Guest of the week: Emmi from Explorista.se, Outdoor enthusiast

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Emmi from Explorista.se is a real adventurer who enjoys all kinds of active outdoor activities, from skiing and mountain biking to kite surfing and motorcycling. Emmi also enjoys travelling. She recently spent a year in Spain/Austria and is currently on a 4.5 month long backpacking trip in Asia.

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If you want to be inspired by an active and adventurous lifestyle, you should definitely check out Emmi's blog. Explorista. Of course, we took the opportunity to ask a bunch of curious questions.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Where do you live and what do you do for a living?

When I'm not travelling, I live in a townhouse in Gothenburg, freelance as a photographer & writer and work with project management, marketing, digital media and e-commerce. I like active interests and exercise, like skiing, mountain biking, kite surfing, hiking and motorcycling.

You are currently on an adventurous backpacking trip. Can you tell us a bit about it?

I love to travel and now I am on a 4.5 month long trip through Asia and New Zealand where I, together with my partner, have so far visited Japan, the Perhentian Islands and Singapore. Until 8/9 we are in Bali and then it is New Zealand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, India and Sri Lanka on the schedule.

Since we took a diving certificate at Perhentians, there will be some diving here in Bali, then we will live in a campervan for 28 days on the island. New Zealand and hopefully do some kite surfing in the Sri Lanka and perhaps also in Vietnam. The focus of the trip is on experience and activity rather than party and beach life.

How did you get interested in adventure and outdoor activities? Which activities did you start and how old were you at the time?

I've always liked the outdoors and I think I got that from my family. I've been skiing since I was a kid, and I've always spent a lot of time in the woods, camping, hiking, canoeing or doing simple activities like picking blueberries and grilling sausages.

When I was younger I spent a lot of time in the stables and on the football pitch, so I've always been active. However, my interest in kite surfing, motorcycling, mountain biking and more has come in adulthood.

You are also involved in training and personal development. Tell us about it!

I feel good about exercising - simple as that! As I wrote, I grew up in an active family and have always moved in one way or another. Strength training is one of my favourites and the base of my training programme, then I supplement with e.g. running and yoga - in addition to all my active interests.

I find mental training and personal development very interesting and combined with, for example, meditation, it balances my active life with many balls in the air.

What is the best thing about living an adventurous and active life? Are there any difficulties?

The best thing is that I really do what I want to do and I have never regretted anything I have done. I believe in following your dreams, finding out what you think is important in life and trying to live accordingly. In my case it's nature, travelling and active interests, in someone else it's probably something completely different.

A big plus with an "adventurous" and active life is all the wonderful people I meet & friends I make, all the experiences & memories and that I constantly have to question myself and challenge myself, take me outside my comfort zone and develop as a person. And then it is very fun too!

Difficulties, I don't really know. Anything is possible if you want to - I see it mostly as a question of more or less hassle with practical things - finances, jobs, holidays, accommodation, cars etc. And mental barriers of course, like overcoming fears to be able to do what you want. But, it's always worth it in the end!

What are your best tips for those who want to live a more adventurous and active life? How to get started?

Everyday adventures are around the corner - mountain biking, kayaking, trekking, surfing and more. Instead of waiting for weekends and holidays, use your weekdays to do small fun activities often. Bigger trips or activities require a bit more planning, so make a plan and review what needs to be done, make a to-do list and then just take it one step at a time.

If you want to start something new: find out what you want to do and try it! Most activities are easy and free to try - go to your local club, check Facebook groups and talk to friends. Take a friend and a tent into the forest, rent a kayak for a day, join a sports taster day.

People in the kind of activities I like are often very open-minded, friendly and happy to share their interest - you get there on your own and are soon one of the gang. Many times there are also special girls' groups for those who feel more comfortable. So just take the plunge and try it out!

What are your plans for the near future?

The immediate future involves diving on Gili Islands off Bali, then 28 days by campervan from south to north New Zealand & then 14 days of train travelling through Vietnam. We will continue this trip until Christmas and then focus on work, photography, training and kite surfing in Sweden. The beauty of travelling as we do is that we are travelling to something and not from something. We have a wonderful life to come home to and there are lots of things I look forward to in Sweden.

Finally, a question we ask everyone we interview: What is your dream destination Emmi from Explorista.se?

So, choosing one ... Icelandic horse & motorbike in Iceland, learning off-piste skiing in the USA/Canada/Japan and what we are about to do: travelling with a campervan in New Zealand are high on the list.

Thank you Emmi from Explorista.se for sharing your experiences and thoughts!

Top photo: Emmi in Nepal, on her way up to Everest Base camp.

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