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7 Adventurous Experiences to Give for the Holidays

Give something different this year.

By: The Outbound Collective + Save to a List

We have nothing against giving a physical present for the holidays (we all have our own version of gear problem), but how stoked will your loved one be to receive an actual experience that will create lifelong memories? Check out some of our favorite adventure and travel experiences you can give this holiday season.

1. The Pursuit Series


If your ideal weekend consists of spending all day playing and learning new things in the outdoors, delicious meals and open bar happy hours, and making new friends around the campfire, then the Pursuit Series if for you! We have three events this year in beautiful venues in North Carolina, Utah, and California. We hope to see you there!

 

2. Alaska Wildlife Explorer with MT Sobek

Explore Southeast Alaska's largest protected wildlife habitats: Glacier Bay National Park and Tongass National Forest with industry-leading guides. On this trip you'll have the opportunity to see humpback whales, porpoises, sea lions, sea otters, bald eagles, moose, and bears. 

 

3. Raft the Grand Canyon with Wilderness River Adventures


Rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is an adventure of a lifetime (just ask Christin Healey). You just have to decide how long you want to spend on the river and what timeframe works best for you and your group and Wilderness River Adventures takes care of the rest.  

 

4. Awayco Membership

Maybe you can't afford to buy your favorite person a new pair of skis or a new surfboard, but buying them an Awayco membership allows them to rent top-of-the-line gear in the best adventure destinations around the world or in their backyard (pro tip: it's a great way to "try before you buy"). Enable your friend or family member to have an experience in the water or on the snow that they'll never forget. 

 

5. Boundary Waters Dog Sledding & XC Skiing with Outward Bound

Dogs make any experience better. On this trip with Outward Bound, not only do you get to hang out and hit the trail with these amazing, hard-working animals, you'll also get to push yourself in trying conditions and learn from experts about how to thrive in winter camping situations. 

 

6. Wilderness First Aid with NOLS

Founded in the rugged mountains of Wyoming in 1965, NOLS strives to be the leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership in the outdoors. Trust us when we say you can trust NOLS and taking a WFA course is always a good idea for anyone who spends time in the outdoors. 

 

7. Airbnb Gift Card


Obviously, we're all about living out of a tent for a few days (or much longer), but sometimes an adventure that ends with a good night's sleep in a comfortable bed is just what the doctor ordered. Giving an Airbnb gift card is giving someone a chance to pick up and go explore a new city, national park, or any off-the-beaten-path destination they set their sights on without worrying about finding a campsite. 

 

Cover photo: Emily Hlaváč Green 

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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