Originally published in MSN.com December 21, 2023
According to AARP, more older adults are participating in adventure travel, such as cycling holidays and expedition cruises, than ever before. Many older travelers favor smaller groups, which can sidestep overcrowded spots and form stronger connections with locals. Some are even considering traveling as a family as multigenerational adventures can create strong bonds that leave a legacy of special memories. Here are 16 exciting adventures for older adults to satisfy the desire to see the world and be fit and healthy while doing it.
1. Active in Crans-Montana:
Visit Best of the Alps destination Crans-Montana, Switzerland, for a variety of active pursuits amid majestic views of the Rhône Valley and 4,000-meter peaks. In summer, it offers hundreds of miles for walking, hiking, and biking, golf on the course that hosts the Omega European Masters, and lakes and ponds for swimming, paddling, and fishing. In winter, there’s skiing and snowboarding for all levels, and cross-country options from the village to the Plaine Morte Glacier.
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.
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 icebergs, penguins, seals and whales of the white continent. Each day, disembark to explore the frozen landscape with expert polar guides.
4. Indigenous Travel Adventures:
A visit to Wendake, Quebec can open up the world to Indigenous Tourism in Canada which would include both adventure activities and cultural experiences. A visit to the Huron-Wendat Museum provides deep knowledge of the history of a culture that is still alive and displays objects imbued with “a very tangible memory.” The permanent exhibition presents one of the rarest collections that takes you to the heart of Huron-Wendat culture.
If you are interested in Native American Tourism consider a tour of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. Although this is more of a cultural adventure, there are plenty of hiking and water activities to enjoy in the region. The last slide has a direct link to an itinerary in the Pacific Northwest.
5. 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 along the way. 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.
6. Yellowstone Adventures:
Set on the edge of Yellowstone in Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a basecamp 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Zipling in Gulf Coast:
Have you ever gone ziplining? Gotten back on a bike after 25 years? Kayaked with alligators? There are plenty of great adventures to be had on the Gulf Coast so pick something that makes you scared and just do it. Take a swamp tour in Louisana, paddle in Mississippi, and fly through the air in Alabama.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Via Ferrata in Quebec:
A via ferrata in Québec is both terrifying and exhilarating to most people. Can you understand why people do this death-defying activity? There are many road trips and routes you can take in the Canadian province of Quebec but seeking out these via Ferrata may be the ultimate outdoor adventure tour.
13. 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.
14. Hut-to-Hut Utah MTB Excursion:
The Aquarius Trail Hut System offers a backcountry mountain biking experience like no other. 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.
15. Yellowstone Family Rafting and Riding:
This three-day whitewater rafting and horseback-riding package from Flying Pig Adventures offers families the opportunity to experience the Yellowstone National Park area like never before. The thrill of witnessing one of nature’s most iconic environments, tackling rough terrain on horseback and running class III rapids cannot be found anywhere else.
16. 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.
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.
