Explore increased demand for adventure travel experiences amongst young professionals
Adventure travel specialist, Explore, has launched a new brand that caters for the 18-30 somethings adventure travel market. Labelled edge, its 75 small-group trips offer flexible itineraries in over 40 countries. With over 30 years' experience in running small group adventures around the world, Explore has recently noted increased demand for adventure travel experiences amongst young professionals. With little time to spare but a thirst for getting off the beaten track, some are looking for shorter 'backpacking' experiences, whilst others are looking for a social and stress-free way to explore multiple countries as part of a career break.
With tour durations from four to 82 days, customers can choose whether to explore a specific place, region or whole continent. As with Explore tours, edge trips are run by a group leader, allowing customers to relax and enjoy their travels, without having to put in months of planning ahead of their trip. Group leaders are on-hand for the highlights, but there is also plenty of free time built into the itineraries for independent exploration, be it searching souks for bargains, discovering local history, chilling out on beaches, relaxing in local bars or taking part in adrenaline-fuelled activities. The trips have also been created to offer excellent value for money. For those who can only spare a long weekend but are looking for an adventure, edge's four-day Iceland Weekend offers the opportunity to whiz across Iceland's glaciers on snowmobiles, ride giant superjeeps into the wild or horse ride across surreal lava landscapes.
With time factored in for sightseeing and a recuperative dip in the thermal waters of the Blue Lagoon, this whirlwind tour also provides the chance to spot the Northern Lights during the winter months. The 15-day Cuba Adventure incorporates music, mojitos and revolution, taking in highlights such as Trinidad, Vinales, Camaguey, Santiago de Cuba and, of course, Havana. The trip also includes some down-time on the white sand beaches of the island of Cayo Levisa, as well as a trek in the stunning Escambray Mountains. For customers with more time to spare, many of edge's trips can be strung together to create a longer 'loop' trip. For example, edge's Indochina Discovery loop is made up of three separate trips and travels through four countries in one month. Exploring the very best of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos, the trip discovers the temples, jungles, beaches, bustling cities and vibrant cities of Indochina. For those with less time available, edge's 10 day Roam Cambodia trip travels on the first segment of the Indochina Discovery loop. Travelling from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City, the trip spends time exploring the bustling cities, famous and iconic sites, golden beaches and beautiful reefs of Cambodia. With plenty of free time to get under the skin of this fascinating country, the trip is the perfect introduction to Indochina.
Ashley Toft, Managing Director of Explore, commented "We know there are a lot of young professionals longing to re-live their backpacking days without having to take extended leave from work. Similarly, there are graduates looking to get a couple of months travelling under their belt before settling into a job, who understandably don't want to go it alone".
He continued "edge caters for this market by offering a social, safe and responsible way to travel, with an emphasis on value for money and fun. Our groups will be made up of an average of 10 people and will use local transport, accommodation and restaurants to ensure that the communities we visit benefit from the tourism we create".