What Is Adventure Tourism?
If you’re bored of the same beach holidays and relaxing in the sun, adventure tourism might be a great option for your next holiday. Adventure tourism is all about visiting different parts of the world and taking part in new, exciting and physical activities whilst you’re on holiday. There are several levels of adventure tourism; it could be anything from a hike at the local nature reserve to something more adventurous such as diving with sharks.
Types of activities
Wherever you visit in the world, you’ll find a whole range of activities that can be considered adventure tourism. Here are a few common activities that you can participate in as part of an adventure holiday.
Hiking
You can hike almost anywhere in the world; before booking your trip, research the local area you’re visiting to find the best hiking spots. Perhaps it's up a volcano or a mountain, or even through the jungle. Hiking can be a great way to experience the location and see nature. If you’re hiking up to a higher point, you’ll get a great view of the area you’re visiting, giving you a different perspective and experience. Almost anyone can enjoy hiking, even if it's just for a few hours as part of your holiday. Make sure you have sensible shoes, the right supplies, and you know your route. A phone is recommended in case you get lost during your hike; a map can also help as there might not be any phone signal during your hike. Follow a marked route if you’re a novice or worried about getting lost.
Climbing
Climbing is a fun outdoor and indoor adventure activity that is physical and great fun. Climbing outdoors is the best way to enjoy this activity on holiday; you can explore new areas, and when you reach the top of the site you’re climbing, you’ll have a fantastic view. You can usually hire all the equipment you need to climb, along with an instructor from a climbing centre. Take a look at what’s available before you book this activity; you might need to travel to a different location to access the best climbing school.
Skiing and snowboarding
Many people love to go skiing or to snowboard each year on holiday. This adventure tourism activity is one of the most popular. There are many places worldwide where you can experience new and exciting slopes with your family and friends. You can usually hire all of your equipment at the ski resort to save on luggage costs. However, once you get good at skiing, you might want to take your own equipment. Shop around for the best deal on flights with extra luggage, and make sure you use the parking at Manchester airport or the airport you’re travelling from when travelling with skis or a snowboard. You can go on a skiing holiday as a complete novice, but doing a bit of practice at your local ski centre is a good idea to prepare you for the trip.
Advantages of adventure tourism
Adventure tourism has many advantages; most of the activities are physical, so you can improve your health whilst enjoying your vacation. In addition to the physical health benefits, adventure tourism is also great for the mind. When you’re participating in adrenaline-fueled physical activity, it releases endorphins which can improve your mood and your overall mental state. Taking yourself out of your comfort zone and participating in new activities is also great for your confidence and self-esteem. Many people also participate in adventure tourism activities alone but don't stay alone for long. It’s a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Sharing new experiences together will bond you and other people taking part in the activity; you might even go on to make long-lasting friendships during an adventure trip. One thing you’re sure to do is make memories; your trip will be filled with exciting moments and great memories that you can cherish forever. Some people find their passion when trying out new activities as part of a holiday. They might go on to continue enjoying that activity back home and on future holiday adventures. If you’re looking for a new hobby or passion, try out some activities as part of your next trip.