As vacationers seek new and different reviews, adventure tourism continues to grow in popularity. Adventure tourism, consistent with the Journey Travel Exchange Firm, is a vacationer pastime that consists of physical activity, a cultural change, or sports in nature. You do not always need to cross base leaping or go scuba diving with sharks to be an adventure tourist (even though those activities genuinely qualify).

Adventure tourism is about connecting with a new culture or a new landscape and being physically active at the same time. It isn’t about being volatile or pushing your boundaries. In fact, it is specifically important to understand and respect your limits while you’re in an unfamiliar location. Our list of adventure tourism activities has lots of picks if you are not necessarily a thrill seeker. If you are an adrenaline junkie, don’t worry — we still have some ideas for your next experience.

Adventure Tourism Activities

Day Hiking

Getting out and experiencing a new location under the power of your own two feet is always a great choice. Trekking allows you to slow down and experience more aspects of your surroundings. Day hikes are a good option for most anyone that loves the outdoors. If you happen to be in Costa Rica, you can take a guided hike up to the top of Cerro Chato, a dormant volcano. You get to hike through the rainforest and your reward for getting to the top is a beautiful lagoon! Be sure to remember to wear moisture-wicking clothes; Costa Rica can be quite humid.

Backpacking

If you are more adventurous and have the right equipment, you can extend your day hike into a backpacking journey. Backpacking allows you to stay out in nature longer and see more things than you would on a regular day hike. It is important to have the right survival knowledge and gear. If you haven’t backpacked before, make sure that you go with someone knowledgeable who can show you the proper backpacking techniques. 

The Gore Range Trail is a great way to explore the mountains outside Silverthorne, Colorado. The entire trail is 41.7 miles long and is rated as a difficult trail. The scenic views make it worth the effort. If you’re not up for the whole hike, you can aim for reaching one of the high alpine lakes along the trail.

Zip Lining

Want to soar through the trees and experience nature from a different angle? You should try zip lining. Zip lines and canopy tours are a great way to quickly see a new area. You see everything from a different perspective. Some canopy tours may even get you up close and personal with the local wildlife. Niagara Falls recently installed a zip line called the MistRider. This zip line has four parallel lines, so you and your friends can all zip at the same time. It’s a great opportunity to turn your trip to Niagara Falls into an adventure tourism activity.

Mountaineering

Mountaineering is a classic example of an adventure tourism activity. It combines physical activity and allows you to take in the beauty of nature. Even if you’ve never climbed a day in your life, you can still get up a rock wall with the help of a guide. Make sure to check the safety record and accreditations of your climbing guide before heading out! Another option is to try climbing indoors. Many cities have climbing gyms so you can easily access some adventure! Ask if they have TRUBLUE auto belays so you can walk in and start climbing without needing an introductory class.

Free Fall

When most people hear “free fall” they think bungee jumping or skydiving. While those are valid adventure tourism activities, they might not be for everyone. Head Rush Technologies engineered the next generation of free fall devices, the QUICKflight and the FlightLine, to offer a true feeling of free fall with less risk. You can find these devices in ropes courses, adventure parks, and other centers around the world. There’s a good chance that there’s a Head Rush free fall device location near your next destination.

Rafting

Floating down a cool river on a hot summer day can be an excellent way to explore a new place. You get all the excitement of battling a rapid and you can also sit back and enjoy the view during the calmer sections of the river. The best season for rafting usually depends on the region you’re in and your preferred level of adventure. Generally speaking, water levels are higher earlier in the season and lower later in the season. Higher water levels provide bigger rapids and more thrills, while lower levels are more relaxed.

Mountain Cycling

If you’re talking about exciting physical activities that help you explore the outdoors, it would be wrong to exclude mountain cycling. Mountain cycling provides great exercise and a fun way to enjoy nature. You can travel further distances on trails and see more of the surrounding area. New to mountain cycling? No worries! Many places have trails ranging from beginner to advanced. If you’re near a ski resort, check to see if they have lift-serviced trails. You can ride the ski lift to the top with your bike and then let gravity do most of the work as you cruise the green, blue, and black trails down.

Skiing And Snowboarding

You may not have realized that your annual family ski trip qualifies as adventure tourism. Cruising down the slopes at a resort keeps you active and lets you enjoy the outdoors. The western United States is known for its beautiful skiing throughout the Rocky Mountains. You can find fresh powder and amazing slopes all the way from Alaska to Utah, Colorado, and even northern New Mexico. If you’re the adventurous type, you can leave the resorts behind and head into the backcountry. 

Backcountry skiing can be very dangerous if you are not properly trained. It’s absolutely essential to take an avalanche safety class and buy all the right safety equipment before going off-piste. Consider hiring guide services for your first time trying backcountry skiing or snowboarding.

Finding Your Next Adventure

The Adventure Travel Trade Association hosts resources for travelers to find their next adventure. The companies they share are part of the association and part of the adventure tourism movement around the world. Find resources, check out destinations, and get inspired by the many photos and videos. Your next adventure is out there waiting for you!