Step 5
Exploration and Adventure
Expand your horizons
We’ve finally made it to the fun part of the guide! Hopefully, you’ve made it through the earlier steps. This step is all about exploration and adventure, pushing your boundaries, discovering new places, and most importantly, Enjoying the Earth.
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Step outside your comfort zone
One of the greatest ways to truly enjoy the Earth is to step outside of your routine and try something new. The world is full of opportunities for adventure if you’re willing to break away from your comfort zone. And the good news is, you don’t need to have a huge budget or even go far to experience something extraordinary.
For example, have you ever considered going to the beach during the off-season? Most people associate beaches with summer, but there’s something magical about a beach in the colder months. Sometimes, enjoying the Earth is all about experiencing familiar places in unfamiliar ways.
Go off the beaten path
This world is packed with natural wonders and hidden gems. Sure, you could visit popular tourist destinations, but there’s something uniquely satisfying about going to lesser-known places. Not only do you avoid the crowds, but you also get the thrill of uncovering a spot that feels like your own little secret.
For example, I’m heading to Langtang Valley in the Nepalese Himalayas next week—a trek that’s less crowded than the famous Everest or Annapurna circuits, yet just as breathtaking. Wherever you are, there’s always an opportunity to explore. Start by looking into national parks or natural reserves near you, or venture to places that aren’t overly commercialized. If international travel is on your radar but budget is tight, look for budget-friendly solutions like staying in hostels, using public transport, or traveling during off-peak seasons. You don’t need to go halfway around the world to feel like an adventurer—even neighboring countries can offer a wealth of new experiences.
Try new activities
Ever felt the thrill of standing on a surfboard as the ocean waves rise beneath you? Or the exhilaration of clinging to a rock wall 10 meters in the air? If you haven’t, it’s time to embrace the adventurous spirit.
Exploration isn’t just about traveling to new places—it’s also about trying new activities that connect you with the Earth in unexpected ways. Have you ever gone kayaking through quiet waters? Or taken up climbing or bouldering? Maybe you’ve always wanted to try scuba diving or hiking, but haven’t quite made the leap. This is the perfect opportunity to do something that gets your adrenaline pumping and lets you experience nature from a new perspective.
Whether it’s biking down a mountain trail, paddleboarding at a nearby lake, or ziplining through a forest, these experiences remind us how diverse and thrilling the Earth can be when we choose to actively engage with it.
Explore out of season
Why do what everyone else is doing? There’s something so satisfying about visiting places when they’re “out of season.” Take winter hikes in the mountains for an incredibly serene experience, or visit a summer resort town in the middle of fall or spring when it’s practically deserted. Off-season travel often offers a completely different, often more authentic, vibe. Plus, you’ll often find lower prices, quieter experiences, and the ability to truly connect with your surroundings without the usual tourist hustle.
I recently was on a completely empty beach on the edge of Malmøya in the Oslo Fjord. The sand was rough and cool, and I ended up laying there for like thirty minutes, just picking up handfuls of sand and letting it fall through my fingers on repeat. It was weirdly satisfying and surprisingly pleasant, this simple rhythm connecting me to the moment.
You can barely se a guy nearby who was fishing in a thick winter parka, while I was there in shorts and a t-shirt. It was about 10 degrees celsius, but with no wind and a nice sun, it felt just right. For many, this beach wouldn’t compare to those perfect smooth beaches. The sand was rough, and there were plenty of branches and debris scattered along the shoreline. But for me, this was perfect.
Practical adventure tips
- Stay open to surprises: Sometimes, the best adventures are unplanned. Allow yourself to deviate from your itinerary. Take the path less traveled, or let a local guide you to a hidden gem you wouldn’t have found otherwise.
- Travel light and sustainably: Being a smart EarthEnjoyer means being mindful of your impact. When you’re out exploring, leave no trace. Pack light, bring reusable items like water bottles and utensils. The goal is to Enjoy the Earth without leaving a footprint behind.
- Blend adventure with mindfulness: While it’s thrilling to explore new places, it’s equally rewarding to slow down and really absorb the experience. Pause to take in the view, breathe deeply, and let yourself truly feel the space you’re in.
- Safety first: Adventure doesn’t mean being reckless. Make sure to research your destinations, pack the right gear, and understand the environment you’re heading into. Be prepared for weather changes, know the local safety guidelines, and always have a backup plan.
Your journey awaits
Exploration is about discovery, not just of the Earth but also of yourself. With each new place you visit, each adventure you embark on, you learn more about what makes this planet so wonderful—and what makes you feel alive.
Where will your next adventure take you? Whether it’s the vast expanse of the Himalayas, a quiet national park, or a local forest, the Earth is waiting for you to step outside your boundaries and truly experience it.
I’ll be sharing more about my upcoming Nepal trip, so stay tuned for some exciting content from that trip!
Now, grab your gear, embrace the unknown, and go be a smart and joyful Earth Enjoyer.
This has been Step 5 of How to Enjoy the Earth: A Comprehensive Guide. Feel free to bookmark or save this step as a reminder of your progress. Since this guide is designed to be a gradual journey, keeping track helps you continue at your own pace whenever you’re ready.
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