- in Trekking Poles , Adventures
The Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Hiking
Hiking enthusiasts around the world know that regular romps in the wilderness are not only good for physical health, but for mental health as well.
As hiking requires physical movement over varied and challenging terrain, it provides a great workout for your body.
Meanwhile, the social and stimulating aspects of hiking, such as taking in beautiful scenery while accompanied by friends and family, provides a workout for your mind.
Few other exercises can so effectively benefit your body and mind at the same time.
When you’re ready to learn about these benefits in greater detail, then read on below to find out about three physical and three mental health benefits of hiking.
Hiking’s Physical Health Benefits
1) Arthritis prevention and relief
Walking is one of the very best activities for relieving arthritis pain in the knees.
Sure, you could walk around your neighborhood or around the mall, but hiking provides the varied terrain necessary for building up all of the muscle groups in your legs.
Recent studies have shown that taking 6,000 steps a day may not only prevent and relieve arthritis, but may even reverse it.
What better place to get these steps in than out on the trail?
2) Weight loss
As it is a form of physical exercise, regular hiking can definitely aid in weight loss (which, incidentally, can further aid in reducing arthritis pain).
You can easily burn around 300 calories an hour at a gentle pace, and you can increase your pace and trail difficulty as you feel yourself becoming fitter and healthier.
Plus, it is very difficult to get bored when surrounded by the great outdoors, as opposed to when running or walking indoors on a treadmill.
3) Diabetes prevention and reversal
Hiking can be a great way to manage both Type I and Type II diabetes*.
Not only can it lower your risk for Type II diabetes by keeping your body in great shape, but it can actually contribute to the reversal of Type II diabetes for those who are already suffering from it.
Furthermore, while there is no known cure for Type I diabetes, hiking can lower the amounts of insulin that your body needs, making symptoms easier to manage.
Hiking’s Mental Health Benefits
1) The strengthening of social ties
Humans are social creatures, and while some of us may be more introverted and prefer to spend time alone, we all nevertheless need a network of close relationships in order to feel happy, secure, and loved.
Hiking is a fantastic way to renew and strengthen these relationships, as it allows us to get closer to friends and family while away from the usual distractions of life.
One afternoon out on the trail with a close friend can be worth more than hundreds of text messages!
2) Reduction in feelings of depression
Renewing and strengthening social ties can also be a big part of helping the symptoms of depression, but the benefits of hiking for depression don’t stop there.
Researchers have found that spending time out in nature is actually a much better strategy for reducing the symptoms of depression than, for example, walking around a shopping mall.
While depression is a complex mental illness with no simple cure, hiking can definitely be part of a strong depression treatment plan.
3) Stress relief
Just as hiking can help fight depression, it can also help fight anxiety and stress.
When school, work, or your home life have you down, then it is healthy to take a breather now and then to spend some time far away from your worries and stresses. Moreover, hiking can even serve as an upper body exercise when you utilize trekking poles on your journey.
If you give yourself a break and surround yourself with some natural beauty for a time, then you will likely return to your life ready and able to successfully handle whatever it throws at you.
Ready to hit the trail? See the Heroic Adventures side-by-side comparison of the most popular trekking poles here >>>
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Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Take a Second Look
Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, is often just a minor pit stop for tourists who land at the airport and almost immediately board busses for Siem Reap, the home of Angkor Wat, or the white sand beaches of Sihanoukville and its islands.
Phnom Penh, with its modern cafes and sky scrapers, French colonial buildings, and shopfront row houses mixed among gorgeous Buddhist temples and local markets, should not be overlooked at it really does have something to excite everyone.
Many travelers who take the time to see any part of Phnom Penh will simply grab a tuk-tuk and zoom off to visit the more popular tourist attractions such as the Royal Palace and the infamous Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.
While important in their own right, these sites barely scratch the surface of a complex and engaging city that is undergoing massive and rapid change.
The National Museum
The National Museum for instance, located just behind the Royal Palace, offers a museum experience that is unlike most others. Most visitors quickly notice is that the museum is open air. The window openings are protected by large wooden shutters during the night, but when open, air, and sometimes birds, freely pass through.
Not surprisingly, the museum contains one of the largest collections of Angkorian and Pre-Angkorian artifacts in the world.
What is surprising however, is that the majority of this collection was gathered after the ouster of the Khmer Rouge in 1979 as they had abandoned the museum and destroyed most of the artifacts during their reign of terror. The museum also contains a small, but hopefully growing, collection of artifacts from Cambodia’s French Colonial era.
Nightly, behind the museum, a traditional dance show is held with young artists who are rekindling their culture of dance and music that was all but lost during decades of civil war, genocide, and rebuilding.
Stability has finally allowed the arts to return and the Traditional Dance show is one of the best ways for tourists to witness them.
Like any large city, the local neighborhoods of Phnom Penh each have their own distinctive character and charm.
Walking the streets, or taking a tuk-tuk ride through a local neighborhood is a rewarding experience, especially if you are able to explore several different areas and witness a variety of locals going about their daily lives.
From the busy streets surrounding the riverfront packed with local street vendors, markets, and small shops to the much more upscale BKK1 area with its Starbuckseque coffee shops and a new Krispy Kreme, there is a neighborhood that will make most everyone feel at home.
Walking a neighborhood is also an excellent way to see the architecture of the area.
The ornate metalwork that makes up many of the common fences that surround most buildings and villas can easily be called works of art.
From the French colonial buildings with their curved corners and balconies to the hand carved roof brackets, the architecture of Phnom Penh does not disappoint either.
Many concrete walls, especially those surrounding the numerous wats (temples) around the city, are also intricately detailed and very worthy of close inspection.
For those who are interested in construction as well, Phnom Penh is growing at a phenomenal pace and new construction, in its concrete and rough brick form, can be seen all over the city in both low and high rise buildings.
Local Market – Local Life
Most tourists who venture into Phnom Penh’s markets visit Central Market and more recently Toul Tom Pong market, commonly called The Russian Market. While each of these has its charm, there are many local markets where the people of Phnom Penh do their daily shopping.
Unlike Central Market or The Russian Market, local markets will have little to no souvenirs and instead will be stocked with fresh fruits and meats, tools, kitchen appliances, and other daily needs.
A local market is a great place to interact with Cambodians, witness the variety of foods and goods, and practice some of the common travel phrases like “How much is this?”.
Local markets are also an excellent place to dive into a fresh bowl of noodles or whatever is on the menu that day.
Cambodians are often friendly people and more than happy to help you through the buying process but remember that modest haggling is expected.
Even if you don’t purchase anything, seeing a local market is not an experience you will soon forget and for many is one of the highlights of any trip to Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh Up-and-Coming Center of Business & Culture in Southeast Asia
Phnom Penh, once known as the Pearl of Asia, is again an up-and-coming center of business and culture in southeast Asia.
Unlike in its past though, today’s Phnom Penh is not just limited to Asia but is becoming a truly international city that is a worthwhile addition to any traveler’s schedule.
It’s Never Too Late For a Heroic Adventure
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Dating in The City – Ten Tips for Hooking Up in London
There are few things more exciting than being young, free and single in the city.
Or even if you’re not so young, dating in a buzzing metropolis such as London, New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong or Paris is an adventure like no other.
There are immense opportunities to meet a lifelong partner or someone to warm your bed for a night:
Whatever you are looking for, the city has it.
Dating in the city is not without its challenges, though. With that in mind, here are ten tips for finding a love-match in a thriving metropolis.
Get App-Happy
You might feel that Tinder is already old hat. But there are a wealth of exciting apps that will get your smartphone buzzing with dating activity.
Whatever your age and interests, meeting your perfect match can be a ton more fun if you do it at the touch of a handy app.
Examples include Coffee Meets Bagel or you can check out Tinder for travelers…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=xoOZHWN9PP4
Get Adventurous
One of the many great pleasures of dating in the world’s great cities is the enormous diversity of people and leisure activities.
Next time you are planning a date, get creative and try something new.
Ever considered dating in the dark, parasailing across the city or chilling in an ice bar?
Those are just some of the awesome ideas available for you and your date to enjoy.
Who knows where your adventures will take you?
Explore Unique City Features
A meal for two is always nice… but you can do that anywhere.
When you want to try something new, why not look at the unique aspects of wherever you live and share it with your gorgeous new date?
Try a London Eye capsule for two, having caricatures done in Montmartre, a cruise on an Amsterdam canal, an exhibition at MoMA… anything that shouts:
“We’re here, were now and we may just be falling in love…”
No Need to Be Shy
There is never any reason to be lonely in the capital.
If you are shy by nature, then find a group of like-minded people and focus on just enjoying city friendship first. Dating can follow soon after.
You could become a member of a top museum or gallery, or try a dance class, or join up a sports club for singles – your call, do whatever you feel like!
In the city, a date often finds you.
Hunt Romance Online
Bumping into “the perfect partner” is not always feasible.
That is one reason why very few people have reservations these days about online dating.
Sign up to a reputable dating site which suits your personal tastes – arty, teenage, over 60, sports-loving or whatever – and have some fun finding the perfect love match online.
It’s Not All Money, Money, Money
So your normal circles do not run to the smartest districts.
You don’t have to splash the cash to have the most fun.
City living is normally expensive, but all the more reason to shop around for fun ideas that will not cost the earth.
How about a comedy night, a university student union event, a street festival, book readings, an art happening or any of the other many low-cost high-fun options that can be found in every city?
Mix it Up
If your normal dating routine goes first date: coffee, second date: dinner and movie, etc, why not mix it up a little?
How about a last-minute surprise for him, or her, with tickets for their favorite band?
Or taking a risk by daring to try a hot pop-up restaurant in town?
Or, something outrageous yet memorable like a parachute jump?
Surprise yourself, surprise your date and you will reap the romantic benefits.
Mind Your Manners
Cities are, busy, pressurized places. The dating game can be fast-paced, but there is never any need to brush people off if you don’t click.
Be nice. Even when they might not deserve it. No need to tell them that you would rather date Shrek, just say a polite thank you and leave it at that.
It’s fabulous dating karma.
Wrong-foot Them
It’s date three. You like each other. You think you have the measure of one another’s tastes.
She plays in a symphony orchestra – take her to a tour of Banksy art in situ.
He lives for football – blow his mind with a night at the Covent Garden opera or La Scala.
Why not?
Life is an adventure and you need a partner who can experience the best of all of it… starting now.
Finally, Always Play It Safe… Dating City Mostly
Don’t step out of your door on a first date without telling a family member or friend where you are going, and who with – Rule Number One.
Only meet in well-lit, busy places. Also, always keep a mobile and enough taxi fare with you. You can be safe and still have a heroic adventure worthy of memory.
If alarm bells ring, you can always leave.
Most people really are lovely, so simply avoid taking unnecessary risks and stay strictly on the fun side of dating.
You might be surprised how happiness tends to find those who are open to finding love.
Enjoy!
Live Heroically – Everyday
- in Adventures
Five Reasons to Choose a Hostel Instead of a Hotel
Many travelers associate hostels with unkempt backpackers strumming on their guitars or massive dorm rooms filled with snoring strangers.
Others still think all hostels are youth hostels, and that they’re either too old or too experienced to check in to one.
However, nothing could be further from the truth. Hostels have come a long way in the past twenty years, and are an increasingly appealing option for travelers of all ages, experience levels, interests and budgets.
Here are five great reasons why you should consider booking a hostel instead of a hotel on your next trip:
1. You’ll Save Money
A quick search on one of the major booking sites shows that of the more than 1000 available accommodation options in London, England, the sixty least expensive options are all shared, dorm-style rooms.
In fact, the average price of a bed in a dorm room in London is approximately 80% cheaper than the average price of a hotel room.
For single travelers, the savings can’t be beat.
Groups of two or more may be able to find double rooms for approximately the same price as two dorm beds, but the hotels with prices that low generally get equally low scores from guest reviews.
The more expensive the city, the more you’ll save by staying in a hostel.
2. You’ll Make New Friends
Whether you’re traveling solo or with others, it’s always nice to make new friends along the way.
When you stay in a hostel you have instant access to a group of people who, like you, are interested in travel, meeting new people and learning about other cultures.
Many hostels organize activities such as walking tours, day trips and pub crawls to help guests get to know one another.
The best hostels also have comfortable common areas where you can relax with a book, sip a drink or connect to the internet while chatting with other guests.
Most travelers who frequent hostels can easily list a dozen cool people they’ve met while hosteling… can you name even one friend you’ve made in a hotel?
3. You’ll Reduce Your Environmental Impact
Think about the cost and environmental impact of lighting, heating, cooling and cleaning a hotel room. Now multiply that by the hundreds of rooms in any given hotel.
The impact is pretty huge, and it’s especially harmful in sensitive ecological areas.
When multiple travelers share common facilities, however, the impact can be reduced. Instead of needing air conditioning in ten separate rooms, hostels can simply air condition one ten-bed dormitory.
Instead of cleaning ten separate bathrooms every morning, hostels can clean one shared bathroom a couple of times throughout the day.
When you’re concerned about your environmental footprint, spend part of your trip in shared dorm rooms and look for hostels that incorporate other eco-friendly practices like recycling, composting and non-toxic cleaning.
4. You’ll Feel Like You’re At Home
Anyone who’s ever taken one look at a hotel’s dry cleaning price list and decided to just wear a dirty shirt again will know what this one is about.
Good hostels anticipate budget travelers’ needs and offer home-style services like washing machines, drying racks, shared kitchens (often equipped with cooking basics like oil and salt), free computers and complimentary boarding pass printing.
Even when you’re not trying to keep costs down, sometimes it’s just nice to cook yourself your favorite meal or wash that t-shirt that somehow seems to have developed a chocolate ice cream stain.
5. You Can Still Have Privacy
The most popular hostels today offer a variety of room types, which may include a mix of both shared and private accommodations.
Solo travelers seeking a bit of privacy can look for hostels that offer single rooms, while groups can look for double or triple private rooms, or even consider booking an entire dorm just for their group (even if you don’t use all the beds, it’s often cheaper than the equivalent number of hotel rooms).
When you’re not into sharing a bathroom with strangers, book yourself into one of the many hostels where rooms feature an ensuite bathroom.
Recently, more hostels have been adding family rooms to their collections, so even travelers with children can take enjoy the benefits of staying in a hostel.
Take Away: Hostel vs Hotel
Whether your goal is to save money, meet new people, reduce your environmental impact or enjoy the comforts of home, staying in a hostel offers many advantages over staying in traditional hotels.
With the option of staying in a shared dorm room or your very own private room, you can now experience all the great things about hostel accommodations while also deciding just how much you want to interact with the other hostel guests.
Bon voyage!
Go Further, Life – Its Your Heroic Adventure
- in Adventures
Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka – A Beach Paradise
In the dry zone of Sri Lanka’s Southeast coast, 320 km east of Colombo, laid-back Arugam Bay beckons tourists to the Indian Ocean.
It has a local population of only a few hundred people, one main road, and one of the best point breaks in the region.
Many find the crescent of multicolored sand and turquoise water along Arugam Bay beach to be the ideal surf spot in the country.
Tourists can glimpse expert surfers vying for prizes, and beginners attending their first lesson at one of the abundant surf schools in the area.
Arugam Bay surfing is not the only activity attracting wanderers from around the globe.
There are abundant options for swimmers, windsurfers, kitesurfers, beach partiers, yoga buffs, and seekers of ayurveda and traditional medicine.
It is an ideal spot to begin an adventure into the surrounding rural parks or to do nothing on a beach while enjoying Arugam Bay’s low-key vibe.
When to Go
The hamlet is energetic from May to October, and quiet November to April.
Things to do in Arugam Bay
For the local populace, Arugam Bay is a fishing village.
An afternoon walk along the beach will reveal myriad fishermen preparing their wooden boats for the following day’s catch.
Some are happy to take tourists with them for the day, for those who wish to experience local life. Lagoon boat tours are also plentiful.
Cooking classes and homestay visits are available, but strolling along miles of unspoiled beach should not be missed. For those who prefer not to stroll, scooters are available for rental to get around locally.
Restaurants and reggae bars light Arugam Bay and become busy as the sun sets.
Things to do around Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is a perfect base of operations for visiting Yala National Park, the most popular and second largest national park in Sri Lanka.
Yala National Park, which includes Ruhuna National Park and Kumana National Park, is a wildlife sanctuary important to the preservation of Sri Lankan Elephants, leopards and birds.
The site of ancient civilizations, Yala National Park also contains two pilgrimage sites.
On the way to Yala National Park, Kudumbigala monastery beckons from high atop a hill in the middle of the jungle. The 360-degree views are astounding, especially at sunrise.
The crocodiles, elephants, sloth bears, and birds seen en route is as spectacular as the monastery itself. Though you must remove your shoes at the entrance, keeping them with you to climb is a smart practice.
“…with wild elephants occasionally coming to drink at the lagoon, and langur monkeys and macaques roaming in the forests.” (New York Times)
Four kilometers north of Arugam Bay is the town of Pottuvil, site of Muhudu Maha Viharaya, a Buddhist temple nearly 2,500 years old.
Visitors can walk among the ruins and contemplate the history of King Kavan Tissa. The site takes about an hour to explore and is a must-do for tourists interested in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural past.
Nearby Sangamankandy Pilliyar Kovil, an ancient Shiva Temple, can be seen in the same day.
Whether your interests are sun and surf, history and culture, fishing, religion or nature safari, Arugam Bay beach and its surrounds are a fun and fascinating place to relax and explore, and a welcome respite from Colombo or your hectic Southern Asia travel itinerary.