42 Is The Magic Number For Doing This One Thing
Ready for an adventure? Turns out, 42 is the sweet spot! According to a new survey, it’s the perfect age to start exploring the world, with over a third of people (36%) saying they’ve gotten more adventurous with age.
But let’s be real—age is just a number. Most folks (83%) agree that you can be adventurous at any age.
The survey, which included 2,000 Americans, was commissioned by Storyteller Overland for American Adventures Month in August.
It uncovered some interesting insights: A quarter of Americans (27%) feel like they’re stuck in a routine rut. Life’s gotten a bit too predictable for one in four people, which might explain why the average person dreams about going on an adventure four times a day!
You don’t need to be 42 to strike out though.
Only 10% of people felt like they could be adventurous in their day-to-day lives.
No wonder over 60% of folks said they’re desperately craving an adventure this year. Daily grind getting you down? You’re not alone. Anxiety (38%), fatigue (35%), and frustration (30%) are the top emotions dragging people down.
It’s no surprise that people take fewer adventures as they get older, but don’t think they’re missing out completely. Baby boomers, Gen X, and millennials still manage to squeeze in four to five trips per year. Not bad, for people who aren’t 42.
What’s So Significant About 42?
So, what’s got everyone itching to shake things up? For starters, warm weather (34%), seeing the same old surroundings every day (33%), and watching friends and family jet off on their own trips (33%) are the top triggers for that adventurous itch.
When it comes to defining what an adventure actually is, most people see it as anything that breaks the monotony of daily life. Whether it’s a new experience (46%) or something that makes them appreciate life a little more (30%), the adventure doesn’t have to be grand. It just has to be different.
“Looking at the data, it’s clear Americans are craving a break from their everyday routine,” said Summer Trammell, chief engagement officer at Storyteller Overland. “Adventure doesn’t have to be anything grandiose. There is always a way to tap into that side whether it’s 20 miles or 2000 miles away from home.”
Most adventurers prefer to hit the road by car (65%), but a surprising 25% are up for a long walk. When it comes to inspiration, partners are the top source (22%), but some adventurers just want to take the scenic route in a van or RV (14%).
As for the perfect adventure length? Six days is the magic number. And people are willing to travel—on average, respondents said they’d journey over 2,700 miles (2,772 miles, to be exact) to escape their daily routine.
Where are they headed? Hawaii tops the list (18%), followed by California (16%), Florida (14%), Alaska (13%), and Colorado (11%). These destinations are calling, and it’s clear that Americans are ready to answer.
“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,” said Trammell. “It’s about the journey, not just the destination.”
When asked for advice on how to live more adventurously, respondents shared some gems. One person said, “It doesn’t have to be thrilling or dangerous! It can be anything that provides you happiness.” Another advised, “Just do it. You’re not getting any younger, so if you can afford it by making a few sacrifices, just make the plan and do it. My best adventures were solo trips, so don’t wait on anyone. Rely on yourself.”
So, what’s stopping you? Get out there, shake up the routine, and find your next adventure—whether it’s 20 miles away or 2,000.