conquering wanderlust with small-scale adventuring






there is this german word, "Fernweh". it is the opposite of "Heimweh", which means homesickness. you could translate it with wanderlust (which in fact is a german word, too) but "Fernweh" has a stronger touch of longing and (almost painful) yearning to it. it is the word that best describes my mood at any given time. i carry it with me most of the time, but sometimes it hits me with full force: when i consciously look at an airplane crossing the sky, when there is a scent in the air reminding me of that time we left for a certain trip, when i spot my backpack in the storage room, when i'm browsing catalogues for outdoor gear.

be it finances, time issues, or the fact that we have 2 young children, it is simply not possible for us to set off on adventure trips whenever we feel like it. but while we're saving up and dreaming and planning that next travel adventure of our's, i'm always thinking of ways to keep that fire alive. i want adventures to be part of our everyday lives, not just that big trip we're saving up for. i like to call it small-scale adventuring.

i make a big deal about exploring and discovering, even just when outside in our backyard, or taking walks around the neighborhood. we plan day-trips involving hikes to nearby destinations. having a goal and reaching it on foot is so rewarding! we also make a point of having good gear. hiking is much more fun if you're wearing the right shoes and a good backpack. honestly, whenever i tie my hiking shoes and put on my backpack, i'm in "explorer mode". we pack our bags not only with water bottles and snacks, but with binoculars, bug magnifying jars, notebooks, pencils, and a camera.

i also love making packing lists. i try to focus on travelling light, and enjoy jotting down my travel essentials, sometimes even having a dry run to see if everything fits in my backpack. making up itineraries is another way of conquering my wanderlust. i love making research on different destinations, the sights to see, roads to travel and places to stay.

small-scale adventuring nurtures the adventurer in me, and hopefully also the adventurous spirit of my whole family. it helps us to appreciate how much there is to be discovered right at our doorstep, so when the time comes to pack our bags and set off for that BIG adventure, we're really ready!

what are some small-scale adventures that you enjoy??




5 comments:

Chrissy said...

I have Fernweh all the time and just like for you it is most present when watching those airplanes in the sky or a certain scent that reminds me of something. We, too, do lots of exploring to "escape" the daily grind and it helps ease my wanderlust tremendously! Loving all your beautiful pics! xxx

Danielle Quarmby said...

I need some more of the everyday exploring... something to appease the longing for adventure and foreign soil, though I know that is part of who I am.
Did you love 'The Secret Life of Walter Mitty'? Between the music, the adventure, the photos... It just feels like me. I totally relate to creating itineraries, I am constantly researching possible travel destinations! So much fun and possibility...

karen said...

my husband and I love long car rides, sometimes we take the long way to somewhere and just enjoy the views. Visiting family also saves hotel costs. When the kids were little we visited state parks and had hikes and picnics and that was fun!

Anja said...

Ihr musst mal den "erlebniswald Trappenkamp" besuchen! Toll für Kinder und Erwachseneund! Ca. Eine Std fahrt von HH!
Viele liebe Grüße!

Denise said...

I love small scale adventures! Luckily, I live in a great place for such things. A hop on the ferry to Sausalito is always fun. We have so many nearby hiking spots. Even wandering around the Presidio, right here in San Francisco, can feel like an adventure.

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