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Travel Toolbox: Adventure for Groups

The experts all agree that when it comes to travel, baby boomers are more adventurous than their parents’ generation, and they are looking for more memorable experiences when they travel. One of the best ways to deliver those experiences is to offer some adventure activities to get their blood pumping.

Conventional wisdom says that senior groups won’t do adventure activities during tours, but the generational shift happening in the tourism industry is rendering this outlook obsolete. Younger travelers are healthier and braver than their parents were at the same age and are eager to try things on the road that they wouldn’t try at home.

The world of travel affords countless opportunities for adventure activities, but some aren’t necessarily well suited for groups. To help inspire you to think creatively about adventure options on your trips, here are five great group adventure activities.

Dogsledding

For many people, the thought of crossing the open Arctic tundra on a sled pulled by a team of dogs sounds like the ultimate adventure. And although your travelers aren’t likely to compete in the Iditarod, they can get a feel for the thrill of dogsled racing at numerous places around the country. Alaska is home to several dogsled outfits that offer groups rides on wheeled sleds pulled by trained huskies during the warm tourist season. And other spots throughout the northern United States have wintertime dogsled experiences for interested visitors. In addition to experiencing the thrill of sledding, participants also get to meet the friendly dogs and learn about the fascinating details of the sport.

Horseback Riding

Few travel activities are more invigorating than a horseback trail ride through a beautiful natural setting. From Montana to New Jersey and Arizona to Missouri, destinations throughout the United States have great equestrian experiences in store for groups. Trail riding outfitters supply horses and all the equipment necessary for an outing, and guides help travelers through every step of the process, from saddle-up to dismount. No riding experience is required for most trail rides, and participants see some landscapes that they would never have seen from the window of a motorcoach. Many riders also bond with their horses during the ride.