Research shows that Brits get bored of their routine every 17 months, meaning that changing up your day-to-day life might be closer than you think. For many, their daily adventures include work, family time, and the occasional food shop.

But if you’re looking for more, you might want to try something new. Whether you become a ski instructor or take time to travel the world, adding excitement into your every day can help break that boring cycle and bring a bit of fun back into your life.

Gary Clark, adventure lover and Academy Director at gap year course company: SIA Austria, says:

“Breaking your monotonous routines can include something as simple as taking a different route to work, but for a real change which can develop you as a person and offer the adventure you need, taking a career break or gap year is the answer.

“Making sure you take some time to explore can help you develop a new outlook on life, remove the boring routine from your days, and give you a fresh perspective when you head back into work or education.”

Start with the basics

It is easy to know you want an adventure, but knowing how you want to spend your time can be more difficult. There are plenty of options around the world, so finding something that speaks to you is essential. Whether leaning into adventure sports or taking an au pair residence, you need to enjoy what you’re doing.

Figure out what you want from this time. You might be looking to see new sights or learn a skill. By knowing the type of activity you’re looking for, you can research the best opportunities available.

Perhaps you have a destination in mind, so check first whether it requires a visa. For some, you might not need it, whereas some destinations might require a work visa and employment for long periods of time. You can get information on applying for a work visa, opportunities, and more by contacting your chosen country’s embassy.

Find a mentor

So, you’ve decided where you want to go and for how long, and all your documentation is in order. Now, it might be time to find a mentor. If you’re looking for employment during your adventure abroad, you will want to start looking for roles before applying for your work visa.

And even if you’re looking for an adventure without the work, there are plenty of mentors you can find to make your stay more pleasant. Your adventure might be unique, but plenty of people can offer their advice and expertise online and in person, especially in areas you’ve not visited before.

If you’re wanting to spend the time learning a new skill, a mentor is vital. If you’re looking to get into skiing, for example, a ski instructor can teach you the correct and safe way to ski, as well as take you to skiing locations you might’ve been hesitant to visit alone.

Join a community

If you’re looking for guidance and support, communities can be a great resource for finding mentors and other helpful units. Reach out to people within a local community with in-depth knowledge and experience helping others looking for adventure. They surely will know all the tips and tricks. Joining online communities can also be a great way to meet like-minded people before you head off on your adventure.

This will give you the best chance of meeting new people while on your adventure, and you might also make lifelong friends. You can also get inspiration through these connections. It might be a great food place nearby that someone has recommended or a diversion in your travels as you join a friend in their next leg of the journey – let the adventure guide you.

Pushing your limits

Taking on an adventure can be intimidating, especially if you’re used to your home comforts, but this is a great time to push your limits and overcome your fears. If you have a fear of flying, then going abroad can give you a great excuse to overcome this – and you’ll be rewarded with an amazing adventure on the other side.

For some, overcoming fears is running head-first into the fear; for others, it could be a gradual transition. This is your time to explore your limits and see how far you can push yourself. By putting yourself to the test, you might overcome fear, learn a new skill, or at least head back home with plenty of stories!

Gary Clark, Academy Director at gap year course company: SIA Austria, says,

“Adventures are meant to be learning experiences that bring you out of your day-to-day life. It isn’t every day you’re skiing down a steep slope, coming face-to-face with a snake or bungee jumping from a bridge. Pushing your limits and seeing what you can achieve, even under pressure, can help you build confidence and walk away from your experience fulfilled.”

Save the memories

Make sure you’re saving the memories. These could be through photographs with the friends you make or by saving souvenirs from the journey. In whatever way you want to commemorate it, ensuring you have some reminder of your time is important.

It isn’t every day that you get to have an adventure, so enjoy it. If you can, connect with the other team members and people you meet during your experience and keep in touch – who knows what other adventures they might bring your way.

 

Whether solo travelling or working abroad for a year, your adventure should be something you’re really interested in. Find what you want to do and go for it – even if it scares you! The best way to break out of your day-to-day life and cut through the boredom is by having an adventure on your terms.