Some people vacation to lay by a pool. You vacation to climb things, paddle things, jump off things, and come home with stories that start with "so there I was..." These vacation deals are for you — the hikers, kayakers, zip-liners, mountain bikers, and generally restless souls who can't sit still for more than 20 minutes. The best part? Many of America's premier adventure destinations also have incredible resort deals, giving you a luxury base camp at budget prices.
Why Resort Suites Are Perfect for Adventure Travelers
After a full day of hiking, kayaking, or zip-lining, you need three things: a hot shower, food, and a comfortable bed. Hotel rooms give you that, barely. Resort suites give you a full bathroom (with a bathtub for sore muscles), a kitchen (refuel without going to a restaurant when you're exhausted), a washer/dryer (critical for sweaty adventure clothes), and enough space to lay out gear. You're basically getting a private adventure lodge for $79-$129/night.
Top Adventure Destinations with Vacation Deals
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee — The All-Rounder
800+ miles of hiking trails, world-class fly fishing, whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River, zip-lining through forest canopies, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The Smokies have something for every adventure level, from easy nature walks to challenging summit hikes. Both Westgate and Wyndham have resort deals starting at $89/night.
Orlando, Florida — Not Just Theme Parks
Yes, roller coasters count as adventure. But Orlando also has airboat rides through the Everglades, kayaking through bioluminescent bays, world-class water skiing on the Butler Chain of Lakes, skydiving, and zip-lining through nature preserves. The Orlando vacation deals are the most abundant in the country.
Sedona, Arizona — Desert Adventures
Red rock hiking, mountain biking on legendary trails, Jeep tours through canyons, hot air ballooning, cliff jumping at swimming holes, and some of the best trail running in the Southwest. Hilton Grand Vacations has resort deals with red rock views from $129/night.
Top 7 Adventure Vacation Deals
1. Wyndham Smoky Mountains — $89/Night for 5 Nights
Five nights at the doorstep of the most visited national park in America. Over 800 miles of trails, waterfalls everywhere, black bears and elk, and some of the best fly fishing streams in the East. The resort has indoor and outdoor pools for recovery days. At $445 total for 5 nights, this is the best adventure value in America.
2. Westgate Smoky Mountains — $89/Night for 4 Nights
Same incredible Smoky Mountains access with a Westgate twist — the resort itself has more amenities including a spa (for those post-hike sore muscles), multiple dining options, and a wild bear falls indoor/outdoor water park. Check all Westgate vacation deals.
3. Hilton Grand Vacations, Sedona — $129/Night for 3 Nights
Sedona's trails are legendary. Devil's Bridge, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and the Soldier Pass Cave — all within 20 minutes of the HGV resort. The dry climate makes hiking comfortable almost year-round. After a day on the trails, the resort pool and spa are exactly what your body needs.
4. Westgate Lakes, Orlando — $99/Night for 4 Nights
Orlando adventure goes beyond the parks. Kayak the Wekiva River through pristine Florida springs, airboat through the Everglades headwaters, paddleboard on crystal-clear spring runs, or tackle one of the most intense roller coasters in the world at Universal. The resort's lazy river is adventure recovery at its finest.
5. Westgate Branson Woods — $79/Night for 4 Nights
The Ozarks are an underrated adventure destination. Kayaking on Table Rock Lake, hiking trails through Ozark forests, zip-lining at Branson Zipline Canopy Tours, and the legendary roller coasters at Silver Dollar City. The Westgate cabins sit in the middle of the forest — your adventure starts at your front door.
6. Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Galveston — $89/Night for 3 Nights
Gulf Coast adventure: deep-sea fishing charters, surfing lessons, kayaking in Galveston Bay, dolphin tours, and kiteboarding when the wind picks up. The ocean is your playground, and the resort suite is where you rinse off the saltwater.
7. Wyndham Bonnet Creek, Orlando — $149/Night for 5 Nights
Five nights to tackle Orlando's full adventure menu: theme park coasters by day, evening kayak trips through bioluminescent bays (90 minutes east at Merritt Island), airboat tours, and the Tree Trek Adventure Course (aerial obstacle course through a cypress forest). The resort is your luxury recovery base.
Adventure Activities by Destination
| Destination | Top Adventures | Difficulty Range | Deal From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoky Mountains | Hiking, rafting, zip-lining, fishing | Easy to Expert | $89/nt |
| Sedona | Hiking, mountain biking, Jeep tours | Moderate to Expert | $129/nt |
| Orlando | Theme parks, kayaking, airboats, skydiving | Easy to Extreme | $69/nt |
| Branson/Ozarks | Kayaking, zip-lining, hiking, coasters | Easy to Moderate | $79/nt |
| Galveston | Fishing, surfing, kayaking, kiteboarding | Easy to Advanced | $89/nt |
| Myrtle Beach | Parasailing, jet skiing, paddleboarding | Easy to Moderate | $89/nt |
Packing for an Adventure Workcation
Layers. Mountain weather changes fast. Bring moisture-wicking base layers, a fleece, and a rain jacket even if the forecast looks clear.
Proper footwear. Hiking boots for trails, water shoes for rivers and springs, and flip-flops for the resort pool. Three pairs of shoes minimum.
First aid kit. Band-aids, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen, and sunscreen. Adventure involves minor injuries. Be prepared.
Dry bags. If you're doing any water activities, a dry bag protects your phone, wallet, and car keys. Worth its weight in gold.
Recovery gear. Foam roller, compression socks, and epsom salts for the resort suite bathtub. Your body will thank you.
Free vs. Paid Adventures
Not all adventure costs money. Here's how to balance free and paid activities:
Free: National park hiking (Smokies = no entrance fee), beach activities, resort pools and water parks, scenic drives, nature photography, running trails.
Budget ($10-30/person): State park entrance fees, kayak rentals, paddleboard rentals, self-guided bike rentals, fishing licenses.
Moderate ($50-100/person): Zip-line tours, guided hikes, snorkeling trips, Jeep tours, horseback riding.
Splurge ($100+/person): Whitewater rafting, skydiving, deep-sea fishing charters, hot air balloon rides, parasailing.
Life's too short to sit by the pool all day — unless it's the pool at your resort after an incredible day of adventure. These vacation deals under $100 give you luxury recovery at budget prices, so you can spend your money on the experiences that make travel worth it. Browse all vacation deals and find your next adventure base camp.