The term adventure travel is my new favorite buzz term. But not the way it's being used by the travel marketing gurus. It's not just reserved for cool gap-year hipsters or folks in mid-life crisis. It's about throwing away the travel guide and the online reviews. About realizing that even if you are in a new country or city you are not on Mars.
Really, anyone can add adventure to their travel and it doesn't require some over the top physical activity. It just requires a little less planning and letting go of what we know. Safety and practicing common sense doesn't mean you have to travel in a bubble.
Here are five easy ways to add adventure, experience everyday life, take some great pictures no one will ever have, and memories to last a lifetime.
Rent a car and drive
There is something about jumping behind the wheel of a car and navigating your way through town. The freedom of not having to be anywhere at a certain time and immersing yourself into an activity we think little about. Every city, region and country has different customs etiquette. You are on vacation, so grab a GPS and go. You'll be amazed at what you see and learn about the people and local area.
Take public transportation
The bus, subway, rickshaw, donkey. If you see people taking a mode of transportation, give it a try. It is great people watching and locals are often pleasantly surprised you've opted to join the ranks of every day life.
Get lost and find your way
This one is a hard one for many people. It is scary to not know your way around like the back of your hand. But this one is less about turning left instead of right, and more about enjoying the journey as well as the destination. I am by no means suggesting to walk into a rough neighborhood in the middle of the night. So ask for directions, go explore, ask for more directions, and turn a simple walk into an activity.
Eat somewhere not in your travel guide or listed on travel boards
In the day and age of reviews and recommendations, why not try a restaurant NOT on the list. Make your trip special with a choice other tourists may never have the chance to check-out. One of my favorite things to do is to ask a local where they love to eat or walk-in sans reservations to an establishment that looks fun. If this doesn't push you out of your comfort zone and into your environment...and fast -- little will. Language barriers that turn into an impromptu game of charades, having no idea what the dish is called in English, and some of the best meals and times you'll have on your trip.
Nothing planned days
They are often the free day on an otherwise packed vacation itinerary. The free day is typically bookended on the front or back of a trip, so you are either exhausted from the air travel or exhausted from the week or two of constant activity. One of the best things you can do for your sanity and to break up the hustle and bustle is a free day or maybe a few of them. Just because a pre-booked activity is not scheduled doesn't mean you will waste valuable sightseeing time. Some of the most fun activities are ones you book or fall upon once you are checked into the hotel. There may be a flyer in the common area for a bike ride around town or a cooking class. You may have passed a yoga studio while on the bus and decide to take a class. Heck go check out the grocery store and pick up some local snacks. That is always a fun way to see cultural differences and how similar we all are at the same time.
Next time you wonder if you have the coolness and guts to adventure travel. There is a little adventure in all of us, so let go and Travel - Eat Play Do.
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