The Outdoor & Nature Travel Style is for travelers who prefer to spend their vacation within nature and exploring the outdoors. The world is literally so big you you can explore just a speck of the outdoors and still feel like you haven’t seen it all. Your options can range from soft adventures like living on a boat in the middle of the ocean or camping in the Alps…to extreme adventures like hiking Machu Picchu or going on an immersive safari excursion. The list goes on and on full of possibilities.
The Nature Traveler
Relaxed
Travelers with a lust for nature and outdoor adventures plan trips in a way that will benefit them spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. These travelers are the most flexible travelers out of all Travel Styles. With a natural awareness that sometimes plans can change due to weather or conditions outside of their own control, they are more lenient with interruptions. You won’t find these travelers totally distraught over a change in plans because they likely have a back up plan. It’s been ingrained in them to simply reroute and move forward, just like any outdoor adventure.
Prepared
Coming in second to the accessible traveler, nature travelers are one of the most prepared travelers. Research via apps like AllTrails and Reddit allows these travelers to find hiking routes and adventures that best fit their expertise level and equipment. When planning a more intense outdoor adventure, these travelers are more likely to hire a professional guide or agency in order to follow safety guidelines and get the best experience possible, straight from the experts.
Regardless of the level of ‘adventure’ they’re planning for, you can bet these travelers always have enough water and light snacks, a portable charger, extra pair of socks or shoes, and sunscreen readily available. They’re like the ‘mom’ of the friend group…they’ve thought through every detail of the trip, potential disruptions, and even a plan B if plan A teeters.
Intentional
Similar to the accessible traveler, but beat by the luxury traveler, these nature lovers are typically more inclined to plan rest into their travel itineraries. There is nothing more satisfying than ending a full day on the mountain and arriving back at your hotel (or tent) for some scheduled spa time (or DIY self care). Whether that looks like a trip to the infrared sauna + ice bath + hot tub, or lounging with your feet up the tent walls + a good book, these outdoor & nature travelers are sure to get some much needed R&R, one way or another.
Things to Consider
One common characteristic of nature travelers is that their travels typically only get bigger and more advantageous over time. Once they hike or climb one mountain, they want to do another that’s taller or more thrilling. They’ve had a glimpse of what can be and they always want more.
This crave for more extensive outdoor adventures can really add up over time. When you get into less populated/less touristic areas for serious outdoor pros, the costs can get expensive. When supply is low, and options are limited, risk increases. There is a grey area to outdoor and nature travel that adrenaline chasers live in, and that is adventurous travel. Adventurous travel has common overlap in the outdoor travel space, only their activities have a higher level of risk involved. These travelers seek high thrills and dangerous activities that typically reside in nature.
Nature Traveler Types
Although it costs nothing to be one with nature, it can potentially cost a substantial amount of money depending on the activity of choice…destination…equipment needed in order to do said activity…and accommodation options.
This last part is what differentiates nature travelers from each other, giving us two different types of Nature Travelers: Essential Nature Travelers & Comfort Nature Travelers. Typically, once you’ve established yourself as a nature lover, you may find you lean more heavily to one side or the other when planning a trip.
Essential Nature Traveler
The Essentialists are exactly as the name describes…they are by nature, minimalists. These are the travelers that are happy with just the necessities. They pack light and sustainably, they prefer a basic hotel or camping experience, and they’re main priority is the outdoor activity at hand…hence, the Essential Nature Traveler.
For a long time, this has been the subconscious stereotype we think of for nature lovers. However, as wellness retreats and outdoor group excursions continue to become more popular, the idea of nature + luxury is entering the chat and increasing the number of travel possibilities…because you can have your granola and eat it too.
Comfort Nature Traveler
These are the travelers that prioritize where they stay + where they eat with as much priority as the outdoor activity chosen. When booking a hotel, they always select one with a 7 step spa ritual program. And when choosing a restaurant, they’ll reserve one with the best outdoor terrace and uninterrupted view. Although strict in their ideas of comfort, they will always find their opportunities for luxury. Packing for outdoor/nature trips for them means more than just a backpack. These travelers are bringing their full skincare routine, pajamas, and loungewear too. These travelers are more willing to seek out extraordinary accommodation and dining experiences. Whether that’s in a glamping igloo or an exclusive tasting menu within the forest, they are always up for a unique mix of nature, healing, and aesthetics…hence, the Comfort Nature Traveler.
It’s safe to say the Comfort Nature Traveler can be specified further with traits similar to the Boutique Traveler and/or Luxury Traveler as well…but for the sake of this page, we’ll go as far as here.
Companions of the Nature Traveler
If you’ve been invited to join a nature guru on an upcoming outdoor adventure, you should have an initial conversation about your personal outdoor travel styles. The best thing you can do as a companion on a nature trip is to know what your nature travel style is, and what your friend’s is. From there you can determine the likelihood that you both survive on the mountain together.
The Comfort and Essential Nature Travelers have entirely different priorities, packing styles, expectations, and budgeting requirements. Because of this, there are only 3 dynamics that work when traveling with 1 or more nature lovers.
Companion & Traveler Pairings
The Essential Nature Travelers can travel together…the Comfort Nature Travelers can travel together…or the Essential Nature Traveler can join the Comfort Nature Traveler…but a Comfort Nature Traveler can not join an Essential Nature Traveler on a trip (or if they did, they would never do it again). Here’s why:
Essential Nature Travelers are Dynamic
The Essential Nature Traveler can change styles. They are more flexible and less strict in their ways. They’re happy with the basics but they don’t hate it when they have a nice bed, air conditioned room, and a sauna to relax in after a long day hiking.
They are dynamic in one of two ways. 1) they can change from Essential to Comfort, permanently without changing back. Or, 2) they can morph between the Essential and Comfort, depending on who they are traveling with. This second way can only happen if the traveler was an Essentialist from the beginning.
What would inspire an Essential Nature Traveler to transition into a Comfort Nature Traveler permanently? When they (an Essential Nature Traveler) have been invited by a Comfort Nature Traveler on a Comfort Nature Trip. Or, when they’ve started indulging in luxury travel trips on their own, while simultaneously, their outdoor destinations bucket list continues to grow.
Comfort Nature Travelers are Static
The Comfort Nature Traveler can not switch between Comfort and Essential travel styles, on a whim. Once they are Comfort, there is no turning back. It’s like once you fly first class internationally…you never want to fly general again. But don’t fault them for this, they prefer a little more self care and luxury amongst nature…it’s balance is what it really is. They know what they like, and they know what they don’t and why would you want to do anything less than preferred when you’re traveling? You wouldn’t.
The last thing a Comfort Traveler wants after a long, strenuous day on the mountain, is to return to their campsite and bend down into the tent, and change their sweaty clothes on the ground, and use a community shower. No, they want a long shower with good water pressure and a hot tub to soak their sore body in.
Pros & Cons of Outdoor/Nature Travel
Pros
- Easiest way to feel grounded and centered
- Best place to practice a spiritual meditation or stillness
- Feel more connected with nature and the Universe
- Unplug from social media and technology
- Get good exercise
- Improve your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health
- See extraordinary parts of the world
- Meet a goal you’ve set for yourself
- Can learn new skills
Cons
- Sleeping outdoors and maintaining good personal hygiene can be difficult at times
- Heavy and expensive equipment
- Sometimes dangerous
- Can be expensive to participate in extreme activities
- There’s potential to harm the environment due to pollution and littering by careless travelers
How to Plan an Outdoor/Nature Trip
Step 1: Choose an Outdoor Activity/Experience:
Maybe you have a hike with amazing views, a body of water, an outdoor excursion, or a physical challenge saved on your bucket list since you were a teenager. Or maybe you recently discovered a trending video on social media about visiting a tropical island during its low season…no matter how you found your desired outdoor activity, by knowing exactly what you want to do can help narrow down your travel destination.
Outdoor adventure destinations can fluctuate in costs based on where and when you visit. For example, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland are some of the most expensive countries to visit in Europe. Visiting during their high season can increase costs nearly 3x as much compared to visiting during their off season. If you’re wanting to take plan a nature trip but at an affordable price, you might consider going during the front or back end of it’s off season. If you choose to do this, please educate yourself on the number of daylight hours in a given day during these seasons for safety purposes. Some countries in Northern Europe can remain completely dark during certain months of the year, so you want to plan accordingly.
And remember that not every country’s seasons bring the same climates and temperatures as the country you are from. It would be a shame to plan a trip to Norway in the Winter if you didn’t realize they receive less than 6-8 hours of sunlight in a day, or that Africa’s Winters are generally warm.
Step 2: Assess What Equipment You Already Have and What You Still Need:
Unless you’re going to continue growing, it is wise to buy trustworthy equipment that will last a long time. The scale of comfort and quality is relatively large when it comes to most sporting and outdoor equipment. And unless you’re getting Expert or Professional level equipment, the beginner and intermediate options can start to feel pretty much the same, so you really can’t go wrong with any selection, it just depends on how much money you’re willing to spend or what brand you trust the most.
As someone living with Multiple Sclerosis, I personally believe it is worth it to invest in a very nice pair of hiking boots/climbing equipment…for safety, pain relief, and comfort.
Luckily, most sporting and outdoor equipment is made with good quality and should last a decent amount of time, so you shouldn’t need new outfits or equipment every time you take a new trip. Instead, use what you already have if it still works and fits properly! If you do need a lot of new equipment, consider purchasing it over time so you aren’t dropping a ton of money all at once. Whenever you’re buying sporting goods, look at it as an investment in yourself and consider what having the correct equipment can do for your health and safety. This is one area I would suggest not thrifting in.
Step 3: Determine What Type of Nature Traveler You Are:
This is when you need to think about your non-negotiables and priorities.
A full day’s hike in the sun can tire you out…if you’re exhausted physically, is it best to camp or reserve a hotel room with a bed? Are you someone who prefers spa treatments and services to relax your muscles or are you okay doing your own leg massage and blood circulating self therapies? Do you need air conditioning or can you sweat it out/combat the cold at night? How do you feel about porta-potties versus a private bathroom? Do you enjoy a man made fire in the evening or an aperitif on the patio terrace?
Your answers will help you narrow down the accommodation, dining, and travel options that best suit your travel style.
Author’s Note
Living in North Italy has gifted us amazing opportunities to experience the outdoors and some
of the most iconic hikes, adventures, and nature.
We are 5 hours from the Italian Dolomites, a little over 1 hour from Switzerland, and 3 hours from Aosta Valley. Our town sits on Lake Maggiore, which is 1 hour from Lake Como, and 30 minutes from Lake Orta.
Impossible to ignore, we are consistently surrounded by the Alpes, with renown dining experiences and prestige mountain resorts.
Because of where we live, I very much identify as a Comfort nature Traveler, while my husband bounces between Essential and Comfort (depending on who he is traveling with!) When he’s traveling with me, we are Comfort. When he’s traveling with other Essential Nature Travelers, he is Essential.
My favorite outdoor & nature trip has got to be when we visited the Azores Islands off the coast of Portugal. The flowers, tropical hikes, thermal baths, and waterfalls were endless!
