How to Plan Affordable Adventure Vacations

Craving adventure without breaking the bank? Discover how to plan unforgettable mid-range trips that fit your busy work schedule and budget.

Last year we took our first winter break to Mexico. In addition to sitting at the beach club and relaxing, we also released baby turtles into the ocean, went stand up paddle boarding on the ocean at sunrise, and toured the bays. Every trip we take must have some adventure.

Budget

Post-covid has been a time of unprecedented inflation. We all miss the days of hotels for under $100/night and $20/day car rentals. I’ve always been budget conscious but now I must plan more and be more selective about where to spend, to be able to continue travelling.

Key Points

  • Affordable destinations
  • Off-season travel
  • Hiking and trekking
  • Camping
  • Water sports
  • Paying for tours and guides

Choosing the Right Adventure Destination

Affordable Destinations

A budget location is based on the cost of flights, accommodations, food and activities. Some of the more cost-effective destinations to consider are:

  • Central America
  • Southeast Asia
  • Eastern Europe

Unless you’re going on a road trip, the first thing to look at is flights. Once I have some options for transportation, I look at the biggest expense of a trip, accommodations. It may be worth paying a little more for flights to get to a place with cheaper accommodations and activities.

My favourite place for adventure is Costa Rica. It is not the cheapest place to travel but it is reasonable, and manageable for a mid range budget. Costa Rica offers a bit of everything from rainforests to beaches. You can go hiking, canyoning, and stand up paddle boarding. We stayed a week in the jungle and a week on the beach.

Off-Season Travel for Savings

One way to save money is to travel off-season. This may not be possible if you have kids in school or you’re a teacher, but for those with the freedom to choose their time off consider travelling in September to November and January to March. For more on choosing the right time, check out Timing is Everything.

Top Adventure Activities That Won’t Drain Your Wallet

Hiking and Trekking

One of the best ways to get out in nature and enjoy breathtaking views is to go hiking. There are lots of day hikes that do not require any experience or a high level of fitness. We have never gone backcountry camping or hiked for more than a few hours, but we have enjoyed some incredible views in the Canadian Rockies, and we recently hiked up to the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles.

I research trails with the app from All Trails which provides a comprehensive list of trails nearby or in specific locations, with details about the length and difficulty. It also has a GPS map you can use while you’re hiking to make sure you’re going the right way.  This app lists everything from family friendly, accessible scenic trails to challenging treks.

You need a decent pair of shoes and socks, comfortable clothes, water, snacks, and the transportation to get to the trailhead. Otherwise, it is a completely free activity.

Camping

Another activity that requires some equipment but once you have that, it saves you a significant amount of money on accommodations. We like to bring our camping equipment on road trips and camp for a few nights, then stay at a hotel for a few nights. Roughing it is not my strength.

If you’re in the United States and want a higher end camping experience, check out a KOA. We stayed at one in Astoria, Oregon that had a swimming pool, hot tub and free pancake breakfast every day.

If you’re looking for amazing views, try camping in a National Park. We enjoyed a few nights in Olympic National Park. If you are considering camping in the mountains, do some research on the weather at night and wildlife.

Water Sports on a Budget

Some water activities are excellent for affordable adventure. My favourite activity on the water is stand-up paddle boarding. Most places with water access have lessons and tours available. Once you have some experience, you can rent SUPs or if you buy inflatable boards you can bring your own equipment.

If the standing up part is not your forte, go kayaking. I did a tour in Florida where we kayaked with manatees, watched the sunset, and then marvelled at the bioluminescence. It was an incredible experience.

Snorkelling is another cheap or free water activity. Years ago, we bought these full face snorkels and small travel fins which we have used on numerous trips. Look up places with good snorkelling right off the beach. Fiji has amazing snorkelling! It feels like you’re swimming in a fish tank.

Adventure Activities That Are Worth Paying a Little More

A good trip includes a balance of activities. You can read more about this in When to Splurge and When to Budget. Now let’s look specifically at adventure activities.

Consider booking a guide or a tour for activities or areas that are new to you. Adventure usually includes some risk. In Mexico, we chose to hire a guide for a SUP tour because we paddle on flat lakes, not the ocean. We do not understand currents or the techniques for paddling in waves.

A group booking will save you money and it is what we usually do, but we will splurge on a private guide for SUP because most group activities are for beginners. Both times we paid for a private guide were amazing experiences. This is where your budget often dictates.

Another activity we have opted for a tour is snowmobiling in the mountains. This can be risky because of avalanches. Recognize your limitations and be safe! Saving a few bucks isn’t worth a serious injury or death.

A Few of My Favourite Adventures

Here is a list of adventures I highly recommend:

Canyoning in Costa Rica

Woman wearing a helmet, repelling down a canyon.

Swimming with the manta rays on the Big Island of Hawaii

Hiking in Banff National Park

A river surrounded by trees and mountains.

Snowmobiling in British Columbia

Two people wearing snowsuits, helmets and goggles, standing in front of a snowmobile with trees and mountains in the background.

Stand up paddle boarding

Kyoto, Japan – Arashiyama bamboo forest, monkey park and Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine

Monkey sitting on a post with trees and city in the background.

Conclusion

Adventure travel is accessible on a mid-range budget. The key is to balance one or two more expensive, memorable adventures with free or low cost activities like hiking and beach days. Some activities require a bit of an investment upfront for equipment but once you’ve paid that, you’re able to travel for less. Get out and have an adventure!

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