When is the perfect age to go on an adventure?

According to a recent survey, 42 is the perfect age to go on an adventure, with over a third of respondents (36%) saying they have become more adventurous as they age.

But of course, age is just a number, as the majority of respondents (83%) agreed that no matter how old you are, you can always be adventurous.

The survey of 2,000 Americans, commissioned by Storyteller Overland for American Adventures Month in August and conducted by Talker Research, showed that a quarter of Americans (27%) feel they have fallen into a rut.

One in four Americans think their lives are a little boring, which may explain why the average respondent fantasizes about going on an adventure four times a day.

Only 10% thought they could be adventurous in their current lives on any given day, according to the results.

More than 60% agreed they are in desperate need of an adventure this year, with most reporting daily depressing emotions including anxiety (38%), fatigue (35%) and frustration (30%).

The data also showed that respondents take fewer adventures as they get older, but the number of excursions cited is significant. Most baby boomers, Gen X and millennials report taking four to five trips a year.

So what do Americans want to shake things up and escape the daily monotony?

A dose of warm weather (34%), seeing the same familiar surroundings every day (33%) and seeing friends and family going on trips (33%) are the top three things that fuel adventurous desires.

When asked how they would define an adventure, most described it as anything outside of their daily routine and an experience (46%), which makes them appreciate life more (30%).

“Looking at the data, it’s clear that Americans are craving a break from their daily routine,” said Summer Trammell, chief engagement officer at Storyteller Overland. “Adventure doesn’t have to be grandiose. There’s always a way to capture that side, whether it’s 20 miles or 2,000 miles from home.”

Analyzing how respondents prefer to get to their destination, the majority prefer to drive (65%) with a surprising number opting for very long walks (25%). They also rated where they get their inspiration for adventure from, with their partners being the main source (22%).

And one in seven (14%) want to enjoy the scenic drive and prefer a van or RV as their mode of transportation.

When asked how long is the perfect length of time for an adventure, most respondents said six days.

In terms of distance, on average, respondents said they would be willing to travel over 2,700 miles for a vacation (2,772 miles to be exact).

Hawaii was the top destination (18%), followed by California (16%), Florida (14%), Alaska (13%) and Colorado (11%).

“Whether you’re dreaming of an adventure thousands of miles away or going somewhere much closer to home, we always encourage people to get out there and explore,” Trammell said. “It’s about the journey, not just the destination.”

The survey asked respondents for their best advice on how to live more adventurously and found some heartwarming responses. One respondent said: “It doesn’t have to be exciting or dangerous! It can be anything that brings you happiness.”

Another respondent urged people to “Just do it. You’re not getting any younger, so if you can afford to make some sacrifices, just make the plan and go for it. My best adventures were solo trips, so don’t wait for anyone. Rely on yourself.”

TOP 10 ADVENTURE DESTINATIONS AMERICANS ARE PLANNING TO VISIT

Hawaii – 18%

California – 16%

Florida – 14%

Alaska – 13%

Colorado – 11%

New York – 10%

Arizona – 9%

Georgia – 7%

Texas – 7%

Nevada – 7%

AMERICAN’S BEST ADVICE FOR LIVING A MORE ADVENTUROUS LIFE

“You are only as young as you feel.”

“Try something different. Something you never thought you would do.”

“Look inside yourself and decide what you probably wouldn’t do if you didn’t give it to yourself

permission, but something you dreamed of doing. Then take the steps to do it.”

“Go and look back for many years to come. Take lots of photos and put them on an Echo display on your kitchen counter so you can see them every day.”

“Be spontaneous, take detours, also seek adrenaline thrills and relaxation.”

Survey methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans of the general population; The survey was commissioned by Storyteller Overland and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between July 1 and July 8, 2024.