Ditch Traditional Travel And Go On An Adventure Instead
For us here at Benny's Boardroom, adventure is way of life. But, what exactly is adventure travel and how is it different from traditional travel?
When you think of adventure, you probably imagine a thrill-seeking experience that includes an exotic destination and requires certain physical skills. But, that's not the only type of adventure travel. It can be anything that includes a physical activity, some kind of a cultural exchange or a connection to nature.
You don't have to go far or have any special skills. You just need to be ready to take the road less travelled and willing to widen your horizons.
Why Choose An Adventure
Become Healthier
Hiking in the mountains, a safari in the desert, surfing in the Pacific Ocean - all of these adventures get your heart racing and keep you outside in the fresh air. Outdoor adventures that include physical activity are especially beneficial for your health. They strengthen your immune system, help you keep fit and prevent a range of common diseases like asthma, heart diseases, allergies, and many others.
But adventure doesn't just keep your body healthy, it soothes and invigorates your mind. Adventuring will help you keep your mind off the everyday stress, recharge your batteries and put a big smile on your face. Besides, an adventure will give you a sense of accomplishment and boost your confidence each time.
Test Your Limits
The adventure will challenge you and push your limits. It will force you to become a better, stronger version of yourself. That's why you should consider extreme adventure because you are probably braver and more capable than you think.
And we're not saying you should try base jumping in Norway or something as intense as that. You can just as well try something that's slightly scary for you like travelling alone to a far-off destination, diving with underwater creatures or going on a rafting trip. An adventure will make you get outside your comfort zone, help you think on your feet and prepare you for unpredictable situations.
Experience Nature Like Never Before
If you decide to go off the beaten path and immerse yourself in nature of the unusual destinations, you will experience it like never before. We're not talking guided tours, sightseeing and typical tourist spots. We're talking about hiking in Australia, zip lining in Canada, safari in South Africa or rock climbing in the US. An adventure will give you a chance to see nature from a completely different angle.
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in nature is to surround yourself with it day and night. You don't even have to go far - camp in a local forest, spend a week living out of a van in a national park or go backpacking and explore the world at your own pace.
If you're staying outside, make sure to bring a durable, water-resistant bag like the rugged North Face Base Camp 71L Med Duffel that fits all your camping gear and helps you stay organized during the trip.
Get Close To The Wildlife
Want to have a close encounter with animals in their natural habitat? Adventure travel can give you that as well. These unusual trips will not only let you immerse yourself in the nature but also help you get in touch with the wildlife of the area in a way you wouldn't be able to as a regular tourist.
Imagine coming face to face with a stingray while snorkelling in Maui, swimming with the biggest sea turtles in the world on Galapagos or driving past magnificent polar bears in Hudson Bay. Just remember to always respect the animals you come across; don't feed them and don't get involved with tours that exploit animals in any way.
Open Your Mind
Traditional travel will help you get to know other cultures, speak other languages, meet new people and try different food. But an adventure will open your mind and change your perspective of the world. It will help you become a part of another culture and live a completely different life for a while.
The point of an adventure is to let it change you and expand your horizons, so don't be afraid to try new things, learn and gain new experiences. Get outside your comfort zone, do something that scares you and become whoever you want to be while you're there. And then return home as a richer, more accomplished and more confident person.
Pick Your Adventure
Safari in East Africa
If you've ever wondered how it feels to stand face to face with incredible wild animals like gorillas, tigers, elephants and lions, there's no better place for it than East Africa. Head to Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda or Zambia and embark on the untouched, breathtaking African landscapes in search of the amazing creatures.
Undiscovered Zambia still offers walking safaris and brings the rawest viewing experience. Get a glimpse of the zebras, antelopes, giraffes, hippos and many other exotic beasts.
Cruising in the North Pole
When you think about cruising, you usually think of a vast blue ocean, exciting destinations and all the perks of a huge cruise ship. Well, scratch all that. A cruise to the North Pole is not your typical cruise. You'll be aboard a powerful Russian icebreaker making your way through the harsh Arctic.
On your expedition to the North Pole, you'll get a chance to stand on top of the world and get a bird's-eye view of the snowy vastness from a helicopter or a hot-air balloon.
Hiking in Thailand
Thailand is packed with adventure. Whether you decide to go on a pilgrimage to the sacred temples, explore Bangkok and other vibrant cities or get closer to the versatile marine life, there's something exciting to do wherever you turn. But, if we can single out one must-do activity in Thailand, it's hiking through the jungle.
There are numerous hiking routes in Thailand just begging to be explored, and they all include incredible scenery - lush valleys, dense forests, misty mountains and dreamy beaches. Although you'll get a chance to do trekking with elephants, we suggest you give elephants a break and opt for a scenic bike ride as a healthier and greener option.
Whether you're hiking or biking through the amazing Thai landscape, don't leave without a comfy backpack that holds all the essentials you'll need. Ample and versatile Patagonia Arbor Grande Pack fits any adventure in the outdoors.
Trekking in Peru
Machu Picchu is one of the most magnificent sights on the planet and a part of every adventurer's bucket list. But only the most serious travellers dare to trek the Inca Trail and see Machu Picchu from a different perspective. The combination of breathtaking mountains, fascinating wildlife and famous historical and cultural sites makes this trail one of the most gorgeous treks.
The iconic trek will take you around four days to complete before you finally get to Machu Picchu. If you're up for an even bigger challenge, you can try the ascend to Huayna Picchu but be warned, this is one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the world.
Water Sports in Australia
If you're a fan of surfing, snorkelling, diving, swimming and all other water adventures, just head to Australia and you won't regret it. This stunning continent offers an incredible array of water activities all across the Pacific Ocean and you'll not only get your heart rate up but also be surrounded by awe-inspiring vistas the whole time.
Surfing is one of the most popular water activities here, and it's no wonder. There are so many great surf spots with waves that suit all levels of skill. And those who prefer to explore the ocean rather than ride the waves must try snorkelling on the famous Great Barrier Reef while it's still open for tourists.
Whatever you choose to do, stay protected from cold and sun with a Patagonia Women's R1 Vest or a full-body wetsuit.
Extreme Sports in Yellowstone
Looking for an unusual, active vacation? Look no further than Yellowstone, one of the most beautiful and versatile national parks in the world. Millions of people visit Yellowstone every year looking to escape from the traditional way of travelling and embark on an adventure.
What makes this national park such a hot tourist destination is the plethora of exciting activities for everyone's taste. From hiking, trekking and horseback riding to wildlife watching, fishing and kayaking on the Yellowstone Lake. But, Yellowstone also attracts the daredevils from all over the world with great rock climbing, highline and zip line spots.
Adventure doesn't mean the same thing to everyone. Maybe for you it means flying off to a distant country and exploring the culture. Or, jumping out of a plane, diving with the sharks or just travelling somewhere solo for the first time. Whatever it is, you should dare to do it more often.
So, what do you say? Have we convinced you to ditch the traditional travel and join our ranks of adventurers? Let us know in the comments below.