How to make a micro-adventure a success

Micro-adventures are small escapes from everyday life. They are designed to help reduce stress without spending a lot of money or effort. Whether alone or with the whole family, are you ready for a new adventure?

What are micro-adventures and who are they for?

For a long time, it was hardly possible to travel far away during the Corona pandemic — one could only dream of traveling to foreign countries. Instead, excursion destinations in Germany experienced an extreme upswing, and a new trend was established: the micro-adventure. The small escapes from everyday life are all about one thing: daring to try something new, interrupting your routine, and moving out of your comfort zone. It’s not about going as far away as possible or booking an expensive holiday — it doesn’t even take a lot of time. It is much more important to look for a goal or a task in the region or the surrounding area and to escape everyday life for a few hours or days.

Micro-adventures are always excursions into nature, the length doesn’t matter, and some ideas don’t even require any equipment. For example, small or large Hikes overnight stays with or without a tent, Geocaching, Bike or climbing trips.

The small trips are suitable for all those who are “stuck” in everyday life and forget to relax due to all the to-dos and stress. Excuses such as “no time”, “too expensive” or “too uncomfortable” do not count for mini-trips into nature. Instead, they should be simple ways to leave everyday life behind and take time for yourself.

What does it take for a micro-adventure?

The beauty of micro-adventures is that they are usually waiting right on your doorstep. But depending on what you choose, it takes a certain amount of preparation — and most importantly, the right equipment.

It is therefore important to pay attention to the following:

Clothing: Depending on the time of year when the mini-adventure takes place, you should think about the clothes. While it is beneficial to wear light and breathable clothes in the summer, in the winter you should make sure to dress warmly enough. Depending on the weather, it is also important to pack rainproof clothing. Appropriate footwear is essential, especially on longer hiking tours, so that no blisters develop.
Overnight stay: If you want to extend your micro-adventure by two or more days, you will need suitable sleeping or even cooking equipment. A warm sleeping bag in winter or a light one in summer is important, as is a tent for those who don’t want to sleep in the open air. If you don’t want to or aren’t allowed to light an open fire, you can also take a camping stove with you, and you should pack a small pot as well as a cup and cutlery.
Catering: First and foremost are drinking water and a refillable bottle. In addition to foods that you can prepare at the end of the day, it is important to eat small, high-calorie foods and Snacks for a quick energy kick.
First aid kit: Medication that must be taken daily, inhalers, blood pressure monitors, etc. must not be forgotten even during a micro-adventure. In addition, blister plasters, anti-mosquito spray, Sunscreen and more don’t hurt. There are even extra outdoor first aid kits with plasters, gauze bandages, disinfectant stuff, and the like.
Other: If you like, you can also pack a light hammock. It can always be quickly attached between two trees for a short break. Alternatively, a blanket is a good option. An outdoor knife and a power bank for your smartphone should also be packed into your backpack before you start your trip.

Why is a micro-adventure good for your health?

It has been proven that spending time in nature or greenery has a positive effect on human well-being. This is mainly due to the fact that people who spend a lot of time in nature can recover better. In this case, recovery means, among other things, a better Sleep. In addition, spending time in nature promotes Stress. The ability to pay attention as well as emotional stability is increased and the level of aggression decreases significantly. Negative feelings such as anger or fear can also subside.

Just too much Stress can cause a lot of problems: as soon as it persists for a long time and becomes chronic, it can lead to sleep disorders and Depression lead. Because stress in everyday life is often unavoidable, it is all the more important to take breaks and break out of routines. Exercise is the be-all and end-all because it naturally reduces stress hormones.

So if you keep incorporating micro-adventures into your everyday life — be it after work, at the weekend, or on a day off — you can actively counteract mental strain or stress.

The best ideas for micro-adventures in Germany — with and without a child

Since the small excursions have now developed into a trend, many ideas are circulating that can sometimes be implemented more easily, sometimes more elaborately. Some can be started right after work, while others require a weekend. Here are some examples — many of which are suitable (possibly in a weaker form) for the whole family.

After work:

Take the bus or train to the final stop and hike back
Spontaneously cycling a few kilometers — without a destination
Try geocaching (GPS scavenger hunt) and find treasures in the area
Swim in a river or explore it with a rubber dinghy (Attention: check the current beforehand!)

On weekends/days off:

Start hiking early in the morning and enjoy the sunrise from a forest clearing. Be careful if you leave the forest paths to do so: game movements and hunting take place mainly at dusk.
Take a night hike or a walk under the full moon
Sleep under the stars on a starry night and watch shooting stars or search for constellations with the help of a sky map
Go hiking in the surrounding area and have a picnic
Explore a cave. Caution: Please inform yourself beforehand about possible dangers.
Go climbing: either in the climbing garden (beginners) or on a via ferrata (advanced)
Drive into nature by car, campervan, or bike and spend the night there (if allowed)
Explore the region according to a theme: for example, visit all the palaces, castles, or lakes in the region
Explore edible landscapes and go picking wild fruit that is freely accessible.