Adventure Travel Experiences

Looking to do more than just see the sights on your next vacation? While lounging by the pool or checking out local shops is great for downtime, there are so many more adventurous escapades to consider to really get the most out of your time.

Below, we’ll go over some examples of travel experiences and trip ideas that are perfect for those craving an unforgettable escape from the norm.

Popular Adventure Travel Experiences You Should Consider

From jetting to parts unknown to checking out destinations closer to home, there are plenty of ways to strike out and have an adventure of your own. You could…

Undertake an Excursion to the Upper Peninsula

One experience that’s an absolute must in the Midwest is the Upper Peninsula. Encompassing more than 16,000 square miles of incredible national parks and scenic shorelines, this area has so much to offer outdoorsy folks. You can take the whole family to see not one Great Lake, but three as Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and a small part of Lake Huron are all touching this gorgeous and historic part of the U.S.

To get the most out of the trip, you’ll want to visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Filled with landscapes illustrating the passage of time, this beautiful area has something for everyone. Of course, those seeking some thrills shouldn’t just sit on the shore. Instead, there are exploratory hiking kayaking tours that can get you up close and personal with the distinctive formations of this remarkable shoreline.

Raft the Grand Canyon

The diverse topography out West provides a wide range of adventures. One such site that’s known around the world is the Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Attracting all kinds of tourists, this great gorge can be truly breathtaking from different angles, but especially at the bottom where daring voyagers raft the wild waters of the Colorado River.

Winding and rocky, this waterway runs through the gargantuan Grand Canyon as it has for millions of years. You can raft this rigorous watercourse — with the right booking and training — and experience an intimate encounter with this natural wonder as everyone else at the top peers down from a mile above.

Climb to Machu Picchu

If you’re looking to see a few wonders outside the U.S., a great place to start is with iconic Machu Picchu. Located in the Andes, this famous Incan citadel can be accessed by train or bus, but more active journeyers can make it there on foot. Approximately 26 miles long, the Inca Trail provides great vistas and one-of-a-kind insight into the Peruvian terrain over a five-day trek. You could also cut that short by opting to start at kilometer marker 104, which offers a similar experience but on a 24-hour timetable.

Trek Along One of the Great Walks in New Zealand

On a different side of the world, there are picturesque waterfalls, ice fields, and other natural marvels to take in while hiking one of New Zealand’s “great walks.” Requiring physical fitness and clothing for all weather conditions, these paths once walked by Māori tribes boast some of the best of New Zealand’s spectacles. Embarking on these multi-day journeys enables you to traverse thick forests, reach panoramic views such as Mackinnon Pass, spot exclusive wildlife, and so much more. Arguably, the most popular is the Milford Track, which takes roughly four days.

Heli-Hike In British Columbia

Making our way back to North America, there’s abundant adventures to be had in Canada’s British Columbia. One such expedition is combining the exhilaration of helicopter touring with high-altitude hiking. Available in the summer, these guided tours take you on a multi-day trip to see terrain that’s otherwise inaccessible during the rest of the year. Not for the faint of heart, you can climb along ridgelines and across alpine meadows to stunning panoramas not many other people get to see in-person.

Although this list is short, hopefully these five examples of how you can take your vacation to the next level have you on the right path to planning your next thrill-seeking adventure into the unknown. Happy travels!