Val's View: Adventure Travel with Friends

Adventure travel is more than just a trip; it's an opportunity to create unforgettable memories with friends, push personal boundaries, and embark on thrilling new experiences together.

I just returned from such a journey with six high school friends. We rented a three-story house in Croatia with a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea. We bonded over jumping off the Zodiac boat into the crystal clear waters and stayed up late playing games. Blasting the music of our glory days, we danced like nobody was watching and had a blast. We had impromptu conversations over dinner, sparked by the thrill of leaving our everyday routines behind.

Exploration can look like uncertainty, but pushing through that turns into excitement. Give yourself the freedom to find the unknown. In Croatia, we went to an olive and wine farm owned by the same family since the 1500s. Between the glow of light hitting the hills and the adjacent castle where Game of Thrones was filmed, we felt as if we were transported into an ancient era. Sometimes, travel helps fill the soul; after a long day of adventure, unwinding and socializing apart from the usual grind is blissful.

Navigating airports and fostering patience is well worth it when gazing at the ancient masterpieces in a Roman park- the ruins from past civilizations are a feast for the eyes. Just listening to other languages intrigues me, and I can't help but love Italian food, so I decided that Italy was a great pit stop on my way back to the States.

One of my friends chose to meet her boyfriend in Paris on the way back. She arrived safely after a harrowing emergency landing and was immersed in the City of Lights in all its splendor.

I've found from traveling with friends that everyone has their own interests. Friends can encourage each other to take that steep hike and capture a beautiful photo off the beaten path. We found a beach with giant rocks and waves crashing over them, and when we went through a tunnel, we kept finding unique spots that were unplanned and unusual. One of my friends is a photographer; she loves exploring alleys and hidden places like that. The trick to enjoying each other's company on an excursion is to leave your expectations behind and be open to spontaneity. Cooperation breeds closeness.

A great way to avoid misunderstandings when you have a group of people is to communicate before, during, and after. Discuss budget, preferences, and interests, and involve everyone to ensure all voices are heard. Be flexible because structure is essential when booking, and flexibility also allows for adventure and serendipitous moments. Start a group chat early and do shared photo albums. If someone isn't up for the same thing as others, they can hang back. When plans change, or people make mistakes, go easy on each other! The privilege of exploration can bring cohesion. You get to know people deeply when you travel together and work through disagreements.

Finding adventure and letting go of control takes courage, but the experience is worthwhile. You gain a deeper understanding of other cultures as you share yours, while the beauty of nature levels the ego. Frustrations can melt away when you go away. Sharing that with people you have known for decades makes it much more special. Girls' trips allow women to have fun again and set aside seemingly never-ending responsibilities. Men need boys' trips, too- my son and husband are heading to Iceland with their new drone to capture some unreal landscapes. I will only have a tiny bit of FOMO because I am fresh from my last adventure and will start dreaming of the next to come!

Where are you dreaming of going, and how can you make it happen?