Overnight treks, cooking classes, and two-day cycling trips are part of the growing trend and appetite for ‘microadventures’, and according to reports, this trend is on the rise.
Trend reports from ABTA, the Association of British Travel Agents, and travel industry website Skift, both list microadventures as trends to watch in 2017, as tours and activities become the mainstay of many travelers’ holidays. The term ‘microadventures’ was defined by British adventurer and author Alastair Humphreys who described them as ‘small and achievable, for normal people with real lives.’
Why are they becoming more popular? It appears that as hectic lives take hold, busy holidaymakers are choosing to factor in shorter but still-exciting experiences into their holidays, or by taking a short break when a longer trip eludes them. Whether it’s a high-altitude hike or a street food tour, people are looking to add a more active element to their travels.
Technology is also playing its part. Low, last-minute fares for flights and holidays along with better air connections make spontaneous bookings possible, allowing travelers to head off, even for the following weekend. With restrictions on time, booking exciting and interesting add-ons has become more important. The tourism industry is tapping in as well, by offering to arrange everything from guided hikes to dinner with a local, and so eliminating the need to research this once in the destination. News feeds and social media also play their roles as people spot deals online and are able to book on a whim on their smartphone, in a way that was not happening even several years ago.
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Microadventures are also part of the rise in holidays such as ‘man-cations’ and ‘girls’ getaways’ where groups are looking for a memorable activity or experience to consolidate their time away. For those whose work responsibilities have resulted in ever-shorter holidays, microadventures have really taken hold—restraints on time have led many to not only cram as much as possible into their holiday, but also to have the most active adventure possible. Business travelers are increasingly adding on a short break to the end of a conference or business trip.
It appears Europeans are the keenest on micro-adventures, perhaps in part because of the proximity to so many different countries; consumer trends company Euromonitor expects this trend to grow in 2017. Booking shorter experiences is also a way to test out an activity for a larger ‘bucket list’ holiday, be it kayaking through the jungle or a day at a wildlife sanctuary.
