I am going to toss this out and see what people think. The first "Adventure" travelers were explorers, and, like it or not, military people. There were no safety nets, no guides to keep you safe and the Tigers really do eat you.
Today, the "adventure" traveler stays at upscale hotels and travels with keepers and people who are charged with keeping him safe. That is the "adventure" traveler that we see on TV and in the magazines. We are turning our backs on a massive group of "adventure" travelers. Our military.
I returned last October from 24 months in Iraq. I was there as a civilian contractor working to organize, train, mentor and monitor the Iraqi Police. I was posted at several different places in Iraq. I shared conversation and Chai with Iraqis from the Ministry of the Interior down to the vendor in the street. I politicked with Imams and Sheiks. I learned more than I ever imagined I would in that 24 months.
I also spent 13 months in Viet Nam when I was 21 years old. Again I toured the country and interacted with the people at all levels. I also saw the land from a unique perspective.
I feel that by not seeking the experiences of this group of ultimate adventure travelers we are depriving ourselves of unique perspectives of the world around us.