Best Adventure Travel for Beginners

Scrolling through pictures on social media of backpackers on mountain tops or canoeing across a wild river, you think: "I want that!" But you don’t know where to start?
This guide is for you!

Based on the 70 best-known adventurous travel experiences, we have investigated and scored which are the most suitable for novice adventure travelers and which require more experience and preparation.

• Top Adventure Travel Experiences Ranked (table)
• Frequently Asked Questions about Adventure Travel
• Methodology (how did we investigate)

Which adventure travel tourism are best for beginners?

It can be overwhelming to start out as an adventure tourist. There are so many experiences to choose from. We have gathered 70 of the most popular adventure travel experiences, according to Lonely Planet and TripAdvisor as well as our own in-house travel experts. Each experience we have investigated and scored based on difficulty criteria:

1. Physical strength: What should be your fitness level for this experience?
2. Remoteness: How difficult is it to travel to the location of this experience?
3. Cost: How expensive is it to take part in this experience? (excluding travel and accommodation costs)
4. Adrenaline level: How much will this experience get your heart pumping?

The table shows adventure travel experiences ranked from easiest to hardest. In the search bar, you can search for specific categories, countries of experiences (for example 'Hiking' or 'Portugal'). You can also sort the table on any of the four criteria that you find most important. Clicking on the name of the adventure experience will bring you to an external website for more information. Find out more on how we researched this list in the methodology.

Please note, these are subjective and approximate ratings based on the general nature of these activities and locations and information on the website of tour providers. They may vary depending on specific circumstances such as the traveler's physical condition, the service providers chosen, the time of year, and many other factors. It's always advisable to do thorough research before embarking on these adventures.

Top 3 adventures for beginners

From our investigation, the following 3 adventure tourism experiences came out as most suitable for novice adventure travelers... * drum roll *

#1 Boat trip to the grottos of Ponta da Piedade
The Algarve coast has many secrets in its caves and bays that you can only explore from the water. There are many tours offered in this area, ranging in cost from $20 to $40 per person. You can hire your own boat (up to 50 feet without a license), but we recommend taking a tour with a local guide. They can tell you everything about the area and you can support a local business at the same time. This experience is the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure and is suitable for any level of adventure traveler. That's why it's at the top of our list!

#2 Driving the Transfăgărășan Highway
Often called the best road in the world, this is an experience you don't want to miss. Rent your own car from Bucharest Airport. A 3-hour drive will bring you to road 7C, a.k.a. the Transfăgărășan Highway. It's not an easy drive, and the winding roads and high cliffsides will make you feel every bit the adventurer. With your own rental car you can stop at your own pace and enjoy the amazing views. The highway is only open in the summer period, due to snow blocking the road in winter times.

#3 Bike around Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat Temple is an amazingly inspirational place to explore. The complex is also very big. A carbon-free, adventurous way of exploring the area is by bike! Bike hire is available in Siem Reap without pre-booking and often doesn't cost more than $5 per day. From the city it's a short 4.5 miles drive to the complex. There is a bike lane running 14 miles around Angkor Archaeological Park which is an easy way to explore the area. The area is quite flat, so the cycling isn't very strenuous. At the same time you'll need to keep your wits about you. Perfect for a novice adventure traveler!

Frequently asked questions about adventure travel

How to travel out of your comfort zone?

Stepping out of your comfort zone is about embracing new experiences and sometimes pushing your personal boundaries. Start by trying out activities that are slightly outside your comfort zone, like tasting new cuisines, navigating a new city, or trying a new sport. Gradually, you can move on to more challenging adventures. Remember, it's about personal growth and having fun!

Do you need to be very physically fit for Adventure Travel?

The level of fitness required for adventure travel depends on the type of activity. Some adventures like hiking, climbing, or trekking require a moderate to high level of fitness. Others, like sightseeing tours or wildlife safaris, require less physical exertion. In our adventure experience table you can check if your desired experience fits your fitness level.

How do you travel to Adventure Travel locations?

Transportation to adventure travel locations varies depending on the remoteness of the destination. Local transport, like buses or trains, may be available for some destinations. In more remote areas, you may need to arrange private transport or join an organized tour.

How much does Adventure Travel cost?

The cost of adventure travel varies widely based on factors like the destination, the type of adventure, and the level of luxury you prefer. Some adventures can be done on a budget, while others may require a significant investment. Decide for yourself how much you want to spend on the experiences on your bucketlist. If you're spending a large amount on an experience, it may be worth looking into travel insurance. This way, you'll be able to get a refund if you're not able to join a tour due to delays or sickness.

How to know which adventures are safe?

Ensuring safety during adventure travel is crucial. If you're booking an experience, check if the provider follows international safety guidelines. A good tactic is to always let someone else know your itinerary and location for the day, for example your accommodation provider or family back home. Consider using location-sharing technologies like AirTag for added safety. If you're going off without local guidance, always ask for local advice in advance. The locals know the area and what to look out for.

What should an adventure traveler pack?

Packing for an adventure trip depends on the nature of your adventure. If you're joining a guided tour, necessary equipment will likely be provided. However, if you're backpacking or going solo, you'll need to carry your own gear. Essential items often include sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, a first-aid kit, and navigational aids. Check out our handy packing list for more ideas. Always double-check what will be provided and what you'll need to bring.

Methodology

If you're curious about how we crafted this guide to the best beginner-friendly travel experiences, here's a peek behind the scenes.

1. Selecting the Adventure Experiences

Our first step was selecting the right mix of adventures. We aimed for a variety that would excite every kind of traveler. So, how did we find these experiences? We consulted popular platforms like Lonely Planet and TripAdvisor. Specific sources used to compile the list are Lonely Planet, Unmissable Adventures, Lovely Planet, Accessible outdoor adventures and TripAdvisor, Nature Outdoors Traveler's Choice. In addition, we drew from our own colleague's wide array of travel experiences. This comprehensive approach allowed us to gather a diverse set of adventures from around the globe.

2. Criteria for Comparison

To give you a balanced view of each adventure, we came up with four key criteria:

Physical Strength: This refers to the level of physical fitness required. It answers the question, "Can anyone try this, or do you need to be in good shape?"

Remoteness: This gauges how easy it is to reach the adventure location. It tells you whether it's a straightforward trip or if you'll need to undertake a mini-adventure just to get there.

Cost: This criterion provides an estimate of the financial investment you'll need to make. We've tried to distinguish between budget-friendly experiences and those that might require a bigger budget. This includes gear you might need to purchase to perform the experience safely.

Adrenaline level: This criterion assesses potential safety risks. It gives you a sense of whether the adventure is relatively risk-free or if it's something that will get your heart pumping. International credentials of safety are included in this assessment.

3. Scoring

With the adventures and criteria in place, we then scored each experience. This process involved extensive research and cross-referencing of multiple sources and agencies who offer the experiences. However, keep in mind that these scores serve as general guides, and real-life conditions can vary.

4. Creating the Table

The final step was to compile all this information into an easy-to-read table. Each adventure is listed with its country, the ideal starting city, and scores for each of the criteria.

While we're confident we have provided accurate and helpful information, we encourage you to do your own research and preparations to ensure the best possible adventure. Happy travels!

Get ready to complete your bucket list!