The Bravecation travel trend, a combination of the words brave and vacation, is at the top of this year’s travel wish list.
These are travelers who are not only looking for relaxation and escape, but also for adventures that go beyond their daily routine. The Bravecation concept is emerging as a dynamic approach to tourism, where vacations become an opportunity for more daring and exciting experiences.
In fact, almost 67% of travelers say they feel braver on vacation. Younger generations are leading this trend, with 78% of travelers aged 18-24 and 82% of those aged 25-34 reporting that they try activities that they would not dare in their daily lives. From extreme sports and rock climbing to scuba diving and cultural festivals in far-flung places, Bravecation offers countless options for those looking to pack their bags with memories of a lifetime.
This trend isn’t limited to the younger generation. While the percentage for travelers aged 65 and over is 39%, the need for exploration and personal growth seems to resonate across the age spectrum.
How does the strong desire for adventure affect tourism?
Bravecation encourages tourism providers to upgrade their services, offering activities that combine safety with adventure. In addition, it creates a new dynamic for tourist destinations that adapt to more demanding and personalized experiences. From survival courses in nature to mountain biking routes on difficult trails, imagination is the limit.
Some typical examples of activities that have already shown increased travel interest since last year’s tourist season are as follows:
- Wildlife Refuge at Katmai National Park in Alaska: Visitors can take part in bear watching tours and environmentally responsible activities in an ecotourism haven focused on biodiversity conservation and sustainable exploration.
- Shark Diving in Western Australia: Visitors can see sharks up close in areas like Ningaloo Reef, participating in safe dives that promote understanding of marine life and support the protection of marine ecosystems.
- Volcano Trekking in Panama: Climbing volcanic peaks with panoramic views and geothermal features offers a unique challenge for adventure enthusiasts.
- Gorilla Trekking in Uganda: Tours of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest to see gorillas in their natural habitat are combined with cultural experiences in local communities.
- Working with women’s wildlife conservation groups in South Africa: Visitors can join patrols with the Black Mambas, the first women’s anti-poaching group, and learn about their work to protect nature.
- Shipwreck diving: Exploring underwater shipwrecks, such as those in the Mediterranean or the Pacific, offers a unique combination of adventure and history.
- Cave exploration: From the icy caves of Iceland to the caves with phosphorescent invertebrates in New Zealand, these experiences are awe-inspiring.
- Sandboarding in the deserts: An exciting alternative to snowboarding, especially popular in the Sahara or Namibia.
