'Soft Adventure' Tours Attracting More Families Than Ever

This new demand is prompting many tour operators to develop family-friendly itineraries that combine excitement and adventure with comfort and security. The industry name for this booming market niche is “soft adventure.”

“Soft adventure” varies. It can be cycling in Italy, river rafting in Costa Rica, exploring a glacier in Greenland, or even playing cowboy on a Colorado dude ranch. The dollar's strength against many currencies coupled with a growing desire to expose children to other cultures in an exciting way has made soft adventure the buzz word of 2015.

7 soft adventures perfect for families:

Galapagos Multisport - Perfect for athletic families and fit seniors, this itinerary allows you to explore the Galapagos the active way -- hiking, kayaking, biking, and snorkeling. Paddle with sea lions, dolphins, turtles and bountiful birdlife. A truly unique alternative way to view this enchanted archipelago. https://www.adventure-life.com/tours/galapagos-multisport-998

Italy Family Cycling Tour - Cycle the scenic roads along the Adige and Etsch River Valley. Traverse the “Ciclopista del Sole” (bike path of the sun), and experience an awe-inspiring descent into Lake Garda. This cycling tour is perfect for adventurous families who want to explore Italy by bike in a leisurely and luxurious fashion. https://ciclismoclassico.com/trips/family-bike-tour-sud-tyrol/

Greenland Adventure - This photography-hiking adventure is a magnificent introduction to calving glaciers, fjords, hot springs, palatial icebergs, dogsledding, indigenous cultures, and arctic wildlife. Perfect for families who love taking photos, viewing wildlife and hiking. https://bigchilladventure.com

Costa Rica Quest – Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled at the chance to tour Tortuguero National Park, one of the most important nesting sites for the green sea turtle. The adventure offers a thrilling whitewater rafting trip on the clear waters of the Sarapiqui River, and culminates with a visit to Arenal, Costa Rica's most famous - and most active – volcano. https://www.adventure-life.com/tours/costa-rica-quest-612

Colorado Dude Ranch - The High Lonesome Dude Ranch is the premier place to make memories that will last a lifetime. Fishing, equestrian activities, and culinary excellence creates the perfect setting to discover true western tradition and keep everyone in your family happy. https://www.frontiersej.com/public/elegantJourneys/1/The_High_Lonesome_Dude_Ranch/main_menu_ej

Vietnam Family Cycling - This family-friendly “Coastal Vietnam” cycling holiday is designed for both cyclists and their non-rider family members. Using two centrally located hotels in UNESCO World Heritage Sites Huế and Hội An, Ride & Seek guides will offer optional morning rides with the aim of being back at the hotel in time for lunch and traditional tourist activities, ranging from exploring historic sites and National Parks to lounging on the beautiful beaches of Hội An. https://www.rideandseek.com/local/vietnam-coastal

Russia's Reindeer Adventure - Explore the remarkable Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia's east coast. Highlights include helicoptering to UNESCO-listed Valley of the Geysers, visiting a camp of reindeer breeders, soaking in an extensive system of hot springs, and trekking Avacha volcano. This is perfect for families with adventurous teens. https://www.mircorp.com/tour_kamfre.asp