If you really want to “get away from it all” in your next vacation, consider immersing yourself in nature. The natural world restores the spirit and offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and learning. You can enjoy experiences in a natural setting that you can’t have anywhere else.
Most state and national parks, as well as local conservation areas, have hiking trails ranging in difficulty from beginner to advanced. These are great places to get some exercise while taking in beautiful views and trying to spot wildlife. Bring along some binoculars or a camera to capture the sights.
Take along your smartphone, too. You can download apps to find fun and challenging trails and to track your hiking progress. Other apps allow you to identify plants, birds, and other animals. Wear sturdy shoes, and don’t forget the sunscreen and bug repellent.
Nearly every state has public beaches, whether it’s on a seacoast or freshwater lake. Swimming gives you a personal view of your natural surroundings, especially if you can snorkel. Snorkeling is easy to learn and doesn’t take much equipment, just a mask, fins, and a snorkel.
For the more adventurous, try swimming with the dolphins or manatees at a beach in Florida. Or, for a good adrenalin rush, try cage diving. Cage diving can help you get closer to more dangerous animals like sharks. Yet, inside the cage you are protected from any actual dangers.
Camping is perhaps the best way to truly commune with nature, especially if you go primitive. Pitching a tent in the wilderness is inexpensive, family-friendly, pet-friendly, and truly adventurous. Bring sleeping bags, lanterns, a cooler, and a propane stove, and you’re ready to live (almost) like your ancestors did.
Be sure to be prepared with the basics, however. You’ll need a hatchet for chopping wood and a fire starting kit, but be sure to check first to see that campfires are permitted. You’ll also want rain gear and a first-aid kit. A tarp is also helpful in case it rains.
Spending your vacation in natural spaces benefits the mind, body, and spirit. They can also be a budget-friendly way to learn about the world around you. Whether you want to challenge yourself or just kick back and relax, you can find the right kind of activity that suits your needs.
Check out this article on outdoor activities you can do in the mountains!
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