11 Beginner Adventures to Try in 2024 | Click Travel Tips
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11 Epic Beginner Friendly Adventures to Try in 2024
Jan 12, 2024
Grace Plant
2024 is upon us, and it’s time to start planning some adventures.
But if winter has left you feeling ill-prepared and unmotivated, don't worry. You don't have to be an outdoor aficionado or a wilderness expert to discover the wonders of the natural world.
Here are 11 beginner-friendly trips and expeditions that will help to blow away the cobwebs this year.
Mountain Biking in Finale Ligure, Italy
Most people can take up mountain biking safely, even without experience. If you can ride a regular bicycle, you're ready to get started.
So, why not cut your teeth on one of the world’s most breathtaking mountain biking spots- Italy’s Finale Ligure? This two-wheeled adventure will take you through impossibly pretty villages and hamlets with breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean Sea.
The region's rolling hills, open plains, and soaring mountainsides play host to international cyclists of all abilities, from first-timers to seasoned pros.
If you're reluctant to go it alone, there are plenty of organised tour groups and tour operators who will guide you through the vast network of trails.
If you can walk, you can hike - and hiking the Camino de Santiago in Spain is the ultimate beginner-friendly outdoor adventure. It requires zero equipment aside from a backpack and a good pair of shoes, and you’ll test yourself in ways you never thought possible.
There are multiple Camino routes to choose from, and they all end in the Galician capital of Santiago de Compostela. But by far the most popular is the Camino Frances.
This route begins in the French Pyrenees village of Saint Jean Pied du Port, and stretches 790 km across the varied and breathtaking landscapes of northern Spain. The walk takes an average of 5 weeks to complete, and along the way, you'll pass by ancient villages, sun-drenched vineyards, and bustling cities where pilgrims rest their tired feet and refuel with well-deserved tapas and vino.
But if taking more than a month off work isn't an option, don't worry, you don't have to walk it all at once. Many pilgrims split the route into sections of a week or two at a time. Each year, they'll return to complete another stage, until they finally arrive at the sacred city of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of Saint James are said to lie.
White Water Rafting on the Colorado River, USA
Imagine the thrill of traversing turbulent rapids as you sail past awe-inspiring scenery. And what could be more awe-inspiring than the mighty Colorado River?
This world-famous waterway spans more than 1,450 miles, and 270 of those miles snake their way through the iconic Grand Canyon. This is one of the most breathtaking and geologically significant landscapes on Earth.
Here, the river offers a mixture of challenging rough rapids that will get your heart racing, and crystal clear sections of serenity, where you can sit back and take in the unforgettable views.
And since it's the world's premier white water rafting location, you'll be spoilt for choice with world-class guides and tours.
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding and Snorkeling in the Caribbean
If you love the water, but surfing seems too much drama, then stand-up paddle boarding could be for you. This lowest of low-key watersports might not offer the adrenaline of white water rafting, but it’s perfect for anyone who prefers a more laid-back aquatic experience.
And in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, you might even spot some exotic marine life as you glide gracefully across the surface.
If you’re a paddleboarding virgin, you’re highly likely to fall in. But this is the Caribbean, so it's A-okay—the water is clean, warm, and welcoming, and you probably won't want to get out. So, while you're floating around, why not try a spot of snorkelling too? The Caribbean has some of the most stunning coral reefs on the planet, just waiting to be explored.
Caving in Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand
If you're claustrophobic, you might want to skip ahead to number 6 on the list. If not, caving may well be the adventure of a lifetime you never knew you needed.
With a qualified guide and the right location, anyone can try caving and become an underground explorer for a while. One of the world’s finest locations for this often-overlooked adventure sport is New Zealand’s Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
Visitors enter the caves via an underground river which leads to the otherworldly Glowworm Grotto. Here you’ll be met by thousands of glow worms illuminating a grand chamber. And once your eyes adjust to the strange new light, you'll discover unique limestone formations that make up one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world.
Snowshoeing in the Swiss Alps, Switzerland
If you’re looking for a winter wonderland adventure but skiing isn’t your thing, snowshoeing could be the perfect choice. And once the winter season sets in, the Swiss Alps are the ultimate place to try this underrated adventure sport.
Equipment is minimal; simply strap on a pair of snowshoes and you're all set to explore the 1200km network of snowshoe trails that snake across the undulating landscape.
You can head out on an independent adventure, join a guided group tour, or hire a guide to curate a bespoke expedition just for you.
Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey
This adventure combines tranquillity with awe-inspiring views, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. You’ll be hovering up to 3,000 feet above the surface of the earth in a wicker basket. If that doesn't put you off, then hot air ballooning in Cappadocia could be your ultimate bucket list dream come true.
As you climb into the sky, get ready to witness an unforgettable sunrise over Cappadocia’s unique lunar-like landscape, littered with fairy-tale chimney stacks and surreal rock formations.
This is more than just a balloon ride; it's a visual feast that will resonate in your memory long after you’ve touched down.
Zip-lining in the Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
Experience the jaw-clenching adrenaline rush of zip-lining through the dense jungle of Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Soar above the treetops like Superman to get a bird's eye view of Monteverde's unrivalled biodiversity. Traverse a series of gravity-defying hanging bridges that take you up close and personal with the vibrant ecosystem. And put your cojones to the test on the giant Tarzan swing, suspended more than 470 ft off the forest floor below.
There’s nonstop action to be enjoyed here, but simply soaking in the misty air of this pristine natural wonderland is an adventure in itself.
Kayaking in the Norwegian Fjords
The towering verdant mountains and crystal clear waters of the Norwegian fjords draw in thousands of international tourists every year. Most people explore these inlets by cruise ships, but hopping into a kayak and getting up close and personal with the water offers a much more immersive experience, letting you become one with the fjords.
On a clear and calm day, you’ll dip your paddles through deep blue glass-like waters, not a sound around except for a gentle lapping against the hull of your kayak.
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, your best bet is to head to Bergen, the heart of Norway’s fjords. From here, you can easily access the best kayaking spots the country has to offer, including the spectacularly serene Geiranger fjord, and the 200km big daddy, Sognefjord.
Dog Sledding and Ice Swimming in Lapland, Finland
Most of us hide away from the winter cold, but if Wim Hoff has taught us anything, it’s that we need to embrace it. So this year, why not head north to the Arctic wilderness of Lapland, and put your endurance to the test with an ice bath and sauna experience? Plunge into icy waters, feel your blood coursing through your veins, and leap into a toasty sauna for some sweet relief. Rinse and repeat, and leave feeling truly invigorated.
Transport-wise, there’s no better way to explore Finland’s winter wonderlands than by husky. Start in Rovaniemi, Santa's official hometown and national husky hub. Here you'll find the best choice of expert-guided husky sledding adventures across the region.
Scuba Diving in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Dive into the largest and most mesmerising coral reef system in the world. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts scuba enthusiasts from all four corners of earth. But complete beginners also flock here to learn the basics in one of the planet’s most breathtakingly beautiful and ecologically diverse reefs.
Scuba centres abound here, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when getting certified. And once you master the basics, you’ll be qualified to scuba anywhere in the world, opening up a whole new realm of underwater exploration.
Make 2024 a Year of Adventure
Hopefully, this list has inspired you to get up off the sofa, head outdoors, and see the world this year.
But if your budget is holding you back, you don't need to miss out. You can still visit awe-inspiring locations like the ones in this post on a shoestring. You just need to be willing to work. Check out my guide on travelling for free with Work Away.
About the Author
Grace Plant
Grace is a freelance travel writer from Lancashire, England. In 2019, she embarked on a year-long adventure across India where she discovered her passion for crafting engaging travel content. Since then, she’s turned that passion into a full-time career, making her mark in various international travel publications. When she’s not writing and exploring, Grace enjoys foraging for wild plants and fungi and spending time in nature with her border terrier, George.
