Category: Adventure

As more people are choosing to prioritize their health and wellness, outdoor recreation activities like hiking are becoming increasingly popular. Discovering the benefits of hiking can provide both physical and mental health benefits, and with countless trails available for exploration, there’s no better time to start exploring the great outdoors.

Importance of Hiking for Physical and Mental Well-Being

Hiking is more than just a leisurely activity. It is a powerful tool in promoting physical wellness, such as improved cardiovascular health, increased strength and endurance, and weight loss or management. Even simple, short hikes can have significant physical health benefits.

Moreover, hiking has also been proven to improve mental well-being, such as reducing stress and anxiety, elevating mood and promoting a positive mindset, and increasing focus and cognitive function. A hike in nature can invigorate the senses and provide a refreshing break from daily routines.

The Benefits of Hiking

Physical Health Benefits:

1. Improved cardiovascular health: Hiking can help increase circulation, strengthen the heart, and lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Increased strength and endurance: Hiking over rugged terrain helps build muscle, improve balance and stability, and increase endurance and stamina.
3. Weight loss and management: Hiking is an excellent calorie-burning activity and an effective way to maintain a healthy weight.

Mental Health Benefits:

1. Reduced stress and anxiety: Being in nature and away from stressors can help lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation.
2. Elevated mood and a positive mindset: Hiking can increase the release of endorphins in the brain, improving mood, and promoting feelings of joy and happiness.
3. Improved focus and cognitive function: Hiking in natural environments can help improve attention span, creativity, and cognitive function.

Exploring Trails Near You

Hiking trails can be found almost anywhere, from national parks to urban parks and everything in between. However, not every trail will be suitable for every hiker. It’s crucial to choose a trail according to your fitness level, the experience you’re looking for, and proximity to your location.

Importance of Location

When exploring trails near you, location matters significantly since it will impact cost, accessibility, and overall availability. You don’t want to choose a trail that’s too far to hike or feel discouraged by the drive and weather conditions. Also, check the local weather forecast before going hiking and be prepared for unexpected weather changes.

Utilizing Online Resources

The internet is your friend when it comes to finding hiking trails near you. There are numerous apps and websites to help you find trails, such as AllTrails, TrailRunProject, and HikingProject. These resourceful platforms provide trail maps, reviews, photos, and other essential information to help you prepare for your hike. Check out local hiking organization’s social media pages and follow them for information on upcoming hikes, trail updates, and tips on optimal hiking conditions.

Preparation for Hiking

Once you’ve chosen a trail suitable for your fitness level and experience, you should prepare for your hiking adventure. Here are three critical things to consider.

1. Proper gear and clothing: Hiking in the right gear and clothing is essential, especially for long hikes or more difficult trails. Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothes, wear hiking boots, bring a waterproof jacket, and always wear a hat and sunscreen. Bring a backpack to carry essentials like water, snacks, and first-aid kit.
2. Safety precautions: Always notify someone of your plans and expected return time. Carry a fully charged cell phone for emergency situations. Try to hike with a hiking buddy or bring your furry friend for safety and bonding time. Additionally, learn about the wildlife, know how to avoid stepping on dangerous plants, insects or animals, and stay on designated trails to protect the ecosystem.
3. Trail etiquette: Respect and protect the environment by adhering to trail etiquette. Do not litter, respect nature, and yield to others on the trail. Hike at a safe pace, respect wildlife, and be mindful of leaving nothing behind.

If you’re looking for a new addition to your outdoor adventures, geocaching is the perfect way to combine technology and adventure in the great outdoors. For those who are unfamiliar with it, geocaching is a game that can be played anywhere in the world. It is essentially a treasure hunt, where participants use GPS-enabled devices to find hidden containers called geocaches. These containers can be located anywhere, from urban areas to rural landscapes.

The Origins of Geocaching

Geocaching started in the early 2000s, quickly becoming a popular trend. The first geocache was hidden on May 3, 2000, by a man named Dave Ulmer in Oregon, USA. He wanted to test the accuracy of GPS devices and placed a container at a specific coordinate location. He then posted the GPS coordinates online, challenging others to find it. On May 30th, a man named Mike Teague found the container and this marked the beginning of geocaching. Since then, the game has become a global phenomenon.

The Game of Geocaching

Geocaching is a relatively simple game. It starts with the search for a cache. The cache itself is a small waterproof container that usually contains a logbook to sign and some trinkets or small objects that can be traded or taken. Geocachers use GPS-enabled devices such as smartphones or GPS receivers to find the geocache coordinates that are posted online. Once you arrive at the coordinates, the challenge is locating the cache itself. Some caches are more difficult to find than others, but each one has its own set of clues or hints to help in the search.

There are several types of geocaches, each with its own level of difficulty. One popular type is the traditional cache, which usually consists of a container and a logbook. Multi-caches are a series of caches, where the location of the next is revealed after finding the previous one. Mystery caches require you to solve a puzzle to reveal the coordinates of the cache, while virtual caches require you to visit a location and take a photograph to prove that you were there. Wherigo caches require you to use a GPS-enabled device to solve a virtual tour of a location.

Tips for Beginners

For beginners, starting with a traditional cache is often the best option. These caches are relatively easy to find and are a great way to get started in the game. Before going on your first geocaching adventure, it’s important to have the right tools. A GPS-enabled device or smartphone is essential, and you should make sure you have an offline map of your area as cell service can be spotty in remote places. Additionally, it is always a good idea to bring extra batteries, a pen, and some small trinkets to trade. While geocaching is a relatively safe activity, it is also important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid dangerous areas.

The Adventures of Geocaching

Geocaching offers many physical and mental benefits. It’s a great way to get outside and explore the natural world, while also providing a fun and challenging adventure. It’s also an excellent way to improve mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. Many geocachers have had unforgettable experiences such as discovering breathtaking scenery or feeling the thrill of a difficult find.

The Technology Behind Geocaching

The evolution of GPS technology has played a significant role in the development of geocaching. GPS devices have become more sophisticated, accurate, and widely used, making it easier and more accessible to participate in the game. The development of geocaching websites and smartphone applications have also made it easier for people to play and discover new caches. These resources provide access to cache listings, logs, and user rankings.

The Geocaching Community

One of the best things about geocaching is the global community of players. Geocachers come from all walks of life, and the community is incredibly diverse. There are many events and challenges that are specific to geocachers, such as CITO (cache in trash out), where players clean up the environment in the vicinity of the geocache. It’s also possible to make new friends and connect with other geocachers who share a passion for the game.

Hiking is one of the most rewarding and exhilarating outdoor activities that one can experience. From the majestic mountain ranges to the pristine forests, there is no shortage of breathtaking landscapes that can be explored on foot. For those who are looking for the ultimate hiking adventure, there are several trails around the world that offer stunning views and unmatched adventure. Today we’ll be discussing some of the best hiking trails in the world that are sure to leave you in awe.

Inca Trail, Peru

The Inca Trail is undoubtedly one of the most popular hiking trails in the world. The 26-mile trail leads hikers through stunning Andean landscapes and historic Incan ruins, culminating in the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. The trail takes about four days to complete and requires proper planning and preparation, including obtaining permits and hiring a licensed tour guide. However, the effort is well worth it, as hikers will witness some of the most spectacular views of the Andes Mountains and immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the Incas.

Milford Track, New Zealand

The Milford Track is a 33-mile hiking trail located in the South Island of New Zealand. The trail offers hikers an immersive experience in the natural beauty of the country, including crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountain peaks. The hike takes about four days to complete and requires booking huts in advance, as well as proper equipment and clothing. The Milford Track is considered one of the most beautiful hikes in the world and is a must-do for anyone who loves the great outdoors.

Tour du Mont Blanc, France, Italy, and Switzerland

The Tour du Mont Blanc is a 105-mile hiking trail that circles the Mont Blanc massif, crossing through three countries: France, Italy, and Switzerland. The trail offers hikers some of the most stunning views of the Alps, including snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and valleys. The hike takes about 10-12 days to complete and requires proper planning and preparation, including obtaining permits and booking accommodations in advance. The Tour du Mont Blanc is a challenging but rewarding hike that is perfect for those who are looking for an unforgettable adventure.

Torres del Paine Circuit, Chile

The Torres del Paine Circuit is a 52-mile hiking trail located in Chile’s Patagonia region. The trail offers hikers some of the most breathtaking views of the Southern Andes, including glaciers, lakes, and granite peaks. The hike takes about 7-9 days to complete and requires proper planning and preparation, including obtaining permits and booking accommodations in advance. The Torres del Paine Circuit is a challenging hike that requires a good level of fitness, but the views and experience are worth the effort.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa and one of the most iconic hiking destinations in the world. The hiking trail to the summit takes about 6-9 days to complete and requires proper planning and preparation, including obtaining permits and booking with a licensed guide. The hike is challenging and requires a good level of fitness, but the views from the summit are unforgettable. Hikers will witness some of the most stunning views of the African continent, including vast plains, lush rainforests, and glaciers.

Mountain climbing is a thrilling and challenging outdoor adventure that has grown in popularity over the years. It provides an opportunity to connect with nature, test one’s physical and mental strength, and overcome obstacles to achieve a rewarding sense of accomplishment. However, mountain climbing can also be dangerous, and preparation is essential for a successful climb. Today we will discuss the secrets of mountain climbing and offer tips for conquering the peaks.

Physical Preparation

Mountain climbing is a physically demanding activity that requires cardiovascular fitness, endurance, strength, and flexibility. Before attempting a climb, it is crucial to train your body to handle the stress and demands of the activity. Cardiovascular fitness can be improved through activities such as running, cycling, or swimming. Endurance training can be accomplished through long hikes, trail runs, or stair climbing. Strength training, particularly in the legs, can be achieved through exercises such as lunges, squats, and calf raises. Flexibility can be improved through stretching exercises and yoga. Additionally, it is essential to acclimatize to the altitude gradually to prevent altitude sickness, which can be debilitating and even life-threatening.

Mental Preparation

Mountain climbing requires not only physical preparation but also mental preparation. It is vital to have the right mindset and motivation to tackle the challenge. Setting goals and breaking them down into achievable steps can help keep you motivated and focused on the task at hand. Mental toughness and resilience are crucial, as mountain climbing can be a mentally exhausting activity. Visualization, meditation, and positive self-talk can help develop mental strength and reduce stress. Stress management and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, can also be useful for calming the mind and reducing anxiety.

Equipment and Gear

Choosing the right equipment and gear is essential for a successful climb. The right clothing and footwear are crucial for comfort and safety, particularly in changing weather conditions. It is recommended to dress in layers, with moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you dry and warm. Footwear should be comfortable, durable, and have excellent traction. It is also important to select the right backpack, which should be lightweight, sturdy, and have enough space to carry essential gear. Navigation tools, such as maps, compasses, and GPS devices, are critical for staying on track and avoiding getting lost. Safety gear, such as helmets, ropes, and carabiners, are also essential for climbing steep and challenging terrain.

Climbing Techniques and Skills

Basic climbing skills and techniques are necessary for a successful climb. These skills include proper footwork, hand placement, and body positioning. Rope management and safety protocols are also essential for protecting yourself and your team members. It is recommended to take a course in climbing techniques and safety before attempting a climb. Teamwork and communication are also critical for a successful climb, particularly when climbing with a group. Proper communication ensures that everyone is on the same page and can work together to achieve the climb’s goal.

Environmental Considerations

Mountain climbing is an outdoor activity that takes place in natural environments. It is essential to be mindful of the impact you have on the environment and practice Leave No Trace principles. These principles include packing out all trash, minimizing campfire impact, respecting wildlife, and staying on designated trails. Additionally, climate and weather conditions can change rapidly in mountainous regions. It is important to monitor weather conditions and be prepared for sudden changes. Wildlife, such as bears and mountain lions, can also be a danger in some regions, and it is important to be aware of the risks and take precautions to minimize them.

Scuba diving is an exciting and thrilling activity that offers a unique experience to explore the underwater world. With its stunning beauty, scuba diving provides a sense of freedom, peace, and tranquility that can be hard to find on land. However, it’s essential to approach scuba diving with the utmost precision and care, especially if you’re a beginner.

Today we’ll delve into the basics of scuba diving, preparing for your first dive, choosing your dive site, scuba diving techniques, and the benefits of owning your scuba diving gear. By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive guide to scuba diving that will help you gain confidence, enhance your skills, and ensure your safety underwater.

The Basics of Scuba Diving

Scuba diving requires you to have a few essential pieces of equipment, including fins, a mask, a regulator, and a scuba tank. These items help you breathe underwater, swim efficiently, and see the underwater world. However, it’s important to note that the equipment required for scuba diving can be quite costly, and it’s advisable to rent them rather than purchasing them when you’re starting.

The next vital aspect of scuba diving is safety. Before you dive, it’s important to check for any leaks or damage in your equipment. Also, ensure that your regulator is secured correctly, and the weights are appropriately balanced, providing neutral buoyancy. This helps to reduce the risk of entanglement while swimming, making your dive more enjoyable.

Preparing For Your First Dive

Scuba diving requires you to be physically fit and mentally prepared. Therefore, it’s essential to get a medical check-up before the dive to ensure that you’re physically fit for scuba diving. This is important because scuba diving can be a strenuous activity, and you need to be physically prepared to handle it.

Mental preparation is a crucial part of scuba diving. It’s essential to remain calm and composed, especially during your first dive. If you’re feeling nervous, try to take some deep breaths and relax your mind. Also, remember to communicate with your dive buddy and ensure that you both have a clear understanding of the dive plan, communication signals, and emergency procedures.

Choosing Your Dive Site

When choosing a dive site, it’s important to consider the location’s weather conditions, currents, and visibility. It’s always advisable to choose a site with good visibility, calm waters, and minimal currents, especially if you’re a beginner. Choose a dive site that provides ample opportunity to see a variety of aquatic life while still maintaining your safety.

Scuba Diving Techniques

Scuba diving requires several essential techniques that are crucial to your survival and enjoyment underwater. First, you’ll need to learn different breathing techniques using your regulator to ensure that you have enough air to breathe during your dive. Second, you’ll need to master in-water communication techniques, such as hand signals, to communicate effectively with your dive buddy. Lastly, be aware of your body position while you dive, to maintain neutral buoyancy with a minimum effort.

Common Mistakes by Beginners

As a beginner, you may be inclined to make some common mistakes during your dive. These may include swimming too quickly, descending too quickly, carrying too much weight, or panicking when faced with an unexpected situation. To avoid these mistakes, it’s important to take a scuba diving course that will teach you the appropriate techniques, and provide guidelines on how to respond to any challenging situations that may arise.

Owning Your Scuba Diving Gear

Owning your own scuba gear has its benefits, such as comfort, fit, and familiarity. Additionally, owning your own gear eliminates the need for renting, which can be costly if you’re planning on frequent dives. There are different types of personal scuba gear, including a wetsuit, BCD, fins, and mask, and you can choose from a wide variety of options available in the market.

Do you enjoy the outdoors? Are you looking for a new great adventure? Or, are you looking for a way to convince yourself to spend more time in nature? Backpacking might be just what the doctor ordered.

 

Backpacking is a super fun sport that allows you to really escape and enjoy nature at a different level. It can be a fantastic mix of relaxing, invigorating, and adventurous. But before you strap on a pack and hit the wilderness, there are some things you’ll want to know — especially if you’ve never gone backpacking before.

 

1. Start Short and Comfortable 

 

Backpacking is an extremely rewarding outdoor experience, but there is a level of risk involved that needs to be taken seriously. 

 

You are about to carry everything you need to basically survive in nature for a few days on your back, and you’re walking away from society. You’re also walking away from your car, from restaurants, from emergency services, from reliable cell phone service, and from the protective structure that is a house. 

 

For beginners, we recommend choosing a destination that is close to your home and that is short — just an overnight trip or two to get started. You’ll learn a lot about your comfort level, your gear, and your level of preparation during these few days. 

 

2. Do Your Research and Invest in Your Gear

 

There are a ton of backpackers in the world, and there are thousands upon thousands of how-to guides, blogs, gear reviews, and entire stores like REI that have experts available to help beginners. Don’t be afraid to ASK QUESTIONS!

 

Backpacking involves hiking for miles upon miles each day in all sorts of weather and across different types of terrain, so you want clothing and gear that’s appropriate for your hiking trip.

 

Two essential gear investments are going to be the backpack you want to carry and your shoes. 

 

You’re also going to want to think about the level of shape you’re in and how much weight makes sense. When you’re carrying food, water, overnight gear, etc. that adds up quickly and you’re going to feel those pounds as you’re hiking. 

 

A general rule of thumb for beginner backpackers is that a loaded backpack should not be more than 20% of your body weight.  

 

3. Plan Your Trip and Create Checklists

 

If you’re a beginner, one of the most important aspects of backpacking is actually making a plan. Making a plan though is not just figuring out where you want to go, where you’re going to park, how long you’re going to be gone, and how far you’re going to hike.

 

Planning also includes the following aspects:

 

• Weather predictions
• Water access throughout the hike (and the gear you need to ensure clean drinking water)
• Meal planning (this is not just how many calories you’re going to consume during your backpacking trip, but ensuring you have the cooking gear, including a heat source)
• Touching base with a service like the National Park, for example, to see if your hike needs a permit for being in the backcountry (for example, parks like Yellowstone have limited backcountry permits for safety reasons and tracking, so you just cannot show up)
• Purchase a physical trail map if needed because things like cell phone batteries are not always reliable 

 

This is just a set to get you started thinking through things. 

 

4. Find Someone to Go With You and Always, Always Let Someone Know Where You’re Going and When You’ll Be Back 

 

We’re not trying to intimidate anyone, but backpacking is one of those things that you should communicate to your friends or loved ones. Shoot them a text or an email or even leave a physical note explaining what you’re doing, where you’re going, what your timeline is, and text them when you get to the trailhead and when you’re back to your car. Simple as that. 

 

Many of us love the summertime because it’s when we get to go outside and take part in many of the activities that are synonymous with the season. From swimming and hiking to playing baseball and tennis, the summer is when the most fun and games happen. That doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun during the winter, though.

There are plenty of great games that you can really only get the best of when it’s chilly outside and snow on the ground. If you’re looking for a fun activity to help with those winter blues, here are the five best games that you can only play in the snow.

Sled Racing

If you try to bring out a sled in the middle of the summer, you’re not going to go very fast and may end up getting stuck in some mud while on a hill. During the wintertime, though, you can bust out the sleds and have races to see who can reach the bottom the fastest. It doesn’t have to be sleds, either, as inflatable tubes are just as fun and put a new twist on things thanks to their spinning nature.

To make things even more fun (and quite honestly, safer), you can have people go down a hill one at a time and use a stopwatch to check on who had the fastest time. You can make things even more fun and start a family tradition by giving a trophy to whoever had the fastest time over the winter season.

Snowball Fight

It wouldn’t be winter without a good old snowball war between two sides. What typically starts off as two people tossing snowballs at each other can quickly, well, snowball. Teams on each side can set up their own snow forts to keep themselves safe or even build trenches in the snow to simulate a full-out snow war.

There’s a lot of creativity that can go into a snowball fight, and once some people see that you’re having fun, they’re going to want to join in on the action. In some towns, you’ll see two sides made up of dozens of people throwing snowballs as far as they can at one another.

Snowman Building Competition

Another one of those staples of winter that people of all ages love is building a snowman. If there’s a big enough snowfall in your town, you can get really creative and build on a larger scale. You’re able to put your own unique spin on things since snow is easily manipulated and can take on just about any shape when packed tight.

During sporting events that happen in heavy snow, the seats tend to get a bit empty. For fun, the fans that ended up sticking around during a blizzard have made snowmen that take the spots of those that have departed the game early.

Tunnel Building

During the summertime, you may be able to make tunnels in the sand, but it might not work as well since sand doesn’t pack tight unless it’s wet. Snow tends to stay packed, and makes for much easier tunnel building.

It’s also a lot safer to build a tunnel out of the snow as you can make the roof of the tunnel just a couple of inches. If it collapses, you might just be wet and cold instead of in any serious danger. Try to make yourself a cozy little igloo shaped snow tunnel, but always practice caution.

Pond Hockey

Pond hockey is one of those things that truly feels special when you live in Canada or the northern part of the United States like Minnesota, Michigan, or Wisconsin. When ponds and lakes freeze over thanks to the snow and cold temperatures, it’s the perfect time to grab your skates and play a little hockey with your friends.

You don’t have to have NHL-level talent to enjoy pond hockey, as you just need some skates, a stick, and a puck. Even the nets can be imaginary designated areas. The best part about pond hockey is that, compared to baseball, you don’t need to leap over a fence to retrieve a lost puck (hopefully).

One of the best physical activities that you can do with your free time, mountain biking is also one of the most accessible due to the abundance of trails around the world. Some trails offer the best visual scenery, while others have great wildlife, and there are even some that offer up varying challenge levels for bikers.

If you’re planning your next mountain biking trip and want to visit some of the world’s best destinations, we have five that every biker needs to check out. While some are considered to only be for experts due to their difficulty, there are still parts of the trails that can be enjoyed by all. Without further ado, here are the five best mountain biking trails and what makes them so great.

Copper Harbor Trails 

Based in Copper Harbor, Michigan, Copper Harbor Trail offers a lot for thrill seekers and outdoor lovers. There are hiking trails, skiing in the colder months, mountain biking trails, and tons of lush Midwest forest scenery to enjoy. 

The mountain biking trails have downhill tracks, flow trails, cross-country, and technical options. They feature expert trails like the Black Diamond, as well as some beginner-level trails such as Little Loon, Moose on the Loose, and Chipmunk Run. Enjoy a day out with friends and family and get a taste of Michigan while you practice your mountain biking skills. 

Colorado Trail

The Colorado Trail is a 500-mile stretch of mountain biking goodness that is only able to be trekked throughout a small portion of the summer months when the snow melts and reveals a great trail for long distance mountain biking fanatics. 

The trail stretches from the town of Durango, Colorado to Littleton, Colorado right outside of Denver. The Colorado Trail features a path through an insanely gorgeous landscape, with glorious mountain ranges, flowing rivers, and national forests. It’s not a trail for beginners and is rated 9/10 in difficulty, so make sure you’re prepared and skilled enough to make the journey. 

Kingdom Trails

East Burke, Vermont is home to the Kingdom Trails. The trail comprises over 100 miles of lovely New England terrain and goes through many plots of land owned by locals who generously allow the trails to pass through. 

The Kingdom Trails have been in development for over 25 years and claim to be one of the first trails built and excavated for the purpose of mountain biking. It’s known for its incredible scenery, trail quality and options, and generous community that enables the trail to thrive. 

Moab

Rated the number one mountain biking activity trail by many, The Moab in Utah offers all you could want. Try out four-wheeling, ballooning, bird watching, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and of course mountain biking. 

The views are to die for and the trails are some of the best in the country. There are over 100 tracks that range from easy to difficult. Great for families looking to enjoy the Utah landscape, or masters of their craft wanting to challenge themselves. The National Ability Center ensures even those with limited mobility can enjoy the activities. 

Pisgah

Located within the Pisgah Forest in Transylvania County in North Carolina, the Pisgah Mountain Bike Adventures has some of the country’s best biking trails. They are a locally owned mountain bike guide company, offering private and personalized guided mountain biking trips.

Perfect for those who want to venture out into the mountain biking scene, but are hesitant to do so alone. The beautiful North Carolina scenery will be enough to make you want to sign up for a trek through the different trails within the lush forest. It’s a safer and more reliable option for those who aren’t familiar with the mountain biking trail scene but still want to enjoy it. 

Every single day has a sunrise and a sunset, but not everyone has the opportunity to make these into daily events that we get to appreciate. There are few things that have the same natural beauty as a sunrise or sunset, so making the most out of them can be a great benefit to your health and happiness.

Instead of sleeping through every sunrise or working through every sunset, try to enjoy them as much as you can on a daily basis. If you’re lacking ideas on how to do that, we have some tips. 

Here are five ways in which you can make the most out of each sunrise and sunset.

Photography and Art 

A couple of creative ways to make the most of the sunrise and/or sunset is by using them as artistic inspiration. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to capture the beauty of the change of night into day or day into night. Though, if you have a quality camera, the pictures will come out more stunning. 

The sunrise or sunset in the background will make average scenery intensely beautiful and make already gorgeous scenery more jaw-dropping. If photography isn’t your thing, you can paint your own picture and capture the vibrant, or mellow colors a sunrise, or sunset can produce. 

Get Romantic

The sunrise and sunset are relatively quick and stunning daily occurrences, giving you plenty of opportunities to plan something wonderfully romantic during that time, but you have to plan it properly if you don’t want to miss it. 

Sunrises pair well with early morning breakfasts at the beach, an open-air breakfast joint, or a hotel balcony after a fun overnight stay. Sunsets are best enjoyed by a fire pit, at a romantic dinner spot with a view, waterside, or even cozied up on your backyard patio. 

Correct Your Circadian Rhythm and Exercise

Waking when the sun rises is something our bodies naturally crave. Certain physical, mental, and behavioral changes take effect within the daily 24-hour cycle that makes up our circadian rhythm. Biologically, humans, like most creatures, are predisposed to respond to changes in light and dark. 

Waking up when the sun first peeks out can help adjust your body to the proper wake and sleep cycle it needs to work more efficiently. Exercising within that time can be a healthy addition to your morning routine as well. It keeps your body limber and your mind focused and ready to take on the day. 

Enjoy Them By the Beach 

Sunrises and sunsets are beautiful in their own right, but one thing that enhances their beauty tenfold is the beach. No matter the time of year, if you’re down to take a trip to the beach or any large body of water, it would be a fantastic way to enjoy the dewy sunrise and vibrant sunset. 

You could book a room by the beach so you can take in the sights from the comfort of a waterside room.  Or maybe plan an early morning, or late night trip to your destination of choice to catch the sunrise or sunset. 

Have A Bonfire 

Bonfires are a fun and chill way to end a long day. You don’t have to save them for special occasions either. Plan a summer cookout, a cozy fall evening, or perhaps a refreshing spring evening after being cooped up inside all winter. 

Throw a little get together, invite friends and family, get the kids in on it, make s’mores, share laughs, and have a great time relaxing by a fire at sunset. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures of the sunset while you’re at it. That feeling of seeing the bright colors and being surrounded by people you care about the most will spark a lot of joy in your life.

No two escape rooms are exactly the same, with some being very tame and aimed at beginners while others are so extreme that you have to sign a waiver. Hardcore escape room fans have likely seen the most extreme options in their area, so if you fall in this category and want to branch out for a road trip, there are some escape rooms that will test your patience and sanity.

These escape rooms have insanely low success rates and offer outside factors that will have you hitting the panic button faster than you think. If you’re brave enough, check out these five most extreme escape rooms for only the most hardcore fans.

The Basement (Los Angeles, California)

This escape room is not for the faint of heart. The Basement, located in Los Angeles, California, features a devilish escape room where participants have been kidnapped by the cannibalistic serial killer, Edward Tandy. 

Set in his dead mother’s home, the sadistic, flesh-hungry, and psychotic Tandy gives you clues to help solve the scavenger hunt like puzzles to aid in your escape. The room has a slim 12.5% success rate with extreme difficulty and cryptic clues. Once you’ve collected all of the items, you can escape the crazy Tandy and breathe a sigh of relief. 

The Torture Chamber (Elk Grove, California)

The Torture Chamber in Elk Grove, California paints a grizzly picture. You and your team are trapped inside the torture chamber of notorious serial killer, the American River Killer. He’s killed before and you’re his next set of victims. The previous victim used her last bit of strength to leave clues and hints to aid in your escape. 

The sadistic killer has left for exactly 60 minutes and you must utilize every minute and every tool, no matter how small and unassuming, to help you escape before you suffer the same fate as the others. 

The 13th Gate Escape (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)

Voted the #1 escape room in the US, The 13th Gate Escape in Baton Rouge, Louisiana features a great selection of rooms with differing themes, difficulties, and fear factors. Like the Tomb of Anubis, Death Row, and Cutthroat Cavern. One of the most notable is the terrifying Asylum Room, with intermediate difficulty and an extreme fear factor. 

The haunting story behind the room is surrounded by death. Dr. Victor Delacroix is said to have performed sickening experiments on patients of the Avery Island Asylum, a tuberculosis hospital in the early 1900s. After his death, the hospital of horrors was shut down, but mysterious and haunting activities still go on inside the tattered walls. You and your team go check it out and you’re all trapped inside. You must work to escape within the 60-minute time frame.  

Bates Motel Escape Rooms (West Chester, Pennsylvania)

Based on the fictional Bates Motel series, this escape room in West Chester Pennsylvania brings it all to life. They feature detailed rooms, with CGI, lighting, and sound effects. Along with mysterious hidden doorways and clues that require attentiveness and critical thinking. If you manage to pull it together in the 60 minutes you have to figure out the puzzle room, you and your team can escape unscathed.  

Trap Door Escape Room’s ‘Fear The Bogeyman’ (Bartonsville, Pennsylvania)

Located in Bartonsville Pennsylvania, Fear The Bogeyman escape room features you and your team playing as paranormal investigators seeking the whereabouts of children abducted by the Bogeyman. The intense action will make it challenging to keep your wits about you for the 60 minutes you have to solve the puzzles and save the unfortunate souls taken by the mysterious entity who is actually in there with you. It takes the fear factor to another level and makes this escape room a must.