In a world where it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by routine, screens and endless to-do lists, time outdoors can offer a much-needed reset. Adventure travel gives you the space to breathe, focus and reconnect, not just with nature but with yourself.

This World Mental Health Day, we explore six ways that an adventure can be good for the mind.

There’s something deeply calming about putting one foot in front of the other, focusing only on your movement, your breath and the scenery unfolding around you. On a KE adventure, that sense of mindfulness comes easily. Whether you’re walking the Camino de Santiago or trekking through the Sahara, we take care of every detail - from your route to your accommodation - so you can simply enjoy being in the moment.

Stepping into a new landscape instantly shifts your perspective. Away from the pressures of work and home, adventure travel gives your mind room to rest and reset. Whether you’re hiking in the Dolomites, discovering Cape Verde or exploring the volcanic trails of the Canary Islands, being somewhere completely different allows your thoughts to settle and your sense of balance to return.

Adventure often takes you far from phone signal and that’s part of the magic. Whether you’re trekking through the remote Himalaya, Stans or Andes or staying in an off-grid eco-lodge in Europe, there’s freedom in being unreachable. No notifications, no emails, just time to reconnect with the natural world and enjoy simple pleasures like a starry night sky or a quiet mountain sunrise.

Shared adventure creates strong bonds. On KE’s guided group trips, camaraderie develops quickly - through laughter, encouragement and shared challenges on the trail. Whether you’re trekking to Everest Base Camp or walking hut-to-hut in the Alps, many travellers return home with lifelong friendships and memories made with like-minded people.

Spending time outdoors is proven to reduce stress and boost mood and few experiences compare to being surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks, dramatic coastlines, open skies or forest trails. From Norway’s wild fjords or Madeira's luscious levada trail to the sunlit paths of the Picos de Europa, our adventures immerse you in nature’s beauty.

Adventure travel isn’t always easy and that’s part of what makes it powerful. Reaching a summit, completing a multi-day trek or tackling a long-distance cycle builds confidence and mental strength. Whether it’s Kilimanjaro, Mont Blanc or your first walking holiday, overcoming challenges in nature helps you realise just how capable you really are.

Whether you choose a gentle walking holiday or a demanding mountain trek, taking time for yourself outdoors can do wonders for your wellbeing. Sometimes, looking after your mind really is as simple as taking that first step on a new path.