Top 5 Things to Do For the (Extremely) Adventurous

There are plenty of extreme trips out there so those with an adventurous streak don’t need to look far.

Warning: Only for the brave.

Source: Flickr

1. Cageless shark diving

Fiji’s Beqa Lagoon has created a reputation for itself within the diver community as the ultimate nail-biting  experience. Not only are divers surrounded by eight species of sharks (some of which are known to have killed humans) but there isn’t a single cage in sight.

Source: Babil Bahçeleri

2. Base jump into a cave

The Cave of the Swallows is so deep it could engulf a high-rise building. Hidden in the rainforest of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, it attracts adrenalin junkies who are eager to base jump the 980ft-by-390ft hole.  It is just big enough to open a parachute in, without one it would take just 10 seconds to free fall to the bottom. Yikes!

Source: AJHackett

3. Tallest bungee jump

If bungee jumping floats your boat why not have a go jumping off the Macau Tower in China? At 765ft, this is the highest commercial jump in the world. Thrill-seekers stop just 98ft from the ground on a special cord that prevents people frim swinging into the tower itself.

Source: clubofthewaves

4. Surf above the Arctic Circle

Situated on the Lofaten islands in Norway, Unstad Arctic Surf school is the most northerly boarding academy in the world. So if you’re into your surfing, don’t let the cold sea temperature put you off!

Source: Mobal

5. Trek the most remote mountain

If you’re looking to get away from it all, head to Mount Khuiten in Mongolia. The 14,350ft peak is one of the least accessible mountains on earth – there is no mountain rescue and emergency evacuation can take days. Only for the seriously adventurous!

August Inspiration

A post to brighten up your day. 

Images courtesy of Pinterest.

5 Life Changing Travel Experiences

Source: gapyear.com

Spot the Big 5 on safari

This life changing travel experience is one for animal lovers. Countries where you can spot all members of the big five include South Africa, Namibia, Kenya and Botswana. Remember to have your camera at the ready!

Source: VisitNorway

Witness the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights can be viewed from many countries such as Norway, Finland, Canada and even Alaska. However nothing is guaranteed, which makes catching a glimpse an experience of a lifetime.

Source: onestep4ward

Climb Kilimanjaro

If you’re looking for a challenge of a lifetime climbing the world’s highest walkable peak may be just the thing for you. The best time for climbing Kilimanjaro is between January and mid-March or June through October, and many people choose to take up the challenge whilst raising money towards a good cause.

Source: theplanetd

Travel to Antarctica

Very few people can say that they have witnessed first-hand the nature and wildlife of Antarctica. If you’re lucky enough to be one of those few, how life changing is that?!

Source: Penguintravel

Ride the Trans-Siberian Railway

The 9,288m trek through eight time zones is considered one of the most memorable journeys you can take. So if you’re spontaneous enough to buy a ticket this could be one train ride that could change your life.

The Best Food in South East Asia

Yummy Malaysian vegetable and dhall curry

After 3 months, 6 countries (with 2 more to go!) and 154 meals (a rough guess), we have tried our fair share of South East Asian food. Despite many mishaps and dashes to the loo(!), the whole experience of trying new dishes, getting out of our comfort zones, and finding great recipes we will be taking home with us has been one of the highlights of our adventure away from home. As most people who have visited to Asia will agree, eating in this part of the world is not only enjoyable but also an experience. It’s where different cultures, climates, customs and histories all come together, and sometimes eating at a street-side vendor is just as insightful as spending the day visiting the different sights and tourist attractions. Food is taken very seriously over here with most streets lined with street vendours. In Thailand the very common greeting; “have you eaten rice yet?” sometimes replaces the usual “hello”.

As we are soon to be leaving Asia for our new adventure in Australia I thought I’d share with you some of the best food we have eaten on this trip.

Pad Thai (Thailand)

Our very own Pad Thai creations during our Chiang Mai cooking class

In my opinion Thailand has the best street food in South East Asia, with Bangkok taking the culinary crown. Okay, so most people who have visited Thailand rattle on about Pad Thai and how amazing it is to the point where it almost puts you off the dish. However, at 30Baht a go it was our main meal of choice and tastes the best when purchased from one of the street vendours rather than a restaurant. We were lucky enough to have a go at making this ourselves during our cooking class in Chiang Mai. For something so simple to cook, it seems wrong that it should taste so good. When you’re on a budget as well, the eggy noodles are the best way to fill you up on the cheap. I’ll definitely be taking the recipe back home with me to England.

Pho (Vietnam)

A steaming bowl of Pho

On a 38 degree day, after walking the city streets for hours, the last thing I felt like eating was a steaming soup of noodles in a sweaty restaurant. But amazingly, a big bowl of noodle soup with wierd bits of beef, and a plate piled high with extras to add as you wish (limes, chillies, mint and a strange-looking assortment of weed-like plants) it quickly became my all-time favourite Asian dish. When I get home I will try (and no doubt fail) to recreate it but it definitely won’t be the same as from a Vietnamese street vendour lady.

Fish Amok (Cambodia)

Source: eattheplate.wordpress.com

Amok is Cambodia’s culinary oyster and you’ll come across it on almost all restaurant menus. The national dish (or so it seems) consists of a savoury coconut curry, sometimes served within banana leaf. It’s rich, creamy and very very tasty.

Tandoori Chicken (Malaysia)

Jim enjoying his Tandoori chicken

The minute you set your foot on the ground in Malaysia, you notice how the food is heavily influenced by Indian culture. During our stay at Penang, the ‘pearl’ of Asian cuisine, we made the most of the Indian influences and ate our favourite dishes every night. One of the highlights was the Tandoori chicken ‘set’ which includes a naan of your choice (cheese obviously), a peice of heavily marinated Tandoori chicken, onions and lime, and vaiorus sauces for dipping. At roughly RM9, this is by far the best bargain you can get in Malaysia!

7 wacky places to lay your hat: quirky accommodation from around the world

When thinking about going away do you ever long for something a bit different? Something a bit more adventurous? When planning that all important break from day-to-day life, spending your time researching the same predictable and generic hotels can sometimes fail to create enthusiasm.

We have all been there. I’ve lost count of the number of humdrum hotels I’ve spent past summers in. Don’t get me wrong, they can be the perfect solution to a week or two of relaxation from work or study. But sometimes these ‘conventional’ hotels can merge into one, and all your past holiday memories can merge into one, and soon all the countries that you have visited have merged into one, leaving you with a huge ball of ‘sameness’.

If the picture of you lounging beside the pool drinking a strawberry daiquiri, and snoozing to the tunes of Bob Marley is starting to get a little old, why not try something a little different and opt for a one-of-a-kind place to stay.

Staying somewhere a little different can bring excitement and adventure back to your holiday. Though I am the first to admit my love for a good old fashioned pool/sunbathing holiday, it’s nice to get out of your comfort zone every once in a while and try something new.

Stepping away from the sun-lounger and onto new territory, you will create fantastic new memories that will not be forgotten anytime soon. Plus, when you do decide to book that much needed week of pure relaxation, you will enjoy and appreciate it so much more.

The Hobbit Motel, Otorohanga, New Zealand

If you are a Lord of the Rings fanatic, this may just be your slice of heaven. Situated in Woodlyn Park, are exact replicas of the Hobbit homes that are in the movie. However there is no need to crouch wherever you go as the inside is considerably more contemporary, ensuring comfort.

 Hotel Igloo Village, Kakslauttanen, Finland

 

Hotel Igloo Village is one the coolest and quirkiest places I have ever seen, and actually makes me feel giddy at the thought of staying here. Imagine sleeping in an igloo made of snow, in the middle of a wintry forest, with the Northern Lights dancing above your head? Complete snowy bliss! Surrounded by Lapland’s stunning scenery, Hotel Igloo Village offers 31 cabins near the vicinity of UrhoKekkonen National park, along the road leading to Nordkap and the Arctic Ocean. In addition to the accommodation, whoever stays here is in for a treat and a truly action-packed break. Think dog-sledding, ice fishing and vodka. I will go there. One day…

 

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

 

Perfect for those who are seeking something a little different but love their comfort. If you ever wanted to sleep 20ft under the waves of the Indian Ocean, surrounding by vibrant coral reef and exotic sea creatures, then this is the perfect place for you. This suite is located at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and is usually open as a restaurant. However, for its 50^th anniversary the Conrad has converted the restaurant into a glass-encased suite, but at a price. It can cost between $10,000 and $15,000 per night, so this slice of underwater heaven is definitely for rich people. Oh I can dream…

 

Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel, Cappadocia Turkey

Fantastic for nature and history lovers, the Yunak offers guests a choice of six different cave houses and thirty different cave rooms that date back to the 5^th and 6^th centuries. All the rooms are furnished with respect to their environment, while still offering modern comfort and charm. The more luxurious suites come complete with Jacuzzi and steam shower. Perfect for those who want to step back in time…

The Mangrove, Koh Chang

In a far flung corner of the east is Koh Chang national Marine Park, where you can find an array of 50 or so islands. At the center is Koh Chang Island itself, which offers lush jungles and exquisite beaches. The Mangrove bungalows are situated in woodland over looking the sea. Everything is low-key and natural, and you can find hammocks, outdoor bathrooms and cushion-clad hideouts. For those who are a fan of The Beach and want to experience what being shipwrecked truly feels like.

 Spherical Tree House, Vancouver Island, Canada

Living in these spherical pods high up in the tree-tops, it is easy for your imagination to run wild with fairies and elves, and other woodland creatures. For those who love nature, this is the ultimate place to stay. You can feel the forest all around you, and the sphere gently rocks when the wind blows, creating the ultimate sleeping experience.

 The Ark, Wiltshire, England

For those Brits who are looking for adventure a little closer to home, inventive woodworker James Noble’s latest incredible creation should be the top of your list. This gothic-inspired structure, which much resembles an old fashioned gypsy wagon, sits by a river and under an apple tree on a quiet corner of a Wiltshire farm, with views of the nearby village. This is a fantastic ‘glamping’ experience and is complete with a campfire and all other amenities to ensure your seclusion. However, don’t be fooled into thinking there is nothing to do here. The site is fantastic for walks and hikes, and guests can visit the surrounding areas of Stonehenge and traditional English market towns; the perfect ‘staycation’.