You must have read this quote from Mark Twain, “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” These words have a lot of wisdom and clearly reveal why adventure travel is good for you. It also states that in order to grow and to become the best version of yourself, you must seek new experiences and adventures.
For most of us, a vacation means lying by the pool or sightseeing the touristy places with strict timelines, drinking and eating with gay abandon and shopping. There’s nothing wrong in doing this on a vacation, but should you be doing that every single time? How about trying some adventure?
Adventure travel is a combination of exploring natural wonders and remote locations by doing activities like backpacking, hiking, biking, walking, rock-climbing, paddling, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, camping, diving, skiing, sledding, surfing, boating, rafting, fishing etc etc.
Let me share 5 reasons why you should embrace Adventure Travel…
- Good for your physical and mental health. Have you noticed that there’s a smile on people’s face after they’ve come back from an adventure activity. It’s like all the stress and troubles of life have vanished in the wilderness. Physical activity along with mental peace helps to regenerate and rejuvenate the body.
- Helps you to step out of comfort zone. I never thought that I could cross a valley using nothing but ropes or descend a vertical wall or a rock face. Activity like these helped me to realize my potential and created self awareness too.
- Helps you to cope with uncertainties. On an adventure trip, things don’t go as planned. There are uncertainties, alternate plans and challenges that eventually help us cope with the uncertainties we face in life.
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- Makes you happy in the long run. Research has shown that people with varied experiences are more likely to retain positive feelings than people who have fewer experiences.
- Broadens your perspective on life. Seeing new situations, learning about nature at its rawest, and experiencing new cultures and traditions will give a new perspective on life. The perspective you might gain in five years can be gained in a week long adventure trip. Till sometime ago, living without technology was unthinkable for me, but living at this remote resort in the hills for three days made me realize that I had not missed anything. FOMO – the fear of missing out had turned into JOMO – the joy of missing out.
So go on and be curious, seek some pulse-quickening experiences and push your boundaries as you go for your adventure trip, which can be as big or as small as you want it to be.
Have you gone on an adventure trip? Do you love adventure travel? Which is your memorable adventure trip?
My theme for this year’s Blogging from A to Z April Challenge is Notes from the Road, which has my thoughts, views, experiences, tips, stories inspired by my years on the road.
95 Responses
Great piece and someone told me that Mark Twain quote when I was 18 it’s stayed with me always
Aha! That’s awesome, Charlie. This quote is truly empowering!!
Your theme definitely took me by surprise since I was hoping about the regular 55ers. But nevertheless, change is always good!
I love adventure travel too. It is really like food for the soul.
I know what you mean. 😀
I was tempted to do 55ers this year as well, but thought to change that.
Oh yes, adventure can truly set your soul on fire.
This is a good start for the challenge. I have acrophonia but the list of adventures is not restricted to heights. There are a plethora of things for travel enthusiasts.
Oh! I can understand but as you rightly mentioned there are a LOT of adventure activities that do not involve heights like backpacking, hiking, biking, walking, paddling, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, camping, diving, skiing, sledding, surfing, boating, rafting, fishing… 🙂
I love the theme, and you start with a bang, Shilpa!
So agree with you on Adventure Travel, it perks up the spirit!
Loved reading your 1st post! Looking forward to more!
Thanks a lot for your kind words and support, Mayuri. Appreciate it.
True, adventure truly sets your soul on fire.
Arent you participating in this challenge this year??
Yup agree with you that adventure travel opens up your soul more towards nature and also stretching one’s own boundaries. I have been twice for river rafting and those memories will stay forever with me and are more dear to me than some others.
Alchemist by Paulo Cohelo #atozchallenge
Agree with you completely, Shalini. Adventure trips have truly made me step out of my comfort zone.
Oh, I love white water rafting and have done it numerous times and it is an exhilarating experience every single time.
Well, it’s sky diving for me. I have fear of heights but still went ahead and jumped (tandem jump) from 15000 feet. The exhilaration I felt during the free fall was something else.
A is for Absent Minded
Ah! I can imagine. Sky diving is on my wish list. Hope to tick it off sometimes soon!
Adventure travel is a great way to enjoy life.
True that 🙂
Agree, what’s the point of stationing oneself on a vacation when you can have an adventure. Great read, Shilpa.
True that!! So good to see you here, Kajal ♥
I am going to pin up all of your A to Z posts, Shilpa, and reread them, again and again, for I know these will inspire me to fulfil my dream of travelling alone someday!
Thank you for choosing this theme!
Looking forward to every travel post on this blog!
<3
Thank you so much, Shilpa. I seriously hope that your dream to travel alone comes true real soon.
Adventure in travel or in life, sure gives you happy moments to ponder about later in life. Agree it broadens perspectives and mature you beyond your own thinking.
True that. Adventure travel gives you some really exciting and exhilarating memories to cherish!
I like to believe i am always up for an adventure.
That’s a fantastic attitude to have, Antoinette 🙂
Interesting post. I love adventures and we had been on an adventurous trip to the highest peak in malaysia few years before. Although tiring, it was a breath taking experience. The moment we reached the peak, we were on cloud nine.
Aha! That’s so wonderful, Deepa. I am sure that all that tiredness would have vanished after reaching the peak 🙂
If you can call kayaking and basic scuba diving, then yeah I have done adventure travel. I’m wary of doing all these adventure activities but I totally agree that one needs to come out of their comfort zone to experience the new. What a beautiful start to the challenge. Happy A to Z, Shilpa 🙂
Oh yes, Kayaking and scuba diving IS adventure. Glad that you did them despite reservations. Such activities truly make you realize what all you are capable of.
Thanks Shalini, looking forward to your delicious recipes and Muffy Tales too 🙂
Such an upbeat enthusiastic start! I so agree with the smile on one’s face as they return, I smile every single time I am reminded of such acts! Sky diving from 13000 ft, a 100 ft rip-cord dangling 11,000 ft above sea level – boy, those were crazy! I still cannot muster courage for a bungee jump! But yes, adventure travel is a must!!
Deepa
A: A Catty Tale
Oh wow, you have some adrenaline pumping adventures, Deepa!
True, one may start with some inhibitions but once you go for it, it is an electrifying and a thrilling experience.
This is something I have very rarely done, I am ashamed to say. I need to change my lifestyle choices and this may actually feature in that
You have a busy busy life but yes, you must change that. Looking forward to your adventure travels, Roshan 🙂
Agree with all that you said! I love to travel and welcome every experience! What a great theme, Shilpa! I’ll be looking for your posts every day!
You have such a sunny outlook towards life, Vidya. Truly admire that.
Thank you and looking forward to read your inspiring posts too 🙂
Hi Shilpa. I’m with Paolo Coehlo 100%.
Trekking and walking and exploring new places is my kind of adventure.
And travelling is the thing that keeps me zinging with newness.
Wishing you a wonderful blogging adventure this April.
Alum Chine
That’s great, Arti. And that’s how it should be. taking a break from the routine and exploring the nature and beauty around is a must for everyone.
Thanks and looking forward to your interesting posts too 🙂
Totally agree! Adventure is anything that would make you get out of your comfort zone! I loved it when I did some parasailing but I recently realized I need to prep my body and lifestyle a bit more for some good hiking
Aha! Parasailing is so cool. Yes, you need to be fit for some adventure activities.
Enjoyed reading your post Shilpa, love the mark Twain’s quote, fear keeps me from trying some of the activities you mentioned:) I learnt the two words from you today FOMO & JOMO 🙂
I know, we have fear and inhibitions when we enter into new territory. It wasnt easy for me when I did Rappelling for the first time. You may read about it here https://shilpaagarg.com/2014/12/rise-fear.html
But once you plunge into such activities, it is an exhilarating experience.
The last point is absolutely true though I agree with the remaining 4 points. An adventurous travel wins over the fear of unknown and makes the mind broaden to accept any types of situations during the travel. Nice post, Shilpa.
yes, it actually helps you to step out of your comfort zone and makes you realize your potential. Thanks Sayanti!
Great post Shilpa, thank you! Looking forward to your Notes from the Road! Nothing gives me greater pleasure and hitting the road – Most memorable adventure for me? Maybe summitting Kilimanjaro ..
Wow, you have summited Kilimanjaro!!! That’s awesome and what can be more adventurous than this!! 😀
Thanks Susan, appreciate your support, always 🙂
I’ve always been scared of adventure sports. Your post makes me want to try it out at least once. Time to step out of that comfort zone. Interesting topic.
Yes, you must explore these adventurous activities. It will truly change you!! Thanks Sonia 🙂
Ha! I saw the title and thought of adventure travel simply as travel to exotic locales! It took a big sense of adventure to move from the US to China, and now we are looking at a second international move. But I see your point. I love hiking, and would happily go on a hiking trip to anywhere in the world.
(Found you through AtoZ)
Oh wow! Moving from US to China would be one great adventure trip!! All the very best for your next move and thanks for dropping by, Cassandra 🙂
Hi Cassandra! May I know your blog URL. Cant recognize your blog from the links on the AtoZ Sheet.
Notes From the Road – a wonderful theme which gives you much leeway to explore your journeys, real and metaphorical. Like you said, most of us prefer to stay within our comfort zone. Time to change that now, I guess! 🙂
Thanks Deepti. Yes, travel is an excellent way to break out of your comfort zone. It makes you do things that you never would have done earlier!
That Mark Twian quote has stayed with me for the longest time and my thirst for adventure is unquenchable. This post is such a beautiful reminder for most people who curb their instincts for adventure out of fear or just plain laziness. We must never let the streak for adventure die within us and keep it ignited for as long as we live. That’s when we would have lived life to the hilt.
What an incredible kick off post Shilpa.
My April Anecdotes, alphabet A: Anachronism
https://natashamusing.com/2018/04/a-is-for-anachronism-misplaced-in-time-atozchallenge/
Well said, travel is a great way to stretch out of your boundaries and explore not only your potential but the beautiful world out there. Thanks Natasha 🙂
I have never tried an adventure travel, but it sounds like something I’d like. And I don’t exclude that one day I will try it 😉
Oh you must, Sarah and you can make it happen any day 😀
Excellent theme and reasons, Shilpa! We get a lot of adventure tourists in my Ecuador town. The entire town is surrounded by a national forest (including islands) where people bike, hike, camp, kayak, surf, dive, snorkel, and swim.
Emily In Ecuador | Almuerzo – Good Lunch Choice in Puerto Lopez
Wow! How cool is that!! I am sure the locals would be actively involved in all these adventure activities as well. 🙂
Thanks Emily. Looking forward to know all about Puerto Lopez, Ecuador through your posts.
Absolutely! The locals are not only very active, many built businesses around these activities. Diving classes and trips, snorkeling trips, hiking guides, etc.
That’s awesome! Local economy thrives due to tourism sector!
In India, quite often a normal travel (including the daily routine commute to office) is an adventure in itself. 😀
Jokes apart, your post highlights the importance of adventure travel as against just going to someplace as part an escape from routine life.
Hahaha!! Yes, commute to office can be an adventure as well. Reminds me of my travel in Mumbai locals years ago 😀
Yes, adventure travel is a great way to break the monotony of routine!
Couldn’t agree with you more. In fact, my other blog (not the one I’m participating in A2Z with) is actually a travel blog so I totally get where you are coming from. Looking forward to reading more from you.
I saw your travel blog and it’s awesome!
Thanks for dropping by and seeing you around, Neha!
Can’t agree more Shilpa! Every point that you have described here as a reason makes total sense. This is not just a well written post but a well thought out one as well.
Thanks Medha, glad that this post resonates with you 🙂
I think I agree with all of those. It just takes me a while to psych myself into it!
I know what you mean, it’s challenging initially 🙂
We love to travel as a family more. But I’m scared of adventure travel until we visited South Africa, a beautiful place well known for adventures and fun. We had 3 days 2 nights stay at forest safari. That made us lovers of adventure travel. So I agree with every point you mentioned. Happy A To Z!!!
I remember seeing your updates/pics from your South Africa trip, Vasantha! It must be one amazing adventure trip.
Happy AtoZing to you too 🙂
The adrenaline rush in the body after an adventure sport gives a strange happiness and a definite clarity of thought. You mentioned some good points here, Shilpa.
Well said, the high that you get after these adventure activities is simply amazing! Thanks Varsha, glad that you liked this post 🙂
I love that quote! It makes so much sense. Nothing like adventure to shake you up and set things right. While I suffer from claustrophobia and vertigo, I do manage to include some adventure travel every now and then. It refreshes me completely.
Loved your theme and looking forward to the coming posts.
Yes, adventure travel should be a part of our life. Like they say, jobs fill your pockets, but adventures fill your soul.
Thanks, Soumya and I am looking forward to your posts too 🙂
What an awesome theme, Shilpa! Loved your post. I go with that philosophy anyway so I definitely try my best to live by that Mark Twain quote, as far as practicable! Will be watching out for your posts over the coming weeks and cheering on from the sidelines. 🙂
That’s such a great attitude to have, Esha. Exploring and learning on the go…
Ah! I wish you were joining us for this challenge.
Thanks for your support, Esha, it means a lot 🙂
I love adventure travel. I’ve taken adventure tours to Iceland and Ireland. Both were amazing.
Wow! Adventure tours to Iceland and Ireland, sounds awesome! 🙂
i 100% agree with everything you said. Travelling with like minded people too makes it awesome. Looking forward to read all your A to Z posts
Mrs Dash’s Tongue Twister for A
Very nice post. I agree: adventure travel is healthy.
Thanks Eva 🙂
Lot of truth and wisdom in Twain’s quote and also your post Shilpa. Nothing to make the travel come alive like some adrenaline pumping action!
You bet!! The rush of emotions on doing such challenging activities is simply amazing.
This all looks so exciting! I look forward to your posts. Do our brains deteriorate automatically as we age?
Thanks Shirley 🙂
I always try to inject a bit of adventure into holidays, usually with groups of like-minded folk. Sitting in the sunshine beside a swimming pool for a week is not for me!
My Friend Rosey – B is for Boyfriend
Yes, with like minded people, adventure trips are awesome. Thanks for dropping by, Keith. Good to see you here 🙂
I’ve never tried adventure travelling due to the fear that it brings with it, but I love travelling and exploring different places.
I know what you mean. But it’s all about overcoming these self-espoused limits. So go for it once, Rohan and it will change your perspective completely! 🙂
Thanks so much for participating in AtoZ! I’m excited to learn about more of your adventures over the next month!
Thanks Stacey. Looking forward to read your posts too 🙂
On my business trip to Switzerland I loved the paragliding experience. I was scared no doubt but paid the money online and then there was little I could do. It was a worthwhile experience which I will cherish for years to come
Paragliding!! How awesome is that!!
I can relate to the initial inhibitions and then the sense of surrender and finally the exhilaration!! 🙂
I did a bit of adventure travel years ago, in New Zealand, on a Magic Bus tour, but I must admit the only adventurous thing I did was walk on the Franz Josef Glacier. That was wonderful! I did watch others hang gliding and such, and my entire group watched the only member who wanted to do bungee jumping. My mother was with me and said she had always wanted to watch bungee jumping.
I have to agree that it’s a wonderful thing to do.
https://suebursztynski.blogspot.com.au/2018/04/blogging-to-z-2018-c-is-for-collins.html
Hope your mother did bungee jumping!! 🙂
I so agree with the FOMO converted to JOMO thing. Loved how in simple words you have surmised the need of adventure in ones life
Thanks Anupriya 🙂
Just reading this post has got my pulse racing hehe. You are so right. You mental framework completely changes after an adventure trip. Great post! And looking fwd to more posts through the month 🙂