Mancations: Travel Destinations for Men

Whether you’re young or just young at heart, there is something inherently rugged about every man that makes them crave adventure. You want to go rock climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and explore caves along Portugal’s Algarve coast. You’d give anything for a camping weekend in Big Sur, Calif., with nothing more than your CamelBak, granola bar and a roll of toilet paper, because the only phone call you’re accepting on your trip is one from nature. So if it’s been a long time since you’ve taken a mancation, we’d encourage you to go out, explore and get your hands dirty. We’ll even provide you with a list of the best travel destinations for men.

For the Outdoorsmen: Denver, Colorado

With 41 state parks in total, Colorado has some of the greatest camping, fishing, hiking trails, rock climbing and water sports in all of the U.S. For the experienced climber, clip in and take on the more than 500 technical climbing routes on Eldorado Canyon State Park’s golden cliffs. If heights aren’t your thing, you can mountain bike through Boulder’s legendary trail system, with trails that range from easy to difficult. Prefer to cruise on your mancation? Boating on the lake at Cherry Creek State Park is also a popular pastime.

For the Camping Aficionado: Desolation Wilderness, California

Want to take a mancation that really separates the men from the boys, go on a weekend snowshoeing/camping trip in the Desolation Wilderness. Plan your trip anytime from New Years to May, while there is snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Pack all of your camping gear, a Desolation Wilderness map and bring extra warm layers. Fly into Reno, NV and stop in Lake Tahoe for the night. Pick up rental snowshoes from Tahoe Dave’s and get sushi from Naked Fish, the best sushi in town. The next morning, head out to the Echo Lake trailhead off of Route 50 on Echo Summit Road. Grab your pack, don your snowshoes and head out for a few nights camping along the trail past the Echo Lake Chalet. While you are out there, you can build a snow cave, go ice fishing on Echo Lake or go sledding on the hills above the Echo Lake Chalet.

For the Water Enthusiast: The Dominican Republic

Known for its beaches and colossal resorts, the Dominican Republic offers fun in the Caribbean sun and so much more. For white sand and pristine water, visit the Punta Cana beaches. When the sun goes down, make your way to the many restaurants and nightclubs within walking distance from the beach. If you prefer more active travel, take a diving trip to explore the offshore reefs within the beaches of Puerto Plata, or go windsurfing in Cabarete where the winds pick up nicely. Although Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas. However, it couldn’t hurt to learn the essentials, such as “¿Dónde está la playa?” (“Where’s the beach?”)

For the Thrill-Seeker: Pamplona, Spain

Does the idea of danger excite you? If so, head to Pamplona from July 7 to July 14 for the adrenaline-pumping “running of the bulls.” The tradition began as a way to move bulls from Pamplona’s corral to its bullfighting ring, with animals running the nearly half-mile stretch as children and adults herded them. Daredevils began to join the herds in the 1800s, as the tale is told, trailed by charging bulls. Prefer to be a spectator? We don’t blame you. Watch the event unfold from the safety of a balcony along the route.

For the Daredevil: Queenstown, New Zealand

Kiwis young and old will enjoy leaping from bridges, platforms perched on the edge of cliffs or stadium roofs, with picturesque backdrops of canyons. New Zealand’s first commercial bungee operation began in the 1980s on the historic Kawarau Bridge. If you love heights, you’ll enjoy freefalling 134 meters from the Nevis Bungy Pod, which is suspended by high tensile wire over the Nevis canyon. The Auckland Harbour Bridge is another option, where you can enjoy the view of the Waitemata Harbour. You can also keep your eyes closed the entire time. We won’t judge.

Wherever the roads, waters or dirt trails lead you on your mancation, we highly recommend getting Hazardous Sports Coverage. Find the coverage you need to enjoy peace of mind while you bungee jump, water ski, snow board and live life the way it was intended to: at the edge of your seat.

What's the most memorable "mancation" you've ever been on?

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.