Five Secrets to Happiness for Adventurers

Heidi_Siefkas_Haleakala_Maui_Hawaii

As an adventurer with many good times as well as good stories of misadventures under my belt, I wanted to share with you five tried and true secrets to happiness for adventurers. The happy campers get all the notoriety, but not any longer. Move on over; it’s time for the Happy Adventurers.

 

1. Do a dress rehearsal with gear.

travel-gear

I cannot stress enough the dress rehearsal. No theatre group or musician would take the stage without one. Don’t head out on an adventure with new hiking boots, shoes or clothes you haven’t worn, nor a backpack without a dry run. Start to break the gear in on the dress rehearsal or fix glitches before the adventure. This goes for technology as well. Test out the selfie sticks, waterproof cameras, and other gadgets before the trip. It is all about the dress rehearsal.

 

2. Be OK with Plan B or C.

travel-plans

In a perfect world, albeit boring world, Plan A would go off without a hitch. However, if you are striving for happiness on your adventures, be prepared to be flexible. Get creative. Be OK with change and adapt to a Plan B or even Plan C. Quite honestly, some of my best adventures were from a Plan A that morphed into Plan D, E, and then F. Part of an adventure is just that, facing challenges and evolving to adapt and overcome them.

 

3. Never pass up a bathroom nor a shower.

travel-toilets

Be wise upon your adventure. If you see a bathroom, use it. Many a wrench have been put into adventures because of traveler’s diarrhea or a ferry boat with no head (marine toilet). Regardless if you are adventuring alone or with a companion, the same goes for showers. Take the opportunity to shower. Hot or cold do it. A clean adventurer is a happy adventurer. No one wants to be the stinky kid. Don’t have a towel. Heck, that’s why you should travel with a sarong. With a sarong, you can never be wrong. It’s a towel, picnic blanket, and a dress or kilt if someone has an accident.

 

4. Make sleep a priority.

travel-feet

I’ve heard from big talkers on the road, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Well, I think that is just crazy. When you are adventuring you must be alert. Little sleep or poor sleep lead to insanity and higher probability of misadventures. Bring earplugs, an eye-mask, sleeping pads, extra pillow, or take your sleeping aid of choice to get your beauty rest.

 

5. When the shit hits the fan, remain calm, and go find a good therapy session.

Heidi_Siefkas_Waiheke_New_Zealand

I would suggest a local bar, but it you don’t drink sub a bar for a chocolate or coffee shop. Many solutions have been found at the bottom of a bottle of beer, cup of cappuccino, or after a dark chocolate truffle. If it’s a bigger problem, I would prescribe all three. No I didn’t say three of each, but to each their own.

Happy trails happy adventurers!

 

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13 Responses

  1. Ditto! I love this, wise words :D
  2. Lynda & Jim Barnett
    Hello our travel guide in Cuba. We are adventuring in Granada...ALHAMBRA @ 6. Loving Spain, Portugal, & Morocco, Just have time for a quick shower...Good tips. One more...laugh often & avoid unhappy people! Jim & Lynda Barnett. Texas couple
    • Heidi Siefkas
      Laugh often. Luv it!
  3. Wren Collins
    All excellent tips. Being flexible is key. Having no plans and sticking to them is always a good choice! Love to hear all about your adventures. Any good recommendations for a bike/barge trip?
    • Heidi Siefkas
      Sometimes no plan is the best plan.
  4. I have been on a Journey for a few weeks, the key is being Flexible!!!!! That's when GREAT THINGS HAPPEN:)
    • Heidi Siefkas
      Flexibility indeed! That means be OK with Plan B to Z!
  5. Bob Rose
    Getting sick while traveling can be a horrid experience. A check up by your physician one month prior to departure may significantly improve your chances of a great adventure. It is also prudent to make certain all your essential meds are in order before heading out.
    • Heidi Siefkas
      Yes, health is #1. I have essential meds, OTC, and a first aid kit with me on all of my travels.
  6. JIM
    I SUGGEST A SIXTH GUIDE: TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND WHEN YOU WILL BE BACK.
    • Heidi Siefkas
      Yes, notify someone that you are out adventuring and when to expect you back!
  7. I LOVE that bar! So cute! And this post is awesome. I totally agree with the whole dress rehearsal point. It sucks when you get new gear or clothing and find out it sucks AFTER the fact -- while you're already on your trip!
    • Heidi Siefkas
      Joy, the bar is in New Zealand, outside of Auckland on Waiheke Island. It is called Wild on Waiheke. We are in agreement; dress rehearsal is a must.

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