If you’re looking to get more out of your holiday, one of the most popular ways is on an adventure tour.
Adventure tours have been revitalising the organised tour market, growing around 65% year on year since 2009. Traditionally seen as for retirees or hesitant travellers, the new adventure tourist is young, averaging around 36, often single and usually a working professional.
Modern lifestyles mean that being able to trek to Macchu Picchu or explore the Masai Mara don’t necessarily fit into a 2 week holiday, but modern adventure tour companies take the logistical hassle out of organising a trip. For your all in fee you often get all hotels, at least one meal a day, transfers, guides and fees paid.
Some of them include flights but it is often worth checking.
Types of Adventure Tour
City Tours
Locally based guides take you to see the essential sights and many secret ones too. You’ll be in a small group which means it is a more personal experience. Example: Cycle tours of Ljubljana or wine tours of Bordeaux.
Activity Tours
Small groups led by experienced professionals in a more exciting specialist sport. Mountain climbing or sailing are the most popular types but there are many options for different sports.
Multi Stop Tours
Over the course of 7-10 days (usually, although more or less are possible) you head around a country or region and see all the essentials. For example in Italy you would normally go Rome-Florence-Venice. Or in Kenya you’d go from Nairobi/Mombasa – Kilimanjaro – Masai Mara- Zanzibar. You’ll get to see all the essential sights and as the hassle bit is handled by a guide on the ground you’ll get to just enjoy the sights.
Obscure Destination Tours
Some countries are a little bit more tricky than the average to visit. Places like Bhutan or Tibet for example. Using an adventure tour guide saves you dealing with the bureaucracy and lets you get on with sightseeing.
Party Adventure Tours
If your idea of a good holiday is partying hard in glamorous locations with lots of beautiful people then consider the party option. Busabout are the main provider and cover festivals and party hotspots around the world.
What About The Accomodation?
As the modern traveller is more accustomed perhaps to ‘glamping’ than camping, there are options for everyone. From challenging mountain climbs to more sedate safari trips around Kenya or sailing around Greece or Cuba.
Some are geared more to luxury travellers, others to those willing to slum it. You will rarely end up somewhere really horrible as most places have been vetted by the guides or have an agreement with local hotels.
Of course, if you’re camping halfway up a mountain you can’t expect all mod cons. But for example, safari lodges tend to be well equipped.
Where Shall I Go?
To help get you inspired here are some of the best and most popular trips from the excellent G Adventures:
Get the latest deals from G Adventures
It’s an effective and affordable way to tick off those bucket list goals and see some spectacular destinations along the way. If you’re pressed for time or don’t have the inclination to organise a big trip, then you should definitely consider an adventure tour holiday.
Have you had an experience on adventure tours? Recommend any places or tour companies? Let us know in the comments below.
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