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How Adventure Travel Can Boost Your Mental Wellbeing

Brain health expert reveals four reasons why adventure travel is good for your mind, body, and soul.
Julie Keller Callaghan

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Travel has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, but beyond the serene wellness retreats and peaceful beach lounging, did you know that riding a roller coaster is also good for your mental health?

The experts at BestCasinoSites.net partnered with brain experts at Brainworks Neurotherapy to shed light on the therapeutic benefits of adventure to our mental wellbeing. Alongside this, they revealed the five best destinations for adrenaline-junkies by evaluating factors such as the number of roller coasters, casinos, rock climbing opportunities, mountain bike routes, hiking trails, and off-road trails in 61 countries.

Adrenaline rushes are biologically good for you

Engaging in adrenaline-pumping activities triggers the release of feel-good hormones such as endorphins and dopamine, which serve as natural stress-relievers, inducing feelings of euphoria and relaxation. 

An interesting study claims that roller coaster rides might just be the therapy you need. Don’t let the fear of stepping into the unknown overpower you. Start by taking small steps to introduce adventure into your life, which can be immensely rewarding and have a profound impact on your wellbeing.

You get to focus on the present

Whether you’re navigating through rough terrains or just about to jump off a plane, the intensity of the adventure pulls you out of your head, encouraging mindfulness and presence in the moment. Immersing yourself fully in the present helps diminish stress, letting go of worries about the past or future as you connect more deeply with your inner self.

You get a huge self-esteem boost

Taking on new challenges and accomplishing them not only drums up confidence but also provides a sense of self-belief. Whether embarking on grand adventures or small ventures, each new experience can act as a powerful catalyst for personal growth as you break through your own barriers and develop greater abilities to cope with stress and adversity. 

You attain mental clarity

From scaling mountains to cycling through a forest, adventure sports often take place outdoors, which can be an excellent stress buster. Navigating challenging terrains or conquering physical obstacles demands intense focus and this heightened cognitive engagement not only enhances mental clarity but also hones problem-solving skills. Exposure to natural settings can offer a rejuvenating effect on the mind and is especially effective in reducing mental fatigue and fostering a sense of vitality and mental wellbeing.

Wondering where to go? Here are the top 15 thrill-seeking destinations for adventure lovers.

France

According to the study, France is the world’s adventure capital. Prized for its stunning mountain ranges from the Pyrenees to the Alps, the country offers more than 720,000 hiking trails. Test your limits by conquering Mont Blanc, towering at 15,771 feet, or by jumping on one of France’s 227 thrilling roller coaster rides!

Adrenaline checklist in France: Cliff Jumping from the Calanques, rock climbing the overhanging limestone in Provence, or cycling on a glacier

Mexico

Your journey to this Latin American gem can be incredibly action-packed as you scale Mexico’s iconic snow-capped cone, Pico de Orizaba, with a peak of 18,406 feet above sea level, or tackle one of the world’s biggest sport climbing areas at El Potrero Chico.

Adrenaline checklist in Mexico: Extreme urban downhill biking in Taxco, bungee jumping at Los Cabos, zip-lining in the jungles of Yucatan

Spain

Spain offers an enticing array of outdoorsy pursuits, boasting the highest number of thrill-seeking trails, from rock climbing (10,600) and mountain biking (6,430,000) to hiking (10,300,000), among all cities studied. Spain’s pristine landscape appears tailor-made for adventure enthusiasts.

Adrenaline checklist in Spain: Rock climbing In Picos De Europa, canyoning at Junta de los Rios, Andalucía, and walking the El Caminito del Rey

Argentina 

Home to the third highest peak (in the study, The Aconcagua attracts more than 3,000 mountaineers annually, despite being nicknamed the Mountain of Death.

Adrenaline checklist in Argentina: Mountain biking in Bariloche, ice trekking to the top of Perito Moreno Glacier, and paragliding with condors in Córdoba

United States 

With more than 900 roller coasters, including Kingda Ka, the world’s second-fastest, America is a must-visit if you crave a rush of adrenaline.

Adrenaline checklist in the U.S.: Rafting in the Grand Canyon, mountain biking the Grand Staircase in Utah, and rock climbing in Yosemite National Park

About The Author
julieKeller_author-1

Julie is the co-founder of Well Defined and a longtime influencer and advocate in the wellness world. Along with her work at Well Defined, she is an executive recruiter and marketing specialist for Hutchinson Consulting. She is also a consultant and content strategist for numerous wellness brands. She is the former editor-in-chief and publisher of American Spa and was named a 2019 Folio Top Woman in Media in the Industry Trailblazers category and a 2018 winner of ISPA’s Innovate Award. She is also a seasoned journalist, specializing in spa, travel, health, fitness, wellness, sustainability, and beauty. She has been published in Departures, ForbesTraveler.com, E! Online, Gayot.com, Insider’s Guide to Spas, Luxury Travel Advisor, Marin Magazine, Ocean Home, Smart Meetings, Spa Asia, and Travel Agent.