Top 7 Activity Holidays to Try on A Solo Adventure Across Europe

We get only one life to live and explore, so why not do it on your terms? Solo adventure trips are a great way to let loose, explore places by yourself, and learn to love your own company. We are so attuned to people around us, that we often forget to connect with our inner self.

If you are planning the best activity holiday in the Alps there are plenty of amazing destinations to add to your bucket list.

This article will explore the top activity holidays that you can consider trying while on a solo adventure across Europe.

Hiking in the Swiss Alps

If you are a brave heart and want to peak your adrenaline rush, going for a hike in the Swiss Alps is an incomparable experience.

The Swiss Alps are a hiker’s paradise, especially with the breathtaking natural beauty all around. The picturesque mountain views and the countless trails in close vicinity make this an ideal vacation for every solo adventurist.

What’s great about hiking in the Swiss Alps is the convenience and accessibility. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or an advanced hiker, there’s something for everyone. You can set out on solo and independent hikes or you can go on guided hikes to learn about the flora and fauna in the area.

Some of the most popular hikes in the area include the Matterhorn Glacier Trail, the Jungfrau-Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Trail, and the Eiger Trail.

Kayaking in Croatia



Not every solo traveler is fond of extensive hiking and ragged mountain peaks. If it isn’t your cup of tea, a completely different experience is going kayaking in Croatia.

Known for its long coastline and crystal-clear water, Croatia is nothing short of paradise. The hidden coves and the tranquil beaches in the area are a great recluse from the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced city life.

Most of these beaches around Croatia have rental kayaking services, which you can pay for and avail of. The secluded beaches across the Adriatic Sea are a treat to the eye. If you aren’t experienced in kayaking, there are guided kayaking tours that you can join.

If possible, go on guided kayaking tours to explore Pakleni Islands or the Elaphiti Islands. Also, while you are renting a kayak, enquire about snorkeling around the area and explore the underwater marine life too.

Cycling in the Netherlands



This might not entice every person reading but if you want to explore the narrow streets of Amsterdam, cycling is one of the best activities.

The flat terrain further promotes the bike-friendly culture in the area. So, if you are planning a solo cycling adventure, the Netherlands is the perfect spot for it.

Also, you don’t have to carry your bike. Since cycling is so mainstream and encouraged in the Netherlands, it isn’t surprising that there are rental shops that give cycles for rent. Not only will we recommend you explore the area around the city but spare a few days to explore the countryside in the Netherlands too.

The coast of untapped yet charming villages in the countryside is a sight to behold, not to mention that the people are even more welcoming. Also, the Netherlands has a network of cycle paths, which you can set out on to explore the adjoining areas. You’d need to plan ahead of time for that.

Skiing in the French Alps



A complete 360 from the last activity, this one is for the hardcore adventurists who want to pump their adrenaline to the max.

While we highlighting hiking in the Swiss Alps, we had to include the French Alps too. But, not for hiking, the spots are ideal for your next skiing trip.

The French Alps offer some of the best skiing experiences in the entirety of Europe, so if you are planning to explore something you have never done before, we’d recommend giving this a go.

While you are planning your trip, ensure to check out Chamonix and Val d'Isere, which are two of the most renowned ski resorts in the area. Also, even if you haven’t gone skiing ever in your life, there are skiing lessons available for beginners, which you can avail.

Additionally, if skiing isn’t your thing, opt for snowboarding or snowshoeing. Those are a lot less intense but equally fun.

Surfing in Portugal



Like Croatia, even Portugal is known for their long stretch of coastline and beaches. So, while you are out there planning your next solo trip, surfing in Portugal is an absolute must.

Portugal's long coastline and consistent waves make it a surfer's paradise. However, we understand that not everyone is experienced in surfing. Don’t worry because surfing lessons for beginners are available across Ericeira, Peniche, or Lagos.

But, if you are an experienced surfer who wants to do it against the backdrop of the bright sun and the tropical weather, Portugal is the perfect spot for it. Also, the people in Portugal are very friendly, making it easier for solo travelers to make friends and explore the place around them.

While you are in Portugal, don’t miss out on exploring the local culture, cuisine, and hip nightlife that they are famous for.

Rock Climbing in Spain



Although fairly underrated, rock-climbing experiences in Spain are one of a kind. And, when we are talking about rock climbing, we aren’t talking about the ones that you find at recreational parks.

Instead, we are talking about the real deal, involving natural rock-climbing spots. A treat for adrenaline junkies, routes like Montserrat, Siurana, and Margalef are considered perfect for your rock-climbing expeditions.

Since it comes with a lot of challenging routes, we’d recommend opting for the guided rock-climbing tours so you don’t jeopardize your safety.

Paragliding in Austria



When talking about activities to do on a solo trip across Europe, we had to end the list with some sky action. Paragliding in Austria is not for the faint of heart. But, the surrounding landscape and the view of the place make it an ideal spot for you to experience freedom while flying up in the skin.

Multiple centers enable you to book tandem paragliding tours and fly across the mesmerizing Tyrolean Alps or the Salzburg Mountains.

If you are worried about personal safety, there are comprehensive classes, which can help you figure things out without any compromise at all.

Conclusion

Planning your solo adventure trip across Europe just became a lot more fun and exhilarating. These individual spots offer you extremities when it comes to adventure. So, you get to experience the best of both worlds. From mountains to beaches, these activities cater to all your bucket list wishes.

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7 Best National Parks of Central India

India is a diverse country that’s known for its stunning natural landscapes and the rich variety of wildlife, flora, and fauna. Home to some of the largest conservation programs, India’s Central India is filled with a variety of national parks that preserve the exotic biodiversity of the country.

Naturetrek boasts the most reputed wildlife experts that can help you plan your next trip to one of the best national parks in Central India as well as across the globe.

This article will explore some of the best national parks of Central India that are worth checking out and adding to your itinerary.

1) Kanha National Park

Central India is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts; Kanha National Park is one of the most popular national parks located in Madhya Pradesh.

This vast expanse of grassland and forest is home to the majestic Royal Bengal tiger. Besides that, people also visit this national park to spot Indian leopards, Indian wild dogs, sloth bears, and other exotic wild animals.

Not just tigers, Kanha National Park or the Kanha Tiger Reserve also derives its popularity from the thriving population of Barasingha or the swamp deer. The best way to explore this spot is via jeep safaris, nature walks, and birdwatching tours.

Overall, this national park is an ideal destination for every nature enthusiast and the best time to visit is between October to June.

2) Bandhavgarh National Park



Next up on the list of the best national parks in Central India, we have Bandhavgarh National Park. Located close to the Kanha National Park, the Bandhavgarh National Park is also known for its rich population of tigers in the area.

Surprisingly, not only is the national park known for its population of Royal Bengal Tigers, but it is also one with the highest density of tiger population in India. The tigers are present in higher numbers around the central Tala zone.

Besides tigers, the Bandhavgarh National Park is also home to white tigers, leopards, and even deer. Furthermore, the national park also boasts a rich variety of flora, including sal trees and grasslands.

The rich flora in the area makes the spot an ideal home for a variety of bird species, including eagles. If you inch closer toward the southern part of the national park, you’d also be able to spot remains of the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, which is a piece of historical excellence.

3) Satpura National Park



Located in Panchmarhi, the Satpura National Park is another one of the most stunning national parks located in Central India.

To no one’s surprise, even this one is known for its tiger reserve and even won the TOFT Wildlife Tourism Award for the most visitor-friendly wildlife destination in the year 2010. The national park is spread across an area of 202 sq. miles and derives its name from the Satpura hill ranges.

Like most of the other national parks in the area, even the Satpura National Park plays an integral part in India’s ecosystem. Besides offering natural habitat to the tigers in India, the national park is also home to several endangered species. It also has a rich variety of flora in the area.

4) Panna National Park



Another popular national park located in Madhya Pradesh that’s worth exploring is the Panna National Park. Known for its picturesque landscape and thriving wildlife, Panna National Park is one of those underrated and offbeat spots that you won’t regret adding to your itinerary.

When it comes to animal reserves, the Panna National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, and a lot more.

Coming to the USP of this national park, the Panna National Park is famous for its mining history and the Ken River. The river flows through the national park and there are commercial scenic boat rides available.

Besides wildlife and activities, tourists can also explore the rich birdlife that habitats the place. Over 200 species of birds are available in the national park. Beside boat rides, the national park also offers a variety of other activities, including jeep safaris, elephant rides, and nature walks through the dense parts of the park.

5) Nagzira Sanctuary

Nagzira is a lush and dense offbeat national park in the heart of India. It is a park like no other with leopards prowling freely at night and fireflies brightening the otherwise dark night sky.

The park is situated in Gondia district of Maharashtra and is one of the only parks in India where you can drive your own vehicle, as well as take a safari jeep.

Spread over 150 sq kilometres of greenery, this is a must add to your Central India itinerary.

6) Pench National Park

Established in 1975, the Pench National Park is another popular national park that’s established in Madhya Pradesh. Like most of the other national parks in Madhya Pradesh, the place is home to 40 Bengal tigers, 39 different species of mammals, and different species of reptiles and amphibians.

If you are planning to visit Pench, we’d recommend scheduling your trip during the light winter months. Avoid the peak summer months since it can get very hot and uncomfortable in the area. The months from November to February are considered ideal.

While you are at Pench, plan for different activities since there are quite a lot of them available. From jeep safaris to bird watching, the options are diverse.

7) Sanjay National Park



Also known as the Guru Ghasidas National Park, the national park is located in the Singrauli districts in Madhya Pradesh. The popularity of this national park dates back to when the white tiger, Mohan, was rescued and rehabilitated in the area.

Like many other national parks in central India, even Sanjay National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloths, etc. There are a few species of deer visible in the area too.

If you are fond of bird watching, different species of birds can be spotted in the national park as well.

Conclusion

All of these national parks in Central India have their unique features and are well worth a visit. With intent to conserve and preserve the wildlife in India, these national parks and their officials work tirelessly to provide the highest quality and standards of care to the individual animals that reside there. In conclusion, if you're looking for an exciting wildlife adventure or just want to immerse yourself in nature, then the national parks of Central India are an excellent choice.

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5 Common Vehicle Problems that Occur on Road Trips

Taking a road trip is often considered the classic American vacation, but it’s also one of the most popular forms of travel around the world. Especially in Europe where countries are so close together, many choose to travel by road for multi-weeklong vacations. While this can lead to an exciting journey, there are a number of dangers that can arise on the road which have the potential to ruin a vacation.

Understanding what these dangers are and how to avoid them can keep you safe on your travels.

Are Road Trips the Most Dangerous Way to Travel?

Oftentimes, people tend to forget the dangers that come with driving on the open road considering that driving is a part of daily life for many. However, in a massive decade long study from 2000-2009, it was determined that traveling by vehicle was the most dangerous form when compared to air travel, sea travel, and even commuter buses. Therefore, deciding to take a road trip is, by association, the most dangerous way to travel to your destination.

5 Issues that May Arise During Your Road Travel

With the above fact in mind, it’s important to learn the different types of problems that can arise during your travels. Knowing what may occur and how to pursue legal action following an accident or strange event on the road can help anybody be better prepared.

1) Tire failure

It should go without saying that the tires on a vehicle are one of the most important components. Without working tires, your vehicle is essentially a massive paperweight. Whether it is a nail in the road, poorly constructed roads, or simply tires that have been overused and never replaced, tire failure is a common issue that comes up on road trips.

2) Overheating engine

When people choose to take a road trip, they most often choose a location that is beautiful and one with multiple stops. However, this often means heading into the mountains or canyons, which have steep inclines. Some older vehicles aren’t built for this type of strain, especially when it’s during summer months, and this can lead to the engine overheating.

3) A dead battery

A car battery only has a lifespan of five to seven years, depending on the vehicle, and a dead battery is one of the most common road trip problems. Before heading out on any road trip, always test your battery if it has been in your vehicle for a long amount of time so that you can be sure it won’t die on you.

4) Brake trouble on the road

When it comes to vehicle problems that can occur on the road, few are as dangerous as brakes failing. Brakes have an extremely long lifespan, but road trips place a lot of strain on them due to overuse. If your brakes are already on the older side, it may be time to get them replaced or tuned up in advance of a road trip.

5) Air conditioning problems

Finally, the last thing anybody needs on a warm summer day when taking a road trip is to feel their air conditioning give out. Whether it’s due to an electrical issue or a problem with the system itself, this can quickly lead to discomfort in a vehicle. However, this is also one of the biggest problems that occurs on road trips, typically in conjunction with another major issue such as the engine overheating.

General Tips to Stay Safe on Vacation

With all of the above common problems outlined, it’s worth covering some general tips for staying safe on the road. As you take off on your road trip, be sure to use some of the following:

1) Take your vehicle in for preventative maintenance ahead of your trip
2) Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles
3) Always have an emergency kit in the trunk of your vehicle that contains nonperishable food and water
4) Maintain safe distances from other vehicles on the road
5) Utilize services that offer towing and roadside assistance in the event you do break down somewhere

Keep yourself protected on your travels

While there’s never a guarantee you’ll be safe on the road, having an understanding of the common issues and how to avoid them is a great way to reduce risk on a road trip. The last thing any driver wants is to be involved in an accident or to be stranded on the road in an unfamiliar place, so utilize all of the above to bolster your safety while traveling.

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6 Tips for Staying Safe on a Camping Trip

Going camping may be a whole lot of fun, but you have to think about how best to keep safe as well. For a successful trip, staying alert is essential. With the right planning and preparation, it is possible to have a great campout, but don’t set off without thinking about how you’re going to stay vigilant and keep your wits about you. This guide has six tips for staying safe on a camping trip that everyone should take on board before they set off on a big adventure.

Take Enough Water with You



Staying hydrated is an extremely important part of hiking and camping. Whether you are doing a short walk or a long one, your body needs to stay well hydrated in order to avoid becoming exhausted or gravely ill. Take enough water to last for the entire length of your trip, and make sure you factor in things like washing too so that you don’t run out of potable liquid. Don’t forget, if the weather is going to be particularly warm, you will need to account for this and over-compensate when it comes to how much water you take with you too.

Be Aware of Animals



Animals are just a part of the package when it comes to camping outdoors. They are a part of nature and something every camper should be aware of. While most of them are largely harmless to humans, there are certain species out there that pose a big risk to safety and may cause injury if happened upon. Take some time out to ensure you know all of the potential predators in the area you’re going to camp in, and how best to avoid them so your trip isn’t cut short by a nasty confrontation.

Stay Alert for Adverse Weather

As well as animals, it’s also vital to consider the weather conditions. Some areas are prone to flash floods or storms that could strike at certain points in the year. By learning the vulnerabilities, you can be better prepared and deal with any adverse weather that may strike while you’re sleeping outdoors. Certain types of weather are very dangerous for humans without sufficient shelter and knowledge, so don’t get caught out.

Take Note of the Closest Emergency Support

Wherever you go, ensure that you know exactly where the nearest point of support would be in an emergency. Take steps to make sure you are able to contact them if necessary and get to know any codes or emergency protocols that might be helpful too.

Consider Taking a Firearm



Some campers choose to take a weapon along with them, especially if they are exploring territory inhabited by aggressive animals like bears or wolves. There are lots of weapons and ammo commonly used for personal safety, and it’s a good idea to think seriously about taking one along just in case the need arises. Hopefully, you won’t have to use it, but it’s good to have options should the unthinkable happen.

Put Out Your Campfire Properly



Lastly, always take care when using a campfire. It is a common practice to cook food on an open fire or camp stove while trekking outdoors. However, not enough people know how to put them out properly. When a fire is left unattended or not extinguished properly, the results could be disastrous. You put wildlife, nature, and everything in the surrounding area at risk of severe damage if you don’t take the basic steps for fire safety and precaution.

Staying safe on a camping trip is a top priority. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to do just that. Find the right spot and learn all about it, and never hesitate to think about the best methods of self-defence just in case.

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The Festival of Karthigai Deepam from a Traditional Tamil Nadu Village

Most of us Indians associate only the festival of Deepavali with the festival of lights, but there is another traditional Indian festival that is also the festival of lights. This festival is called Karthika Deepam, an ancient Tamil festival that is celebrated on the Poornima (full moon) night of the Karthik month. It is also called Karthik Poornima in our country. It is mainly celebrated by the people of South India, but also celebrated in Sri Lanka, South East Asia and China. In Thailand, it goes by the name of Loi Krathong in Thailand, ‘Tazaungdaing festival’ in Myanmar, Full moon poya in Sri Lanka, Lantern festival in China and Bon Om Touk in Laos.



One of the earliest references to the festival is found in the Akananuru, a book of poems that dates back to the Sangam period (200 BCE to 300 CE). Karthika Deepam is dedicated to Lord Karthikeya (Murugan) and Lord Shiva according to two different legends. On this day, one can find all Murugan and Shiva temples to be jampacked with devotees. The most iconic scenes can be seen at the Arunachaleswarar temple at Tiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu.

     
    
Most Indians hardly know about this festival. In Indian cities, you can see a very small number of homes lighting lamps on this day, but that is not the case in this traditional Tamil Nadu village where I saw this festival being celebrated with full vigour, pomp and fervour. The whole village was illuminated with lamps, lights and crackers.
   
     
    
Festival action begins a couple of days before the actual festival. People clean their homes, bring out all their brass and silver lamps from the lockers and clean them till they shine. On the evening of Karthigai deepam, the whole village washes the front of their houses, decorate with kolam (rangoli) either with rice powder, colours or both. They then keep the lamps on top of this rangoli facing east. Each lamp is decorated with vermilion, sandalwood and flowers.     
   
     
    
Just before sunset, the ladies of each house, come out of their homes decked in traditional attire. They then light the lamps after doing pooja and mangalarti. By now, dusk has started setting in and the lamps in front of each house shine brighter. You can hear all kinds of slogams and hymns either sung by the people or played in their electronic devices at their homes.
   
     
    
Once darkness sets in, people start bursting crackers, lighting sparklers and burning chakris. For a moment, you feel it is the festival of Deepavali all over again. While the lamps are burning bright, the whole village is sitting in front of their homes, wishing everyone a happy karthikai deepam and enjoying neighbouring gossip.    
   


As the oil in the lamps start running out, the villagers start chanting hymns and slowly extinguish the flame in the lamps. By half past seven, all the lamps have gone back inside into the house and the festive atmosphere of the evening seems to have disappeared. This is when all the villagers happen to visit the nearby Shiva, Murugan and Perumal temples to seek the blessings of the lord.

     

This evening ritual repeats itself every evening starting just before sunset for the next seven days. This is how the village of Kallidaikurichi, a traditional Brahmin agraharam celebrates the festival of Karthikai Deepam in the deep south of Tamil Nadu in India. Everything about the celebration is a joy to watch and offers a good insight into your rich ancient culture.



Have you experienced such rich celebrations of the Karthikai Deepam festival anywhere in India? Have you experienced our traditional Indian festivals in rural India? If so, do share your experiences in the comments below.

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The Vegan's Guide to Getting Fit and Strong

The vegan diet is often incorrectly associated with weak muscles and tiredness. There is a narrative around a lack of red meat and protein which leads to negative effects on the body. There is some truth here. Without essential protein, iron, and calcium, your body can’t function properly or be fit and strong. However, it is not the vegan lifestyle that causes this. The main cause is not doing it properly, safely, and wholeheartedly.

Take a Look at What You’re Eating

What you eat as a vegan is going to make or break your strength and fitness. Diet is so important when it comes to how your body functions and your capacity to retain optimal health levels. Your food choices will determine everything, so it’s good to take a researched, detailed approach to this core area. Take a look at the following in particular and find ways to incorporate a balance into your daily meals.

Iron



With incorrect iron levels, everything will feel out of sync. You will feel more tired, weaker, and like you can’t do much at all in terms of concentration, etc. Vegans are susceptible to low iron because of the lack of meat in their diet. So it needs watching!

Protein

There is a lot of protein to be found in specialist vegan products which are widely available in most food and health stores. You can also infuse protein into your daily meals through other food types too, like beans and legumes, peanuts, peas, or whole grains.

Calcium

Without milk in your diet, there will be a natural deficit of calcium. So, whether you take a vitamin, try to up your intake of green vegetables, or even try a milk alternative, make sure it’s factored in somewhere.

Green Food



Green foods are often called superfoods because of the amazing things they do for your body. The biggest bonus here is that green food (kale, broccoli, spinach) can be incorporated into any meal so you can eat them all day long.

B12



Vegetarians and vegans often suffer from B12 deficiencies. This can have a lasting impact on your nerves, and quite debilitating effects on your general life. Take a vitamin and don’t forget.

The Right Supplements are Helpful

For the majority of people, it is not realistic to maintain that level of dietary strictness and compliance every day for every meal. That is why supplements sometimes come in handy for maintaining the correct balance within your body and ensuring you have what you need to feel strong and build health resilience. There are supplements that are completely plant-based, as noted in this post on turkesterone.com, and therefore vegan friendly which will be the best option for your lifestyle.

Do the Correct Exercises

There is only so much you can achieve in terms of strength and fitness if you neglect your physical exercise routine. Exercise exists to make us more healthy, stronger, and fitter. There are two key paths to take for anyone subscribing to the vegan way of living: strength and cardio.

Building Muscle Strength



Muscle strength is not something to take for granted. It is often one of the first things to deteriorate when you stop moving and don’t eat right. Try a few different strength focused exercises to boost resilience and give your physical profile a lift.

Focus on Cardio



Cardio is always beneficial to maintaining general levels of fitness. Any form of decent movement can count towards cardio activity, for instance, a brisk walk to the shops and back. It is good for the heart, the brain, and your muscles too.



Getting fit and strong is more than attainable for the vegan lifestyle. Aside from the obvious approach to looking at your diet and food intake, you can throw in some strategic exercise practice as well. When working together, these two things build strength and fitness too.

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