Alternative vacations

Long before Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman parachuted out the hatch of a small aircraft like a couple of love-struck teenagers in the movie The Bucket List, the wheels of adventure travel were already well in motion.

The two characters were crossing one item off their “bucket list” — a collection of all the things they wanted to do before they died. Needless to say, many involved travel and lots of those involved stepping out of the bounds of everyday living.

Many of today’s travellers want more than beaches and sunshine for their cherished vacations: there is a growing demand for “more meaningful travel experiences” and it’s not limited to the under 30’s. Indeed, it’s Jack and Morgan’s age group who are increasingly opting for this alternative. No wonder adventure travel is such a fast-growing segment of the leisure travel market.

Adventure travel comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and what constitutes “adventure” is often in the eye of the beholder. From full-on, white-knuckle experiences like skydiving, mountain climbing or white water rafting to the gentler pursuits of hiking, biking or birding, the aim is to stretch the limits of the imagination and create experiences that are life-changing and unforgettable.

The most recent variations include volunteer vacations. Travellers (who, by the way, pay for their trips) have an opportunity to assist in building houses, schools, roads or tutoring local children and adults while experiencing the culture first-hand — this is not your run-of-the-mill beach holiday. For example, mainstream package holiday company Signature Vacations (available through Carlson Wagonlit travel agency) has introduced a volunteer component into trips to Costa Rica.

Even golf holidays can stretch your limits. Golfers are now adding an untraditional element of adventure to the traditional golf holiday by attending exclusive golf academies hosted by some of the world’s greatest professionals, or their swing coaches, or by developing a “bucket list” of must-play courses and scratching them off one at a time. Now that’s scratch golfing!

Spa vacations too have taken on a new essence. The emphasis has shifted from simple pampering to true wellness and life-affirmation — involving travel increasingly off the beaten path. Yoga and meditation escapes to such exotic locales as Sri Lanka, Sardinia, Mallorca and Lanzarote give you and your chakra an unforgettable vacation experience. Hosted by experts and teachers in the field, these holidays often include massage, therapeutic treatments, gourmet organic cuisine and excursions to local cultural sites.

When the balance between work and life seems to tip to work’s advantage, vacations can be a time to tip the scales back in your favour. Go on: maybe your next vacation will be filled with adventure!

At Carlson Wagonlit Travel, we can help you find the perfect holiday to suit your needs. Contact one of our experienced and knowledgeable travel consultants at 1-800 CARLSON (227-5766), or visit us at cwtvacationclub.ca/carp, to start planning your next adventure today!

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Simon Krži?

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