Can you remember the last time discovered a new kind of adventure? I know for me it seem like ages since I’ve found something new. Sometimes when traveling or attempting to find adventure at home, we get stuck in a rut. Then to add insult to injury there is more staying at home than traveling these days, and we’re all getting tired of the same view of our own neighbourhoods. There are only so many walks around the block, or trips to the near by park that one person can take. Luckily, I’ve found some amazing websites and apps that will help you easily discover the unforgettable experiences out there waiting for you around every corner!
AirBnb Experiences
Price:
Varies Based on experience $-$$$
Screencap of AirBnb Experience’s homepage
As one part of the AirBnb travel company AirBnb Experiences offers unique, one-of-a-kind activities designed and hosted by locals around the world. The best part about AirBnb Experiences is that it allows you to live like a local wherever you are. You can have authentic adventures with passionate local creators while exploring something new or experiencing a fresh take on an activity you already love. There are varying interests to explore – from art and culture to nature and the outdoors, and so much more! There is something for everyone, and at varying price points that will meet every budget.
To check out all that AirBnb Experiences has to offer, head to airbnb.ca/experiences.
GPSmyCity
Screencap of GPSmyCity app’s Intro to Edmonton, AB Walk
Price:
Basic Account – Free
Upgrade to full versions:
– 4.99 USD for a single city walk
– 12.99 USD for 480 cities for a year
– 18.99 USD for all cities and travel articles for a year
GPSmycity is an app I’ve only recently started using, but it offers some really unique walking tours of over 1,000 different cities around the globe. These “at your own pace” guided tours show you around local attractions, places of historical importance, parks, markets, and anything else you could imagine! One of the best things about this app is the fact that tours and map can be downloaded to your phone, so you don’t even need to use any of your phone’s data while you are out and about. Once you’ve downloaded the city walk for the area, you can follow their curated walking tours that automatically group together interesting stops based on local insider information. Or if you would prefer, you can create your own walk using the Custom Walks feature.
To learn how to get started with this app, check out their tutorial here.
Geocaching.com
Price:
Basic Account – Free
Premium Account – 29.99 USD (for a full year!)
An account on Geocaching.com offers three different great ways to really dig into almost any place you could imagine: traditional Geocaching, GeoTours, and Geocaching Adventure Labs.
Geocaching
Example of a unique Geocache Container (hidden in my hometown!)
Geocaching is typically described as one of the world’s largest high-tech treasure hunts. Geocachers are given the coordinates of the location of a hidden geocache. Using a GPS device (like your phone), you hunt to find the geocache container. Once found, you are allowed to open your find to sign the logbook and log your find with the Geocaching app. Then, you put the geocache container back where you found it for the next person to discover. With over 3 million total geocaches, millions of active geocachers, and locations on every single continent, there is always an adventure waiting for you nearby!
GeoTours
GeoTours is an awesome way to upgrade your next getaway or local geocaching expedition into a remarkable and memorable adventure. It works by allowing GeoTour hosts to highlight the best parts of their destination while also creating a tour of geocaches to find. Some GeoTours highlight special themes while others are a curated collection of historic sites, parks, cities, or other attractions that each have stories for you to learn and geocaches for you to find. After finding all the hidden caches in a GeoTour, you get a digital souvenir art piece that can be displayed on your Geocaching profile – a great reminder of the awesome tour adventure you’ve just completed!
To start Geocaching or to take part in a GeoTour, you can either visit the geocaching website or download the Geocaching app from google play or the apple app store. There are also helpful video tutorials available on the Geocaching Youtube Channel.
Geocaching Adventure Labs
Newly added to the Geocaching family, Geocaching Adventure Labs offer opportunities to learn, explore, and discover through interactive location-based adventure. After selecting an adventure, the map will guide you to different locations. At each location you will be given information about the place and be able to unlock stories, puzzles, and hidden adventures. Created by local geocachers, each Adventure Labs journey has been specially created to give an insider’s perspective of special locations, stories, or educational moments, making this a truly unique way to get to know an area.
Here is a little video about my very own Adventure Labs adventure!
Download the Adventure Labs app from google play or the apple app store.
I hope that these unique ways to explore have inspired you to start looking for your next new adventurous exploit! Whether you are visiting a new place for the first time, thirtieth time, or just looking for a slightly more exciting view than your bedroom window, there are so many ways to experience something awesome with Air BnB Experiences, GPSmycity, and Geocaching.com. Now get out there and find your new adventure!
December 2020 Note: When going out, be smart and be safe! The best thing about all of these adventures is that you can easily do them solo or with the members of your household. However, be sure to check and follow all local, provincial/state, and federal suggestions and regulations to prevent the spread of germs. Don’t forget to pack your mask and some hand sanitizer with you, too!
