The 10 Best Soft Adventure Trips that Deliver Big Thrills, Stunning Scenery

You can kayak in the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska to get up close to massive glaciers. (Photo courtesy of Sublime Public Relations)

For me, travel is the best when we’re having fun and visiting places with family and friends. 

This also means doing something immersive and exhilarating. And while we love to be energetic and highly active, that doesn’t mean we seek out especially wacky thrills that could be viewed as dangerous. 

We’re partial to stuff like hiking, trekking and biking — all blended with comfortable and enriching cultural experiences that help us to learn something about the places we visit and people we meet. These types of soft adventures are growing in popularity, with more and more creative itineraries available to entice all kinds of travelers.

Here’s a great mix of cool stuff that we think you’d love, too, if you’re anything like us.

These top 10 soft adventures to consider for your next trip were compiled by Sublime Public Relations, and we’re sharing the awesome list to give you some inspiration, too.

1. Boat and Bike Europe: From Amsterdam to Paris

You can ride past windmills in the Dutch countryside, sip Belgian beer on a historic square, and enjoy the French capital’s grand boulevards while traveling at a relaxed, enriching pace on Boat Bike Tours' new 10-day tour from Amsterdam to Paris. Along the way, you’ll be traveling in comfort aboard the new Magnifique X barge.

2. Hike and Cruise Turkey: The Carian Coast

Travelers will follow the herb-lined footpaths and ancient roads of the Carian Trail on a 15-day tour from Peter Sommer Travels. You can hike through hills filled with pine trees, olive trees and ruins. You’ll have accommodations and transportation aboard a traditional Turkish gulet while cruising the beautiful remote Carian Coast, which features deep inlets and secluded coves.

3. Stay and Play at a Dude Ranch: Rancho de la Osa, Arizona

Celebrate the centennial of the dude ranching industry in 2026 with a stay at Rancho de la Osa, which has been hosting travelers for more than 100 years. You can check out the high desert south of Tucson, Arizona, on horseback, riding trails frequented by U.S. presidents and legends of the Wild West, then enjoy a cool drink in the Cantina, a building that dates to 1722, and put up your feet in colorful Southwestern accommodations.

4. High Andes and Salt Flats: Peru and Bolivia Adventure

Explore the iconic natural and cultural wonders of the Andes on a journey in Peru and Bolivia. On this top eco-tour in Peru and Bolivia, you’ll traverse the Uyuni Salt Flats, visit Indigenous communities on the shores of Lake Titicaca and experience historic Incan sites of the Sacred Valley, all while staying in deluxe accommodations.

5. Singletrack Riding in the Dakotas: Maah Daah Hey Mountain Biking

Avid bikers will love this one. You can pedal through the wild and rugged terrain of the North Dakota Badlands on the legendary Maah Daah Hey Trail. This guided mountain biking tour covers the most scenic singletrack sections, with full support, catered meals and comfortable nights spent glamping under the wide-open starry skies. This adventure offers an immersive national park experience without the crowds.

6. Fireside Resort: Tiny House Basecamp, Jackson Hole

This glamping experience is in a basecamp of tiny houses just minutes from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Fireside Resort serves as the perfect home for taking on the numerous activities available in nearby Grand Teton National Park. You’ll have easy access to hiking, wildlife viewing and rafting tours, while enjoying modern amenities and personal fire pits.

7. Sacha Lodge: Amazon Rainforest Immersion, Ecuador

Deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon Forest, Sacha Lodge offers a responsible way to experience one of the world's most biodiverse regions. Travelers participate in low-impact activities, such as guided canopy walks, wildlife spotting by dugout canoe and nature hikes led by expert guides, while staying in secure, private thatched-roof cabins that ensure a luxurious and comfortable experience.

8. Scalesia Lodge: Galapagos Island Basecamp, Ecuador

Located on Isabela Island, this premier Galapagos lodge is designed as a sustainable and stylish base for exploring the legendary wildlife and geology of the archipelago. Activities include volcano hikes and snorkeling with sea lions, delivered with high-touch service while you stay in elevated and spacious geodesic dome tents with private balconies.

9. Whitewater and Wildlife: Yellowstone River Rafting

Talk about epic! Adventure lovers can experience the Yellowstone River Flying Pig Adventures, based near the North Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. You can choose from exhilarating whitewater rafting trips (Class II-IV rapids), scenic floats suitable for all ages, or combined Paddle & Saddle packages that include a horseback ride. Expert guides ensure a safe, fun and informative experience, perfect for families to enjoy the wilderness while viewing stunning mountain scenery and wildlife.

10. Bear Viewing and Kayaking: Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

This trip allows travelers to see brown bears on the hunt for salmon in the rivers and falls of the Kenai Peninsula in Africa. (Photo courtesy of Sublime Public Relations)

Alaska has always been our favorite destination, and this trip rocks. On this outing, you’ll witness the extraordinary sight of brown bears catching salmon at the famed Brooks Falls and explore the stunning fjords of Kenai National Park on a multi-day wildlife tour. This package is ideal for nature lovers seeking close-up wildlife encounters without the strenuous demands of deep backcountry trekking. The program includes scenic kayaking floats and comfortable lodge-style accommodations.