An Overlanders Guide to Adventure Tourism
When planning an overlanding trip, most people overlook adventure tourism. They fail to realize that adventure tourism is an integral part of overlanding. After all, when you are in a foreign country with no real idea where the hell you are going, what else could it be called?
This guide will help you understand some basics about this amazing form of travel. This is not by any means a complete look at adventure tourism. It is only meant to provide you with the basics so that you can understand it better, and prepare yourself for what you are about to experience.
Let’s Get Started!
What is the Best Definition of Adventure Travel?
At the simplest level, adventure travel is a combination of outdoor activity and tourism. If one plans to do activities in foreign countries, there is a significant danger involved. Therefore, it is called adventure travel. Another definition that encompasses the danger aspect is that adventure travel involves venturing into unknown terrain or areas where you can get hurt or lost, etc.
It could be anything from going on a backpacking trip in the Andes to scuba diving off the coast of Mexico. If it includes outdoor activity and is outside your normal home turf, then it qualifies as adventure travel.
How Does Overlanding Fit into Adventure Tourism?
Since you now have a working definition of adventure travel, how does overlanding fit into that? It is simple.
Overlanding involves traveling, which means you are moving from one place to another. Traveling by ground clearly fits the definition of adventure travel. You have already covered that part.
Adventure tourism usually includes outdoor activities that involve some degree of danger or physical exertion beyond your normal day-to-day life. Overlanding is notorious for its physical demands.
There are several ways that overlanding can be considered adventure travel. They include;
Knowledge/Planning
A lesser-traveled route or a route that is not available on the Internet may be considered adventure travel. If you have no idea of what lies ahead, this is an example of adventure tourism. In addition to planning a route, there are several other kinds of knowledge you will need for overlanding trips. Knowledge includes how to read a map, how to use the GPS, etc.
Locals Knowledge
If you are in an area that is run by locals who do not necessarily speak your language, then you are most likely experiencing adventure tourism. The more isolated the area, or less traveled an area is, it automatically qualifies as adventure travel. For example, what would you call it if you were in Bali, Indonesia, and the only people who spoke English were your tour guide? This is not by any means an exhaustive list. Adventure tourism can be broad, but knowing what these definitions entail will help with logistics.
Unusual Activity
If your activities are considered unusual or out of the ordinary for the average traveler, they could be considered adventure travel. For example, if you decide to go hiking in Antarctica, this is an unusual activity for most travelers. To some, it may seem like a very normal thing to do. However, to meet the criteria of adventure tourism, it probably qualifies as such since not many people do that sort of thing.
Risk Factor
If your trip involves any risk (see the definitions above) then it could be considered adventure travel. This is especially true if you are traveling in areas that you do not know well or anywhere where there is a higher-than-average danger factor to activity. For example, if you were just visiting family and decided to go hiking in a Costa Rican National Park, this is adventure travel. In another example, if you decided to go tour the border between Pakistan and India on your way from Europe to Australia, then that would be considered adventure travel.
Language Barrier
If most people speak a language other than their native tongue but it is not a widely used world language, then it qualifies as adventure travel. In this situation, you could find yourself in some truly interesting and difficult-to-navigate situations. This is why local knowledge comes in handy when you are overlanding anywhere outside of Western culture (Europe, N America, Australia, and New Zealand).
In summary, overlanding can be considered adventure travel if it fits into any of the above 5 categories. In addition, overlanding is a combination of outdoor activity and tourism. Therefore, it can be considered adventure travel under any circumstances.
What are the Activities Involved in Adventure Tourism?
Adventure tourism can include many activities. They vary depending on what you are doing and where you are doing it. However, there are several common activities associated with adventure travel. Most of these are outdoor sports or physical activities. Here is a list of some that may occur during adventure tourism:
Hiking/ Trekking
This is probably the most common of all the activities associated with adventure travel. It is also considered to be one of the most physically demanding activities.
A hiker can expect to walk between 5 km/day and 50 km/day depending on the difficulty of the terrain.
Some people have hiked through all 7 continents’ mountain ranges, so if you are planning such a trip you will need to be in excellent physical condition.
Rock Climbing
This is another common outdoor adventure activity that people take part in when they are Overlanding.
Most beginners start rock climbing indoors and then move outdoors as their skill improves and confidence grows.
This is because most beginner climbers want to build up their endurance on indoor walls first.
Canyoneering
Descending rock formations, cracks, and cave systems by rappelling or climbing is another activity associated with adventure travel.
People do this sport for sport (it is very competitive) but it could also be done as an extreme sport to achieve physical fitness.
White Water Rafting/ Kayaking
This is probably the most common sport/ activity associated with adventure travel. It can take place anywhere there are rivers and rapids, but it does need fairly calm waters for beginners.
Anywhere where there are strong currents or big waves will not be suitable for beginners to white water raft or kayak.
Skiing/ Snowboarding
Are you going on an adventure tour during the winter season? If so, you might want to participate in winter sports.
Skiing and snowboarding are two of the most common winter sports and although they can be done anywhere that has snow, some locations are more suitable than others.
Hang Gliding/ Paragliding
This is another sport associated with adventure travel where you get to enjoy an aerial view of the location you are in.
There are normally two types of participants: professionals and amateurs.
Professional hang gliders and paraglider pilots have a lot more training than casual sportsmen do, so if you are going to participate in this sport then it would be best to learn from a professional or at least get some professional advice first.
Zip-lining/ Canopy Tours
This is one of the most common adventure activities available today. It can be found in many countries around the world, including New Zealand where it was originally developed. Zip-lining uses any sort of rope or cable to carry people from one point to another using gravity’s pull.
This happens by attaching a harness to your body and then literally allowing gravity to do the work for you. Some people even use this activity to train for rock climbing, by using zip-lines instead of trees or cliffs.
Hunting/ Fishing
Although these are common outdoor activities that many adventure tourists enjoy, they are not normally considered adventure sports.
However, there is a big difference between doing such activities for sport and doing them as part of an adventure tour.
So if hunting or fishing is what you like to do, make sure you tell your tour guide before the trip begins because they will be able to advise if it can be done during your trip or not.
Geocaching
This is a very modern activity that was developed in the late 1990s. Millions of people around the world enjoy taking part in geocaching and use it as an excuse to take regular breaks from work.
People hide containers all over the world and then tell friends where they are located so they can find them later on.
Mountain Biking/ Cycling
This is a sport that takes place both on and off-road. In recent times, many people have built tracks for mountain biking especially in urban areas where space is limited.
This has made mountain bikes very popular with overlanders because they can be easily transported in the car when going on a trip.
Beach Sports
Many beach sports are suitable for adventure tourists. Some of the most popular ones include beach volleyball, football, frisbee, and many other water-related sports.
However, if the beach doesn’t have organized sporting facilities, then simply laying on the sand could be sufficient to satisfy your craving for adventure while at the same time chilling out in a nice sunny location.
Scuba Diving/ Snorkeling
These two activities are normally done in the water and require people to be well-equipped to do them. However, they aren’t free activities; you will normally need to pay an entry fee or rent equipment such as flippers and a mask.
The rental for this kind of equipment is quite cheap though, so if you know that you want to do this sport but don’t have your own equipment, then renting will be cheaper than buying new gear.
All these adventure sports are excellent ways for you to experience new things or share with friends. Many of them can be done in urban areas, while others require you to explore the countryside where you will discover places unknown to most people who live there.
How to Choose the Best Adventure Travel Company
For an adventure tour to be successful you will need to choose the right travel company. There are many agencies that offer this kind of tour, but not all of them will guarantee your safety or comfort so it is important for you to do some research before choosing one.
So, what are the factors to consider?
- Safety
Safety is one of the most important factors to consider because if you are not safe, then all your other needs will go out the window. You should make sure that you read any reviews about a travel company before you sign up with them. If there have been complaints about travelers being injured or even dying on tours, then you should avoid that company.
- Social Responsibility
Another important factor to consider is whether the tour operator believes in supporting the community it works with. This will go a long way towards ensuring you have a great time on your trip, especially if you are able to interact with the local people that live there. So make sure that any travel agency you work with has a social responsibility policy that guarantees the respect of local culture.
- Accommodation and Food
The type of lodging on offer will depend on where you are going, but food will always be an important consideration because this is something that can affect your health. It might not seem like it at first, but even small things like the types of cutleries used in a country can affect your stomach.
- Cleanliness and Comfort
This is another thing that you must consider because if cleanliness and comfort are not guaranteed, then you could be put at risk of contracting some diseases even if the food is safe to eat. Taking part in adventure activities such as climbing or white water rafting will often mean that you are in dirty environments. If hygiene standards are high, then this shouldn’t be a problem, but if the agent doesn’t pay attention to these details it could have serious consequences for your health.
- Price
The cost of an adventure tour should be reasonable because if the price tag is too high, then you might not be able to afford it even if the tour is fantastic. If cost is an issue for you, then make sure that you find a travel agency that offers a variety of tours at different price points so that you can choose one that suits your budget.
- Trip Flexibility
Another important factor to consider is whether the company offers trip flexibility. This is important because not all of the tours on offer will suit your interests, so it is nice to know that you can change or even cancel your bookings. You should always read the terms and conditions before signing an agreement with any travel agency though.
- Reputation
The reputation of a tour operator is very important because it shows you what previous travelers have to say about the services offered. So make sure that you only book with a travel agency that has a good reputation, preferably from regular clients who have been on many tours before.
- Company’s Specialization
Some companies offer a variety of adventure trips while others will focus on just a few activities. This can have a big impact on the quality of an adventure tour, so you should try to find one that specializes in the activity or type of experience you are interested in.
- Booking Terms and Conditions
Before signing up with a travel agency you must always read their term and conditions because they will contain important information about the booking process and what you can expect from them. Make sure to read these thoroughly and if anything is unclear, ask the agent for clarification.
You may get all or some of this information from a travel agent, but the only way that you can be sure is by doing your own research. In general, all tour operators will provide similar services as they’ll have the same basic offering of activities and experiences. However, what makes each one unique is how these are packaged together and this will depend on the price you pay for them among other factors.
Which Are The Best Companies for Adventure Activities?
There are so many reputable companies for adventure activities out there. However, there are those popular companies that are well-known around the world because they have thousands of satisfied customers. Here are 6 such companies for adventure activities:
- Smithsonian Journeys
- Wild Frontiers
- G Adventures
- Elevate Destinations
- World Expeditions
- Country Walkers
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys offers an expert-led travel experience to some of the most sought-after destinations around the world. From the coastline of Maine, where you will get a glimpse into New England’s fishing culture in Acadia National Park; to Iceland with its fascinating natural wonders; and many other exciting destinations, Smithsonian Journeys guarantees unforgettable experiences that will bring you closer to the destinations.
Wild Frontiers
Wild Frontiers has long been a leader in cultural and adventure travel to remote places and offers overland safaris, wilderness camping, and trekking trips, mountain climbing adventures, and eco vacations. With an excellent reputation for responsible tourism – offering tours that respect local cultures and the environment – Wild Frontiers is one of the most sought-after adventure travel companies in the industry.
G Adventures
G Adventures is one of the leading adventure travel groups in the world, providing trips for more than 30 years with a variety of activities to choose from including hiking, cycling, and seeing wildlife on safari. G Adventures’ main aim is to provide an amazing experience that will shape you into a better person while creating a positive impact on the local communities that you visit along the way.
This company guarantees authentic, memorable travel experiences in some of the most exciting destinations around the world. From cycling across the USA’s Appalachian Trail to exploring African wildlife on safari, meeting inspiring people from indigenous cultures, and taking epic helicopter rides into the Grand Canyon – you can rest assured that G Adventures will meet your every need.
Elevate Destinations
Elevate Destinations is a group of high-end adventure travel companies offering upmarket vacations in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. They take pride in their exceptional level of service and the personal touch they add to every journey, which means that you get more than just a vacation, you get an Elevate experience.
World Expeditions
World Expeditions is an award-winning, world-leading travel company that was established in 1975. They are committed to responsible tourism, which means they provide their customers with unique experiences documented by high-quality images and storytelling while respecting the local environment and cultural heritage at all times.
Their World of Difference philosophy ensures that every one of their trips makes a positive impact on the people and environments visited, with a variety of trips available to suit all budgets. Join them on their next adventure, you will be glad that you did!
Country Walkers
Traveling with Country Walkers means you will experience all the excitement of traveling to fascinating places, but still have time for plenty of relaxation. This company offers a range of carefully planned tours, taking in breathtaking locations and enjoying activities such as bird watching or cycling. They are experts at creating great itineraries that give their customers the best possible experiences while delivering excellent customer service.
The above-mentioned 6 best companies for adventure activities will organize unforgettable trips that will give you an amazing cultural, outdoor, and wildlife experience. They are specialists in their respective fields and provide passionate service to their customers. Make sure to check them out!
Is Adventure Tourism Good for the Environment?
Having discussed, adventure tourism, we need to understand its impact on the environment. Our continent remains a child that we must take care of. In the era of global warming, many people have begun to understand that our planet’s security is endangered.
Therefore, is adventure tourism good for the environment? Adventure tourism is good for the environment. It is the type of tourism that encourages its participants to get off the beaten paths and allows people to be closer to nature. Many organizations are devoted to protecting our planet’s natural resources while allowing everyone to enjoy new experiences, which makes adventure tourism good for the environment.
The growth of environmental consciousness has triggered an increase in ecotourism, a kind of tourism that emphasizes the importance of nature and encourages travelers to get off the beaten paths.
The trend is more than just a favorable trend because adventure tourism’s popularity has contributed significantly to the development of many countries around the world. It brings in much-needed income for environmental protection.
Final Thoughts
Adventure tourism is good for the environment. However, there are some rules that need to be followed to protect our planet’s resources. These include respecting the local population and its culture, avoiding irresponsible behavior in protected areas, not touching wildlife or plants without permission, not lighting fires, or harming animals in any way. It is also recommended that tourists try to consume less and refuse single-use plastic.
In addition, if you are looking for a trip, visit the travel agencies mentioned in the article, they are among the best adventure tourism companies. They will help you create your dream trip!
