I was browsing my phone for old photos the other day and I came across our Singapore travel pics from the last time we were able to go, pre-pandemic. I didn't expect the wave of nostalgia hitting me, I just miss airports and being in an airplane so much. :(

I know we all love the idea of traveling. And on our travels, we may want to try out new things, be adventurous, even maybe a bit of danger along the way. Everyone loves an adrenaline rush. But most people (I’m assuming) don’t want to be hurt. We want the best of both worlds; adrenaline, danger but not too much danger. Let’s have a look at some of the most exciting and shall we say, dangerous (but not too dangerous) activities there are to do around different countries on your travels!

 

Ireland

Ireland isn’t just known for its green fields and leprechauns, it also is the home for many tourist attractions with one of the most interesting being Todds Leap. It is situated in the North of Ireland, in a small town called Moneymore. This is the perfect spot for an adrenaline junkie who wants excitement and feels dangerous but is actually perfectly safe at all times! Have fun in crazy activities such as ZipLines, Giant Swings, Paint Balling, Blindfold Driving and even Off Road Driving. All whilst returning at the end of the day, safe and alive!

USA

The States you can imagine take adrenaline and danger to a whole new level. Some of the activities here people go to purely for the danger aspect, minus the safety being considered, all for the Gram right? Find yourself amongst these crazy things to do such as; Free Fall into the Grand Canyon on a Giant Swing, Motorcycle through the fastest highways in the state but you may want to consider having a motorcycle accident attorney close by for this one, and lastly you can even travel to space if you can spare a couple of thousands of dollars! You will never be short or stuck for an adventure in the States!

Australia

Again, a country filled to the brim with Adventure and a bonus; warm weather all the time! What more could you want? Travel around Australia’s East Coast at any time of the year. Partake in snorkelling, scuba diving, its amazing Fraser Island but watch out for the dingos! They would be sure to give you a sense of danger and sometimes a fear for your life, sound dangerous enough? Just keep your dingo stick close by and all will be peachy! Take a walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, just don’t look down! All of these activities also are monitored and organised by a reliable and safe team around you, so once again you can feel dangerous and also be safe! The perfect combination.

Asia

Asia is amazing. Take a six-week break in Thailand. Go to an elephant sanctuary. Stay on water log cabins. Eat Asian food. Go and try out yoga. Thailand can be adventurous in a whole different way. You can make it as face paced or as slow paced as you like but it should definitely be on your BucketList, it is truly amazing. Don't believe me? Just look at these baby elephants.

The list of places to travel for an adventure is ongoing, there are new places being discovered every day and sometimes it’s better to actually go and find the less popular tourist spots and find your own special place. The world is unimaginably big and if you want an adventure all you have to do is take that leap of faith and go find it. Nobody to travel with? Go alone anyway. Scared of heights? Go on a bungee jump. Scared of water? Swim in the sea.

We all need to step outside our comfort zones, that's where all the magic happens!

However, what we always want to keep in mind when travelling, may it be alone, with a friend or partner, in a group of twenty. No matter what the situation, we always want to stay safe. There is always going to be a safe option for whatever adventure it is you want to go on. It might take a little longer to sort it, or a little more effort but in reality it is your life you have to think about first and foremost. You want to go on your travels and adventure and still live to tell the tale! Research your ideas, plan ahead, have a plan for afterwards if anything did go wrong, speak to a professional if you need help with anything before or afterwards and mainly and most importantly, be safe!

Have an amazing time! :)

I advocate for taking out insurance so that whatever may happen in the future, you and your loved ones are protected. I have two of my own, and I am almost done paying for the first one I took out. I guess what turns people off are the tendency of some financial advisors to resort to fear mongering just to sell insurance. But for me, an insurance is important and it is one thing you buy that you hope you do not get to use any time soon.

My Narwhal mug wishing you a safe and happy day

Anyway, if you have health insurance, you probably already know that it can be frustrating to have to use it, especially if your insurance doesn't cover the full cost of your treatment. For those times when your personal health insurance is not enough, there are a few exceptions that allow for additional assistance. Consider purchasing additional insurance so that you don't have to rely solely on your expensive personal health insurance.

 

Travel

To ensure that you are covered while traveling, you should purchase additional travel insurance. In the event of an emergency while abroad, many people are forced to remortgage their homes. Travel insurance is relatively inexpensive, even when you're covering yourself for medical reasons as well, so it's always a good idea to spend a little money in order to save a lot of money later on. Medical intervention in foreign countries can be extremely expensive, so don't take any chances and insure yourself.

In some cases, if your injury or illness is only minor, your health insurance may not even be impacted, making it a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Vehicle Collisions

If you are involved in a car accident that was not your fault, it is the responsibility of the driver who caused the accident to compensate you out of their own pocket. It is the same rule even if you are only a passenger in the car; the 'at fault' driver would be liable to pay for your medical expenses if you were injured.

When you're signing up for car insurance, it's a good idea to check to see if your policy covers this. If it's something you're particularly concerned about, make sure the insurance policy you're about to purchase will cover you in the event that something happens. But keep in mind that if you're at fault, you're looking at a hefty fine. Additionally, if you are driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (even if the accident is not your fault), your insurance policy may no longer cover you for the accident.

However, if the accident was caused by bad weather or something else that wasn't your fault, but no one else was at fault, you'll likely have to file a claim against your own insurance policy. To avoid being accused of causing an accident, it is best to exchange insurance information and proceed from there, rather than risk being blamed for it by both of the drivers involved. If you are blamed for something you haven’t done you’ll need effective car accident attorneys to help dispute the accusations.

Outside the House

Bad things can happen outside of your home that aren't your fault at times as well. This usually occurs when a pavement is unsafe, or when a dangerous open manhole hasn't been properly marked, and you end up getting hurt.

The first thing you should do is report the injury to your local council and let them know you intend to file a claim. As a result, they'll either guide you through the process of obtaining your claim, or point you in the right direction.

Situations like this frequently result in litigation, so be prepared to represent yourself in court or, if you prefer, hire a friend or family member to represent you. There is, of course, the option of hiring an attorney, but the compensation you receive after other fees and expenses may be insufficient to cover the cost of the attorney.

Also, keep in mind that if you require immediate medical attention, you'll need to notify your health insurance company. This could increase your insurance costs. When pursuing a claim against your local council, keep in mind that they always have a way to avoid paying compensation, so make sure you're absolutely certain that they were in the wrong before pursuing it.

Be Careful

That, of course, is a lot easier said than done. If you're concerned about your insurance premiums rising, it may be a good idea to steer clear of anything that could be dangerous. Having your home's maintenance and repairs done by a professional will ensure that nothing breaks and injures you. It's just as important to have your car repaired by a licensed mechanic to ensure that it's safe to drive.

The best strategy if you don't want to use your medical insurance is to avoid risk as much as possible. Remember that accidents can happen at any time and in any place. Spend a little money to save a lot of money (and possibly your life).  

Polka dot dress and purple boots for Clozette's annual review and planning

Purple dress and Melissa x Viktor and Rolf when we got J's new phone

Peach and teal for my passport renewal appointment

What I severely need right now are exercise and running shoes. I have my roller skates, yes, but I need running shoes for when I [attempt to] work out. Experienced runners and beginners alike will vouch for the fact that a decent pair of shoes can make all the difference when you start running. The incorrect shoes are likely to not only influence your running performance negatively but will also put you at risk of injury. Investing in a pair of shoes that are designed to accommodate your specific running needs is a move you will never regret, and yes - the extra money IS worth it. The right cushioning and enough support will protect your feet for many runs to come - after all, injury avoidance is the one thing that you can rely on to keep you on the road for longer, so why not start with your shoes? Here are some tips!

Do your research before buying

Visit any of the Asics stores in Australia, and you will be amazed at the technology that goes into running shoes. Whether your preference is for long-distance running, midway distances or even sprinting, the consideration that goes into the design of each type of shoe is jaw-dropping. The more you know about your feet, how they are constructed and how they move, the better results you can expect from the shoes you end up with.

Understanding gait

Having your gait analyzed is one of the best gifts you can give yourself as a runner. Yet again, Asics stores in AU will come to the rescue with their skill and expertise - simply ask them to help you get a better understanding of your gait, and they will help guide you to the solution. Knowing what your pronation style is can go a very long way in the decision-making process. This is because pronation refers to how your foot moves from side to side when it is in motion, and knowing this is the secret to knowing what shoes you need.

As for the ideal fit, it turns out that grandma’s advice still holds - the width of a thumb in front of your big toe is the recommended amount of space allowance in running shoes. The reason for this is that your feet swell when you are in motion while running, and this natural expansion calls for some space allowance. Of course, it goes without saying that with running shoes, how they feel is more important than what they look like.

Knowing the difference between ride and weight

Ride refers to how the shoes are built, and how it accordingly feels on the feet of the wearer. Remember that the ride, your gait, and the terrain you like to run on all affect your overall running experience. When it comes to the weight of a running shoe, however, a lightweight shoe will give you a good speed performance, but if you need a shoe with more support, rather sacrifice the lightweight feeling for something slightly heavier, and which will give you the support you need.

The general rule is that lighter shoes are better for speed, while heavier shoes tend to be so due to extra built-in features, such as extra support or stability. Regardless of what construction type you need, you should bear in mind that comfort and a secure fit are vital, no matter what shoe you choose. Any discomfort on a running shoe can be amplified into a major annoyance or even an injury in a very short time.

In addition to providing a stable substrate, the upper of whichever shoes you pick should also provide stability, flexibility, breathability, and structure to the overall motion. The choice of materials for each component will also make a difference. However, the materials used in the construction of the shoe should never hamper your ability to move, so make your choice wisely!

Why the right shoes matter

At the end of the day, your shoes should be supportive of your running, and not put you off from the activity. The chemistry between a runner and the right running shoes is unbeatable, and with the right pair in hand, you can look forward to many years of passionate pursuit of this healthy and rather addictive hobby! Put in the time you need to do your homework, and take advantage of a great pair of well-considered shoes.