4 travel challenges for all 4 weekends of June

If you have the right mindset, the beginning of summer can be like a second New Year. This June, we encourage you to make a resolution to travel more and challenge yourself more, and actually start fulfilling those resolutions, one weekend at a time.

 It's the beginning of the summer and you just wanna be outside, spending time with friends and enjoying the finer things in life. That's exactly what summer festivals are all about. There are many types of festival to choose from – whether it be music, movies, arts or food, there's nothing better than ignoring the real world for a while and just sinking into the relaxing atmosphere of a festival. Just imagine; you can immerse yourself in a place filled only with things you're passionate about and people who share your passions.

Step up your game: go to a bizarre festival – it's a big world and crazy festivals are lurking around every corner.

An idea: San Vino Wine Fight Festival in Haro, La Rioja, Spain – to be held this year between 27 and 30 June. People of all ages (including the mayor of the town) gather dressed in white T-shirts, bringing jugs, bottles and water pistols. They fill these containers with red wine and then spray that wine over each other… 'cuz, you know, why drink wine from a fine glass when you can use it to paint your friend (or a complete stranger)?

If I tell you about individual places here, they won't be secret and they won't be yours. I can, however, give you tips on how to find a secret place all for yourself:

You don't have to be Columbus to discover a place no one knows about. Sometimes great spots can be found just a couple of steps away from more popular ones, and yet barely anyone knows about them – those can become your magical, private hideouts.
Once you've discovered a secret spot you've got to personalize it to make it your own, according to your own interests and needs. If you are a sportsperson, you might look for the perfect spot to practice your favorite sport. If you need some alone time just take a hammock and a book and spend the afternoon there. You can also use it as a place for friends or family meet-ups – just make them swear not to tell anyone else about your secret spot!

Step up your game: discover your hidden place on your own and then, on a special occasion, 'kidnap' a friend, take them there and throw a mini party for them.