How to Live an Adventurous Life: Expert Advice from Renowned Explorers
Where can travelers find—and more importantly, how can they cultivate—a true spirit of adventure? Who better to answer than those who have dedicated their lives to pursuing it?
We invited the star-studded lineup of speakers from the UK's Cheltenham Literature Festival to share their favorite destinations, most extraordinary experiences, and essential tips for embracing an adventurous life.
For even more ways to ignite your sense of thrill, discover Lonely Planet’s Atlas of Adventure, the definitive guide for thrill-seekers.
Phoebe Smith – Wild Camping Expert
Award-winning editor and travel writer Phoebe Smith is the author of eight books on wilderness and wild camping, including Extreme Sleeps: Adventures of a Wild Camper, Wilderness Weekends: Wild Adventures in Britain’s Rugged Corners, and her latest, Britain’s Best Small Hills.
Favorite Destination for Adventure
The UK. Adventure doesn’t require traveling thousands of miles—it’s right on your doorstep. From exploring Scottish bothies in the highlands and climbing our 'mini Matterhorns,' to teetering on sea cliffs and wild camping in woods, the UK offers diverse, breathtaking adventures.
Most Adventurous Travel Experience
My recent solo trek along Greenland's Arctic Circle Trail from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut. In this true wilderness, over eight days I encountered more reindeer than people, glimpsed the Northern Lights, battled storms and river crossings, and camped on a pristine beach, awed by utter silence far from any civilization.
Tip for Leading an Adventurous Life
Adventures can be big or small. Despite my full-time job, I squeeze them into evenings and weekends. Stay prepared: keep a 'go-bag' packed for overnight camps. When the perfect weather or escape calls, grab it and go. Pack yours today.
Chris Bonington – Legendary Mountaineer
Mountaineer, writer, photographer, and lecturer Chris Bonington began climbing at age 16 in 1951—a passion that endures. He achieved the first British ascent of the Eiger's North Wall, led the first ascent of Annapurna’s South Face, and spearheaded the Southwest Face of Everest in 1975. His books include Ascent: A Life Spent Climbing on the Edge.
Favorite Destination for Adventure
Nepal: stunningly beautiful with options for all levels, from casual visitors to elite mountaineers. The welcoming Sherpas and Nepalese people make it exceptional.
Most Adventurous Travel Experience
In 1996, after spotting an unnamed peak in Tibet’s Nyainqentanglha Mountains from a 1982 flight, I pursued it despite setbacks like the 1989 Tiananmen protests. Armed with one photo and a local guide, we trekked four days across rugged terrain to Sepu Kangri above a sacred lake. The thrill of discovery was unmatched.
Tip for Leading an Adventurous Life
Know your limits. For a truly adventurous life, freelance to fit in travels. If tied to a full-time job, plan and research meticulously to maximize your time.
Charley Boorman – Motorcycle Adventurer
Charley Boorman is renowned for epic TV motorcycle journeys with Ewan McGregor, including Long Way Round (London to New York via Europe and Asia) and Long Way Down (Scotland to Cape Town). Other series: By Any Means, Right to the Edge, and Extreme Frontiers.
Favorite Destination for Adventure
Mongolia during Long Way Round. Vastly rural and underdeveloped, with minimal tarmac, it turned riding into a true challenge.
Most Adventurous Travel Experience
The 2006 Dakar Rally in Africa—a grueling 16-day off-road race across the Sahara, one of the world's most dangerous. (It's now in South America; Sam Sunderland recently became the first British winner.)
Tip for Leading an Adventurous Life
Practice patience—things rarely go as planned on the road. Stay adaptable; life changes in an instant.
Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent – Travel Writer
Travel writer Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent's latest book, Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains: A Journey Across Arunachal Pradesh – India’s Forgotten Frontier, chronicles her three-month trek through this remote state.
Favorite Destination for Adventure
Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India: wild mountains, dense forests, exotic wildlife, and vibrant tribal cultures create an intoxicating blend.
Most Adventurous Travel Experience
Last March, trekking a remote Indo-Tibetan border valley seeking mythical Pemako with guide Dorje, a whimsical Khampa lama. For two weeks, we hiked forests and valleys, staying with Tibetan families—feeling transported to the 19th century.
Tip for Leading an Adventurous Life
Stop making excuses and just go. If you truly want to explore, nothing can stop you.
Sarah Outen – Waterborne Daredevil
Adventurer Sarah Outen has circumnavigated the globe via London2London: Via the World, rowing, cycling, and kayaking the northern hemisphere. Her book Dare to Do was shortlisted for the Edward Stanford Travel Book of the Year.
Favorite Destination for Adventure
The ocean—or coastal spots. Alaska tops the list for its raw wilderness, scale, and beauty.
Most Adventurous Travel Experience
Kayaking Alaska’s Aleutian Islands in 2014, a brown bear charged while I bathed in a stream. Panicking, I screamed and fled, tripping; it chased playfully until shouts and rocks scared it off.
Tip for Leading an Adventurous Life
Get outside often, stay attuned to your surroundings, and travel human-powered whenever possible—it reveals a whole new perspective.
Alastair Sawday – Travel Industry Maverick
Born in a Kashmir mountain shack, Alastair Sawday founded award-winning Sawday’s, curating exceptional places to stay.
Favorite Destination for Adventure
Spain’s Parque Natural de Grazalema: wild, ever-changing, hauntingly beautiful. Trails suit all levels, from dramatic goat-leap cliffs to open grasslands dotted with ruins; villages are exquisite.
Most Adventurous Travel Experience
Canoeing from Guyana to Venezuela with an overloaded outboard amid border tensions—dodging river chains, then battling Orinoco estuary waves. We bailed frantically with shoes and hands after losing the bailer.
Tip for Leading an Adventurous Life
Say 'yes' to adventure invitations—and act younger than you are.
Hear more from these adventurers at the festival, October 6-15. Learn more at cheltenhamfestivals.com and follow @CheltLitFest.
