by Terri Pajaanen Get Up and Go! As more and more people are tiring of the typical vacation, seeing the same crowded tourist attractions or lying aimlessly on a beach, the new pursuit of "adventure travel" is becoming the hot new holiday choice. Who can resist the lure of adventure? The idea may pique your interest and get your heart pumping, but what kind of vacation can you expect if you want to try adventure travel? Are you going to have to risk your life or spend a fortune?

Thankfully, the answer to both questions is no. Adventure travel need not be dangerous nor expensive. Anyone can try something new and different, and the risk level is yours to control. What makes adventure travel so appealing is that you can find the exact trip that excites you, and only you. The World Is Your Oyster An adventure can be anything that leads you off the beaten path to try a new activity or experience. To some people, that can be a rough hike through the deep woods to a remote campsite. To others, shimmying through an underground crevice with only a headlamp to guide you might suit the bill even better. And who can resist the thrill of leaping out of an airplane? Even if you aren't experienced in any adventure-related sports, that doesn't mean you can't try them out. Nearly all activities offer a beginner level for you to experiment with. There are always some rock climbing faces with plenty of easy handholds, or a river with only mild rapids for kayaking. You can even skydive with only a short training session. But always be safe and ask your tour guide or operator about the skill levels required so that you don't try something that you might regret later. Though experience and skill isn't critical, fitness may be. Though some adventures require very little physical activity, you generally do need to be in shape for many of these experiences. If you are unsure of your health, check with a doctor before booking your tour. The Gentle Adventurer Adventure travel does tend to lean towards rigorous sports and activities, but that's by no means the only way to have an adventure. If you prefer something less active, you can stay overnight at a haunted hotel, ride a horse on a dude ranch, or even just see the world from a hot air balloon. These can be great fun if you're not that fond of heart-pounding physical exertion. Travelling to distant regions isn't necessarily a requirement either, which can be important to your budget and schedule. It all depends on what you hope to see and do. If your dream adventure is to ride camel-back to the pyramids, then you are not going to have much choice but to travel to Egypt. But trips that are based on an activity instead of a location can be found all across the country, and possibly right in your own backyard. You might find a small skydiving club at your local airport, or caves to explore in the woods outside of town. Don't assume that you can't have an adventure in your own city. No matter who you are, there is an adventure waiting for you. Young or old, anyone enjoy the thrills of some new experience. The oldest person to skydive was 101 years old and Mt. Kilimanjaro was hiked by a ten-year old boy. And don't be put off if you happen to be a woman. These macho sports are just as available to women as they are to men. Instead of bringing back tired souvenirs from your next bland vacation, bring back photos and memories of a true adventure.