For a long time, the ideal vacation looked pretty simple: fly somewhere warm, stay at a resort, sit near a pool, maybe take a few photos, and come home relaxed. Convenience became the standard, predictability became luxury. But over the last few years, something has shifted, most notably since covid. More people, especially younger travelers are trading traditional vacations for experiences that feel immersive, physical, and memorable. Instead of asking, “Where can I relax?”

It didn’t start the way it was supposed to. Early morning at America the Beautiful Park, the wind was ripping through the field. Cold, aggressive, the kind that makes you question everything before the day even begins. The first structure going up a 15-foot canopy tent that housed the coffee, felt like it might lift off at any second. One strong gust and it was gone. At that point, there were real conversations about shutting it down. The Birds of Prey team wasn’t jumping. Co