“Oh, the places you’ll go.” —Dr. Seuss
Are you seeking adventure in your life but are
not sure how to find what may fit you best? One of the rewards of getting older
is we have more time, expendable income, and confidence about what we want. Best
of all, we can enjoy exploration and receive many health benefits at the same
time.
The trend today in tourism is the demand for
“experiential travel” which means to be more authentic, immersed in culture,
active, and adventurous.
Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone by
adding a little adventure to your trip can improve your mood, keep you sharp,
boost your self-confidence, strengthen your immune system, and help you cope
better with life challenges. Traveling can help with everyday life stress and
teach you to relax.
What Does Adventure
Travel Mean?
Adventure travel has a different meaning for each
individual. You may believe getting out of your comfort zone qualifies as
adventure. That idea can include anything from experiencing a different culture
to extreme sports.
To someone else it can mean avoiding the
touristy places. Another person’s adventure can have a spiritual or changed
life meaning.
How Do I Know I’m
Ready?
Your type of adventure should be based on your fitness level more than your age. For example, you may be in good condition to walk through cities, visit museums, etc., but need more endurance for kayaking, running, or hiking.
If a certain trip on your bucket list requires
a higher fitness level than your current one, consult with trainers and medical
authorities who can evaluate what steps you need to take to be in shape and
ready to accomplish the trip.
Where to Find
Adventure
Adventure can be as easy as exploring a new city or national park. Perhaps you want to go a little further and experience other cultures and lifestyles or visit a different country.
Maybe you have dreamed of a big adventure to
push the limits by climbing a mountain, trekking across country, or cycling
long distance. A wide variety of choices are available if you’re ready to find
the right fit for you.
Check Out the Options
Many organizations offer excursions ranging in
effort from easy to strenuous. All the details of the trip can be handled for
you, or you can choose options within the itinerary. It’s up to you and your
preferences.
Once you find an area of interest you can
research online the available options to see what will work best for you.
You Don’t Have to Go
Alone
If you enjoy meeting new people and traveling
with others in your age group, look for companies that cater to women over 50.
The advantages to traveling with a group include
planned excursions and guides. By traveling with a group of like-minded people
you can create new friendships, feel safer, and share the fun.
Fitness Adventures
If you are looking for a trip that requires
physical activity, check out what training you might need.
For example, if you want to do a long-distance
race in another part of the country or overseas, you can investigate a
charitable organization that will help train you and arrange transportation
while you fundraise for them.
If you want to climb a mountain, you will need
to research the best company to hire and what they will expect you to
accomplish during the trip so you can train. If you are going on a cycling trip
that includes steep grades you need to be aware and build the fitness needed.
All these types of travel are available for a
variety of physical levels. Learn what you want to do so you can prepare and
make the experience the best of your life.
The great outdoors is a wonderful place to
find adventure. Safaris, white water rafting, camping, and backpacking can open
your world to a new appreciation for nature. There are many options based on strain
and length of time.
Try a new experience and then work up to a
longer, more intense one. For example, you might hike the Appalachian Trail for
a day, a week, or the entire 2,200 miles.
A safari can include wilderness day trips with
luxury lodges in the evenings or you can commit to a rustic tent after a day in
the savanna. The best part is, you have choices and can grow and take your
adventurous side to a new level.
Check Out What Is
Close to Home
Don’t forget to explore the treasures in your
own backyard. We often think we must travel to distant lands to seek adventure.
But consider what is accessible and not too far away.
First look at the public parks in your area
and the tourist attractions. Next, explore the city’s museums or other public
buildings. Research what makes your town and surrounding area special and why
others come to visit.
Adventure Giving
Back
Finally, if you are looking for a deeper involvement, find volunteer opportunities. This can be a way to share your knowledge, time, and skills with others. There are opportunities throughout the world to help and teach others while you experience a new culture.
Whatever you choose, you can expand your
knowledge, make new friends, and enjoy additional health benefits – all while staying out of your comfort zone.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What do you think about adventure travel? Have
you done it? Where have you gone to seek adventure? Where would you like to go
next? Please share your thoughts with our community.
