Outdoor Travel 101: Tips And Ideas For Adventure Seekers

October 5, 2023

Do you love to get out of the city and explore nature? Well, then outdoor travel is your kind of adventure!

Going on an ultimate escape outdoors is truly an incomparable experience. It brings a rush of adrenaline and serenity for people like you looking to dip your toes into a world of nature-based escapades.

In this blog, we will take you through some of the best outdoor travel activities you can do while exploring the outdoors. So whether you're an experienced camper, a climbing enthusiast, or simply someone who loves being outside, this blog is definitely for you.

Let's dive right into a list of adventures!

What Is Outdoor Travel?

Outdoor travel is a kind of travel where you focus on experiencing the natural world. This includes activities like hiking, rock climbing, camping, and other activities we will cover in this blog.

Often, outdoor travelers seek out destinations that offer stunning scenery, abundant wildlife & nature, and opportunities for physical activity.

Outdoor travel can be a very rewarding yet challenging experience. It can help you connect with nature, learn new skills, and push you outside your comfort zone.

Aside from that, it can even help you improve your mental and physical health and even create memories that will last a lifetime!

What Are The Benefits Of Outdoor Travel?

Here are some of the common benefits that outdoor travel can bring to your life:

Physical and mental health benefits: Outdoor travel can help to improve cardiovascular health, strength, endurance, and flexibility. It can also help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Educational benefits: Outdoor travel can teach people about different cultures, ecosystems, and natural wonders. It can also help people to develop new skills, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.
Environmental benefits: Outdoor travel can help to promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts.

Note that outdoor travel can differ depending on your budget and fitness level. There’s always something for everyone!

10 Outdoor Travel Activities You Can Choose From

outdoor travel

Hiking

What Is Hiking?

Hiking is an activity that involves exploring nature trails and pathways on foot. It's the art of exploring natural trails, often through forests, mountains, or coastlines. It’s an excellent way to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy breathtaking scenery!

What Are Important Things To Bring When Hiking?

Hiking Boots: Sturdy, comfortable boots with good ankle support to protect your feet and ankles.
Water Bottle: Stay hydrated on the trail with a reusable water bottle.
Backpack: Carry essentials like snacks, a first-aid kit, and a map in a comfortable backpack.

Pros & Cons Of Hiking

Pros: Connect with nature, exercise, and discover hidden gems.
Cons: Potential for sore muscles, weather challenges, and difficult terrain.

Star Gazing

What Is Stargazing?

Stargazing is an activity where you observe the night sky and celestial objects like stars, planets, and galaxies with the proper equipment. Undoubtedly, it's an enchanting journey into the cosmos, offering you a sense of wonder and perspective!

What Are Important Things To Bring When Stargazing?

Telescope or Binoculars: Enhance your view of distant stars and planets.

Star Chart or Astronomy App: Identify constellations and celestial objects.
Blanket or Lawn Chair: Lie back and enjoy the night sky.

Pros & Cons Of Stargazing

Pros: Deepen your understanding of the universe, find tranquility at night, and witness meteor showers.
Cons: Light pollution can reduce visibility and require patience to spot objects.

Fly-Fishing

What Is Fly-Fishing?

Fly-fishing is an artful form of angling that brings you to serene riverbanks, where you should cast a lure to entice fishes known as the "fly." Remember that fly-fishing isn't all about catching fish; it's also about casting your fly in the right rhythm, sprinkled with patience!

What Are Important Things To Bring When Fly-Fishing?

Fly Rod and Reel: Specialized equipment designed for fly fishing.

Flies: Various artificial flies designed to mimic insects or baitfish.
Waders: Waterproof clothing to stay dry while standing in water.

Pros & Cons Of Fly-Fishing?

Pros: Enjoy peaceful river settings, develop angling skills, and catch various fish species.
Cons: It requires practice to master casting and can be physically demanding.

Horseback Riding

What Is Horseback Riding?

Indeed, horseback riding is considered one of the most timeless adventures. It allows you to explore scenic landscapes while riding on the back of the horse. What a great way to bond uniquely with these majestic animals as you traverse open fields, winding forest paths, or even desert landscapes!

What Are Important Things To Bring When Horseback Riding?

Riding Helmet: Protect your head in case of falls.

Riding Boots: Comfortable footwear with a heel to prevent slipping from stirrups.
Saddle and Bridle: Necessary tack for controlling and riding the horse.

Pros & Cons Of Horseback Riding?

Pros: Enjoy the tranquility of nature, bond with horses, and cover more ground.
Cons: Requires some skill, potential for horse-related injuries, and unsuitable may not be suitable for all terrains.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

What Is Cycling & Mountain Biking?

Cycling is all about the freedom of the open road or trail. This outdoor activity involves pedaling on roads or designated trails. Mountain biking, on the other hand, involves a more off-road element with a rugged terrain.

What Are Important Things To Bring When Cycling & Mountain Biking?

Bicycle: Choose a road or mountain bike based on your intended terrain.

Helmet: Protect your head from potential falls or collisions.
Repair Kit: Carry tools, spare tubes, and a pump for on-the-go repairs.

Pros & Cons Of Cycling & Mountain Biking?

Pros: Great exercise, explore various terrains, and cover long distances.
Cons: Road traffic risks for cycling, technical challenges for mountain biking.

Whitewater Rafting

What Is Whitewater Rafting?

Whitewater rafting is an exciting water adventure where you ride an inflatable raft right through turbulent river rapids. Packed with adrenaline, this outdoor travel activity is best done in a strong-spirited team.

What Are Important Things To Bring When Whitewater Rafting?

Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Ensures safety in fast-moving water.
Paddle: Necessary for steering and propelling the raft.
Wet Suit and Helmet: Provides protection and insulation in cold water and rough conditions.

Pros & Cons Of Whitewater Rafting?

Pros: Thrilling experience, teamwork, and adrenaline rush.

Cons: Requires a guide for beginners, potential for capsizing, and physical exertion.

Rock Climbing

What Is Rock Climbing?

Rock climbing is like a vertical dance with nature. It involves ascending natural rock formations. This activity is undoubtedly a test of strength, agility, and mental focus. It's a thrilling pursuit that pushes your physical and mental limits!

What Are Important Things To Bring When Rock Climbing?

Climbing Harness: Safely attach yourself to ropes and climbing equipment.
Climbing Shoes: Provide grip and precision on footholds.
Helmet: Protect your head from falling rocks or accidents.

Pros & Cons Of Rock Climbing?

Pros: Physical and mental challenge, stunning vistas from high points, and a strong sense of accomplishment.

Cons: Requires proper training safety precautions and can be physically demanding.

Stand-up Paddleboarding

What Is Stand-up Paddleboarding?

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a water activity where you stand on a large board and paddle through calm waters. It involves balancing on a this large, stable board where you use a paddle to glide over calm waters. No doubt, Stand-up paddleboarding perfectly combines exercise with relaxation, allowing you to explore aquatic environments and marine life while soaking up the sun and scenery.

What Are Important Things To Bring When Stand-up Paddleboarding?

SUP Board and Paddle: Choose the right size board for stability and a paddle suitable for height.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Ensures safety, especially in open waters.
Leash: Prevents your board from drifting away.

Pros & Cons Of Stand-up Paddleboarding?

Pros: Relaxing, core workout, and an excellent way to explore calm waters.

Cons: Requires balance, susceptible to wind and currents, and may not be suitable for rough waters.

Camping

What Is Camping?

Camping is the art of temporary indoor living. It involves setting up a temporary outdoor shelter, usually in a tent, to enjoy the wilderness overnight. Camping offers a unique connection to nature, allowing you to wake up to the chirping of birds, the rustle of leaves, and the enchanting play of light and shadow on your tent walls!

What Are Important Things To Bring When Camping?

Tent and Sleeping Bag: Shelter and warmth for a comfortable night's sleep.
Camping Stove and Cookware: Prepare meals in the wilderness.
Headlamp or Flashlight: Illuminate your campsite at night.
Stuffable Camping Pillows: A stuffable camping pillow is a compact and lightweight pillow designed for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, backpackers, and travelers. Unlike traditional pillows, which are often bulky and take up a lot of space, stuffable camping pillows can be compressed and "stuffed" into a smaller size when not in use, making them highly portable and easy to carry in a backpack or travel bag.

Looking for the perfect stuffable camping pillow? Get it here.

Pros & Cons Of Camping?

Pros: Connect with nature, campfires, and stargazing from your tent.
Cons: Weather-dependent, potential for insects, and limited amenities.

Skiing & Snowboarding

What Is Skiing & Snowboarding?

Winter sports are all about embracing the magic of snowy landscapes. So, if you're looking for an outdoor activity that matches this season, skiing & snowboarding might be what you're looking for. Skiing and snowboarding are exhilarating winter sports that transform snowy landscapes into playgrounds of fun and adventure. Skiing offers the elegance of gliding down slopes using two skis and poles while snowboarding involves riding a single board down the hill. Trust us when we say there's no other activity that can bring the magic of snow like skiing & snowboarding can offer!

What Are Important Things To Bring When Skiing & Snowboarding?

Skis or Snowboard: The primary equipment for these sports.
Ski Poles (for skiing): Aid in balance and propulsion.

Snow Goggles: Protect your eyes from snow and glare.

Pros & Cons Of Skiing & Snowboarding?

Pros: Thrilling downhill descents, beautiful snowy landscapes, and great exercise.
Cons: Weather-dependent, expensive equipment, and potential for injury on the slopes.

FAQs

Is Sightseeing An Outdoor Activity?

Sightseeing can be indoor and outdoor, depending on the attraction. Some popular sightseeing attractions, such as museums, art galleries, and historical buildings, are indoors. Other popular sightseeing attractions, such as national parks, beaches, and mountains, are outdoors.

Whether or not sightseeing is an outdoor activity depends on your personal preferences. If you are interested in seeing natural wonders, then sightseeing can be a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. However, if you are more interested in historical or cultural attractions, you should focus on indoor sightseeing.

Here are some examples of outdoor sightseeing activities:

Visiting a national park or forest
Hiking to a scenic overlook
Walking through a botanical garden
Visiting a beach or lake
Biking through a park or trail
Taking a boat tour of a harbor or river
Visiting a historical site or monument
Attending an outdoor festival or event

What Is An Outdoor Travel RV?

An RV, or recreational vehicle, is a self-contained vehicle that can be used for travel and camping. RVs are available in various sizes and styles, from small campervans to large luxury motorhomes.

RVs are a popular choice for outdoor travel because they offer several advantages, including:

They are self-contained so you can camp anywhere with access to water and electricity.
They offer more space and comfort than a tent.
They have various amenities, such as a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters.
They are relatively easy to drive and maneuver.

What Are Outdoor Travel Trailers?

An outdoor travel trailer is a vehicle that is towed behind another vehicle. Travel trailers come in various sizes and styles, from small pop-up trailers to large fifth-wheel trailers.

Travel trailers are a popular choice for outdoor travel because they offer several advantages, including

They are more affordable than RVs.
They offer more space and comfort than a tent.
They have various amenities, such as a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters.
They can be towed behind vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and trucks.

Where To Travel For Outdoor Adventures?

There are many great places to travel for outdoor adventure. Here are a few suggestions:

National parks and forests: National parks and forests offer stunning scenery and a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.
Beaches and lakes: Beaches and lakes are great places to relax and enjoy the sun and water. Many beaches and lakes also offer swimming, fishing, boating, and other water sports opportunities.
Mountains and deserts: Mountains and deserts offer a variety of challenging and rewarding outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

Rainforests: Rainforests offer visitors a chance to experience a unique and diverse ecosystem. Rainforests are also great places for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.

Why Is it Important To Go Outside?

Spending time outdoors is important for both physical and mental health. Here are just a few of the benefits of going outside:

Improved physical health: Outdoor activities can help to improve cardiovascular health, strength, endurance, and flexibility. They can also help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Improved mental health: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost cognitive function.
Increased connection to nature: Spending time outdoors can help us to connect with the natural world and appreciate its beauty and wonder.

The Bottomline