Mobissimo

Back in the late 90s and early 2000s, before the dot-com implosion, it seemed that adventure travel was the only way to go. The 'regular' trips to Paris, Amsterdam et al were suddenly so pedestrian; even high school and college grads were going to far off places like Indonesia and Guatelmala instead of The Pink Palace at Corfu and Mr. Pussy's in Dublin. The influx of instant money, i.e. paper options for all the internet nouveau riche made exotic destinations de riguer. 'Oh, we've already been to Phnom Penh, try the glass noodles at ...' was such the conversation around places like the now defunct Elroy's in San Francisco. However, times have changed and those who enjoyed those good times, are now going to places like Orlando. However, all is not lost and the many internet adventure travel companies that folded have taught the existing ones something very important. 1) Customer service 2) Make the adventure worthwhile. Instead of lying on a beach on Ko Phi Phi, sea kayak there. Check out this post from the Gadling.

Call it a new trend in adventure travel: instead of seeking thrills, these adventure-vacationers are seeking skills. The New York Times (reg maybe required) is featuring an article about travel organizations that help holidaymakers not only relax, but learn skills such as surfing, skiing, even dressage of Andalucian horses.

Adventure Travel. It's still there, and if anything, the quality has only improved, the booking systems more robust, the offerings even more exotic.