Originally published in GearMinded December 6, 2023
Arecent AARP article concluded more older adults are participating in adventure travel, such as cycling holidays and expedition cruises, than ever before. The report also revealed the average age of Adventure Cycling Association members, 63!
Many older travelers favor smaller groups, which can sidestep overcrowded spots and form stronger connections with locals. And multigenerational adventures can create strong family bonds that leave a legacy of special memories.
Here are 13 exciting adventures for older adults to satisfy the desire to see the world and be fit and healthy.
1. Active in Crans-Montana
Visit the Best of the Alps destination, Crans-Montana, Switzerland, for various active pursuits amid majestic views of the Rhône Valley and 4,000-meter peaks. In summer, it offers hundreds of miles for walking, hiking, biking, and golf on the course that hosts the Omega European Masters and lakes and ponds for swimming, paddling, and fishing. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are available for all levels, and cross-country options are available from the village to the Plaine Morte Glacier. https://www.bestofthealps.com/en/d/crans-montana/
Trip Summary: Crans-Montana, Switzerland, offers a breathtaking backdrop for active pursuits.
Summer Activities: Walking, hiking, biking, golfing, swimming, paddling, and fishing.
Winter Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country options.
Best of the Alps – Crans-Montana
2. National Parks RV Trip
Blacksford rents fully stocked Mercedes-Benz Sprinter overland adventure vehicles from Winnebago with an all-inclusive pricing model that includes unlimited miles, bedding, kitchen and bath supplies, a free annual pass to the national parks, 24-hour roadside assistance and no generator fees. Use the AdventureGenie AI-powered RV trip planner to plan an unforgettable vacation.
Trip Summary: Fully stocked Mercedes-Benz Sprinter overland adventure vehicles for rent.
All-inclusive pricing: unlimited miles, bedding, kitchen/bath supplies, national park pass, and 24-hour roadside assistance.
Use the AdventureGenie AI-powered RV trip planner.
Blacksford – National Parks RV Trip
3. Fly to Antarctica
Book a fly-and-cruise expedition to Antarctica through Adventure Life and avoid sailing through the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage. Instead, fly two hours from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, then board the Magellan Explorer ship and cruise among the white continent’s icebergs, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day, disembark to explore the frozen landscape with expert polar guides.
Trip Summary: Fly-and-cruise expedition, avoiding the Drake Passage.
A two-hour flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island.
Cruise among icebergs, penguins, seals, and whales.
Adventure Life – Classic Antarctica Air Cruise
4. Treasures of the Seine
Cruise France’s Seine River from Paris to Le Havre and back with Silver Travel Award-winning Riviera River Cruises, taking in cultural and historical treasures. Explore iconic Paris, walk through the medieval city of Rouen, visit Monet’s house and the gardens of his paintings, honor the memory of World War II heroes on Normandy’s historic beaches, see the pastel-colored waterfront houses of Honfleur’s harbor, and more.
Trip Summary: Cruise France’s Seine River, exploring cultural and historical treasures.
Visit Paris, Rouen, Monet’s house, Normandy’s historic beaches, and Honfleur.
Riviera River Cruises – Paris-Normandy Historic Treasures of the Seine
5. Yellowstone Adventures
Set on the edge of Yellowstone in Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a base camp for adventure throughout the year. Guests can hike, bike, and horseback ride on nearby trails, float or fish the Gallatin River, explore the national park’s natural wonders and wildlife, snowshoe and snowmobile a wintry landscape, or ski 5,850 acres of terrain on Lone Peak, returning to the comfort of The Wilson’s suites.
Trip Summary: Basecamp for adventures near Yellowstone in Big Sky, Montana.
Activities: Hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and winter sports.
Explore the wonders and wildlife of Yellowstone.
The Wilson Hotel – Big Sky, Montana
6. Cycle Across France
From the culinary capital of Lyon to the wine mecca of Bordeaux, this epic cycling tour with Ride & Seek meshes remarkable pre-historic sites with a gastronomic odyssey across southern France. The tour is defined by a remarkable diversity of cuisine, landscapes, and history along the route.
Trip Summary: Epic cycling tour from Lyon to Bordeaux.
Blend of pre-historic sites and gastronomic delights.
Diverse cuisine, landscapes, and history.
Ride & Seek – Cro-Magnon Lyon to Bordeaux
7. Amazon Ecolodge Adventure
Experience the astounding biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest during a stay at Ecuador’s Sacha Lodge. The 5,000-acre private ecological reserve surrounding the lodge is home to more than 600 bird species and other wildlife, providing guests an up-close opportunity to learn about the rainforest from naturalists and native Quechua guides.
Trip Summary: Experience biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest.
5,000-acre private ecological reserve.
Learn from naturalists and native Quechua guides.
Sacha Lodge – Amazon Ecolodge Adventure
8. Jackson Hole Glamping
Wyoming’s Fireside Resort offers 25 luxuriously outfitted tiny house rental units designed by Wheelhaus just a short distance from Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson Hole ski slopes, making it the perfect place to stay for a winter ski trip. https://www.firesidejacksonhole.com/
Trip Summary: Luxurious tiny house rentals near Grand Teton National Park.
Designed by Wheelhaus, it is a short distance from Jackson Hole ski slopes.
Perfect for winter ski trips.
Fireside Resort – Jackson Hole
9. Galapagos Yacht Adventure
The Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel has joined forces with Scalesia Galapagos Lodge to offer a weeklong program that includes day trips aboard the yacht Sea Lion, glamping in luxury tents on Isabela Island, and visits to remote locations that highlight the incredible diversity of the archipelago.
Trip Summary: Weeklong program with day trips aboard the yacht Sea Lion.
Glamping in luxury tents on Isabela Island.
Explore diverse locations in the Galapagos archipelago.
Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel – Yacht Adventure
10. Tour de France in Italy
Join Tourissimo in Emilia Romagna, Italy, this summer for a once-in-a-century cycling vacation. Guests will stay at the luxurious Lungomare 4-Star Bike Hotel in Cesenatico, witness the Tour de France live, and cycle between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains.
Trip Summary: Cycling vacation in Emilia Romagna, Italy.
Stay at the luxurious Lungomare 4-Star Bike Hotel in Cesenatico.
Witness the Tour de France live and cycle scenic routes.
Tourissimo – Tour de France 2024 Italy Start
11. Hut-to-Hut Utah MTB Excursion
The Aquarius Trail Hut System offers a backcountry mountain biking experience. A system of five huts furnished with beds, a bathroom, and a fully stocked kitchen has been strategically placed along a 190-mile route through some of Utah’s most scenic backcountry.
Trip Summary: Backcountry mountain biking with a system of five huts.
Fully stocked with beds, bathroom, and kitchen.
A 190-mile route through scenic Utah backcountry.
Aquarius Trail Hut System – Utah MTB Excursion
12. Montana Horseback Fly Fishing
Travel by horseback into Yellowstone National Park’s interior and cast for trout on seldom-fished streams guided by the experts at Flying Pig Adventures. Whether for a few hours or a full day, a family or a group of friends, Flying Pig will handle all the details for a unique Yellowstone fishing excursion.
Trip Summary: Horseback travel into Yellowstone National Park.
Guided trout fishing on seldom-fished streams.
Unique Yellowstone fishing excursions for various durations.
Flying Pig Adventures – Fly Fishing in Montana
13. Cycle California’s Coastline
Escape Adventures is excited to offer a six-day cycling tour of California’s Central Coast from Santa Barbara to Big Sur. Tour highlights include the iconic Highway 1, Piedras Blancas Light Station, Monarch Butterfly Grove, Harmony Headlands State Park, McWay Falls, Point Lobos, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and cycling the world-famous 17-Mile Drive.
Trip Summary: Six-day cycling tour from Santa Barbara to Big Sur.
Highlights: Highway 1, Piedras Blancas Light Station, Monarch Butterfly Grove, 17-Mile Drive, and more.
Escape Adventures – California Coast Big Sur Road Bike Tour
These 13 adventures cater to the active older adult seeking a blend of exploration, fitness, and family bonding. From Switzerland’s majestic landscapes to the Amazon rainforest’s biodiversity, each experience promises physical activity and the creation of cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
Since 1992, we at Escape Adventures have been blessed to shape and lead adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world. Each successive season, our passion for adventure grows through memorable moments with our guests. Fresh air, faith, fitness and friends are the building blocks for our ventures, the treasured experiences that keep us moving forward. For those of you who have trekked and traveled with us over the past quarter century, Heather and I express our sincerest gratitude. The memories are priceless.
