Sometimes, you just want your upcoming vacation to include lots of rest and relaxation, but don’t underestimate all the advantages that come when you opt for an adventurous journey instead.

Folding some excitement into your next trip makes sense for plenty of reasons. Check out the following benefits that come when you pack up for adventure travel.

1. You can kick one of those “bucket list” items.

We all have our bucket lists. Maybe you want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Here’s the problem, though: You can’t just keep adding to your bucket list forever. Sooner or later, you have to start checking off the boxes.

It’s not unusual for bucket lists to include adventurous elements. Since you’re going to take a vacation anyway, why not use the time to remove a bucket list to-do? You’ll end up with major bragging rights and a huge sense of accomplishment.

2. You get a chance to see nature’s wilder side.

Taking walks and hikes in the nearest green space allows you to get closer to nature. However, you don’t often see exotic creatures in your backyard unless you live off the grid. With adventurous vacations like hitting the trails for some horseback riding in Gardiner Montana, you can put yourself “up close and personal” with a tremendous array of the world’s most amazing flora and fauna.

Here’s the best part, though: As long as your trip is arranged by professionals, you can expect to feel secure. Safety is always on the mind of leading-edge travel and tourism providers. Their job is to allow you to bask in the bounty of the earth while putting safer measures in place.

3. You could meet other adventurous travelers.

A lot of adventure trips offer you the opportunity to hook up with a larger group. Who knows who’ll be in that group? Plenty of people have met other adventurous types who became their life-long friends. If nothing else, you could find some buddies to take other adventure-style vacations with.

Don’t forget about the upsides of networking in person for your non-vacation life. The folks you meet while you’re crossing a desert or visiting the Arctic could become your next bosses, business partners, or coworkers. You’ll have an instant bond with them that no one else can break or match. That’s a huge asset, especially if you’re a high-performing and ambitious individual.

4. You will come away a different person.

When you go to the beach and just hang out for a week, you may feel de-stressed. You won’t change your life, though. You’ll just change your surroundings for seven days. By the time you get back to the daily grind, you’ll be unchanged — and probably ready for another vacation soon.

Adventure travel forces you outside your comfort zone. It challenges your problem-solving skills and may help you face a fear or overcome another personal obstacle. Many people appreciate adventurous vacations because they feel that their experiences have self-actualization elements. If you want to feel refreshed and renewed spiritually, aiming for adventure can help.

5. You get an excuse to untether from tech.

Most of us live very technologically-driven lives. When you’re on an adventure, you don’t have time to worry about email or scroll across screens. The only reason to pick up your device is to snap a picture of the Aurora Borealis, a gorgeous toucan, or the most incredible sunset you’ve ever seen.

Tech use and overuse have been linked to everything from anxiety and depression to insomnia and eye strain. If an adventurous vacation does nothing else for you, it will enable you to put away your phone and forget your laptop, at least for a while.

6. You can do something good for your body.

Far too many vacations revolve around eating and drinking. That’s not necessarily bad, but it can lead to vacation-related weight gain. Why come back feeling worse when you could come back from vacation fit and energized?

Adventurous vacations are adventurous for a reason — they get you moving. Sure, you’ll eat great food along the way, but you can enjoy the eats before you burn calories as you climb rocky mountains and surf big waves.

7. You’ll scratch your brain’s itch for knowledge.

Since you were born, your brain has craved information. Adults need mental stimulation just as much as youngsters do. Unfortunately, we can get trapped in mundane, day-to-day activities that don’t tickle our memories or encourage improved brain performance.

Fun, active vacations promote constant learning. This enables travelers to invigorate parts of their minds that might be a little rusty. Taking adventurous trips regularly can be a good solution when you feel like you’re just not stimulated by what happens to you daily.

Adventure travel is a chance for you to break free from your routines. Consider where you most want to go or do. Then, don’t hesitate. Just get moving.