As the warmer weather approaches, thoughts of summer vacations and outdoor adventures start to fill our minds. Even if you don’t identify as someone who enjoys the outdoors, these bucket-list-worthy trips could change your perspective.
A Multi-Stop African Adventure.
Recently, I embarked on an unforgettable journey with CroisiEurope, a French-owned cruising company that offers a unique experience. This nine-day adventure takes you through four African countries, featuring both land and river safari options.
Here are some of the trip’s highlights:
* We began our journey in South Africa, exploring Johannesburg and learning about the legacy of Nelson Mandela and the Apartheid era while staying at the stunning 54 on Bath hotel.
* Next, we traveled to Botswana and Namibia, where we stayed at the beautiful Kaza Lodge, which served as our base for exploring Chobe National Park in Botswana by land and small boat.
* Lastly, we took a flight to Zimbabwe, where we spent time on Croisi Europe’s intimate passenger riverboat, the Zimbabwean Dream, before transferring to Victoria Falls for our final adventures.
This journey is perfect for those who understand that an African safari is about more than just observing wildlife—it’s about experiencing the incredible cultures and communities that make these countries truly special. A village walk on Impalila Island in Namibia was a standout experience for me.
A Mind and Body Reset in British Columbia
After the challenges of recent years, many of us are in need of a reset. Guests at the renowned Mountain Trek Health Reset Retreat receive just that. During one week, you’ll focus on your health—what you eat, how you move, how you sleep, and how you think—while staying in a stunning lodge located about 45 minutes from Nelson, B.C.
This program has been running for about 30 years, featuring locally sourced, vitamin-rich meals complemented by daily three-hour hikes through the pristine forests of the region. Other activities include yoga, sound bathing, forest bathing, complimentary massages (three per week), and educational sessions on topics ranging from nutrition to work-life balance. The meals are balanced and mindful of calories, but the focus isn’t solely on weight loss; rather, it’s about fostering mindfulness and finding time to breathe.
However, there’s a catch: you can expect to kick some of your bad habits while you’re there. Coffee, alcohol, tobacco, and sugar are off-limits. But what you gain from this transformative outdoor experience could be life changing.
Fighting the Barriers to the Outdoors.
It’s no secret that the outdoors haven’t always been welcoming to everyone. While progress has been made, there’s still much work to do.
Here are two initiatives that could make a difference:
Gear Sharing: This concept is fantastic. Many of us want to enjoy outdoor adventures but can’t afford high-priced gear. I recently encountered this idea in Millinocket, Maine, where the Katahdin Gear Library allows people to borrow everything from bikes to skis and helmets, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the outdoors. These libraries are emerging in various locations—search for “gear library” along with your city to find one nearby. In the Greater Toronto Area, check out the University of Toronto Outing Club, the Arc’teryx Gear Library, and the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library in Guelph.
Inclusive Gear Options: It’s encouraging to see the growing availability of fitness gear designed for people of all sizes and styles. You don’t have to settle for gray and black—there are options that cater to your personal style as well. Helly Hansen, one of the leading gear designers, now offers a wide variety of choices for all sizes. I recently tested some of their products and was pleasantly surprised by the colorful options and the comfortable boots that required no breaking in before hitting the trails.
Let’s hope more outfitters continue in this direction—the outdoors should be accessible to everyone.
If you’d like to learn more, I discussed these experiences on the latest episode of Get, Set, Go! on CHCH TV’s Morning Live. You can watch it by clicking the image below.
Get, Set, Go…Outside
