Best Spring Outdoor Adventures
As the northern hemisphere begins anew with the arrival of spring, there are plenty more outdoor activities that we can enjoy now compared to during the cold winter months. The flowers and trees return to life and the birds migrate back to their homes, giving us a sense of renewal. Spring's arrival also means that going outdoors is a bit more tolerable as the weather starts to warm, allowing for us to take more adventures with less layers of clothing.
Some of us have a bucket list of adventures that we want to go on during our lifetime, and the warmer spring weather is sure to allow for some of those items to be ticked off. But, if you haven’t yet made an adventure bucket list and are looking for something to do during the spring break, here are some of the best outdoor adventures you can have in spring, regardless of what budget you may have.
Budget-friendly springtime adventures
Going on an outdoor adventure doesn’t mean that you have to splurge and burn the wallet. There are plenty of activities that you can do for cheap; some even for free! While some of budget-friendly spring adventures may need specialist equipment, most of them have rental facilities available so you are able to try the activities out before committing to investing in the specialised equipment.
Hiking
Hiking is a classic activity for those wanting to embark on an outdoor adventure. It’s also one of the most budget-friendly options out there, and there are plenty of trails available to suit different athletic abilities – making it an accessible activity, too. This is a suitable activity for anyone looking for a bit of variety while exploring new areas, be it within their own locales or abroad.
Hiking is great for those who want to quickly reset and centre themselves by exposure to Mother Nature and certain outdoor adventure providers will take you on the most beautiful hiking trails. It’s a great springtime adventure for those who want to do something a little bit different all while enjoying a great mental recharge. Plus, hiking doubles as a great workout! There's also the added benefit of enjoying some of the freshest air you could ever breathe since hiking trails normally lead into woody areas and trees are nature’s best air purifiers.
Bird watching
Source: Wikimedia Commons
One of the best aspects of the arrival of spring is once again being able to hear the chirping of birds. Birds tend to migrate during the spring and fall months, making bird-watching a great spring outdoor adventure to participate in! All you need is a pair of comfy shoes and a good pair of binoculars as this activity can be done in the great outdoors and even in the comfort of your own backyard.
Whether you’re an experienced bird-watcher or new to the scene, you don’t have to worry about feeling clueless about the birds you spot. The National Audobon Society has a great bird-watching app featuring over 800 species of birds visible in North America, while Cornell Lab’s eBird app is another great digital tool for bird-watchers worldwide. These apps allow you to identify birds that you see or hear while you’re out in the woods or even those that come into your backyard!
Spring outdoor adventures that are a bang for your buck
If your budget isn’t too tight and you have a bit of money to spend for your outdoor adventure spring break trips, the activities that you can participate in open up quite significantly. For these activities, you’ll probably just need a vehicle with a full tank of petrol, some special gear and off you go on your outdoor adventure spring break trips!
Camping
Source: The South Downs Way
Camping is a staple of outdoor adventures and in the spring, camping becomes a much more comfortable outdoor activity to do. It’s also a great way to satiate the adventure cravings. While the northern hemisphere resets with the arrival of spring, so should we. And what better way to hit “reset” than to be one with nature?
You can enjoy camping in the wilderness, if nature is more accessible to you. But if not, there’s always the backyard! Another option is pitching a tent at your local state or national park – which typically have allocated campsites – and enjoy some of the finest scenic views that nature has to offer. Koa has a great list of tips for newbie campers, but remember that you’ll need camping gear like a tent and sleeping bag, and going out into the wild means that you won’t have modern comforts to rely on.
White-water rafting
Source: Travel.Earth
This is an activity for those who want to get their heart racing and is another activity that can be enjoyed solo or with friends and family. White-water rafting is a great spring outdoor adventure that can be coupled up with the previous camping experience. White-water rafting and camping normally come hand-in-hand since this activity is best done in the early hours of the morning as the water rushes down the river, causing great downward currents.
Not only is white-water rafting an activity that gets your heart pumping, but it’s also a great form of exercise. As you go down the rapids, you use your paddle to ensure your boat not only remains upright, but that it also avoids crashing into any rocks that may be rushing towards you. This is definitely a bang-for-your-buck adventure as most companies offer all-inclusive packages that will consist of expert guides, all the safety equipment, insurance, and food to enjoy after a hard day’s rafting!
Springtime adventures for the glamorous
A springtime adventure doesn’t mean that you can’t splurge in order to enjoy yourself in the great outdoors. There are plenty of pricey outdoor activities that you can enjoy during the spring that are both unique and fulfilling. So, if you have a bit of money to spare for your outdoor adventure spring break trip, these options are for you.
Glamping
Source: Country Living Magazine
A combination of the words “glamourous” plus “camping”, glamping is much like camping, but more glamorous. Glamping is a great way for people who want to enjoy an outdoor adventure, but are hesitant to leave modern-day comforts behind. However, with the glamour and modernities normally come a hefty price tag.
Glamping basically allows you to enjoy the feeling of camping outdoors, but with modern amenities and luxuries attached. Think of it as a uniquely designed hotel with its rooms spread across a plot of land within nature. Some glamping sites are even resort-like, with facilities such as pools and even offer activities provided by the site, like guided forest expeditions or sunrise yoga.
Yachting
Source: A Yacht Charter Spain
Yachting is another great springtime outdoor adventure for those with more money to spend – expect to spend somewhere in the thousands per day to charter a yacht. All over Europe are great oceans to explore, like the Adriatic Sea by Croatia or the Ionian Sea shared by Greece and Turkey, and charting a yacht is one way to go on an outdoor adventure by experiencing these great blue seas.
Yachting can be a relaxing outdoor activity to enjoy during the spring break while you enjoy the scenic views with a few cocktails or taking up the offer of splashing around in the gorgeous turquoise waters. Some yacht charter companies offer a bit more for your money, like all-inclusive meals and water activities like jet skiing or snorkelling for you to enjoy in the middle of the ocean blue. Make sure you take a closer look at what each company offers so you can get the most out of the experience!
Embark on a great springtime outdoor adventure
As winter turns into spring, there are loads more activities for you to enjoy in the great outdoors since the weather is much warmer, making it more comfortable to be outside for long periods of time. From taking a relaxing hike along beautiful trails to gaining an adrenaline rush as you race down rapid rivers, you have various activities with differing paces to choose from depending on your intensity preference. But whether you’re thinking of participating in spring outdoor adventures on a budget or want to splurge a little, there is something for you to enjoy!