Solo hiking makes for an adventurous weekend.
When everyday life falls into a routine, a crazy adventure can shake things up. Whether you prefer a quick weekend trip or a multi-week, international adventure, look for activities with an element of fear and excitement. As you plan, choose an adventure that is just within the upper limits of your physical and mental abilities for the craziest experience.
Solo Overnight Hike
If you have basic survival skills and some camping and hiking experience, head out for a solo overnight trip for a new adventure. Choose a hiking trail that forms a loop and camp halfway through. Find a backcountry location and plot your own route for a more remote experience. Bring enough food for a few days, build a fire, and relish the sensation of being completely alone. Pack a flashlight and a cell phone for emergencies, and let friends and family know where you are hiking.
Volcano Boarding
When looking for a new twist on snowboarding and a visit to a developing country, try the double adventure of sand boarding in Nicaragua. On the slopes of Cerro Negro, a volcano near Leon, you can strap on a modified snowboard and fly down the hill. Adventure tour companies in town sell volcano-boarding tours, which include a guide and equipment. Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin.
Hike to Mt. Everest Base Camp
If you are interested in expedition and mountain literature but do not have the skills or the funds to climb Mount Everest in Nepal, trek to base camp instead. Start the adventure by flying from Kathmandu to Lukla in a small plane, where you will fly low through the Himalayas. The hike from Lukla to base camp and back takes approximately two weeks. You will pass through some of the most storied places in mountain literature. Once you reach Gorak Shep, the highest village on the trek, you can leave your bags at a hotel and climb to Kala Pattar, where you have a clear view of Everest, the Khumbu Icefall, the Hilary Step, and Lhotse Face.
Get Lost in a New City
Whether it is a new part of your own town, a city in another state, or a foreign capital, getting lost in a new city is always an adventure. Depending on your budget and available time, head to an unfamiliar city or neighborhood without a map or guidebook. If you are in a foreign city where you do not speak the language, bring a business card from your hotel to give to a taxi driver on the way back. Start walking, taking whichever turns look interesting, stop in stores, and visit cafes or restaurants you wouldn't ordinarily choose. By making new choices, you are sure to see unexpected sights and meet new people.
