bursts of adventure have several benefits. Here are ways to micro-adventure like a pro.

Start from your locality

Take a break from driving or taking a bus or train and connect with nature. You will be fascinated with how much you’ll see that you’ve never noticed. 

You can take a walk to work if you work nearby or take a walk back home after work and breathe. Besides being healthy, walks are rejuvenating and a great way to start your microadventure

Camping

Camping can be a great way to spend your nights outdoors. Simple outdoor fun can be refreshing and exciting at the same time. You can start by pitching a tent in your backyard and enjoy the night.

If you need help finding where to camp, use your Google Maps and find designated camping areas that fit your schedule and needs.

Camping can be a great micro-adventure to spend your time outdoors.
Camping can be a great way to spend your nights outdoors. (Image: via Pexels)

Just go

According to Humphreys, you don’t need months planning to go on a micro-adventure. You only need to pack a few essentials, and you’re good to go. Just start.

What do you need for a micro-adventure? Humphreys says you’ll need food, water, a sleeping bag, and light for a successful micro-adventure. Get it from an adventurer himself.

Drop the camera

The essence of a micro-adventure is to enjoy the serenity and beauty of the environment, an outdoor aura away from the ordinary home and workspace. So, please make the most of it. 

Don’t be glued to your phone’s screen lest you miss the whole experience. You can take a few selfies or a few group photos, but try to put your phone away. Enjoy the moment.

Get creative

Microadventures should never be dull. Make them fun by trying to learn the native language of the local people, new cuisines, or swimming in the lake or river to break the monotony of a swimming pool. 

Spice up your micro-adventure with something new each time, and you’ll keep your desire burning and enrich your know-how.

Do your research before swimming in lakes or rivers. Some lakes may be closed due to health and safety concerns; others are dumping areas.

Make them fun by trying to learn the native language of the local people, new cuisines, or swimming in the lake or river to break the monotony of a swimming pool.
Make them fun by trying to learn the native language of the local people, new cuisines, or swimming in the lake or river to break the monotony of a swimming pool. (Image: Petro via Dreamstime)

Keep your family posted

If you leave people behind who will worry about you and your well-being, give them a call or text. Let them know you’re doing fine, whether it’s your parents, spouse, friends, or children. Don’t let your loved ones stress over you.

Sometimes mistakes happen, or things fail to go as planned. For example, you might get lost, fail to enjoy your first micro-adventure, lose your luggage, forget to book your hotel room, spend a little more than expected, or meet unwelcoming people.

Don’t be discouraged. Focus on the positive part of your little trip and relish every moment.

In summary

Microadventuring is a fun way to revitalize your daily life by taking a quick break from work or a regular schedule. A micro-adventure doesn’t need to be the most epic trip of your life; it’s the simple things that count.

Simple memories and a date with nature can promote tremendous peace, vigor, and tranquility. Let rejuvenation be the goal.

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  • Nathan Machoka

    Nathan is a writer specializing in history, sustainable living, personal growth, nature, and science. To him, information is liberating, and it can help us bridge the gap between cultures and boost empathy. When not writing, he’s reading, catching a favorite show, or weightlifting. An admitted soccer lover, he feeds his addiction by watching Arsenal FC games on weekends.

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