Don’t consider yourself adventurous? You’re not alone.
When people think of adventure travel they assume hardcore adrenaline activities like rock climbing or survival situations. But the reality is most adventure travel is meant for everyday people.
Like you…
What adventure travel actually looks like:
Low-risk active experiences that don’t require special skills or months of training.
Simply fun things that challenge you just enough to feel worthwhile.
See why everyone is diving into easy adventure travel below.
What You’ll Learn
- What Soft Adventure Travel Really Means
- Why Easy Adventures Are Increasing In Popularity
- How To Get Into Easy Hiking Trails
- Gear Tips To Help You Out
- Choosing Your First Adventure Travel Location
What Soft Adventure Travel Really Means
Ok, so what IS soft adventure travel?
These are adventures that get you outside and moving without exposing you to extreme danger. Hiking a trail. Wildlife viewing. Kayaking on a calm lake. Walking tours through foreign cities.
Activities that don’t push you to the limits of human survival but still let you explore.
Wait, did you know that…
According to research, soft adventure activities accounted for nearly 65% of the adventure travel industry market share in 2024.
Basically, most travelers going on adventures aren’t scaling Mount Everest. They are enjoying softer adventures.
This might be the perfect introduction for families, couples, and solo travelers who want more excitement than sitting on a beach all day. If you aren’t looking to max out your fitness capacity, soft adventure has got you covered.
You don’t need any special training or gear either. Starting an adventure hobby can be as easy as lacing up a decent pair of sneakers. Check out the best beanies for hiking before you hit the trails.
Why Easy Adventures Are Increasing In Popularity
Adventure travel as a whole has been on the rise over the last decade.
Outdoor enthusiasts are craving unique ways to experience travel destinations. Anything that feels like an accomplishment is suddenly cooler than sitting by a pool.
And soft adventures make headlines for a reason:
- There’s no certification required
- Activities are lower risk with the right guides
- Adventures come in all shapes and sizes for every fitness level and age group
- Creates stories worth sharing
Everyone wants to feel alive when they travel.
You aren’t going to sign up to jump out of a plane first thing either. Most people want to dip their toes in without diving headfirst.
That first step is what soft adventure offers beginner travelers. Just enough excitement to feel rewarding without actually putting yourself in danger.
How To Get Into Easy Hiking Trails
If you’re looking for an entry-level adventure, hiking is the perfect place to start.
All you need is a decent pair of shoes and the willingness to put one foot in front of the other. Seriously. Hiking is for everyone.
The only mistake you can make is…
Choosing a trail that isn’t appropriate for your fitness level. Don’t prove a point by dying on Mount Everest on your first hike. Start small and gain confidence as you improve. This will help you stick with it.
Head to your local park and find trails labeled “easy” or “moderate.” These usually have clearly defined paths, trail markers, and aren’t too far. Most easy trails will be between 2-5 miles and less than 500 ft of elevation gain.
Along those lines, there’s always prep work you can do before hiking.
Pack plenty of water. Check the weather. Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return. Eliminating these common hiking mistakes will save you a lot of trouble.
We mention packing a good beanie because weather can change fast once you’re above treeline. Stay warm with quality hiking beanies that regulate your temperature and wick moisture.
Layers are your friends:
It’s easy to overdress when you start hiking. Don’t wear yourself out before you even begin your trail. Start with layers you can remove if you get too hot.
You’ll be surprised how quickly your body heats up.
Gear Tips To Help You Out
You don’t need expensive gear to get started with adventure travel.
Throw on a baseball cap and call it a day, right? Wrong.
Wearing the right equipment can be the difference between loving or loathing your experience. Smart choices can keep you comfortable, safe, and prepared for changing weather conditions.
So where do you start?
You know that hiking boots are important. After your feet, your clothing choices are most likely to impact your comfort. Here’s how to layer like a pro.
Start with your feet:
Trust me. You don’t want to let blisters ruin an otherwise incredible adventure. Spend the money on a good pair of hiking boots that fit well. Break them in ahead of time too!
Move up to your head:
Don’t forget about your head! A lightweight hiking beanie will keep you warm on chilly mornings, block the sun, and wick moisture away from your skin. Not all beanies are made equal. Browse Sun and Ski’s curated list of the best beanies for hiking.
And cover up:
- Base layer = fits snug against your skin and wicks moisture
- Mid layer = fleece or lightweight jacket for insulation
- Outer layer = windbreaker or light waterproof shell
Now you can add or remove layers as needed throughout your adventure. Temperatures can change quickly in the mountains. Layering allows you to stay comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
Don’t forget a quality backpack to store your layers and supplies.
Look for padded shoulder straps and enough room to hold water, food, and any extra clothing you may need.
Choosing Your First Adventure Travel Location
Picking the right location can make or break your first adventure vacation.
You want somewhere exciting that doesn’t overwhelm your current skill level. Too difficult = may cause frustration. Too easy = boredom.
Start at your local national park.
These areas typically have hiking trails for all skill levels. If you know exactly what you’re looking for, ask a ranger for recommendations. National parks also have some of the best infrastructure of any trail you’ll find. Clear markings and access to emergency services help beginners feel comfortable.
Keep the following in mind when researching your first adventure travel location:
- Know the trail difficulty ratings and how much elevation you’ll be gaining
- How far are you from emergency care?
- Is cell phone service available or should you tell someone your route?
- What’s the weather typically like this time of year?
- How crowded does it get? Consider off-season travel to avoid large crowds.
Speaking of local…
Start close to home whenever possible. Easy weekend trips help new adventurers gain confidence without taking on too much risk. Every successful adventure will encourage you to try more.
Guided tours are perfect for first-timers too.
You don’t have to navigate the trails or keep track of how far you’ve hiked. Guided groups manage the logistics of your adventure while you sit back and enjoy the ride.
Taking The Next Step
Life changing experiences are had during adventure travel.
Sure you’ll get outside and exercise a bit. But these trips challenge you mentally and reward you with memories that last a lifetime.
They also don’t have to be complicated.
Go hike a three mile trail in your nearby state park. That’s adventure travel. It doesn’t need to be expensive or deadly.
The adventure travel industry is growing every year because it gives people something. Adventure travelers feel capable. They feel accomplished. They feel healthy and alive.
You can feel that way too.
Grab a friend and start exploring. Adventure is waiting just outside your door.
