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Adventure holidays on the rise but experts warn of hidden risks
Spanish tourists increasingly seeking thrills abroad but many underestimate dangers and choose inadequate travel insurance
If you're planning your next holiday, think twice before booking that shark diving trip or skydiving adventure. While adventure tourism is booming, experts are warning that many travellers are putting themselves at risk without proper insurance coverage."Travellers want to return with stories to tell," says Gustavo Timo, president of the Adventure Travel Trade Association. The old "flop and drop" holiday model is out, with 67% of global travellers now considered "open to adventure."
But here's the thing - many of us underestimate the dangers. A study by Heymondo and YouGov reveals that 42% of Spaniards who don't buy travel insurance do so because they think it's "unnecessary."
"The vast majority of adventure trips are not extreme at all: they include hiking, cycling, kayaking, wildlife viewing, or cultural immersion in remote locations," Timo explains. The problem comes when experiences "are marketed as exciting without the necessary safety infrastructure."
Social media has made things worse. Carlos Garrido, president of the Spanish Confederation of Travel Agencies, says platforms like Instagram and TikTok have a "pull effect" on certain activities. "Users constantly see different experiences being shared by other people online and they want to experience them too," he points out.
Timo warns about "clip culture" where "a spectacular cliff jump or a close-up photo of a wild animal gets thousands of shares; meanwhile, the safety briefing, the certified guide, and the local operator's years of experience receive no attention."
The financial risks are serious. Medical and repatriation expenses can reach €150,000 for complex injuries. Even a simple tibia fracture with hospital admission and return flight can reach €45,000. Repatriations from countries like Thailand or Tunisia have exceeded €30,000.
"One of the most common mistakes is buying insurance based solely on the destination and not on what you'll actually be doing during your trip," Intermundial (a Spanish travel insurance company) warns. "Travelling to Thailand to visit cities is not the same as travelling there to include diving, motorbike tours, excursions to remote areas, or wildlife activities."
Garrido agrees: "It's essential to choose the most appropriate insurance based on the destination and the activities planned. But those who book independently often go for the cheapest option and don't read the fine print."
Before booking, check that your insurance covers your planned activities and includes 24-hour assistance. And remember - if an activity is excluded, you could pay for everything out of pocket.
Image: Pixabay
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