These are some of the most common questions about Adventure Travel as a whole. Many details will depend on the type of trip, destination, and partner you choose; your travel advisor will tell you everything you need to know to have an amazing trip. If you have any other questions, schedule a free chat with a travel advisor!
What is Adventure Travel?
Adventure Travel is a vacation style that enables meaningful interactions with nature, history, and other cultures via physically active itineraries. While the level of intensity may vary, there is almost always some form of physical activity that lets you practice your favorite sports or hobbies—walking, hiking, camping, biking, kayaking, and more—while experiencing the world. Most Adventure Travel itineraries includes some form of cultural interaction with locals, education from experts in their fields, and/or engagement with nature; additionally, because Adventure Travel tours tend to be built around smaller groups, there is more opportunity to live like (or with) the locals while visiting places closed to mass tourism.
Where are the best Adventure Travel destinations?
There are opportunities for adventure everywhere in the world. For road cyclists, the long, winding and hilly roads of Europe and Asia offer peaceful journeys of introspection and engagement with towns and villages that are centuries old. For hikers, mountain bikers, or mountaineers, the steep trails of South America will get your blood pumping while you trek to ancient and remote cities. Skiiers & snowboarders, kayakers, camping enthusiasts, white water rafters—there are places all around the world for you too.
At Outward Travel, we connect people with the places and activities that inspire them, and will work to find you the destination and experience that fits your favorite hobbies, passions, and bucket list dreams.
Is Adventure Travel expensive?
There are Adventurous vacations for every budget, it simply depends on your style and flexibility. While custom safaris or cruises to the end of the earth will have higher prices, there are journeys that start under $1,000 per person (not including airfare).
Outward Travel seeks to build an experience that will be meaningful for you without putting you into debt. In many cases we can also build payment plans that let you break up the cost over time.
How athletic do I need to be for Adventure Travel?
If you love to exercise, crave adrenaline, and want to push your limits then Adventure Travel is definitely right for you; but you don't need to be an athlete to enjoy this style of tourism. While Adventure Travel almost always has some form of physical activity, there are itineraries and destinations for almost every level of fitness. If you are reasonably healthy without major heart conditions, joint or muscle impairments, or significant breathing issues, we can find you an adventure that will suit your skill level and interests.
Is Adventure Travel environmentally sustainable?
Adventure Travellers and Travel Guides care deeply about the environment and the economic sustainability of the local peoples they visit. These tour providers work hard to ensure their journeys are good for the world, and follow a variety of practices that leave these places better than when you found it. Key initiatives in this area include:
- Industry-wide programs for carbon offset purchases
- Support for carbon capture programs
- Elimination of single-use plastics on tours
- Working with local peoples to lead tours—creating economic opportunities and eliminating exploitation
- Sourcing meals and ingredients from local producers
- Building and patronizing eco-friendly lodges
- Visiting with, buying from, and employing local artisans
Can families with kids or teenagers take part in Adventure Travel?
Generally speaking, Adventure Travel is open to adults and teenagers traveling with adults. Some adventures, like a safari or cruise, may be appropriate for families with younger children, but it depends on the itinerary, destination, and tour provider. Even if your kids may be too young for a full-blown Adventure journey, any vacation can be enriched with exciting moments and activities that will leave your family gleefully smiling from ear to ear.
Do I have to use a tour provider for Adventure Travel, or can I go on solo?
We strongly recommend going with our tour providers who know the land, speak the language, and are trained and experienced to deal with unexpected situations. Adventure Travel tours are usually small groups; you'll be experiencing something special alongside new friends who have the same sense of awe, respect, and adventure as you.
Do I need to bring my own equipment (like a bike or kayak) on an Adventure Travel vacation? Can I bring my own gear if I prefer?
Most Adventure Travel Tour Guides provide the necessary equipment for you trip, including bikes, kayaks, camping gear, etc. For camping adventures, you will usually need to bring your own sleeping bag but sometimes you can rent one from the tour guide as well. When you book an Adventure, we'll make sure you know exactly what you need to bring.
It depends on the Tour Operator whether or not you are welcome to bring your own gear, like a bike. Generally speaking, you should use the equipment provided by the operator: they ensure the equipment is well-maintenanced, they have the tools and spare parts on-hand to fix problems, and they are equipped to transport their equipment between excursions as necessary (for example, they know their bikes will fit on their bike racks). For highly personalized equipment with low-maintenance risks, like skis or snowboards, you can plan to bring your own gear.
How do I transport my bike, skis, snowboard, or other gear on an airplane?
To transport sports equipmenet on an airplane, you should purchase a hard-sided transport case that can be locked with a TSA-approved lock. Each airline has their own specific policies, including advanced notice, size restrictions, and/or additional luggage fees. Your travel advisor will help you navigate the rules and take the right steps to help you get your gear there safely.
Is travel insurance required for Adventure Travel?
You should always get travel insurance when you travel abroad, and depending on the Adventure you choose there may be specific minimum coverages required. Travel insurance covers the costs of a wide range of problems that can occur, including cancellations & delays, luggage loss, local medical services, and emergency medical evacuation in case of injury. Your personal health insurance or credit card coverage may not be enough, so we will always recommend a travel insurance policy suitable to the adventure you're going on.*
Do I need vaccinations before going on an Adventure Travel trip?
Every country has their own requirements for visitors and what vaccinations may be required, and your travel advisor will review these requirements and recommendations, and let you know what to plan for. You should expect that COVID-19 vaccinations will be required. While most Americans can travel to many places without other required vaccinations, staying safe and healthy is essential especially when you're a long ways away from medical services. Depending on where you go, you should speak with your doctor about yellow fever vaccines, malaria prevention treatments, pox vaccines, and ensure you are up to date with standard vaccinations like polio, tentanus, MMR, etc.*
*Outward Travel is not an insurance agent, nor do we provide medical services or advice. Always speak with a licensed professional on these topics before travelling.
