Adventures For All Ages

Adventure travel is one of the best ways to build stronger family bonds. You see new places, and you also do something together that you will still be talking about years later. Whether you are up for rainforest hikes, ancient ruins or wildlife safaris, adventure travel lets you share the joy of discovery with your nearest and dearest.

I plan adventures for every age group, from easy-going explorations to demanding ones, and I tailor each journey so that every member of the family finds something to enjoy. I have visited every destination in this article myself. Below I cover what adventure travel offers each age group and where I would take families, adults in their 20s and 30s, and travellers in their 50s, 60s and beyond.

A family walking in woodland, a safari group watching a rhinoceros, a Mayan temple and a reindeer sleigh in the snow

The Joy of Sharing Adventures

One of the best things about adventure travel is how it brings generations together. It is easy to get caught up in busy lives, and a trip lets everyone slow down and connect through what they share.

When grandparents, parents and children travel together, they enjoy time with one another and learn from one another. Grandparents share their wisdom and tales from past adventures, while the younger generation brings fresh perspectives and boundless enthusiasm. That exchange of stories creates a bond that only travel can.

It is also about belonging and identity. Younger family members get to try things their parents or grandparents once did, which connects them to their family history. A trip can become a way to discover roots and leave something for future generations. My article on multigenerational travel planning covers how to make that work in practice.

The Perks of Adventure Travel for Different Age Groups

Adventure travel is like a gift box with something for everyone, no matter their age.

For Children and Teenagers: Adventure travel lets them step out of their comfort zones and build life skills. They learn to find their way around new places, tackle challenges and adapt to different cultures, and that builds resilience, adaptability and problem-solving.

For Adults: Adventure travel is a chance to break from the routine and reignite the adventure within, whether that means climbing a mountain, snorkelling in clear water or immersing yourself in local cultures. It refreshes the mind, body and soul.

For Older Travellers: Adventure travel is a chance to relive youthful dreams and share new experiences with loved ones. Some older travellers postponed their plans while raising families or building careers. Now they can fulfil those dreams alongside their children and grandchildren.

A child at an airport window, hiking boots beside a mountain lake, snorkelling over a reef and a couple on a beach

Adventure Travel Destinations for Families

These destinations give families adventure and room to enjoy it. You can see more on my page for family adventure holidays.

Costa Rica: Zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, white-water rafting, the Arenal Volcano and hiking in national parks such as Manuel Antonio, with birds, monkeys and nesting sea turtles to watch. See family adventures in Costa Rica.
New Zealand: Known for dramatic landscapes and a good fit for adventurous families. Try bungy jumping and skydiving around Queenstown, the Tongariro Crossing, and the geysers and mud pools of Rotorua. See family adventures in New Zealand and my seasonal guide to New Zealand.
South Africa: If your family loves wildlife, safaris in Kruger National Park are the draw, alongside Cape Town, the Garden Route, the beaches and whale watching at Hermanus. See family adventures in South Africa.

Adventure Travel Destinations for Adults in Their 20s and 30s

For this age group, adventure is a way of life. Here are three destinations that deliver it.

Iceland: Glacier hikes, ice caves in the colder months and snorkelling in a dry suit between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates at Silfra, where the water is 2 to 4°C. The Northern Lights show from late September to late March. I wrote about my own Arctic voyage and about when to go in each region.
Peru: The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is a four-day trek. Permits are limited and the trail closes in February, so book well ahead. Add the Amazon rainforest and sandboarding on the dunes near Huacachina, which rise up to 500 metres. See my page on Peru.
Thailand: Rock climbing on the limestone cliffs of Railay, which you reach by boat, diving in the Similan Islands, which are open from mid October to mid May, and street food, markets and temples.

Adventure Travel Destinations for Travellers in Their 50s, 60s and Beyond

Italy: Hiking in the Dolomites from late June to September, with September often the best month, and cycling through the vineyards of Chianti. The grape harvest in Tuscany and Piedmont falls in September.
Canada: Kayaking on mountain lakes from May, hiking in the Canadian Rockies in summer and whale watching, with blue and humpback whales off the east coast in October.
Norway: Fjord cruises, coastal towns and the midnight sun, which runs from 20 May to 22 July in Tromsø. Trolltunga is a challenging 27 kilometre hike of 10 to 12 hours, open from mid June to mid September, so it suits fit walkers.

A fjord at sunset and a humpback whale breaching

How I Can Help With Planning an Adventure for All Ages

Planning a multi-generational adventure does not need to be complicated, but it does need to suit everyone. I plan the route around the energy, interests and mobility of each family member.

As a travel agent I have 30 years of adventure travel experience, and I have visited around 80 countries myself, so my advice comes from experience and not from a brochure. This is a personal service from start to finish. I plan the route and book every part of it, and if anything changes while you are travelling, you call me and I deal with it.

Adventure travel brings generations closer. You explore new places and discover the world together, with room for personal growth, shared experiences and stories that are passed down.

Ten Tips for a Trip Everyone Enjoys

Here is how to make the trip work for the whole family:

Choose Activities for All: Pick activities that suit different fitness levels so everyone can join in, and choose destinations with a mix of easy and challenging options.
Allow Time to Relax: Balance adventure with rest days or leisurely activities.
Involve Everyone: Ask each family member what they want from the trip while you plan, so their interests are included.
Consider Individual Needs: Match accommodation, transport and activities to specific needs and preferences.
Embrace Flexibility: Be ready to adapt your plans around each person’s energy levels.
Capture the Moments: Take photos and videos so you can relive the highlights.
Try Something New: Encourage each family member to step out of their comfort zone and try something they have never done.
Share Stories and Experiences: Take time during the trip to share stories. It deepens your bond.
Create Traditions: Establish traditions during your adventure. They add meaning to your trips and become something to look forward to on future adventures.
Disconnect from Technology: Put the phones away and be present. It deepens connections.