Essentials for a Safe, Enjoyable Hiking Trip

If you’re like most people, then you don’t prepare to go for a walk. You just put your shoes on and walk out the door. Unfortunately, many people treat a hiking trip as little more than a long walk, and that can be a bad idea.

Think of it this way: When you go for a walk, you stay in your neighborhood. That means that you’re never far from help in the unlikely event that you get too tired to walk home.

When you go hiking, you’re in a completely different environment.

Carrying the proper hiking gear will not only keep you safe but also allow you to have fun. What are the essentials that hikers need to carry?

1. Food and Water

One of the aspects of hiking that is often underestimated is the potential for dehydration. When you hit the trail without carrying enough water, you can quickly find yourself in trouble.

Whether it’s hot out or, when you’re hiking in one of the cooler months of the year in your region–an insulated water bottle for water can stabilize your liquid intake for hot, cold or temperate no matter the outside climate.

Depending on the temperature outside and the distance you plan to cover, you’ll need at least a couple of bottles per person.

Since hiking can wear you out if you’re not careful, remember to eat before setting out. You’ll also want to pack a nutritious lunch.

2. Hat

Hiking on a hot day can not only put you at risk of becoming dehydrated but also increases your chances of getting heatstroke.

Wearing a white hat is a good way to keep from overheating and will allow you to stay on the trail longer.

If you don’t own a hat, then pack a white towel instead.

When you are hiking in winter weather, of course, a snowcap or beanie will serve to keep you warm.

Bottom line: wear the hat that will protect from the exposure no matter the season of  the year.

3. GPS, Cell Phone, Map and Compass

No one plans to get lost when they go hiking, but it continues to happen nevertheless.

Taking a GPS device or cell phone can be a big help. In case they stop working, be sure to take a map and compass as well.

4. First Aid Kit and Walking Stick

In addition to getting lost, hikers are frequently injured, so it makes sense to carry a first aid kit every time you hit the trail. Since sprained ankles are common, it’s also a good idea to carry a walking stick.

Walking sticks, also popularly known as trekking poles, or Nordic walking sticks come in foldable, i.e. packable, styles, you can see more about them at the Walking Stick Buyers Guider here >>>.

5. Insect Repellent

The whole point of hiking is to have fun, but insect bites can quickly make you miserable. Carrying insect repellent is a good way to ensure that you enjoy your outing.

Hiking can be an unpredictable activity. Being prepared for a variety of different situations will allow you to get the most from your trip. You wouldn’t go on vacation without packing the essentials, and hiking is no different.

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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.

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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

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Cat Crap Upgrade: The Next Kopi Luwak, Civet Coffee Alternative

Kopi Luwak, or civet coffee, is partially digested coffee that has been eaten and digested by an Asian Palm Civet; often called civet cat coffee…

Kopi Luwak

It is a slightly disturbing delicacy based out of Indonesia, and the pre-digested, partially fermented coffee beans have been known to sell for more than USD $2,000 dollars a pound!

But there is good news for ethical coffee aficionados with a slightly tighter budget.

In July 2015, Camille Delebecque launched Cultured Coffee, the next coffee delicacy, through a Kickstarter campaign where he successfully raised over USD$50,000 towards putting his unique product on the market.

Cultured coffee is a uniquely fermented whole-bean coffee product that has been described by many as a better alternative to kopi luwak.

Fermentation is a process that has been practiced worldwide for thousands of years. It offers better, more delicious food products including cheese, wine, and even beer.

Fermented coffee has been around for many years, however, the fermentation process is often questionable at best.

Typically, coffee beans are left fermenting in water, which can lead to bad, uncontrolled bacterial growth and a bitter flavor. Not this preparation method.

(Image Source)

Cultured coffee is a unique product that has gone through two incredible fermentation processes in a natural, controlled environment.

The fermentation process leaves you with a truly one-of-a-kind flavor. The taste provides very little bitterness with abundant notes of fruit, floral flavors, and chocolate undertones.

If you are a coffee connoisseur that can’t wait to get your hands on your own bag of Cultured Coffee, you can order bags and bottles of coffee beans in varying sizes, directly through Delebecque’s website>>>

If you are looking for a refreshing alternative to a typical cup of coffee, Cultured Coffee could be a great option for you!

Cultured coffee… the beginning of a new fermented foods revolution? [Video]

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