Activities 1

As the number of outdoor activities pursued while on trips increases, there is a corresponding increase in the number of outdoor activities undertaken while not traveling. Those more active in outdoor activities were also more likely to have participated in culture and entertainment activities while on trips. Those highly active in outdoor activities were especially likely to take part in participatory, cultural experiences (e.g., participatory historical activities) and to have attended sporting events (e.g., professional sports), live art performances and festivals (e.g., musical festivals). There was also a strong association between the number of outdoor activities participated in while on trips and the number of tours and cruises taken during the past two years. Those who are very active in a wide range of outdoor activities while traveling consider it important that they are physically challenged while on vacation. They are also more likely to seek vacations that are intellectually stimulating, provide learning opportunities and offer novelty. By contrast, those who participated in relatively few outdoor activities while on trips are more likely to pursue vacations that allow them to be pampered, renew personal connections with friends and keep family ties alive. Travelers who are very active in a wide range of outdoor activities are much more likely to use the Internet to plan and book trips. For example, 74.3% of those who participated in six or more types of outdoor activities used the Internet to plan or book travel, while only 39.9% of those who did not participate in outdoor activities used the Internet to plan travel. You should be able to find enough interesting activities to keep any member of your family or group entertained, regardless of your destination. Your destination, of course, will determine the type of activities that are locally available. Beach resorts offer entirely different options than a city in the mountains. We will try to give you a partial breakdown of what a particular areas activities might include.

Backpacking

Backpacking (also tramping or trekking or bushwalking in some countries) combines hiking and camping in a single trip. A backpacker hikes into the backcountry to spend one or more nights there, and carries supplies and equipment to satisfy sleeping and eating needs.

Ballooning

A balloon is a type of aircraft that remains aloft due to its buoyancy. A balloon travels by moving with the wind. It is distinct from an airship, which is a buoyant aircraft that can be propelled through the air in a controlled manner. It is also distinct from aerostat, which is a balloon that is moored to the ground rather than free-flying.

Bicycling

Cycling is a means of transport, a form of recreation and a sport. The bicycle carries riders across land, through tunnels, over bridges, snow, or, less frequently, over ice (icebiking). Cycling involves riding bicycles, unicycles, tricycles, quadricycles and other similar human powered vehicles (HPVs).

Bird watching

Birdwatching or birding is the observation and study of birds with the naked eye or through a visual enhancement device like binoculars. Birding often involves a significant auditory component, as many bird species are more readily detected and identified by ear than by eye. Most birders and birdwatchers pursue this activity for recreational or social reasons, unlike ornithologists, who are engaged in the formal scientific study of birds.

Bungy Jumping

Bungee jumping (or bungy jumping) is the sport that originated from New Zealand and was created by maverick daredevil A J Hackett, and his original jump from a bridge in Greenhithe, Auckland. The sport denotes jumping from a tall structure while connected to a large rubber cord. The tall structure is usually a fixed object, such as a building, bridge, or crane; but it is also possible to jump from a movable object, such as a hot-air-balloon or a helicopter, that has the ability to hover over one spot on the ground; fixed-wing aircraft are clearly unsuitable because they only stay aloft when moving rapidly forward. The intense thrill comes as much from the free-falls as from the rebounds.

Camping

Camping is an outdoor recreational activity. The participants, known as campers, get away from civilization and enjoy nature while spending one or more nights, usually at a campsite. Camping may involve the use of a tent, a primitive structure, or no shelter at all.

Canoeing

Canoeing is the activity of paddling a canoe for the purpose of recreation (also called a float trip), sport, or transportation. It usually refers exclusively to using a paddle to propel a canoe with only human muscle power. A kayak is propelled using a paddle with two blades where the paddler sits with their legs in front of them, whereas canoes are propelled using single- or double-bladed paddles where the paddler is kneeling or sitting.

Climbing Mountain

RockAscending rock formations, often using climbing shoes and a chalk bag. Equipment such as ropes, bolts, nuts, hexes and camming devices are normally employed, either as a safeguard or for artificial aid.

Cultural activities

‘Cultural tourism’ (or culture tourism) is the subset of tourism concerned with a country or region’s culture, especially its arts. It generally focuses on traditional communities who have diverse customs, unique form of art and distinct social practices, which basically distinguishes it from other types/forms of culture. Cultural tourism includes tourism in urban areas, particularly historic or large cities and their cultural facilities such as museums and theatres. It can also include tourism in rural areas showcasing the traditions of indigenous cultural communities (i.e. festivals, rituals), and their values and lifestyle.