What’s Your Adventure Quotient?

Adventurer…  The word sounds romantic, exciting and for some − downright crazy.  Each of us has a different perception of adventure and this perception allows anyone, regardless of age, ability or environment to become an Adventurer.

There is a real difference between someone possessing the learned skills that enable them to jump in a White Water Kayak and paddle effectively down a class 3 river than, say, a weekend tuber floating down a bumpy class 2 section.  Each one of these people is an adventurer, but a lot of times we classify the white water paddler as the “real adventurer” and risk taker.  I think that adventure is where YOU find it. I encourage everyone to find adventure, that place where your heart screams and the adrenaline soars….no matter where that is or at what level.

When starting out on the path to becoming the adventurer that you’ve always wanted to be, keep these simple three points in mind.

1)    What kind of Adventurer am I?

Many times I hear from people who have just had horrible “First Time” experiences.  When I inquire about the reason it always seems to be because a “Friend” coaxed them into doing something a bit out of their comfort and totally beyond their skill set.  Don’t fall into this trap.  Take the time to try out some simple experiences across many different adventure pursuits.  Before you know it you will have many different options to choose from and a good feel for which side of the mountain you want to play on.

2)    Do I have the right tools?

I can’t tell you how many times I have shown up to lead a wilderness experience and while at the trailhead I do an equipment check of everyone’s pack only to find missing gear, lack of food and water and other essential stuff.  The right tools are needed for the right adventure – your life could depend on it.

3)    Who am I today?

What level of adventure are you ready for?  How are you feeling? What is the body saying? Sometimes, simply taking the time to “mentally assess” where you are on the morning of the adventure can really add to the success and the experience.  It also can be the difference between a safe or unsafe trip.

Keep these three simple points in mind and get out there and have fun.  3…2…1…GO.

Be sure to join host and world adventurer Alan Bishop on T+E next month as he takes eight of the most self-proclaimed technology-obsessed Canadians, unplugs them and immerses them in a month-long challenge-based adventure through breathtaking National Parks and National Historic Sites across Canada. Watch OPERATION UNPLUGGED — only on Travel+Escape! Premieres Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. HERE’S A PREVIEW!