The Human Side of Adventure Travel
Before signing up, I was choosing between three different climbing vacations: a sailing-and-climbing trip in Europe, a large women-only climbing trip, and Go Harder Travel’s Spain climbing trip led by Taylor.
What ultimately made the decision for me was a Zoom call with Taylor.
I have plenty of insecurities, especially when it comes to joining group trips with strangers. During that call, Taylor patiently addressed all of my questions, interests, and concerns. More importantly, he brought an immediate sense of warmth and connection. By the end of the conversation, he felt less like a trip organizer and more like an old friend. I left feeling confident that if I ever felt uncertain or out of place during the trip, I would have someone in my corner.
That sealed the deal.
The itinerary itself was outstanding.
My absolute favorite experience was a Hammam (Arabian bath) near Barcelona. The renovated farmhouse setting, salt bath, cold and hot pools, jacuzzi, sauna with aromatic steam, outdoor warm pool under the stars, and endless cups of sweet tea created one of the most relaxing travel experiences I’ve ever had. I honestly wished we had gone twice. If Taylor ever creates a “Climb and Hammam” trip, sign me up immediately.
The climbing was fantastic as well. During the crag lunch on the first climbing day, after sharing a surprisingly effective Spanish beer, I somehow managed to climb a new outdoor top-rope personal best of 6b (5.10d). I still maintain that the beer deserves partial credit.
I also loved the via ferrata, kayaking, snorkeling in the Mediterranean, a city tour by bike and visiting a local climbing gym in Barcelona. As climbers, visiting a local gym abroad was one of those small but memorable cultural experiences that made the trip feel special.
One of my favorite memories was actually the very first evening in Barcelona. After dinner at Vinitus, we climbed at a local gym and then ended the night sharing room-temperature cava, potato chips, and complimentary hotel biscuits in a communal area of the hotel. Somehow it felt both dirtbag and luxurious at the same time.
What impressed me most, however, was not the itinerary.
As a highly sensitive person, compatibility with the host matters more to me than any destination. If I don’t feel that I belong, I won’t enjoy the experience no matter how beautiful the location or how good the climbing is.
Climbing is inherently vulnerable. To fully enjoy a climbing trip with strangers in a foreign country, I need to feel safe, included, and supported. In my experience, some guiding services achieve technical competence but miss the human side entirely.
Taylor didn’t just make sure we were fed, comfortable, and safe. He worked hard to make each guest feel welcome, appreciated, accomplished, and empowered. The local guides he selected in Spain were equally skilled, emotionally steady, and adaptable to climbers with different personalities and comfort levels.
As a solo traveler, I can honestly say this was one of the few climbing trips where I formed meaningful connections while still feeling fully included and seen.
Spain gave me great climbing, great memories, and a lot to reflect on long after I returned home.
Thank you, Taylor.
18 de abril de 2026
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