203 Challenges

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12 midweek mini trip ideas for when you can't take a day off

The challenge: Do something cool and adventurous this Tuesday (no day off from work required)!

Big adventures are inspiring and they are great for impressing strangers in bars, but they happen quite rarely and the gap between them can make your life feel empty and uneventful. Plus, sometimes you just can't take a day off from work even when you're itching to get out and do something fun. But all hope is not lost! There are several options that you've probably failed to notice in your despair. After all, on a normal working day you're free: in the morning; during your lunch break; after work (including the evening). Here are 12 ideas for mini trips and adventures that you can squeeze into these breaks. They're exciting, Instagram-worthy (because we all crave that killer shot that gets 100+ likes) and will help your free spirit survive until the weekend comes.

#1 Organize a sunrise picnic

A sunrise picnic by the lake | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges.com A picnic can be so much more than eating an alfresco meal on a blanket. Simply changing the time of your picnic can completely change the experience. Leave home an hour or so before sunrise, take a flask of coffee and breakfast in a basket, then drive somewhere beautiful to greet the new day. >>> Try more creative picnic ideas.

#2 Head outside for your morning workout

Outdoor yoga routine | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges.com Yoga, tai chi or downhill biking - whatever your sporting passion is, try it somewhere new and exciting. Why practice your morning meditation in your living room when you can do it in a forest or a quiet park?

#3 Go 'forest bathing' like the Japanese

Go forest bathing | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges.com The Japanese call it shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) - the practice of walking in the forest to improve your health. The Swedes have a somewhat similar tradition called gökotta, which involves heading to a forest before sunrise to listen to the first birdsong of the morning. It's much more exciting to tell your colleagues you practiced shinrin-yoku or gökotta instead of simply saying "I went to the park this morning."

#4 Walk to work

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The night challenge: 14+ ideas for night events and adventures

The challenge: Make the most of the night with this list of exciting late-time travel and cultural activities

There are many attractions which stay open even when it’s dark outside. There are also events specially created to make your night more interesting. It’s a different world when you trade the light of the sun for the light of the moon and the stars. Here are a few examples just to kick off. 

Late night events:

European Night of Museums - This is the night when many museums and galleries in Europe remain open until midnight and host special events. All comes with a sweet free entry. It takes place every year on the Saturday closest to 18th May - the International Day of Museums. Official website is here.  European Literature Night - Celebrities read excerpts from European works of art. It takes place in May. Official website is here.  European Theater Night - Theaters and opera houses open their doors for tours and special events. Plays are sold at special prices. It's held in November. Official website is here. European Researchers’ Night - research centers and museums open doors to show their achievements (every year in late September. Open-air cinema - enjoy a movie under the stars at the closest cinema near you.

Attractions open during the night:

The Colosseum - Every summer from May until October the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, is open until midnight on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (reservation necessary). The Brooklyn Museum - In New York, the Brooklyn Museum has free admission until 11 p.m. the first Saturday of each month (except September). The Top of the Rock observation deck at Rockefeller Center offers 70th floor views of Manhattan until midnight (last elevator up is at 11 p.m.). The Empire State Building’s observation deck is open until 2 a.m. Night markets in Thailand - in Bangkok, Thailand, every district has its own night market where you can find all kinds of food, goods and fun activities, at the same time immersing yourself the best way possible into local life. Try the biggest market, Rot Fai, or the bohemian JJ Green Night Market. Read the full article

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The lighthouse at Cape Shabla - the easternmost point of Bulgaria

  Where the road to the lighthouse at Shabla village ends, the easternmost point of Bulgaria starts: Cape Shabla. If one day you want to say that you have traveled Bulgaria from end to end, then you’d better come here - otherwise it doesn’t count.

The lighthouse at Cape Shabla

The oldest lighthouse in Bulgaria is here - it has operated officially since July 1856, when Bulgaria was still under Ottoman rule. Standing at 32 m high, it is the tallest lighthouse along the Black Sea coast. Although today the lighthouse is in a military zone and is usually locked, on special days in the summer you can go inside. Interestingly enough, in the sentry-box there is a built-in monogram of the Ottoman sultan Abdulmecid - a rarity in those days, proving that the lighthouse was definitely an important building. This is the only multicolored lighthouse in Bulgaria - red and white. Until the 1930s it was entirely white. Later, the region of Southern Dobrudzha became part of Romania and the authorities decided to add the red color.

The monogram of sultan Abdulmecid, Cape Shabla, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges Where the paved road ends, there is a summer house with benches right on the coast - you can sit down and contemplate, enjoy the magnificent view or simply hang out without a care, whistling your favorite tune. All photos: © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges Read the full article

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Traveling while pregnant — everything you need to know

When I discovered I was pregnant, the mother-to-be in me screamed "Yeah!", while the traveler in me was biting her nails and asking: "Will I have to stop traveling for nine months?". The short answer is 'no'. The long answer is 'no, but you have to consider a few things'. After consulting specialists, reading books and relying on my (ever-growing) gut, here's a short recap of what I've learnt:

Traveling while pregnant in the first trimester

From around week six of pregnancy, the morning sickness and extreme tiredness usually settle in. Typically these symptoms last until week 12 (although of course your case may be different). This means that even if there are no medical reasons to avoid traveling in the first trimester, you probably wouldn't want to. During this phase I'd planned a trip to Mauritius, which I cleverly canceled; at the time I was supposed to take a long-haul flight, I was so nauseous that I wanted to stay in bed forever. Bearing in mind that the risk of miscarriage is greatest in the first trimester and that you will feel weak and sleepy, it's a good idea to postpone all trips for later.

Traveling while pregnant in the second trimester

This is when you'll feel the most energetic, so use it to take trips and spend time with your partner before the baby arrives. This is the time to go camping, to visit faraway destinations, and even to enjoy some light hiking. I chose to go to Egypt in my fifth month, although I had to skip part of the fun (no desert safari for you ladies, it's too bumpy!). Beach vacations are also okay, but you have to spend less time in the sun and more under the umbrella (pregnant women are at greater risk of skin pigmentation).

Traveling while pregnant in the third trimester

This is when you get heavier and heavier. Again, if you feel good and your doctor hasn't specifically advised against it, you can still remain active and travel — just keep it light and easy. Read the full article

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The Greek island of Ammouliani: a secret escape for nature lovers

The challenge: Circumnavigate the island on a half-day kayak trip, then have lunch on a desert islet

Greece has 6,000 islands, of which more than 200 are inhabited. It's hard to choose your next summer escape, but if you're a nature lover and enjoy quiet, hidden destinations, give Ammouliani a chance. Ammouliani is a tiny island located just across from the monastic state of Mount Athos, a short ferry ride from the mainland. It has only one tiny town and a long stretch of sandy beaches interspersed with steep cliffs. There are several surrounding islets that are perfect for diving, picnics and sunbathing. Since they're deserted, you'll feel like you have them all to yourself. You can hire a motor boat or kayaks and visit them, or circumnavigate Ammouliani itself (in half a day kayaking, or less than an hour by motor boat). Discover more secret places in Greece! All photos: © Maria Angelova/203challenges Read the full article

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Egypt: 9 safety trip tips for first-time visitors

If you're planning your first journey to Egypt, here are a few tips for a safe and fun trip. Once you've taken these tips into consideration, you'll find the country to be full of warm, friendly people who always have a joke or two about how many camels your wife is worth.

#1 Dress for the heat

Although Egypt is a Muslim-majority country, you don't have to dress too conservatively (unless you visit mosques, where you are required to cover your head, shoulders and knees). You can pack shorts, but you're often better wearing light, long-sleeved shirts and long trousers to protect you from the merciless sun, especially if you go on a desert tour.

Camels in front of the Giza Pyramids | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges

#2 Be careful with the local money

The official currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound. In tourist areas most places also accept euros and dollars, but keep in mind that the exchange rate won't be very good and you'll have to bargain twice as hard. It's almost impossible to exchange Egyptian pounds back to foreign currency at the end of your trip, so think twice before exchanging big amounts. For a one-week trip we didn't use a single Egyptian pound and paid in dollars everywhere, and we didn't have any problems.

#3 Haggle everywhere, even at pharmacies

Haggling is ubiquitous in Egypt, and it's obligatory if you don't want to pay double the actual price. The fiercest hagglers are the souvenir salesmen and bottled water vendors at the main tourist attractions like the Giza Pyramids or Luxor. Feel free to negotiate down to less than half the initial price there. You can even haggle at pharmacies, unless you see a “Fixed prices” sign. Read the full article

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7 iconic trains to ride around the world (other than the Trans-Siberian)

Traveling by train has been a true classic for travelers ever since the time of Orient Express. And the Trans-Siberian Railway is the classic of all classics. There are two routes through Siberia. Starting the journey from Moscow, you can choose between Perm and Vladivostok. The second route takes about a week. While traveling you will enjoy the beauty of Lake Baikal and will have the chance to communicate with Russians. Brush up a few words of Russian - written down phonetically - before you go. ‘Na zdravie!’ (cheers!) and ‘Spasibo!’ (thank you!) are great ice-breakers.  But this is not the only epic train you can hop on. Here are several more ideas about great adventures on a train:

The Ghan, Australia

The Ghan Train, Australia | Photo credit: Gary Bembridge The train crosses almost 3,000 km (1,860 mi) through the Australian wilderness, passing through Darwin, Alice Springs and Adelaide.

El Chepe, Mexico

The El Chepe Train, Mexico | Photo credit: Justin Vidamo/Flickr The train connects Chihuahua and Los Mochis. The railway crosses the desert to the north to reach as far as the Pacific Ocean. You will enjoy splendid views while traveling, such as Barranca del Cobre canyon.

Flam Railway, Norway

Flam Railway, Norway | Photo: Visitnorway.com Very short, at high altitude, the Flam Railway connects Myrdal and Flam in Norway. While traveling you will enjoy Aurlandsfjord as well as many wild waterfalls, cascading down into the mountain hollows. Read the full article

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Hitchhiking in Sicily - 5 first-hand tips from two girls

Hitchhiking is a controversial activity. Some see it as the perfect opportunity for adventure; others think of it as an easy way to wind up in a ditch without their kidneys. If you're from the second school of thought, you probably won't like the following stories of girls hitchhiking in Sicily. Why? Because we survived and thrived, without any dodgy situations or blood spilled. If you read on, you might find your beliefs shattered! On the other hand, if you plan to hitchhike in Sicily you're in for a few helpful hints!

#1 Sometimes, hitchhiking is your only choice

As two girls, we weren't planning to hitchhike in Sicily. Of course, we hadn't taken into consideration the fact that in Italy, the term "national holiday" usually means "no trains"*. If you don't have a car but you have an overwhelming desire to get from the town of Noto to Modica - the chocolate capital of Sicily - your fate is predestined and you'll soon find yourself by the roadside. * “No trains” is a collective term for “no trains, no buses, and nowhere to even rent a motorbike”.

#2 Nobody hitchhikes in Sicily, but that shouldn't put you off

The first thing you'll realize is that there aren't any other hitchhikers on the side of the road in Sicily. In fact, many locals told us not to hitchhike because it was dangerous. This was perfect. On one hand, we are fearless in the face of the danger. On the other hand, our livers are already damaged beyond repair, so we doubted that anyone would risk much to take them from us...

#3 Sicilian roads aren't as direct as you might expect

Read more: 9 real hitchhiking stories that will make you laugh and cry 7 unusual things to do in Sicily Featured image: © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges Read the full article

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Closer to space: The Bulgarian mountain village of Orehovo

With the very first steps you take in the village Orehovo, you realize that you haven’t traveled just roads - you’ve traveled back in time. In the center you’ll find a couple of shops selling hand-made bread with thick crispy crust, reminiscent of all the vacations spent in the countryside at grandma’s, as well as a traditional pub and a door with the sign “library” above one of the stores. The slopes of the Rhodope Mountains rise like guards in the sky protecting the houses below. Just steps away is the edge of a centuries-old evergreen forest. In the vicinity, the landscape is dotted with more than 20 chapels, with the River Persena running through. Go to its bank on the other side and look at the houses perched on the slope, as if drawn on a postcard. Just then the thought of space crosses your mind: cosmic tranquility and perfect harmony.

Orehovo village, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/ 203challenges People in Orehovo are talkative and always have broad smiles on their faces. True locals, they are used to seeing people with big backpacks roaming the streets. They will greet you and fill your soul with sheer joy. Discover more stunning and unusual places in Bulgaria. Read the full article

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10 quotes about Barcelona that explain why everyone loves it

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia and one of the busiest cities in Spain, has won the hearts of many travelers, celebrities, and ordinary visitors. Read some of the best quotes about Barcelona said by famous people in the last centuries. #1 You’d have a hard time finding anything better than Barcelona for food, as far as being a hub. - Anthony Bourdain #2 We crossed spacious streets, with building resembling palaces, in La Rambla promenade ; the shops were well illuminated and there was movement and life… I did not decide to go to sleep, even though I wished to, so I could rise early and contemplate, in daylight, this city, unknown to me: Barcelona, capital of Catalonia. – Hans Christian Andersen #3 I went to have a look at the cathedral, a modern cathedral, and one of the most hideous buildings in the world. - George Orwell (written in 1938) #4 Barcelona, archives of courtesy, shelter of the foreigners, hospital of the poor, father-land of  the brave , vengeance of the offended and pleasant correspondence of firm friendship, and in site, and in beauty, unique. – Miguel de Cervantes #5 The haunting of history is ever present in Barcelona. I see cities as organisms, as living creatures. To me, Madrid is a man and Barcelona is a woman. And it's a woman who's extremely vain. - Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Read more: 20 signs you've lived in Spain for too long 5 quotes about Spain that explain why everyone loves this country 15 inspiring quotes on exploring the world Featured image: Alexandre Perotto Read the full article

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18 quotes about Russia that explain its mystery

Searching for inspiration for your trip to Russia or for captions for your Instagram photos? Here are the best quotes about Russia, Russians and the mystery of this vast land. #1 Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. - Winston Churchill #2 The secret of politics? Make a good treaty with Russia. - Otto von Bismarck #3 We had a very successful trip to Russia. We made it back. - Bob Hope #4 The great drama of Russian history has been between its state and society. Put simply, Russia has always had too much state and not enough society. - Fareed Zakaria #5 Mr. Gorbachev has apparently stumbled onto one of the best-kept............ Read the full article

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Secret places in Bulgaria: the chapel overlooking a submerged village

The challenge: Discover the legend of the chapel overlooking the submerged village of Pchelintsi in Bulgaria

There are many submerged villages in Bulgaria. During socialism, many reservoirs were built above towns and villages, literally and figuratively. Only one of these submerged villages, however, has its own chapel, which is more than 600 years old and rises like a gravestone on a rock above the reservoir.

Legends and contemporary graffiti

Legend has it that the chapel of St John Letni was built in 1350, a timeline confirmed by the inscription on a contemporary stone at the chapel’s doorstep. The chapel’s door can be closed, but it doesn’t lock, meaning that anyone can go inside and light a candle. Read the full article

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10 foolproof tips: how to bargain at exotic markets like a pro

Bargaining is the best part of going to exotic markets. You and the vendor outwitting each other, laughing, talking about all sorts of unrelated stuff, they treat you with tea or coffee… In the end, you leave with a story to tell, pleased that you struck the bargain of your life (though it often doesn’t turn out like that). #1 Find out how much locals pay and refuse to pay more than that (ask a trusted local or take a peek over the shoulder of the buyer in front of you). For instance, state craft shops and hotel gift shops generally have fixed (high) prices, which will give you an idea of the upper real price limit range of goods. #2 If the vendor’s initial offer is ridiculously high, you can laugh. This will quickly show them that you’re aware of the real price. #3 Just as vendors often start with ridiculously high prices, you can offer a ridiculously lower price than you expect to finally pay. This allows you to negotiate. #4 If you’ve made up your mind to buy something, you might as well say goodbye to the vendor, showing that you won’t continue with the negotiations and you’re leaving. This will guarantee you at least two more new prices, each lower than the previous. Alternatively, they might ask you “OK, how much would you pay?”, which means that the vendor is sensing that the potential sale is slipping away. Featured image: © Maria Angelova/203challenges Read the full article

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Secret places in Bulgaria: the chapel overlooking a submerged village

The challenge: Discover the legend of the chapel overlooking the submerged village of Pchelintsi in Bulgaria

There are many submerged villages in Bulgaria. During socialism, many reservoirs were built above towns and villages, literally and figuratively. Only one of these submerged villages, however, has its own chapel, which is more than 600 years old and rises like a gravestone on a rock above the reservoir.

Legends and contemporary graffiti

Legend has it that the chapel of St John Letni was built in 1350, a timeline confirmed by the inscription on a contemporary stone at the chapel’s doorstep. The chapel’s door can be closed, but it doesn’t lock, meaning that anyone can go inside and light a candle. The scene inside is rather sad, with more and more of the chapel’s frescoes fading thanks to the ravages of time, and the eyes of the Virgin Mary gouged out by vandals. Back in socialism, known and unknown graffiti artists drew a contemporary layer of “frescoes,” describing who was here, when they were here and who was with them. Read the full article

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Sam Gambier's trip around the world: 2,5 years by bike

A few days after his 23rd birthday, Sam Gambier left his home in Cornwall, UK, to cycle around the world. His solo journey would take him over 36,000 miles and two and a half years, from France to Singapore, across Australia, and from Alaska to Argentina.  His book, "Terning: Around the World by Bike", is a story about the challenges he faced, but it is also a story about the kindness and generosity of the people he met along the way. As Sam says, "I am no brave adventurer; the book is the story of a twenty-three-year-old who cycled around the world in spite of himself, his flaws and (often pretty stupid) decisions'.  We reached out to Sam to ask him about his dreams, his inspiring encounters on the road and his next challenges. There he is. - Who is Sam Gambier and what are his dreams? - I grew up in Cornwall, UK, and went to uni in London. When I was twenty-three, I left England and spent two years and eight months cycling around the world and since then have lived in Spain and China. (I know you didn’t really ask me, but…) I believe our experience on this planet should not be confined by the borders drawn across it and I feel lucky and guilty, in equal measure, that I was born in a place that allows me to explore the world more freely than most. I dream about a world in which we recognise ourselves as inhabitants of one shared place, rather than several disparate places separated from each other (though perhaps I should do less dreaming and more doing!).

- What was your motif to choose a bicycle as a means of transport to circumnavigate the world? - A bicycle brings you closer to people than most other forms of transport could. The barrier of a window pane is removed, as is the ease and comfort that the window pane brings; the world is not framed for you to look at, rather you become part of the picture. On a bicycle you feel each metre, every hill and all the space between us, and I’m sure in some way this leads to a greater understanding of our world, at least its physical form. I am also quite a shy person, and a bicycle piled high with belongings starts conversations better than I do. Read the full article

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15 inspiring quotes on exploring the world

Exploring the world and our inner selves should never stop. Here are 15 quotes on the importance of exploration in our lifes to trigger your inspiration: ''We need the tonic of wildness...At the same time that we are earnest to explore and learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed and unfathomed by us because unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature." - Henry David Thoreau "Let those who wish have their respectability- I wanted freedom, freedom to indulge in whatever caprice struck my fancy, freedom to search in the farthermost corners of the earth for the beautiful, the joyous, and the romantic." - Richard Halliburton "Life is an experiment in which you may fail or succeed. Explore more, expect least." - Santosh Kalvar 

"A life lived every day doing only what needs to be done may seem convenient but your heart and soul don't live for convenience they live for exploration, imagination and the pursuit of dreams. Do what must be done but also do what your heart and soul want to be done." - Avina Celeste Read the full article

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Date idea: hunt for the best pizza in town

The idea: enjoy a romantic night out hunting for the best pizza (or burger, steak, etc.) in town

Dating doesn't have to be all candles and rose petals. If you and your partner are both down-to-earth foodies, you can enjoy this simple but fun idea for an unusual date night.

How to do it:

#1 Choose a type of food you both enjoy and start searching for the best places to eat it in town ( research online ratings, ask friends for recommendations, check newly opened venues...). If you've recently traveled to Spain, you can try to find the best Spanish restaurant and relive your trip with a meal.  #2 You can create a strict evaluation system including several different criteria (taste, aroma, service) where each of you gives a score from 1 to 10 to every pizza/burger/steak you try. Read the full article