In this article, you'll find everything you need to know about adventure travel. We'll help you resolve the typical doubts you might have before embarking on a trip of this scale: what to pack, characteristics of these trips, recommended destinations , experiences, etc. Adventure travel is a type of trip you never forget : you set off with a rucksack, but you return with thousands of rucksacks full of moments, lessons learned, people met, stories to tell... An adventure trip doesn't change your life, but it does make you think about it. We invite you to plan one of the most special trips you'll ever take, where you'll discover yourself, meet new people and cultures and, most importantly, travel to your favourite destination. Here are some tips and tricks to help you plan your next adventure trip.
What makes an adventure trip?
What does an adventure trip look like? The great thing about an adventure trip is that everyone experiences it in their own way. Although it is personal, there are certain aspects that tend to define this type of trip. These are as follows:
- Adventure travel is when you know when you're going and when you're coming back, but you're not sure what's going to happen 'during'.
- Adventure travel is an incredible source of personal enrichment. You can learn from others, immerse yourself in the customs of other cultures, eat their food, practise their rituals... It's an experience like no other!
- You'll meet lots of people. This is one of the main advantages of adventure travel: you'll always have the chance to meet travellers like yourself. This makes your trip even more rewarding. Exchange opinions and points of view, let them tell you about their lives and you tell them about yours, share personal belongings, eat together... all this will make your adventure trip unique.
- Adventure travel can be done alone . If you want a unique and different experience, this is the trip for you. You can go accompanied, but it's true that most adventurous travellers do it alone. One of the main aims of adventure travel is to meet people, so travelling alone doesn't mean you'll be alone all the time.
- You can travel with just the right people. One of the hallmarks of adventure travel is that it's frugal. No luxury, no five-star hotels... but that's precisely what makes it more authentic and real. What's more, you'll be able to travel with very little. With the exception of flights and other unavoidable expenses, you can eat dehydrated food, share with other people, sleep in hostels and so on.
The most popular trips for adventurers
An adventure trip starts with choosing the place you want to visit. However, it's true that some places offer more adventure than others. For example, it is strongly recommended that you choose a place where you can move around freely, i.e. where transport is not excessively difficult or expensive, where you can communicate and where you are interested in everything you are going to see. It's also interesting to note that it's mainly about nature.
Urban adventure trips are losing their appeal: they tend to be so organised and structured that the 'adventure' attribute is lost. What's more, the normal part of an adventure trip is to take part in adventure sports: risky sports, different activities, different transport... Something you'll find hard to do in developed cities that are better prepared for tourism. You can also opt for a combined adventure trip, during which you visit cities and natural areas. Here is a list of some of the most remarkable adventure trips in Europe. The ones we think you'll really enjoy.
Lapland
One of Europe's jewels, perfect for an adventure trip. Nature in its purest form, friendly and welcoming inhabitants: the reindeer, opportunities for adventure sports and a thousand and one places to discover.
Haute Maurienne
The last valley of the French Alps before Italy, the Haute Maurienne is another hidden gem of the Northern Alps. Home to one of the 10 most beautiful villages in France (Bonneval-sur-Arc), the valley lies at the centre of the Vanoise National Park, the largest protected natural park in France. With its picturesque mountain villages, high mountains, rock-climbing cliffs and immense wilderness where ibex, chamois and birds of prey bask, the valley is a little paradise for fans of the great outdoors!
Galicia
In the north-west of Spain lies a hidden treasure for surfers: Galicia. With its airs of Brittany, this strip of land is still little-known. Galicia is a cross between Brittany and the Caribbean. The landscapes alternate between cliffs, unspoilt beaches, turquoise waters and eucalyptus forests. It's a region that's still unspoilt and very little frequented.
Galicia is not just about wild beaches lined with white sand dunes and perfect waves. There's also a rich local gastronomy, including the famous paella. As the beaches are far from urban centres, the Galicians have specialised in fishing and seafood dishes. So it's the ideal place for any adventure trip combined with water sports!
The Gorges du Verdon
Do you dream of freedom, grandiose landscapes and spectacular views? The Gorges du Verdon, a not-to-be-missed diversions in Provence, France and Europe, are waiting to take you on an unforgettable journey! Considered France's "Grand Canyon", it's the biggest canyon in Europe, and a great place for hiking, climbing and white-water sports. But whatever your activity or size, you'll feel tiny in the face of its immensity.
Ireland and Connemara
This is a fantastic and truly amazing option. The wilderness is full of vivid colours, Ireland trekking from Galway is a cultural and wild adventure!
This list is just a suggestion. As we've already mentioned, you're on an adventure trip, and you decide what you want to see and enjoy. Iceland, France, Sweden, Finland and Slovenia are some of our adventurers' favourite destinations for their tailor-made trips. The world is a very big place and there is a lot to see. Plan your destination and experience your adventure trip for what it is: unforgettable and unique.
What should you take on an adventure trip?
On an adventure trip, it's a good idea to pack everything you need for what might happen, but take it in moderation so as not to carry too much weight. Don't forget that you'll be moving around a lot and that you'll always be carrying your luggage on your back. It's also important to bear in mind that, depending on your destination, you'll probably need to take medicines, mosquito repellents, personal hygiene products, etc. as well as your usual clothes and shoes.
Below is a list of things you shouldn't forget:
- Underwear . Cotton socks are particularly important. Don't wear too many to avoid being overweight; you can wash them when you need them.
- Shoes . Comfortable shoes are essential, as you'll be moving from place to place during your adventure.
- Shorts and long trousers . Because you can have unexpected temperature variations, and it's best to be careful
- Long-sleeved and short-sleeved T-shirts , for the same reason. What's more, long sleeves are perfect for avoiding mosquito bites.
- Fleece, for the coldest days
- Sun cream for the body and face
- Basic dental hygiene
- 4-in-1 soap (hair, body, washing-up, laundry)
- Mosquito rep ellent
- A good first-aid kit with medicines such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, ointment for bites, plasters, saline solution and fortasec. It goes without saying that if you take any medication on a regular basis, you should take it with you, but make sure you calculate the quantities you'll need.
- If you are a girl, bring intimate hygiene products such as sanitary towels or tampons. Depending on your destination, these products may be hard to find. And, as we've already said, it's best to be safe.
- Sleeping bag . If possible, one that takes up very little space.
- Documents and cash , because you never know when you'll need them, and your destination may not have ATMs nearby.
It's advisable to pack everything in a bag that's as comfortable and light as possible. Try to organise everything so you know where everything is, as you may need something urgently.
Tips for the best adventure of your life
As we've seen, adventure travel is unpredictable, so it's best to keep an open mind. Based on past experience, the best advice you can give is to make the most of your trip. Make the most of the experience and let yourself be carried away by what you get to know. Take note of everything we've told you to pack, and try not to take too much or too little. Also take the opportunity to get to know yourself a little better and appreciate everything you have. You'll come back more patient, more tolerant and with more joie de vivre. Start your journey of adventure. This is your time. Enjoy it and live it.
What kind of adventurers are these trips for?
Adventure travel has the enormous advantage of being chosen by the traveller. As a result, we believe that these trips are designed for all types of people who are a little curious and keen on adventure travel. You choose your own destination, so you also decide the level of adventure. For the more adventurous, there are more adventurous activities to undertake during the trip. But the more cautious who are looking to get out of their comfort zone can also be targeted: it's an incredible way to meet people and places that will make you think about your life and the choices you make.
