Great Ways to Get Outside This Summer

July 19, 2022

During the summer, it’s great to take advantage of the warm weather and be outdoors. Here are some fun ways to get some fresh air, soak in some rays, and explore the great outdoors.

Visit New Countries

Summer is the perfect time of the year to embark on a travel adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re thinking about your first big solo expedition, planning a trip with more than one destination could be an exciting way to make the most of your travel experience. You can immerse yourself in new cultures and languages while also taking in all of the scenic and natural beauty of Europe, South America, or Asia. Getting out of your element and being able to see one or more new countries can definitely make this summer a memorable one.

Volunteer Abroad

Volunteering could be an excellent way to experience what it’s like living in a different country while also being able to effect positive change. Find opportunities to volunteer in a gap year travel program or seek out coordinated trips to support areas where nonprofit organizations are working to advance community resources and development. In areas that have recently experienced severe hardship such as damage from a major weather event, your accommodations may be camp-based, so you may find yourself spending all of your time outdoors. Focus your search on areas where you are interested in making a difference. Also, remember that volunteer opportunities could be a good chance to develop language skills.

Visit a National Park

If you’ve seen documentaries or photos showing the beauty of national parks throughout the country, you’ve probably got visiting a national park somewhere on your bucket list. There are amazing parks in every region that have virtually every type of topography. Whether you want to see forests with trees that are centuries old or vast mesas, you’ll probably be able to find them in one of many fantastic parks. Plan a trip so you have an opportunity to check out a totally different type of terrain from what you’re used to seeing in your day-to-day surroundings and also appreciate nature in an unaltered condition. 

Go Birding

Birdwatching may sound like a kind of low key outdoor activity, but it can actually be very exciting. Also, avid bird watchers tend to be children of nature. They’re knowledgeable about outdoorsy stuff like weather conditions and tracking tactics. This fun hobby is a great outdoor pastime for folks who find enchantment in seemingly ordinary occurrences outdoors everyday. For birdwatchers, what may seem like just another bird flying by to almost anyone could actually be an awe-inspiring glimpse at a flying wonder. 

Get on a Bike

They say you never forget how to ride a bike. You might find yourself a little uncertain when you pedal off after years of going everywhere by car or by foot, but you’ll find your balance and get your confidence back in hardly any time at all. Cycling is an ideal way to get some good cardio exercise into your week. For people who don’t really like to run and find the idea of running on a hot summer day to be particularly loathsome, a bike ride may be a far preferable cardio alternative to a jog. Getting to see summer in full swing as your rapid speed whips up a cool breeze is an awesome mode of transportation. Also, it’s more eco-friendly than driving everywhere that’s close to you. To stay safe on your bike, avoid distractions like using your phone. Also, don’t wear headphones because you need to be able to hear what’s around you but not in your field of vision. Lastly, always remember to wear a helmet even if you’re going for a quick and slow ride around your neighborhood.

At summer’s end, you want to feel as though you’ve spent it well. Planning some time outdoors doing new things will help you spend your summer days mindfully and memorably.