Active travel has seen a significant rise in recent years, with more people opting for immersive experiences that blend adventure, fitness and exploration.
Travellers seeking a deeper connection with nature, culture and themselves are increasingly drawn to these types of trips.
Running and cycling are at the forefront of this movement, offering unique opportunities to get off the beaten track and see parts of the world that people might never have experienced.
Running Wild
Beyond the Ultimate, who host multi-day ultra marathons in locations across the world, continue to see an upraise in interest.
The company takes runners to some of the planet’s most incredible environments – from the dense rainforests of the Amazon to the sun-scorched deserts of Namibia.
These aren’t just races, they are immersive journeys allowing participants to connect with the landscapes, wildlife and local cultures on foot. It’s a unique opportunity to explore lesser-seen regions of the world while achieving personal milestones.
“It used to be very niche, there weren’t very many people who were into ultra running when we started but over the last few years it’s become massive,” said Kris King, founder of Beyond the Ultimate.
“Many of our runners are just ordinary people who want to do something extraordinary.”
One such person is Robert Duncombe, who set himself a goal to run a marathon in every continent in the world. He discovered the Jungle Ultra and completed it earlier this year.
“I wanted to run a marathon in South America. I was initially looking at marathons in Rio or São Paulo. Searching the internet, I found the Jungle Ultra and honestly signed up, paid the deposit and then read up on the race,” he said.
For those seeking a challenge beyond the ordinary, ultra-marathons turn running into a shared adventure.
The camaraderie and sense of achievement participants feel as they tackle tough terrains, often in spectacular settings, make these events truly transformative.
It’s a way of travel that’s as much about personal growth as it is about crossing finish lines.
On Yer Bike
Cycling has also emerged as a leading way for adventure-seeking travellers to explore new destinations.
The rise in gravel riding and bikepacking also reflects this growing appetite for off-road exploration on two wheels.
Gravel cycling, in particular, offers an exciting blend of road and mountain biking, allowing cyclists to navigate varied terrains while experiencing the beauty of rural landscapes.
In fact, gravel has become the bike of choice for many adventurers looking to escape the tarmac and tackle new terrain.
Epic Road Rides, which provides expert advice on cycling travel, has seen a huge surge in interest with the rise of cycling tour specialists increasing their gravel offering and new gravel specific tours emerging.
“Gravel has been the buzzword among our cycling tour operator clients for the last 12 months,” said Clare Dewey from Epic Road Rides.
“Exciting gravel events are popping up and there’s chatter about gravel versions of famous climbs.
“For others, it’s all about getting away from the masses, on quiet trails that lead deep into the wilderness. Everyone has been talking about the opportunities for off-road cycling this year – and without doubt, we see that continuing into 2025.”
This trend is not limited to Europe or North America. Australia’s diverse landscapes – think the mountainous tracks of Victoria’s High Country, the dirt trails in Tasmania, or the epic outback routes in the Flinders Ranges – offer prime opportunities for gravel riding and bikepacking closer to home.
Google search trends further highlight this shift in cycling culture, with a notable rise in searches for “bikepacking” compared to traditional “bike touring.”
More cyclists are seeking self-supported, off-the-beaten-path journeys, where they can immerse themselves in remote areas and experience a deeper connection with nature.
Gravel riding and bikepacking offer an intimate way to explore, giving travellers the freedom to see destinations in a slower, more deliberate manner than traditional touring.
Whether it’s climbing winding mountain passes or traversing quiet rural backroads, cyclists can experience the world from a unique vantage point.
