Travel advisors on what’s trending in adventure travel
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you like about booking adventure travel?
BG: I’ve been in the travel industry since 2017 when I realized the corporate world wasn’t right for me. I love getting to spend my days talking about exciting destinations. I think that adventure travel is such a fantastic way to learn about yourself, grow as a person and get out of your comfort zone. It’s always different and exciting – there’s always a new trending destination or activity. I’ve been to 71 countries, and there is still so much to see and do, and I also love getting to experience new destinations through my clients.
AL: My adventure as a travel agent began in 2018 with The Travel Agent Next Door. I love adventure travel as each experience is unique; each one reflects what resonates within you and where you leave a little piece of your heart. When most people think of adventure travel, they think of extreme activities like climbing mountains, skydiving, swimming with sharks, etc. But for me, adventure travel means the challenge of stepping outside my comfort zone. It can be as simple as trying a new food, taking a silly photo, or travelling to a destination that you’ve never considered before.
What’s trending right now when it comes to adventure travel? Where are your clients going in the next year for adventures?
BG: Southern Africa and the Middle East have been huge recently. I am still seeing a lot of clients book their big bucket list trips post-covid, so places like Galapagos, safari, Egypt – but with an exciting adventure component. I have also seen a big uptick in New Zealand enquiry. I did a FAM trip with G Adventures and Air New Zealand in November on a North Island Multisport trip, and a lot of my clients are pulling the trigger to visit New Zealand as well. Places like Costa Rica, Croatia, Peru and Thailand are also constantly popular – and for good reason.
AL: I have clients taking some bigger trips this year such as European cruises and adventure tours to more exotic destinations in Africa and the Middle East.
Do you have any interesting insights to share based on your bookings?
BG: I definitely find that most of my solo and/or adventure clients are women. Women want to check off their bucket lists in a safe way, and often really value making new friends and connections along the way. I am also hosting an annual hiking group, which is a group of multi-generational women. More and more women are pushing boundaries and focusing on active travel. I also think that luxury adventure is becoming hugely popular. Many of my clients want to hike, bike, and zipline, but want to travel in style, so there are lots of new trips popping up that really suit that need.
AL: I have shifted lately from booking a lot of family vacations to more exotic couples’ adventures as their children are older (i.e. gone on to post-secondary school).
Which adventure travel companies are the most trade-friendly and why?
BG: My top two are definitely G Adventures and Intrepid Travel. They do what they do very well. G Adventures particularly is very popular this year as a Canadian company, and for a good reason. They have wonderful BDMs (Hilary Arsenault at G and David Liotta at Intrepid) who are really agent-friendly and their promotions and incentives are great. I have hosted private groups with both companies and have more in the works.
AL: My favourite company to work with is G Adventures. I find they have an amazing variety of tours with a great price range. Their booking engine is very user friendly, and they have wonderful marketing resources for travel agents. And our support contacts within the company are always easily accessible for any questions or concerns that may need to be addressed.
What are some of the most epic trips that you’ve booked or have personally embarked on?
BG: I have been so lucky to have a huge amount of big adventures in the past few years. I have done two round the world trips, one solo in 2019, very much backpacking style, and one in 2024 for my honeymoon – both of these included camping safaris in Tanzania. There is nothing like waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of an elephant 20 feet from your tent! I’ve hiked in the mountains of Uzbekistan, rappelled down waterfalls in Costa Rica, slept in yurts in Mongolia, and backpacked solo across India for six weeks.
AL: Last fall I took a group of ladies on an escorted tour to Egypt and Jordan with G Adventures and we had the most epic adventure. From the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx to the treasures of King Tut’s tomb, Egypt is a marvel of ancient history, resilience and ingenuity. Jordan leaves its own legacy from floating in the Dead Sea to exploring Petra’s rose coloured carved stone to the magic of Wadi Rum (my favourite place). Every day was breathtaking. Earlier in my life, while travelling to India with my family, I saw the timeless Taj Mahal, a symbol of love and human devotion. While many of my epic adventures led me to experience ancient history, I have also snorkeled in the Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonders of the world. A truly memorable moment.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done during your travels?
BG: The first thing that comes to mind is the Haggas Honking Holes in New Zealand. This is a caving/abseiling expedition that I still can’t believe they allow people to do! You’re hundreds of metres underground with just a headlamp, abseiling down sheer cliffs, crawling through water-filled tunnels, and rock-climbing without any ropes. It was such a rush and truly reminded me that I can do anything, which is what I love about adventure.
AL: When I was in Egypt this past fall, I went on a hot air balloon ride for the first time, and it was even more amazing than I ever imagined it would be!
Do you have anything to add?
BG: No matter your travel style, I think that adventure travel is such a valuable and growing sector of the business.
AL: I would encourage people to think outside the box when they pick a destination to travel to. A couple years ago I would have never thought to add Jordan on my bucket list. Not only would I recommend Jordan for a bucket list travel location, but I have also now been there twice and plan to go back a third time (another escorted group in 2027) as it has become my favourite destination. The best part of going back to a country multiple times is you get the opportunity to see more, dive in a little deeper into the culture and truly experience the soul of the country. There is so much to see and explore and it is one of the most peaceful and welcoming countries I’ve ever been to.
