There's something about pushing yourself to the extreme—pulse up and comfort zone nowhere in sight. Hiking a glacier, exploring a cave system, diving to see sharks up close: Today’s adventure travelers feel most alive when the stakes are real. 

But although the rush is the point, the trip isn’t reckless. Instead, the route’s mapped, the gear's checked, the guide's vetted—it’s all about the edge, not the free fall. And as our data shows, these adrenaline-fueled vacations are only picking up speed.

There's something about choosing your own edge—pulse up and comfort zone nowhere in sight. Hiking a glacier, exploring a cave system, diving to see sharks up close: These travelers feel most alive when the stakes are real. The rush is the point, but it's not reckless. The route's mapped, the gear's checked, the guide's vetted. Today’s adventurers want the edge, not the free fall. And a look at our data shows these adrenaline-fueled trips are only picking up speed.

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of these travelers are more likely than average to call themselves a risk-taker.

of these travelers are more likely than average to call themselves a risk-taker.

of these travelers are more likely than average to call themselves a risk-taker.

of these travelers are more likely than average to call themselves a risk-taker.

Built for the edge: 7 telltale signs

Built for the edge: 7 telltale signs

Built for the edge: 7 telltale signs

Built for the edge: 7 telltale signs

Built for the edge: 7 telltale signs

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Extreme and On the Edge

Extreme and On the Edge

“I was a bit hesitant, but I had the time of my life on this tour, especially when it came to the zip lining. I was really, really scared, but all of the guides helped me along each platform! When we came back, they gave us an authentic lunch that was absolutely delicious!”

“I was a bit hesitant, but I had the time of my life on this tour, especially when it came to the zip lining. I was really, really scared, but all of the guides helped me along each platform! When we came back, they gave us an authentic lunch that was absolutely delicious!”

“I was a bit hesitant, but I had the time of my life on this tour, especially when it came to the zip lining. I was really, really scared, but all of the guides helped me along each platform! When we came back, they gave us an authentic lunch that was absolutely delicious!”

“I was a bit hesitant, but I had the time of my life on this tour, especially when it came to the zip lining. I was really, really scared, but all of the guides helped me along each platform! When we came back, they gave us an authentic lunch that was absolutely delicious!”

Review of Punta Cana Zipline Adventure with Buggies and Horseback Riding

Review of Punta Cana Zipline Adventure with Buggies and Horseback Riding

Review of Punta Cana Zipline Adventure with Buggies and Horseback Riding

  • 01

    EXPERIENCES

    Adventure bookings are up, and the wildest ones lead the way.

    +22%

    uptick in adventure bookings over the past two years

  • 02

    TIMING

    Spontaneity is scheduled—we want the thrills with a plan.

    54%

    have pre-booked at least three activities before departure

  • 03

    STANDARDS

    Average doesn’t work. It’s top rated or nothing.

    69%

    of these bookings are for
    5-bubble-rated experiences

  • 04

    SPENDING

    The extra spend is earned and worth every dollar.

    +16%

    more is spent on extreme-adventure activities than on other activity types

  • 05

    EXPLORATION

    A great adventure is worth the flight, wherever it lands.

    70%

    of these experiences bookings are in destinations outside the U.S.

By the numbers

Select a section to expand

By the numbers

By the numbers

By the numbers


Select a section to expand

By the numbers

01
EXPERIENCES
Adventure bookings are up, and the wildest ones lead the way.
02
TIMING
03
STANDARDS
04
SPENDING
05
EXPLORATION

  • 01

    EXPERIENCES

    Adventure bookings are up, and the wildest ones lead the way.

    +22%

    uptick in adventure bookings over the past two years

  • 02

    TIMING

    Spontaneity is scheduled—we want the thrills with a plan.

    54%

    have pre-booked at least three activities before departure

  • 03

    STANDARDS

    Average doesn’t work. It’s top rated or nothing.

    69%

    of these bookings are for
    5-bubble-rated experiences

  • 04

    SPENDING

    The extra spend is earned and worth every dollar.

    +16%

    more is spent on extreme-adventure activities than on other activity types

  • 05

    EXPLORATION

    A great adventure is worth the flight, wherever it lands.

    70%

    of these experiences bookings are in destinations outside the U.S.

  • 01

    EXPERIENCES

    Adventure bookings are up, and the wildest ones lead the way.

    +22%

    uptick in adventure bookings over the past two years

  • 02

    TIMING

    Spontaneity is scheduled—we want the thrills with a plan.

    54%

    have pre-booked at least three activities before departure

  • 03

    STANDARDS

    Average doesn’t work. It’s top rated or nothing.

    69%

    of these bookings are for
    5-bubble-rated experiences

  • 04

    SPENDING

    The extra spend is earned and worth every dollar.

    +16%

    more is spent on extreme-adventure activities than on other activity types

  • 05

    EXPLORATION

    A great adventure is worth the flight, wherever it lands.

    70%

    of these experiences bookings are in destinations outside the U.S.

  • 01

    EXPERIENCES

    Adventure bookings are up, and the wildest ones lead the way.

    +22%

    uptick in adventure bookings over the past two years

  • 02

    TIMING

    Spontaneity is scheduled—we want the thrills with a plan.

    54%

    have pre-booked at least three activities before departure

  • 03

    STANDARDS

    Average doesn’t work. It’s top rated or nothing.

    69%

    of these bookings are for
    5-bubble-rated experiences

  • 04

    SPENDING

    The extra spend is earned and worth every dollar.

    +16%

    more is spent on extreme-adventure activities than on other activity types

  • 05

    EXPLORATION

    A great adventure is worth the flight, wherever it lands.

    70%

    of these experiences bookings are in destinations outside the U.S.

Extreme and On the Edge

Extreme and On the Edge

“The ATV adventure to the Water Cave and Macao Beach is an absolute MUST! From the moment we started the ride, it was nonstop fun. Driving through trails, splashing through mud, and feeling the adrenaline was incredible. The stop at the water cave was magical—crystal clear, refreshing, and such a unique experience.

“The ATV adventure to the Water Cave and Macao Beach is an absolute MUST! From the moment we started the ride, it was nonstop fun. Driving through trails, splashing through mud, and feeling the adrenaline was incredible. The stop at the water cave was magical—crystal clear, refreshing, and such a unique experience.

“The ATV adventure to the Water Cave and Macao Beach is an absolute MUST! From the moment we started the ride, it was nonstop fun. Driving through trails, splashing through mud, and feeling the adrenaline was incredible. The stop at the water cave was magical—crystal clear, refreshing, and such a unique experience.

“The ATV adventure to the Water Cave and Macao Beach is an absolute MUST! From the moment we started the ride, it was nonstop fun. Driving through trails, splashing through mud, and feeling the adrenaline was incredible. The stop at the water cave was magical—crystal clear, refreshing, and such a unique experience.

“The ATV adventure to the Water Cave and Macao Beach is an absolute MUST! From the moment we started the ride, it was nonstop fun. Driving through trails, splashing through mud, and feeling the adrenaline was incredible. The stop at the water cave was magical—crystal clear, refreshing, and such a unique experience.

Review of ATV Adventure to Water Cave and Macao Beach in Punta Cana

Review of ATV Adventure to Water Cave and Macao Beach in Punta Cana

Review of ATV Adventure to Water Cave and Macao Beach in Punta Cana

How this shows up


From zipline adventures to underwater caves, the Dominican Republic delivers on all counts for the adventure traveler.

How this shows up


From zipline adventures to underwater caves, the Dominican Republic delivers on all counts for the adventure traveler.

How this shows up


From zipline adventures to underwater caves, the Dominican Republic delivers on all counts for the adventure traveler.

How this shows up


From zipline adventures to underwater caves, the Dominican Republic delivers on all counts for the adventure traveler.

It’s more than a trip—it’s an escape to a land that has it all

It’s more than a trip—it’s an escape to a land that has it all

It’s more than a trip—it’s an escape to a land that has it all

It’s more than a trip—it’s an escape to a land that has it all

Discover a side of the Dominican Republic meant just for you, where every moment feels truly extraordinary.

Discover a side of the Dominican Republic meant just for you, where every moment feels truly extraordinary.

Discover a side of the Dominican Republic meant just for you, where every moment feels truly extraordinary.

Discover a side of the Dominican Republic meant just for you, where every moment feels truly extraordinary.

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This report draws on multiple complementary data sources, including proprietary first-party data on bookable experiences and travel intent signals, Tripadvisor forum discussions, as well as third-party syndicated data. This includes consumer survey data and insights from GWI (GlobalWebIndex), a syndicated consumer research platform. 


Written by Clara Sedlak. Designed by Arianna Iacovelli

Data research by Aarushi Kumar and Ryan Gillis


* All data attribution: Tripadvisor Group Internal Data: 2024-2026

Disclaimer: This report is for promotional and informational purposes only. It is based on internal Tripadvisor data and cited third-party sources. While all data is believed to be accurate at the time of publication, Tripadvisor makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for its use or interpretation. Past performance and trend growth are not indicators of future results.

This report draws on multiple complementary data sources, including proprietary first-party data on bookable experiences and travel intent signals, Tripadvisor forum discussions, as well as third-party syndicated data. This includes consumer survey data and insights from GWI (GlobalWebIndex), a syndicated consumer research platform. 


Written by Clara Sedlak. Designed by Arianna Iacovelli

Data research by Aarushi Kumar and Ryan Gillis


* All data attribution: Tripadvisor Group Internal Data: 2024-2026

Disclaimer: This report is for promotional and informational purposes only. It is based on internal Tripadvisor data and cited third-party sources. While all data is believed to be accurate at the time of publication, Tripadvisor makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for its use or interpretation. Past performance and trend growth are not indicators of future results.

This report draws on multiple complementary data sources, including proprietary first-party data on bookable experiences and travel intent signals, Tripadvisor forum discussions, as well as third-party syndicated data. This includes consumer survey data and insights from GWI (GlobalWebIndex), a syndicated consumer research platform. 


Written by Clara Sedlak. Designed by Arianna Iacovelli

Data research by Aarushi Kumar and Ryan Gillis


* All data attribution: Tripadvisor Group Internal Data: 2024-2026

Disclaimer: This report is for promotional and informational purposes only. It is based on internal Tripadvisor data and cited third-party sources. While all data is believed to be accurate at the time of publication, Tripadvisor makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for its use or interpretation. Past performance and trend growth are not indicators of future results.