Feeling a bit stuck in a rut? Looking for something spectacular to press the re-set button on life? Sure, a lazy holiday soaking up the sun on the beach or by the pool can be a great way to re-energise, but sometimes we need a little bit more.
They say that life begins at the edge of your comfort zone. And sometimes, taking on a big challenge or adventure is the best thing you can do to get a renewed sense of purpose and self-worth. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at five trips you can take to throw yourself way out of your comfort zone and into a world of self-discovery.
1) Backpack alone
Despite the awesomeness portrayed on Instagram, backpacking alone is as tough as it is rewarding. Navigating new countries and exploring new cultures and languages alone can be pretty scary at times, but it also gives you a fantastic sense of achievement and self-worth. By heading out on your own, you’ll open yourself up to a whole other world of new friends and cultures. It takes guts, but you won’t regret it.
2) Join a surf camp
Mastering a new skill can seriously boost your confidence and make you feel invincible. Heading to a surf camp is a fantastic way of throwing yourself into the deep end (literally) and conquer something new. Not only is surfing great for your mental health, but it’s also fantastic for your overall fitness. It will help strengthen your core and legs as well as tone your arms and give you a bit of a cardio workout too.
Of course, when booking into a surf camp, you should also look for a fabulous destination so that you can kill two birds with one stone. For example, heading to a Vanuatu surf camp for women would allow you to explore a new place, embrace a new culture, make new friends AND learn to surf!
3) Climb a mountain
Whether it’s Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Everest Base Camp or a hike through the Scottish Highlands, a multi-day mountain trek can do wonders for the soul. After all, what better metaphor is there for kicking goals in life than taking on a literal mountain?
4) Run a destination marathon
Marathons are a great way to test your mental and physical strength. So why not take on a marathon in a fabulous destination and make a holiday out of it? The New York City Marathon takes you through all five boroughs whilst the Berlin Marathon is a site seeing tour like no other. Or if you feel particularly adventurous (and have plenty of money to spare), why not take on the North Pole Marathon? Whichever one you choose, it’s a great chance to explore a new city or country whilst pushing yourself to the limit.
5) Immerse yourself in a new language
Learning a new language is on many a bucket list but few people have the guts to actually do it. It’s a long and hard process but there are many intensive language courses all over the world that can help get you to a decent level in a short amount of time.
Want to learn Spanish? Head to Spain, Mexico, Argentina or a whole host of other Spanish speaking countries to immerse yourself in the learning experience. Fancy learning Italian? Book into a month-long course in the Italian countryside where you can learn by day and stuff yourself with paste by night. This type of intensive learning experience is a great way to throw yourself out of your comfort zone, meet new people and master a new skill. And at the end of the trip, you’ll have an entirely different perspective on life through a new language and culture.
Conclusion
Everyone feels a little lost or without direction at some point or other but throwing yourself out of your comfort zone can help you can regain control. Taking on a challenge will give you an opportunity to test yourself on a whole new level, leaving you with a renewed sense of confidence that money simply can’t buy.
