Adventure Travel in Retirement: How to Trade the Tourist Traps for True Exploration

After a few heavy weeks in the markets, and the trade turmoil, many are looking for a reprieve from the pandemonium that is the world right now. At least here in North America.

On a recent episode of More Than Money we dove into something many retirees dream about, travel.  Not just a regular vacation though, one with an adventure too.

For many who are approaching or living in retirement, travel isn’t just about crossing places off a list it’s about enhancing the experience they have in their life and that’s where adventure travel fits in perfectly.

What Is Adventure Travel?

Andrea Mandel-Campbell, the founder of Karibu Adventures, is an expert in planning an adventure travel experience. She says the first step for adventure travel is to step off the conveyor belt of mass tourism. That means avoiding the typical vacation destinations, cruise ships, all-inclusive resorts, and the same over-photographed tourist-thronged venues.  Instead choose hidden gems, the places that might be a bit out of the way but will leave you with an awe-inspiring moment.

Adventure travel isn't just about high adrenaline. It’s about curiosity. Whether it’s kayaking off the rugged north coast of Vancouver Island or hiking through lesser-known trails, it’s about immersing yourself in the moment and experiencing the world in a more meaningful way.

Where to Begin?

Starting can be as simple as typing "off-the-beaten-path travel" or “hidden gems” into your favourite search engine.  Be wary of what you find though, as Andrea warned, the travel industry is filled with paid content and polished promotions that don’t always reflect reality. So, finding real, raw, and rewarding experiences will take patience, curiosity and a willingness to dig a little deeper.

A Hidden Gem Close to Home

Your search results may surprise you too. There are likely plenty of adventures right near you that you may not have even known about.

Then you can combine one or two of those locations with what you want to feel or experience when you get there. Your ultimate goal should be a memorable experience that leaves you wanting to explore even more.

For many of us, cost is a big factor in where or whether we travel.  One of Andrea’s favourite destinations is the northeast coast of Vancouver Island. She says this lesser-known area is one of the best places in the world to see orca whales and it offers an aquatic safari of humpbacks, dolphins, sea lions, and more. Combine that with seeing it all from a kayak and she says you’ll be left with a spine-tingling experience you’ll never forget.

Why It Matters in Retirement

Andrea calls it the “travel trifecta”: being active, in nature, and connected to community. This combination, she says, is key to a longer, healthier, more vibrant life. And that’s why she encourages retirees to rethink the typical cruise or bus tour. Instead, encouraging them to choose something that keeps you moving, engages your mind, and fills your soul.

The Power of Intergenerational Travel

You don’t have to do it alone.  Andrea sees adventure travel as a powerful bonding experience for retirees looking to travel with their kids and grandkids. Her trips often include multi-generational groups, and the shared memories formed through active, nature-based travel can be deeply rewarding. Plus, there are options for various mobility levels some trips rated as moderate can include guests in their 80s.

Keep Your Curiosity Active:

The bottom line? Adventure travel doesn’t require climbing Everest. Sometimes, it just starts with a little curiosity.There’s a reason why the provinces offer big tax incentives to get movie and tv companies to film there. It’s the best advertisement you can have and it’s a showcase of possibilities.  If you see a movie, show or even commercial, and the location sparks some inspiration in you then maybe that exactly where you should go.

David Popowich and Faisal Karmali are Investment Advisors with CIBC Wood Gundy in Calgary. The views of David Popowich, Faisal Karmali, do not necessarily reflect those of CIBC World Markets Inc.

This information, including any opinion, is based on various sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change.

CIBC Private Wealth consists of services provided by CIBC and certain of its subsidiaries, including CIBC Wood Gundy, a division of CIBC World Markets Inc.