Why Adventure Travel and Wanderlust Destinations are More Accessible Than Ever Before

Sharing memories and experiences in Iceland. With a like-minded group, you will spend your time talking about the fun stuff and not dwell on your own worries.
Sharing memories and experiences in Iceland. With a like-minded group, you will spend your time talking about the fun stuff and not dwell on your own worries.

Editorial Manager

From epic winter holidays to paradise beaches basked in summer sun, aspirational travel destinations often seem out of reach to casual holidaymakers. With careful planning, research and a bit of common sense, however, you can now plan a dream escape without breaking the bank.

The way we travel has changed in recent years. The global pandemic was obviously a major factor, but other financial constraints and more social awareness over environmental issues has resulted in a more savvy consumer looking to make the most of their holidays. The term ‘holiday’ has become something of a misnomer itself with remote working and life experiences changing what we typically assume people want from their time away from home.

What travellers want in 2023

Martine Langerak, Head of Communications for Sunweb Group, said: ‘After a difficult few years, the travel industry is set to explode in 2023 and we are seeing an increasing number of people seek out an active or adventure holiday. Thrill-seeking holiday-goers are looking to make up for lost time and with the winter season well and truly here, ski resorts are seeing a pick-up in adrenaline junkies, both experienced, and beginner.’

‘When it comes to the appeal of holidays focusing on a specific activity such as skiing, or snowboarding, people want time to recharge and push the pause button,’ Langerak adds. ‘You can try resorts such as La Plagne, Alpe D’huez or Les Arcs if you are finding your feet on skis or a board for the first time as they offer a number of wide, green and blue runs for practicing turning safely.’

The appetite for adventure and wanderlust is nothing new. Exotic destinations such as Bali have always been popular but are now being framed as places that you can reach on a budget.

Morning yoga session. Ubud, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia

Adventure and Wanderlust without breaking the bank

All-inclusive holidays remain a cheap way of getting away, but the limits these types of experiences offer tend not to appeal to modern travellers. There’s a place for simply sitting on a beach with a good book for a week, but what about doing more when visiting a new destination? Our collection of Epic Trips and Mini Trips have full itineraries that let you explore with a seasoned Local Insider with the flexibility of extending your break to include downtime if you want. With activities and transfers taken care of costs are kept low but you still get a premium experience.

If you search for your dream destination today you’ll find more flights and places to stay on offer. This competition has resulted in a general reduction in costs, although it’s fair to say recent economic concerns have seen some expenses increase.

If long flights and sun lounging aren’t your idea of heaven, then a short trip to a winter wonderland might just tick both boxes for adventure and wanderlust. Iceland is understandably at the top of many people’s bucket list and is conveniently located between Europe and America. Heading to such a cold destination does mean you need to have appropriate attire, but there are options to get fully kitted out without draining your account.

Mountain Warehouse has a variety of outerwear suitable for all conditions that also look good. These outfits are also practical enough to wear at home, and given adverse conditions across Europe and North America you can also have something to wear when you get off the plane and head into work.

Even novice skiers can look good on the slopes with the right attire. Practical outerwear like this from Mountain Warehouse can be used on the slopes or in winter at home.

Adventure travel becoming more affordable means that savvy travellers can enhance their experiences with some careful planning. With a variety of typically ‘wanderlust’ destinations also now actively reaching out to potential visitors, all you have to do is pick where you want to go and commit to making the most of your time off in the near future.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Winter Sale Offers on Our Trips

Incredible Savings

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