Skip to content

Top Navigation

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Trip Inspiration
  • Travel Guides
  • World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises
  • Travel Tips
  • News
  • Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Explore

    Explore

    • World's Best

      The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by you. Read More Next
    • The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2021

      Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2021. Read More Next
    • Let's Go Together Podcast

      Start listening to T+L's brand new podcast, Let's Go Together! Hosted by Kellee Edwards. Read More Next
  • Trip Inspiration

    Trip Inspiration

    • Trip Ideas
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Spring Travel
    • Summer Travel
    • Fall Travel
    • Winter Travel
    • Solo Travel
    • Romantic Getaways
    • Luxury Travel
    • Beach Vacations
    • Adventure Travel
    • Road Trips
    • Family Travel
    • National Parks
    • Holiday Travel
    • Travel Photography
    • Photo of the Day
    • Culture and Design
    • Travel Deals
    • Attractions
    • Amusement Parks
    • Festivals and Events
    • Bus and Trains
    • Flight Deals
    • Budget Travel
    • Hotels and Resorts
    • Disney Vacations
    • Airlines and Airports
    • Ground Transportation
    • BookTandL.com
  • Travel Guides
  • World's Best

    World's Best

    • Top Hotels
    • Top Cities
    • Top Islands
    • Domestic Airlines
    • International Airlines
    • Tours
    • Safaris
    • All World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises

    Cruises

    • Find A Cruise
    • Caribbean Cruises
    • River Cruises
    • European Cruises
    • All-Inclusive Cruises
    • Family Cruises
    • Alaskan Cruises
    • Disney Cruises
    • See All Cruise Vacations
  • Travel Tips

    Travel Tips

    • Travel Trends
    • Packing Tips
    • Points + Miles
    • Budgeting + Currency
    • Customs + Immigration
    • Responsible Travel
    • Travel Etiquette
    • Travel Warnings
    • Weather
    • Mobile Apps
    • See All Travel Tips
  • News

    News

    • Wellness
    • Celebrity Travel
    • Animals
    • Jobs
    • Offbeat
    • See All News
  • Food + Drink

    Food + Drink

    • Restaurants
    • Wine
    • Beer
    • Cocktails + Spirits
    • Bars + Clubs
    • Celebrity Chefs
    • Cooking + Entertaining
    • Food Fairs + Festivals
    • World's Best Restaurants
    • See All Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories

    Travel Accessories

    • Travel Bags
    • Shoes
    • Travel Tech
    • Shopping
    • Style
    • Gift Guides
    • See All Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Adventure Travel
  3. Get Your Thrills in Safe Doses on These Vacations for Adventure Travel Novices

Get Your Thrills in Safe Doses on These Vacations for Adventure Travel Novices

By Teresa Bergen
November 30, 2016
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Sam Marks/Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions
You don't need the most athletic physique or top-notch survival skills to pursue outdoor adventures.

An easily accessible place and a little guidance make a big difference. So here are some trips worthy of—and not too scary for—beginning adventurers.
Start Slideshow

1 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Upper James River Water Trail, Virginia, USA

Credit: Jeffrey Greenberg/Virginia Tourism Corporation

Glide down the James River in a kayak or canoe to get a different view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Beginners can take a guided trip with Twin River Outfitters in Buchanan, Virginia. Once you perfect your strokes, consider renting a canoe for an overnight trip on this family-friendly, all-seasons river. Twin River Outfitters can supply you with a waterproof map depicting take out points and the best camping sites.

1 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Blueberry Trail, Quebec, Canada

Credit: C.-D.Robitaille/Courtesy of Tourisme Québec

The Véloroute des Bleuets, or Blueberry Trail, runs 256 kilometers (160 miles) around Quebec's huge Lake Saint Jean. Many bicyclists spend several days following the trail through farms, city neighborhoods and along the lakeshore. Novice bikers can tackle a mostly flat 45-kilometer (28 miles) chunk of it. Rent a bike in Parc National de la Pointe-Taillon and enjoy lake views, a sandy track and the possibility of moose sightings. There's even a carnivorous plant garden. Afterwards, stay the night in Huttopia, a canvas-sided cabin on the lakeshore.

2 of 15

3 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Via Ferrata Dolomites, Italy

Credit: Photoreport Helmut Lunghammer/iStockphoto/Getty Images

If rock climbing looks a bit too scary, a via ferrata is a safer way to scale a rock face. Italian for "iron path," this activity originated during World War I, when the military installed metal ladders in the Dolomites to make them easier to navigate. Don't worry, the hardware has been updated, but the idea is the same. A harness keeps you safe, even if you miss a rung. This is much easier than finding handholds in rock.

3 of 15

Advertisement

4 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Hydrobiking in Bermuda

Credit: Courtesy of HydroBike Bermuda

In 2015, two young Bermudan entrepreneurs brought hydrobiking to the Atlantic island. A hydrobike looks like a stationary bicycle mounted on two 10 foot-long catamaran floats. It provides a whole different way to experience the water than swimming or boating, and is accessible to people of all ages, from little kids to active seniors.

4 of 15

5 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Snow School at Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada

Credit: Justa Jeskova/Courtesy of Whistler Blackcomb

Seldom do ignorance and inexperience pay off. But at the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, absolute newbies to skiing and snowboarding pay only $25 Canadian for the resort's annual "Never-Ever Days." The price includes a lesson, lift ticket and equipment rental. Or attend Snow School on any winter day. Private lessons – either one-on-one or for up to four skiers of similar ability – give beginners the necessary confidence to succeed on the slopes.

5 of 15

6 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Learn to Snowmobile Package, Togtowtee Mountain Lodge in Wyoming, USA

Credit: Courtesy of Aramark

For those who like to go fast, Togtowtee Mountain Lodge's Learn to Snowmobile package offers personalized instruction and three nights of lodging. In two days of snowmobile school, you'll learn throttle control, side hilling, boondocking, avalanche awareness and getting unstuck. After a day in the snow, you'll come back to hot tubs and a Western-themed saloon.

6 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Chicabrava Surf Camp, San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

Credit: Julien Capmeil/Getty Images

This one is for the ladies. Combine warm weather, surf and girl power at Chicabrava. Founded by pro surfer Ashley Blaylock, the all-female staff provides individualized instruction to women of all ages and experience levels. They've taught guests from eight to seventy years old to stand on a board. Stay at the beachy Surf House in town, or the more upscale Cloud Farm with a private pool and a view of the ocean below.

7 of 15

8 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Grizzly Bear Watching, Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada

Credit: Ron Watts/Design Pics/Getty Images

The Great Bear Rainforest has more rivers than roads. Venture to the little town of Bella Coola, gateway to the Great Bear Rainforest in western British Columbia, and hire an accredited bear viewing guide to take you out in a shallow-keel boat. You'll see grizzlies and eagles fishing for salmon. Or, to adventure in comfort, be one of nine passengers on a 92-foot classic schooner built in 1904 and run by Maple Leaf Adventures. If you're really lucky you might see the rare white spirit bear.

8 of 15

9 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Balloons over Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Credit: Courtesy of Balloons Over Atacama

Eastern Safaris operates hot air balloon rides in some of the world's most scenic places. In August, they added the north Chilean desert of Atacama to their roster. Take off at sunrise and admire the desert rock formations with volcanoes in the distance. The balloon seats 16. But for an extra charge, you can reserve an exclusive ride for you and your seven best friends.

9 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Snowshoeing, Door County, Wisconsin, USA

Credit: Courtesy of The Ridges

People who fear that skiing will break their bones can enjoy the gentler winter sport of snowshoeing. Join a guided snowshoe outing at The Ridges Sanctuary. Door County is mostly known as a summer destination, but in winter this northern Wisconsin peninsula is quiet, cold and peaceful. The Ridges' weekly winter snowshoe hikes last 90 minutes and only cost five dollars -- or ten, if you want to borrow snowshoes. Kids snowshoe for free. This is family-friendly adventuring at its most affordable.

10 of 15

11 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sailing in Fiji

Credit: Discover Travel Channel Fiji/Courtesy of Moana Sailing Fiji

If you love to travel by boat but a giant cruise ship isn't your style, consider sailing with the eco-focused Moana Sailing Fiji. The company offers customizable options – such as wayfinding by the stars, diving or cultural experiences-- on a 38-foot Polynesian-style catamaran. Expect world-class snorkeling and an opportunity for hands-on sailing.

11 of 15

12 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ice Climbing, Ouray Ice Park, Colorado, USA

Credit: Rhys Roberts/Courtesy of Ouray Ice Park

Those who dream of scaling a sheer wall of ice will enjoy the two-day Intro to Ice Climbing course at Ouray Ice Park. Guides cover knots, hitches, anchoring, rappelling, and making quick decisions while climbing an icy waterfall. Over the course of two days, students progress from low-angled to steeper terrain. Avoid weekend crowds by attending ice climbing school on a Thursday and Friday.

12 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Walk Japan Tour

Credit: Courtesy of Walk Japan

For most people, walking isn't much of an adventure. But increasing your daily mileage while immersing yourself in another culture elevates walking to a new level. Sign up for a trip with Walk Japan and they'll take you to authentic Japanese inns and family-owned restaurants. Tours are divided into six tiers, from the easiest – less than three miles per day – to tours requiring the ability to walk for eight hours over mountainous terrain. Get off the beaten track on the Hokkaido Snow Tour or Oita Hotspring Trail. Tours are limited to no more than twelve participants.

13 of 15

14 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Polar Snorkeling, Antarctica

Credit: David Hudson/Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

Cold weather adventurers can try polar snorkeling on a trip with Aurora Expeditions. Experienced polar divers will train you in best practices and help you gear up in a drysuit, hood, gloves, fins, mask and snorkel. Examine icebergs up close while penguins speed by. You might even get the chance to explore shipwrecks.

14 of 15

15 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Riding the Aurora Bubble Sled, Kilpisjärvi, Finland

Credit: Courtesy of Off the Map Travel

One of the problems with northern light viewing is that it usually involves standing out in the cold. But Off the Map Travel's Aurora Bubble Sled offers couples and families the chance to stay cozy while waiting for the lights. Relax in a heated, transparent bubble while a snowmobile pulls you through the artic wilderness. Kilpisjärvi, Finland – also known as Lapland – is perfectly situated for northern light viewing.

15 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Teresa Bergen

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 15 Upper James River Water Trail, Virginia, USA
2 of 15 The Blueberry Trail, Quebec, Canada
3 of 15 Via Ferrata Dolomites, Italy
4 of 15 Hydrobiking in Bermuda
5 of 15 Snow School at Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada
6 of 15 Learn to Snowmobile Package, Togtowtee Mountain Lodge in Wyoming, USA
7 of 15 Chicabrava Surf Camp, San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua
8 of 15 Grizzly Bear Watching, Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada
9 of 15 Balloons over Atacama, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
10 of 15 Snowshoeing, Door County, Wisconsin, USA
11 of 15 Sailing in Fiji
12 of 15 Ice Climbing, Ouray Ice Park, Colorado, USA
13 of 15 Walk Japan Tour
14 of 15 Polar Snorkeling, Antarctica
15 of 15 Riding the Aurora Bubble Sled, Kilpisjärvi, Finland

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap
  • Travel Guide Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Other Travel + Leisure Sites
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
Travel + Leisure is part of the Travel + Leisure Group. Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. Travel + Leisure is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation Travel + Leisure Group All Rights Reserved, registered in the United States and other countries. Travel + Leisure may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.travelandleisure.com

View image

Get Your Thrills in Safe Doses on These Vacations for Adventure Travel Novices
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.