Avid thrill-seekers are nothing new; people have been climbing mountains and trekking through wild jungles since humanity gained consciousness. Now, we can do it in style. 

There has been a recent rise in Adventure Travel, which makes sense for several reasons. The integration of social media into daily life turns a picture from the top of a mountain into a perfect main feed post. The purpose is not just for vanity, but for connection. Starting conversations with other like-minded adventurous individuals. These connections can be cultivated within the actual excursion or online by sharing the experience. 

The high of a story post is nothing compared to that of a majestic waterfall. By doing both, the dopamine is completely maximized. It is important to consider why we do things like climb Mount Everest. The sense of accomplishment after is astounding. 

Rebecca Long, who climbed Mount Everest in 2023, said of her experience: “I love meeting these people that are just as crazy about mountains as I am and just the adventure and challenge of trying to tackle something cool and huge and dangerous. I also just learned how to stand up for myself, too, just with the diverse teammates that I’ve met and just having to learn how to be confident in my own choices and stand up for myself.” 

@alpineviolist on Instagram

There is something to be said for putting yourself in an extremely stressful situation for the purpose of learning and self-reflection. The adrenaline puts things into perspective and shows what is important. Adventure travel is not for the faint of heart.

Long’s experience was interesting to read about because it focused on her learning about herself and self-advocacy. Someone else might learn a completely different lesson as they climb Everest; these experiences teach us how to appreciate life and shift our outlook. It’s as though climbing Everest is a bespoke reflective experience for the mind.

There are also slightly more relaxed options for that adrenaline rush, such as a safari helicopter ride through the Hana Rainforest in Maui, Hawai’i. Offered by Maverick Helicopters, take in the majestic nature of Hawai’i. What sets this experience apart is the private guide from the pilot. The main draw of an adventure like this, and another facet to the adventure travel fascination, is taking the time to properly appreciate nature and learn about it from a knowledgeable source.

Irev2350 on Tripadvisor

One guest said: “(Pilot) made us feel comfortable from the very beginning, explained the process in great detail, and was a great guide. It felt like he was excited to take us on this tour and show us the beautiful island, and not like he had done it a hundred times before. Landing in a private, cleared field in the rainforest was a highlight and something that made this tour different than others.”

Tripadvisor.ca

For a colder adventure, Seabourn offers an Arctic cruise that departs from Reykjavik, Iceland and explores the coast of Greenland and several glaciers. This is yet another example of the link between adventure travel and a deeper connection to nature. Via onshore walks and onboard views, guests can see glaciers up close and personal. They also offer kayak experiences dedicated to witnessing the Northern Lights. 

Seabourn.com

Nature is such an important and innate aspect of humanity; it is important that we appreciate it in whatever fashion deemed comfortable. Rebecca Long’s Instagram post is so cool, but her testimony is far more impactful. Adventure travel is perfect for social media, but it is even better for our minds.