What’s In & What’s Out In Adventure Travel In 2020

Check out this fresh report from Global Rescue and it’s international team of crisis travel specialists, former military special forces, medical professionals, and security experts. They’re on the leading edge of what’s “in” for 2020 and what’s not.

What’s In & What’s Out In Adventure Travel In 2020

Destinations

In: Chernobyl

Set-jetters, the travelers who visit the destinations of favorite TV shows or movies, are heading to Chernobyl, Ukraine, the site of the 1986 nuclear disaster and subject of the HBO miniseries by the same name. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the radioactive isotopes lingering in the atmosphere are at tolerable exposure levels for limited periods of time. Experts urge traveling with a licensed guide and visiting only for limited periods of time (maximum of two hours). It’s a trend, for sure, but not one we’d recommend visiting.

Out: Croatia

The Croatian metropolis was the featured location for the popular series, Game of Thrones, and quickly became a favorite destination among fans. Unfortunately, over tourism took its toll prompting local officials to stem the onslaught of visitors.

Peaks

In: Aconcagua & Kanchenjunga

Climbers are considering options to skip the steep costs and increasingly crowded conditions at Mt. Everest. Argentina’s Aconcagua is the second highest of the Seven Summits (after Everest), its popularity is rising, permits are inexpensive, and 60 percent of the 4,000 annual summit attempts succeed. On the other end of the scale is Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain on earth. It’s tough and dangerous, yet more people are climbing it than ever, according to the Himalayan Database.

Out: Everest

The highest point on earth, Mt. Everest continues to draw record numbers of climbers looking to summit the 29,035 ft. peak. So why is it “out”? Higher climbing permit fees, bad press, and new rules to reduce the number of inexperienced climbers are expected to reduce crowding. Climbing expert Alan Arnette said, “I have had people tell me they have no interest in climbing Everest due to those issues. I do believe that the number of people attempting Everest will decline. However, as the highest point on Earth, Everest will always have an irresistible draw, like bugs to a light bulb!”

Safety

In: Millenials

When it comes to travel, Global Rescue members receive medical or security services under all kinds of circumstances, not least of which include emergencies. In 2019, members born between 1981-1996 had the lowest per capita need for crisis support than any of their generational counterparts.

Out: GenXers

In a startling change, Global Rescue members born between 1965-1980 required emergency rescue in 2019 at a rate four times greater than in the year prior.

Gear

In: Portable Solar Panels

Outdoor enthusiasts stay charged using portable solar panels that pack small and light, eliminating the need to carry multiple, heavy power banks. While new tech is cool, experts from REI, EMS, and others say nothing replaces a map, compass, and strong nav skills.

Out: Cell Phone Power Banks

There’s still a huge market for power banks but the sales growth trend is several percentage points behind portable solar panels. Hikers, bikers, and campers are always on the hunt for lighter options and power banks may be losing their charge. Again, experts routinely urge continued reliance on traditional orienteering.

Health

In: Self Care For TD

Traveler’s Diarrhea (TD) is the leading trip killer, effecting between 30-70 percent of travelers. Take charge of prevention by sanitizing your hands, filtering/purifying water, using factory-sealed bottled water and canned drinks, wiping off rims before drinking, and skipping buffets. If you get TD then drink plenty of water, avoid dehydrating caffeinated drinks, and follow a bland diet. You can take bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) and/or Imodium to help.

Out: Antibiotics For TD

Due to growing antibiotic resistance among returning travelers, the use of antibiotics for TD is not advised for mild or even most moderate cases. Consult your travel health professional to see if carrying antibiotics with you is the right call.

Preparation

In: A Back-Up Plan

Whether you’re traveling for adventure or wellness, long-term stay or a minivacation, business or pleasure, you should have a back-up plan just in case you get sick or injured. A Global Rescue membership includes medical and security advisory services and field rescue from the point of illness or injury to the nearest appropriate health care facility.

Out: Paddle-Free

The phrase “up a river without a paddle” means you don’t have the resources to get where you’re going. No one plans to lose their passport, forget their prescription medicine, accidentally fracture a wrist, or get trapped during civil unrest. But it happens more often than most people realize. Going “paddle-free” is not the same as care-free, frankly it’s careless, costly, and potentially dangerous.

*This post contains collaborative content.