When you hear the word adventure, what comes to mind? Distant destinations? Epic events? Long and winding journeys?
Those certainly check all the boxes, but you don’t have to go big to have an enriching day out. How? Start by thinking small.
Meet the Microadventure
A modern-day adventurer coined the term, but the concept is nothing new. The microadventure is simple, local, and lower-cost. But simple doesn’t mean it’s lacking adventure. A successful microadventure is still fun, exciting, challenging, refreshing, and rewarding.
You know that new restaurant upstate you’ve been meaning to try? Make it a microadventure. Or maybe there’s an annual festival you’ve always wanted to check out? Sounds like a microadventure. And we all have that one store/museum/small town we’ve passed by a million times and never actually stepped inside. MICROADVENTURE.
They’re Kind of a Big Deal
While a microadventure might seem smaller, the impact can be significant. Not only are these moments of magic fun, but they can give your physical and mental health a much-needed boost.
Breaking up routines and trying new things keeps your brain active and happy. And getting up and moving … even for something as simple as a trip to a new coffee shop … is beneficial at any age.
Find Your Own Microadventure Magic
The true beauty of the microadventure is that it’s something anyone can do. It’s all about finding the right fit for you. There’s no one way, but we do have some experience finding those hidden sparks of joy. Here’s how we approach building adventures of every size:
- Really commit: Microadventures can certainly be spontaneous, but if you’re new to this, it helps to set out with a goal. Maybe it’s committing to one microadventure a month at first … and you can make it more fun by sharing the challenge with friends (and you can hold each other accountable too).
- Shift your perspective: Take another look at your usual routine but with an eye out for microadventures. Maybe it’s taking a different route for a morning walk, trying a new lunch spot, or stepping into that boutique you usually walk by.
- Leave room for surprises: We love a good itinerary, but we also know that the real magic often happens beyond the agenda. Give your microadventure space for things off-list — maybe it’s a cute bookstore you notice on the day, or a park you didn’t know was around the corner.
Dream Big by Thinking Small(ish)
Call us cock-eyed optimists, but we truly believe you can find a little bit of magic in everything. It’s something we try to fold into each and every one of our trips whether it’s bringing a new perspective to an old favorite or finding that hidden gem that’s just off the beaten path. Whether you’re joining us on one of our adventures or planning one of your own (we can help you with that too), we hope you find the extraordinary in your everyday life.
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