Adventure Travel - Myths Busted!
While this profile is also of an adventure traveler,
it’s not everyone. Lets burst some myths about adventure travel today.
What adventure is to one person, may not be to
another. So before we get started, let’s define what adventure travel is.
For the purpose of this post lets say it’s a combination of two or more of
the following: Physical activity, interaction with environment, state of
mind, getting out of your comfort zone and cultural exchange.
MYTH #1: YOU NEED
TO BE YOUNG TO BE ADVENTUROUS
THE TRUTH: This is a poor excuse that is far
overused. Adventure knows no age. It’s never too late to try something new and
get out of your comfort zone. Adventure travel is about connecting like-minded
people. I would much rather swap stories over a campfire with a 60 year old
hiking enthusiast than go to a raging party with a bunch of 20 something
backpackers any day.
We met a 55 years old lady in Goa, India who was
swimming deep in the sea. When we had a conversation over beer in a shack, we
were surprised to know that she just returned from Nepal from a 6 days rafting
down the river adventure trip and was here to relax.
MYTH #2: ADVENTURE TRAVEL IS EXPENSIVE
THE TRUTH: Sure summiting Mount Everest is an
expensive feat but not all adventures are expensive. Adventure is everywhere.
You don’t need expensive gear or to go to far flung places to find a worth
while pursuit.
Many of the adventures Antonio and I have done cost
very little money. We spent 4 days hiking the remote treks of Bhutan for
less than Rs. 200 per person. This cost was only for food, that’s Rs. 220 a
day, less than a coffee at Starbucks.
MYTH # 3: YOU NEED TO BE A SUPER ATHLETE TO GO ON ADVENTURES
THE TRUTH: Fitness can make a long hike or
paddle easier but it’s not a barrier. Adventure is about overcoming more mental
challenges than physical ones. Guided tours normally have four intensity
levels to choose from: easy, moderate, challenging and strenuous.
Meet Jochas (pronounced Ho-cha-s). He is 140kg and
competitive triathlete. Along with swimming, cycling and running Jochas also
enjoys other outdoor pursuits like hiking. It’s clear he is one big dude but he
doesn’t let his size slow him down.
MYTH #4: ADVENTURE
TRAVEL IS DANGEROUS
THE TRUTH: Adventure, by definition, involves risk.
However, when you calculate and prepare for it, the chance is greatly reduced.
As I mentioned from the beginning, adventure is different for everyone. Push
your limits a bit but within reason. Little steps make you feel
comfortable taking risks.
MYTH #5: YOU
NEED TO BE A SKILLED OUTDOORS PERSON
THE TRUTH: Just because you don’t have
experience in the outdoors doesn’t mean that you can’t learn. From rock
climbing schools to surfing camps there are lots of options if you want to
learn new sport.
Let’s use scuba diving as an example. It
only takes 4 days to become a certified diver which you can do while on
vacation in many places around the world. If you just want a taste of the sport
but not sure if you are ready to invest the time and money learning it, there’s
options too. You could do a Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) course which takes
about 2 hours, involves learning 3 simple skills and is a great introduction to
the world of diving.
All these myths were in my mind too but gradually as I stared traveling and experiencing from every activity, I got this profound enlightenment over the course. Go ahead, take the adventure trip, it brings you closer to yourself. Cheers!
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