best travel destinations for adventure tourism

Adventure Destinations: 30 Best Places to Travel for Adventure

Posted on Last updated: November 17, 2023

If you are looking for some awesome adventure destinations to add to your bucket list, you’ve come to the right place! It’s pretty hard to narrow down the most adrenaline-inducing places to travel (and why!) but this article should be enough to add some new places to your bucket list.

As an avid adventure traveler myself, I had already compiled an excellent list of places to travel for adventure – many of which I have ticked off. But, naturally, there are always TONS more places on anyone’s bucket list.

So I asked some amazing travel bloggers in my community what their favorite adventure destinations were, where you can find the best adventurous activities for an adrenaline rush. So I compiled a comprehensive list of the most amazing adventure travel destinations in every continent on the planet. Enjoy!

Places to Travel for Adventure in SOUTH + CENTRAL AMERICA

One of the most amazing places to travel for adventure is PATAGONIA. Yes, I know, Patagonia is not a country in and of itself – it’s a REGION split between two other incredibly adventurous destinations – Argentina and Chile.

Patagonia surrounds the Andes mountain range from the bottom tip of South America (Ushuaia, Argentina) up until about halfway up both Argentina and Chile. This means – Patagonia is HUGE! It encompasses over 1 million km sq from the bottom to the top, and has DOZENS of amazing places to adventure and explore.

Patagonia is one of the best adventure destinations in the world, as it is completely centered around outdoor adventures. There are National Parks, glaciers, hikes, caves, volcanoes, and stunning views that would make anyone’s jaws drop. You can go trekking, kayaking, boating, caving, rappelling, four-wheel driving, and SO much more – there’s no limit to the adventures you can have.

I recommend spending at least two weeks in Patagonia , if not extending your trip to four weeks in Northern Patagonia too. You must not miss the W Trek in Torres del Paine or Climbing Volcan Villarrica in Pucon, Chile – among SO many other things! Be prepared to see some of the most dramatic mountain views of your life, as well as being wowed at the culture and scenery.

You didn’t expect to see Panama on a list of adventure destinations, did you?! Since I recently spent a month there, I have dubbed Panama as one of my favorite underrated travel destinations AND adventure destinations. This country completely blew my mind with the sheer amount of awesome things to do!

I’ll start with the obvious: Panama is MUCH more than Panama City. While it’s great to see the canal, the famous capital is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring Panama.

Bocas del Toro is one of the best adventure destinations in Panama. Located on the Caribbean coast not too far from Costa Rica, Bocas is comprised of dozens of islands ready for adventure. You can go sailing, fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, jungle hiking, and even take cooking classes around all the islands.

Playa Venao and Santa Catalina are great beaches on the Pacific coast for surfing – perfect if you are backpacking Panama . I highly recommend speedboating through the San Blas islands to encounter some of the most pristine islands you may see in your life.

If beaches and islands aren’t totally your thing – no worries! Panama also has a mountainous destination called Boquete . Boquete is home to a huge volcano which, when ascended, you can see BOTH the Pacific and Caribbean Seas on a clear day! Hiking Volcan Baru is a must for adventure travelers. Make sure to also stop at Lost and Found Hiking Hostel for some scavenger hunts and amazing views.

Peru is an incredible country and one of the perfect places to travel for adventure. Cusco is a great base to start your Peruvian adventure, as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most famous hike in Peru. From Cusco you can arrange ATV tours to the Mayan ruins at Moray and to see the salt mines at Maras. In the Sacred Valley, you’ll also find zip-lining and the chance to sleep in a pod on the side of a cliff if you are brave enough!

Huaraz is the best place to go for trekking in Peru and is relatively off the beaten track compared to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Here you can hike through the breath-taking Huascaran National Park with incredible mountain views and beautiful blue lakes in the Cordillera Blanca, although the altitude can be a challenge.

If you prefer less strenuous activities and warmer weather, head to the coast for surfing in Mancora or Huanchaco or try paragliding on the cliffs in Lima. Inland, go sandboarding and hop in a buggy to speed around the sand dunes at Peru’s desert oasis Huacachina. For a wetter adventure, Peru also has some fabulous rafting on the Río Urubamba in Cusco, Río Chili in Arequipa and Cotahuasi Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world.

Arguably, the most adventurous place in Peru is the Amazon, where you can take tours into the rainforest from Iquitos, trekking through the jungle to spot wildlife. As a fitting finale to your Peruvian adventure, take a slow boat along the Amazon River right to its delta in Brazil.

By Claire Sturzaker from This Travel Lover

Are you an adrenaline junkie looking for your next heart-dropping adventure? Do you also prefer not breaking the bank when doing said activities? If your answer is yes, then you must visit Colombia. A country with a terrible past, Colombia has now become one of the top travel destinations in South America. With diverse landscapes ranging from the beautiful Caribbean waters of Capurgana to the mysterious Amazon rainforest, it is not difficult to see why it is so popular.

Many of the best things to do in Colombia are adventure-based. In the ancient city of Cartagena, visitors can participate in many adventurous water sports such as windsurfing, diving, and kitesurfing on the Caribbean Sea. Deeper towards the Amazon Rainforest, a famous 5-day trek called the Lost City trek takes you to a protected archaeological site.

Still not enough adventure? Then make sure you include the city of San Gil on your  Colombia itinerary . Known as the adventure capital of Colombia travelers can enjoy intense level 5 white-water rafting, canyoning, cave explorations, bungee jumping, and more!

By Sean Lau from Living Out Lau

Costa Rica is the ultimate adventure destination. From the laid-back surfer towns along the coast to amazing music festivals like Envision to the extreme wilderness of the jungles and volcanoes, you can find any adrenaline rush you’re looking for in this Central American country.

One adventure sport that you can’t miss while in Costa Rica is ziplining. Now, maybe you’ve ziplined a few times before. It’s all the same, right? Not in Costa Rica. CR is world-renowned for its ziplining industry. We experienced a zipline that was over 1km long, several hundred feet above the jungle, which flew past a raging waterfall. And that isn’t even considered one of the best in the country!

If ziplining isn’t your thing, you have plenty of other adventure options. In the short week we were there, we surfed, rappelled through canyons, hiked to hidden waterfalls, galloped horses through the jungle, and tried some high-intensity white-water rafting.

We also barely survived what was hands-down the biggest adrenaline rush of the trip: a water slide. More specifically, the Buena Vista del Rincon jungle water slide. No kidding, you suit up with a helmet and protective innertube, then scream along the 425m waterslide in the middle of the rainforest. This is undoubtedly dangerous, as we both almost flew out several times and could easily see how people have been injured here. Would we do it again? In a heartbeat.

Costa Rica is a beautiful country that is perfectly suited for adventure travelers. You will absolutely not get bored with any amount of time you spend there!

By Dani Ward from Diapers in Paradise

Places to Travel for Adventure in NORTH AMERICA

When it comes to adventures, California TRULY has it all. To be honest, there aren’t many adventure sports you CAN’T do in California! It’s one of the only places that you can go surfing and snowboarding on the same day, and there are dozens of National Parks, mountains, coastlines, and more.

California actually has more National Parks than any other state! Yosemite , Sequoia, Death Valley, Joshua Tree , Pinnacles, and Channel Islands National Parks are fantastic for hiking, camping, amazing views, rafting, kayaking, extreme climbing, and more. California is also home to the highest mountain peak in the lower 48, Mt Whitney, which many people like to ascend over a few days.

The amount of cliffy coastlines in CA is incredible, and you can find more ocean adventures than you could possibly complete in a lifetime! California is fantastic for surfers, and also has many places you can kayak/swim in caves, rock climb, snorkel, jet ski, go sailing/boating, or even scuba dive. Some of my favorite coastlines to adventure are Big Sur, San Diego/La Jolla, Laguna Beach , San Louis Obispo, Point Reyes, and some great beach hikes in Southern California.

I could tell you about places to travel for adventure in California for AGES – there’s truly no limit between the incredible mountainous landscapes, low deserts, and oceanic opportunities. You MUST take a California road trip at some point in your life, and most definitely a Pacific Coast Highway road trip as part of it too.

Canada/Rockies

The Rocky Mountains run along the border of Alberta and British Columbia, two of Canada’s best adventure destinations. Most travelers heading to the Rocky Mountains fly into my hometown, Calgary, Alberta . I always recommend they begin their trip at Winsport, the sporting facility that hosted Calgary’s 1988 Winter Olympics. There, visitors can ease their way into adventure travel through activities like skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, downhill go-karting and even “summer luge” on the old Olympics tracks.

From Calgary, it’s only an hour’s drive west to Canmore, the gateway to the mountains. Canmore is ideal for river rafting in the summer (choose a sunset tour for the best wildlife spotting!) and cross-country skiing in the backcountry during the winter. From here, it’s only twenty minutes further to Banff National Park, one of Canada’s most famous, and spectacularly beautiful, parks.

Spend a summer day (or two, or three…) hiking the pristine forest trails that criss-cross the park, or take your adventure to the next level by spending a winter day heli-skiing high in the Rocky Mountains. And of course, when you’re all done, relax your exhausted muscles in Banff’s historic hot springs! 

By Carly from Absolutely Calgary

As the adventure capital of the United States, Colorado is a must-see on any adventurer’s bucket list. You’ll find world-class hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, climbing, and more throughout the state. The best way to get all of the outdoor action in Colorado is to hit the road. Go on an epic Colorado road trip.

Must-see adventure destinations include taking a scenic mountain drive through the San Juans, alpine rock climbing in the iconic Rocky Mountain National Park or hiking to the top of one of Colorado’s most scenic 14ers (mountains over 14,000 feet tall). After your big adventure, kick back at one of the many beautiful campsites in Colorado.

You can even explore the depths of space with a visit to the town of Westcliff and surrounding mountains. This area is a designated Dark Sky area, where you’ll get un-polluted views of the Milky Way. Other nearby attractions are the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, known for their backpacking and hiking routes. Also, check out Great Sand Dunes National Park, North America’s biggest sand dunes for even more spectacular adventures.

With so much to choose from, you could easily spend two weeks to a month exploring all that Colorado has to offer. So hit the road this season with an amazing outdoor adventure trip you’ll never forget.

By Meg Atteberry from Fox in the Forest

There are far too many  adventurous things to do in Oregon  to choose favorites! It really is all dependant on what you’re after. Just choose your favorite activities and Oregon will take care of you. Here’s a quick rundown on some of my favorite spots and adventure destinations.

Rock Climbing   – Smith Rock is the mecca for hanging off rocks and getting up high!

Hiking  – There’s a hike around every corner in Oregon. A few of the best spots are Samuel H. Boardman and Ecola on the coast, around Mount Hood like the Tom, Dick and Harry Trail or Tamanawas Falls Trail. The Cascade region outside of Bend will keep you busy for weeks -the South Sister summit is a favorite, and the Wallowas and the Steens Mountain in the east won’t disappoint.

The Lakes  – The lakes are just too good! Crater Lake National Park is must-see, it’s the State’s only National Park and is gorgeous. There’s some good hiking around the rim and beyond. Beyond that, the Cascade Lakes in Central Oregon are magnificent. There are numerous lakes all surrounded by trails or that have water sports on offer. Grab a SUP, kayak, or boat and spend the day out on the lakes. Bring your own or head to Elk or Lava Lake to rent equipment.

Like most places in the USA, the best way to experience Oregon is on a road trip! You can bring a tent along and keep your trip super cheap or try some of the unique spots that are around the state like yurts or even teepees.

by Nina Ragusa from Oregon is for Adventure

Maui, Hawaii

If you’re looking for adventure in one of the most beautiful places in the world then Maui is the place for you . Get your heart pumping and fly high through the trees on one of Maui’s zipline tours; my favorite has always been Kapalua Adventures on the island’s west side.

If hiking is more your thing, head to the top of Haleakala and hike around the volcano crater at the Haleakala National Park before or after taking in the sunrise or sunset. Or cruise the Road to Hana for a day and go hiking through the bamboo forest on the other side of Haleakala National Park all the way up to Waimoku Falls. They also have some amazing saltwater fishing.

When in Maui you have to try surfing at least once! There are lots of local surf schools around the island that offer great lessons and board rentals. Once you’ve had enough of the waves, try a kayak and snorkel tour. Kelii’s Kayaks is a locally owned company and their guides are experienced and knowledgeable about the best snorkeling spots and the sea creatures you’ll find. Take the super early tour (around 7 am) when the water is smooth as glass and see the coast from a new perspective and explore the colorful reefs below the surface.

Maui doesn’t have extensive public transportation so to really explore the island, you’ll need to rent a car. If you want to get off the beaten path, consider staying at Travasaa Resort in Hana on the far east side of the island. Hana is much less crowded than other areas of Maui with easy access to beaches and Haleakala National Park.

If traveling around, make sure to visit Kauai and catch the sunset in Oahu .

By Emily Hines from Em’s on the Road

Places to Travel for Adventure in EUROPE

Switzerland.

Switzerland is a paradise for adventure seekers. The country is also known as one of the safest countries throughout Europe thanks to its low crime rate and strict police force. However, there are plenty of activities you can do, which are considered not so safe! Thanks to the country’s amazing public transport system, you can easily get around without driving. The beautiful Swiss Alps is a playground for thrill-seekers. It has many beautiful hiking trails and via ferratas, that are not for the faint-hearted.

The challenging  hardergrat trail  is on many hiking enthusiast’s bucket lists. Paragliding is a popular activity, especially in the scenic Lauterbrunnen Valley. Despite being a landlocked county, Switzerland is an amazing place for water sport activities as it has over 7000 lakes and many rivers. You can also pop over the border to Vorarlberg.

Sailing, water skiing and kayaking are all fantastic at these locations. In the winter the country gets plenty of snow and many people flock to the ski resorts. Luckily there are plenty of them in Switzerland, and off-piste skiing is also possible. So if you want one of the best places to travel for adventure in Europe, visit this country as it has so much to offer!

By Eniko Krix from Travel Hacker Girl

Wales, the country in the UK, is a great place to travel for adventure lovers and for people who enjoy outdoor activities. Three national parks cover one-fifth of the total Welsh land.

Snowdonia National Park, located in the north, is home to beautiful lakes, hills, moorlands, waterfalls, and the highest peak in England and Wales, Mount Snowdon . In this park, there are various hiking routes you can take. If you don’t fancy hiking you can also take a steam train to Snowdon’s peak at an altitude of 1,085 meters.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the only coastal national park in the UK in the west. There are numerous coastal paths which take you to some breathtaking cliffs. If the weather is good you can cycle across sweeping hills, go for a swim or go scuba diving. There are different diving sites including wrecks and reefs. If you are lucky you can also swim with wild dolphins.

The Brecon Beacons, in the south of Wales , is famous for its magnificent upland formations. It is also home to some outstanding waterfalls, caves, and lakes. You can stay in Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer which offers different types of accommodations such as cottages, lodges, and chalets. This centre also offers different activities including caving, stand up paddleboarding, and canyoning. While in the Brecon Beacons, make sure to take the Four Falls Walk which takes you to four amazing waterfalls.

If you go to the south of the national park you will find Bike Park Wales which features various mountain biking trails for different experience levels from beginners to professionals.

By Mansoureh Farahani from Travel with Mansoureh

Iceland is a paradise for adventure seekers and one of the best adventure destinations in the world for outdoor activities. Every corner of the island offers amazing opportunities to explore the unique Icelandic landscape: from glaciers to waterfalls, geysers and volcanoes!

The best way to experience Iceland is to take a road trip along the Ring Road. You can rent a car and book tours and activities along the way. Aside from hiking, most adventure activities in Iceland require booking a tour. Check out more Iceland budget tips.

There are dozens of adventure activities you can experience in Iceland. Our favorite adventure tour in Iceland was hands down snorkeling/diving the Silfra fissure . Wearing a drysuit, you get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim between two continents!

Some of the best adventure tours in Iceland include glacier hiking and ice climbing, ice caving, horseback riding, and hiking inside a volcano. If you are looking for great activities to do with kids, you can take a boat ride on a glacier lagoon or go white water rafting! Iceland also has dozens of hiking trails you can explore without a guide. Just make sure to always check the weather forecast and listen to local warnings as conditions can be very unpredictable!

By Julie Laundis from Wandering Sunsets

Is Greenland the last frontier of world travel? This sparsely populated giant ice sheet between Europe and North America is often overlooked and usually seen by most at 30,000 feet on transatlantic flights. But if you are the sort that loves all sorts of winter-based activities and treks then I would highly advise you to stop over and spend some time in Greenland.

Taking a cruise through the Ilulissat ice fjord and encountering the iceberg formations up close and personal is undoubtedly one of the highlights, but there is also the opportunity to kayak along some of Greenland’s ice fields at your own pace too. A daring adventure, certainly, but best carried out in the Spring/Summer months where there is almost 24-hour daylight. You will need to rent a kayak from a company first.

The hiking opportunities throughout Greenland are limitless. One of the most enduring is the Arctic Circle Trail between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut, a real adventure through ice-capped mountains where pitching your tent and camping for the night is essential. And of course, another of the highlights of any visit to Greenland is the opportunity to go dog sledding. Dog sledding is a fun expedition for all but in truth a way of life for the local population. What better way to be transported through the deep thick winter snow through ice mountains and with a view of the frozen sea from a distance, or even in full view of the Northern Lights in January?

When staying in Greenland, there is no place I recommend more than the Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat. Between May and September, their metal igloos overlooking Disko Bay are open for reservations. It may be one of the most unique accommodation experiences and views you will ever have.

By Jonathan Riddick from Journeymaxx.com

Dolomites, Italy

The Dolomites are often overlooked when people think about visiting Italy, but they are some of the most beautiful and adventure packed mountains in the entire world, and the possibilities to explore them are endless. Whether you want to keep it simple with a nice relaxing hike around Lago Di Braies, or perhaps you just want to ride a cable car and take in all the majestic views around you, there is something for everyone. 

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ll absolutely love mountain and road biking in the Dolomites, as well as rock climbing. To truly experience the Dolomites, stay a night in a mountain top Refugio where you can enjoy sunset and sunrise from the perfect viewpoint, and really feel how wild these mountains are.

If you want something more adventurous, there are plenty of multi-day trekking routes where you hike from Refugio to Refugio, eating all their wonderfully cooked food along the way. Located just 2 hours from Venice, visiting the Dolomites is a must-do for adventure seekers.

By Jessica Averett from  Bring The Kids

Places to Travel for Adventure in ASIA/MIDDLE EAST

With sweeping valleys, white water rivers, towering waterfalls, and rugged mountains for days, the Republic of Georgia was made for adventure travel.

The Caucasus country has an extremely diverse landscape that ranges from semi-desert in the east to lush forest in the west. High mountains form natural land borders to the north and south, while a stretch of coastline along the Black Sea provides opportunities for sailing and water sports.

Georgia has 10 national parks, all with something different to offer. But the country is best known for its alpine trekking. Hikes range from easy trails such as Kazbegi to Gergeti Trinity Church , to multi-day journeys – the most popular being the three-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli. Accommodation along the high-altitude route comes in the form of village homestays, which means experiencing legendary Georgian hospitality (read: lots of homemade wine and mountains of food to conquer every night) is part and parcel of the experience.

Other highlights include horseback riding in the remote Tusheti Protected Landscape and trekking to Black Rock Lake on the Russian border. Winter sports including snowboarding are on offer in Gudauri and Bakuriani as well as tandem paragliding. For rafting, head to Western Georgia’s Rioni river in the summer months.

Budget flights from Europe, flexible visas, cost-effective options for guided tours – plus a general feeling of still being ‘off the beaten track’ – are just some of the factors that make Georgia a top adventure destination.

By Emily Lush from Wander-Lush

Nepal is one of the ultimate places to travel for adventure. The small landlocked country boasts some of the world’s greatest trekking trails, stunning mountain regions, and other adrenaline-rushing activities. In short, Nepal is the Holy Grail for adventure enthusiasts.

Trekking in Nepal is undoubtedly the most coveted adventure. Home to some of the highest peaks in the world, Nepal has varied trekking trails suited for beginners as well as hardcore mountaineers. The Everest and Annapurna region in Nepal offers the most popular treks, while the Mustang and Dolpo trails and the Manaslu Circuit Trek are somewhat offbeat.

If you think Nepal is only about trekking, then you are quite wrong. Pokhara in Nepal is heaven for adventure activities. You can go for paragliding, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and mountain biking near Pokhara. Finally, the Everest Mountain Flight is the ultimate adventure that you can have in Nepal. A helicopter ride will take you a few hundred feet higher over the highest peak of the world, and you can enjoy the summit view of the Everest ranges from the flight.

Finally, the fast-flowing mountain rivers of Nepal provides some of the best whitewater rafting in the world. Single-day trips are available from Pokhara.

For adventure activities, it is best to visit and stay in Pokhara. There are several travel shops from where you can book your adventure activity. These agents arrange for pick up from your hotel as well. You can also book these activities from Kathmandu, the capital city.

By Agni & Amrita from Tale of 2 Backpackers

Phillipines

The Philippines is generally known for its beautiful beaches and incredible blue water. But our two month trip exploring many of the different islands showed us how many awesome, adventurous things there are to do here. Whether it’s island hopping or scuba diving in Palawan, chasing waterfalls in Cebu or riding scooters around the island paradise of Siargao there is an endless amount of epic adventure destinations in the Philippines.

Our favourite island in the Philippines is Siargao and that’s because it is stunningly beautiful while also providing plenty of adventurous activities to do. You can cliff jump into natural rock pools, swim from palm tree rope swings, surf, swim through caves and explore multiple different islands and lagoons by boat. It really is the dream island for adventure lovers.

The easiest way to get around the Philippines is to rent a scooter and drive yourself. This allows you to discover more remote and untouched regions, beat the crowds and really helps to create a unique experience for you. It doesn’t really matter what activity you are into because the Philippines has it all.

By Luke Storey from The Coastal Campaign

If you’re looking for adventure destinations then Kyrgyzstan should definitely be on your radar. While some people have never heard of Kyrgyzstan, many off the beaten path travelers are discovering the new hotspot in hiking and adventure. There is lots to explore in Kyrgyzstan and most of it can be done on a budget and without crowds of other tourists.

Kyrgyzstan boasts incredible hiking trails spanning mountain ridges, grassy glades, and pristine lakes. One of the most popular is the 3-day trek to Ala Kul Lake which ends in a little village sitting on natural hot springs. There are also incredible options for horse trekking and skiing throughout the country which are really affordable.

But of course, a trip to Kyrgyzstan wouldn’t be complete without experiencing some of the local nomadic culture. You can stay in yurts, watch eagle hunting displays or if you’re lucky, catch a game of Kok Boru – the local sport played on horseback with a goat carcass! You can also visit Kyrgyzstan in winter, which is a huge adventure too.

By Rohan Cahill-Fleury from Travels of a Bookpacker

Considering it’s home to dozens of the world’s tallest mountains, including the second tallest K2, it’s no surprise that Pakistan is an adventure traveler’s paradise- especially if you’re into trekking! The beautiful South Asian country is filled with a seemingly endless amount of mountain opportunities. Everything from day-hikes to alpine lakes to multi-day expeditions to the base camp of K2 can be done in Pakistan.

For those looking for a moderate adventure, I highly recommend taking 1-2 days to venture up towards Rakaposhi Base Camp in the Gilgit-Baltistan province. The trek starts in Minapin Village and heads to a pretty epic viewpoint where you’ll be able to see the majestic Rakaposhi mountain up close!

Another popular and easier trek to embark on in Pakistan is Fairy Meadows (also in Gilgit-Baltistan), where you’ll be able to stay the night in a lush campsite that has an unparalleled view of Nanga Parbat, the world’s 9th highest mountain.

Hitchhiking through Pakistan’s mountainous villages will also bring you up close and personal with a ton of elevation and little known treks- don’t forget about them in favor of the popular guys!

Overall, backpacking Pakistan is one of the most incredible travel experiences you can have. Pakistanis are some of the friendliest people on the planet, which will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip aside from the surreal landscapes.

Logistically speaking, Pakistan can be entered through any one of its international airports, or can be crossed overland. The Wagah Border with India is the easiest land border to cross over at, and would lead you right into one of Pakistan’s liveliest cities: Lahore. Even if you plan on spending all your time in the mountains (very understood!), I highly recommend spending some days in Lahore before heading north. The city is known as the cultural capital of the country, and boasts dozens of Mughal-era relics.

To reach the mountains, you’ll have to first make your way to Gilgit- the hub of Gilgit-Baltistan. Gilgit can either be reached by a flight (which is often canceled) or an overnight coach-bus ride from Pakistan’s capital city Islamabad. Islamabad is about 5 hours north of Lahore and Gilgit is some 17 hours north of Islamabad.

By Samantha Shea from Intentional Detours

Uttarakhand, India

Uttarakhand, India may not be a place that jumps readily to mind when you think of adventure destinations to travel. But this mountainous region is home to adventure in India. Uttarakhand is in North India, about a five hour drive north-east of the capital city, Delhi. It’s one of several states in India dominated by the Himalayan mountain range. Most of the state is mountainous, from the rolling foothills of Rishikesh right up to the soaring peaks, like Nanda Devi, the tallest mountain in Uttarakhand at 7,816 metres.

Naturally, this kind of terrain makes for great adventure travel options. Trekking is very popular in Uttarakhand, and one trek in particular is legendary. The summertime trek to Valley of Flowers is on many bucket lists as it has all the hallmarks of a true adventure. The Valley of Flowers trek is in a very remote location that’s only accessible for a brief time each year, but it rewards those who make the effort with a glorious vision — a Himalayan valley carpeted with flowers in full bloom.

Another popular option in Uttarakhand is white water rafting. This state is the source of the Ganga (Ganges) River. The most sacred river in India, the Ganges tumbles from the Himalayas before making a 2,500 kilometre journey across the length of India. In Uttarakhand, the rushing river is ideal for white water rafting. Rishikesh is not only the Yoga capital of the world, it’s also the gateway to adventure. Many adventure outfitters offer white water rafting in and around Rishikesh.

Finally, I cannot end before mentioning Corbett Tiger Reserve, one of the top tiger reserves in all of India . In fact, the very concept of tiger reserves started in Corbett, which was originally established in 1936 and later named after legendary author and hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett. A jeep safari in Corbett is a wildlife adventure among thick forests and rolling meadows teeming with tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, pangolins and many others.

By Mariellen Ward from BreatheDreamGo

Israel is probably not the first country that comes to mind when thinking about adventure destinations, but it actually offers dozens of amazing adventure travel activities for anyone to enjoy.

Sitting on the Mediterranean, on Israel’s beaches, you can engage with all types of water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.

If you’re more of a green landscape kind of traveler, head to northern Israel, where you’ll find scenic views of mountains, creeks, and waterfalls. This area is filled with hiking trails, but you can also try other activities like skydiving, kayaking or rafting on the Jordan river, and flying in a hot air balloon over the Galilee region .

As opposed to the green north, southern Israel offers unique desert views. The Negev and Judaean deserts are extremely popular for hiking, but they’re also perfect for outdoor adventures like canyoning, rappelling, and rock climbing. If you want to make your time in southern Israel extra special, choose to stay at a Bedouin tent or lodge to learn about Bedouin culture and enjoy traditional Bedouin hospitality.

By Or Amir from My Path in the World

Places to Travel for Adventure in OCEANIA

New zealand.

New Zealand surely needs to be at the top of the list for adventure destinations around the world. The home of bungy jumping, and superhuman adventurers like Sir Edmund Hillary, you know you are going to have an action-packed holiday here.

While New Zealand can be a long way for some, there are direct flights from Australia, the USA, major Asian hubs and the Pacific Islands. Once you are here, the easiest way to get around is to grab a campervan or rental car and road trip your way around.

The South Island is the king of adventure, with Queenstown being its adventure capital. Bungy jumping originated here and now you can jump the highest bungy: the Ben Nevis , at 134m high, a 8.5-second freefall. It’s an absolute must-do in New Zealand. Queenstown has a raft of adventure activities including jet boating, heliskiing, rafting, skydiving, Skyline luge, and epic hiking.

While in the South Island, enjoy an overnight boat adventure in Milford Sound, swimming with dolphins in Akaroa, whale watching in Kaikoura or zipline at New Zealand’s longest zipline in Christchurch.

The North Island isn’t one to ignore for adventure either. Rotorua is home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, mountain biking in the Redwoods and kayaking with glowworms. Also try hiking the Tongariro Crossing in volcano country, diving in New Zealand’s best dive site, Poor Knights Marine Reserve, or a canoe adventure down the Whanganui River.

Whatever you choose, you will not run out of places to travel for adventure in New Zealand!

By Jennifer from Backyard Travel Family: Active Family Travel Specialists in New Zealand

Australia is a country packed full of adventurous things to do; whichever region you chose to visit you won’t be disappointed. Some of my best travel memories are from my numerous trips down under.

If I had to pick the best one, it would be the night I spent on a floating pontoon on my trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Spending a night in the middle of the ocean, seeing the magnificent reef on a scenic helicopter flight and then snorkeling in the beautiful underwater world was truly amazing.

Another adventure not to miss is sailing around the Whitsunday Islands. If you base yourself at Airlie Beach, you’ll be able to organise both of these experiences. Sleeping under the stars, and getting to dive at the best times was incredible.

If you enjoy hiking and trekking, then you’ll love the Blue Mountains near Sydney, or you could consider driving along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria or getting a delicious Aussie brunch in Melbourne . The stunning vistas along the way at both adventure destinations provide perfect photo opportunities, not to mention unforgettable memories.

Of course, Australia is famous for its surfing, and there’s no shortage of great beaches to ride the waves. Some of the best have to include Bells Beach in Torquay, Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads in Queensland and Prevelly Bay in Western Australia.

If you’re staying in Sydney, climbing the famous harbour bridge is also not to miss or at least seeing the Pylon Lookout . There’s so much to do in Australia that one trip won’t be enough, so be prepared to plan a return adventure.

By Fiona Berry from Passport and Piano

Solomon Islands

The South Pacific has PLENTY of incredible island adventure destinations dotted throughout the Pacific Ocean. I’m sure many if not all small island nations would be grand for a more off-the-beaten-track adventure, but I can personally attest to the adventurousness of the Solomon Islands.

I spent a week traveling the Solomon Islands (check out my Solomon Islands guide here) and can safely say I only scratched the surface when it comes to really cool and adrenaline-inducing things to do. There are over 1000 islands in ‘the Sollies,’ each with something unique to offer.

Naturally, most Solomon Islands adventures have a LOT to do with the ocean! As far as surfing goes, there are remote reef breaks here that have literally never even had a surfer before. Finding these depends on YOUR lever of adventure (and, well, if you have a boat you can live on too I suppose). There are some tiny and beautiful Solomon Islands hotels too.

The Solomon Islands are also known as one of the best places to scuba dive in the WORLD. They have some of the clearest water and most prolific dive sites (with the most sea life) on the planet. There’s a LOT of jungle to hike and explore, many successful fishing trips, and some different water sports around, too.

Places to Travel for Adventure in AFRICA

South africa.

South Africa is another one of those countries that really does have a little but of everything! Many people think of beaches when they think of South Africa, but in reality, there are deserts, mountains, beaches, and more.

Cape Town is actually one of the most adventurous cities I have been to. It has hiking, climbing, kitesurfing, paragliding, helicopter-ing, abseiling, surfing, diving, and more available within a few minutes of the city center! Check out Cape Town’s top 10 adventures and also 100 things to do in Cape Town if you need some inspo; I can’t wait to go back.

But, Cape Town is merely the beginning of places to travel for adventure in South Africa. There are some incredible road trips to check out, such as the Garden Route, which touches upon lots of amazing coastlines, national parks, hikes, waterfalls, and beaches. The middle of the country is home to beautiful expansive deserts, and of course, there are TONS of places to see wild animals and ‘the Big 5″ such as famous Kruger National Park.

Perhaps one of my favorite adventure destinations in South Africa is the Drakensburg Mountains- on the border of Lesotho . These are some of the most incredible mountains I have seen in my life, and are home to TONs of single-day treks and also treks as long as 300km (“The Grand Traverse”). The ‘Devil’s Tooth’ mountain is a famous view, as well as the second-highest waterfall in the whole world, Tugela Falls. If you do the hike to Tugela Falls you will be able to see both, as well as scaling metal ladders attaches to the cliff face. An adventure for sure!

Victoria Falls

Forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe one the famous Zambezi River, Victoria Falls is a true destination for adventure. There are lots of ways to experience one of the largest waterfalls in the world! To make the most of Victoria Falls, I recommend spending some time on the Zambian side (Livingstone) AND the Zimbabwe side (Victoria Falls), not only so you can form your own opinion on which side’s view is better (its an age-old debate) but to take part in more adventures as well.

Livingstone, Zambia is essentially built on adventure tourism. There are multiple ways to fly over the falls (prop plane, microlight, helicopter) and even more ways to experience them from the ground or the water. There are TONS of boat cruises and sunset trips on the Zambezi, as well as safaris around the area, quad biking, horseback riding, and even fishing. It’s a great place to see a lovely African Sunset .

Rafting is also famous on the Zambezi – but don’t worry, you raft on the part of the river AFTER the falls! There’s a huge bungee jump from a bridge that connects the Zambian side to the Zimbabwean side, and because of this, you will need your passport just to do the jump!

Perhaps the most adrenaline-inducing adventure at Victoria Falls is swimming in the Devil’s Pool (dry season) or the Angel’s Pool (wet season). These are famous pools RIGHT on the edge of the 300+ ft waterfall – so close you can nearly look off the edge! In wet season when you can’t safely make it to Devil’s Pool, you can book a tour to Angel’s Pool and hold onto a rope as waist-high water goes over the edge of the falls. Its an absolute thrill!

Kenya is located in East Africa and a popular destination for safaris and adventure holidays. With regular flights from many countries, it makes it an easy country to get to, and then moving about you have two main options of flying (which can be expensive) or driving. I have travelled around both ways and could recommend both. I would recommend you have a driver if you decide to drive. You can spend any length of time in this wonderful country and have the most amazing time.

Whilst Kenya is well known for its amazing safari adventure, people of all ages will make memories of a life time. We have just returned from 3 weeks with three small children (4, 4 & 1) proving safari really is possible with kids! Take a look at House in the Wild , it will blow your mind and offers far more than just a safari experience. We visited local schools, a Maasai Village, the rhino sanctuary just to name a few.

Pre children, I joined Angell Safaris and cycled 300km from Nairobi to Mombasa. The most incredible experience of my life. It was such an awesome way to see the country, go on safari, and really challenge your mind in one of the best adventure destinations!

By Anna Miller from Twins and Travels

Adventurous travelers are drawn to Antarctica for its isolated location, wild scenery, and opportunities for spontaneous exploration.

Just getting there is a huge part of the adventure, as you have to sail across the Drake Passage and its famously rough seas.

Once you arrive in Antarctica, the seas calm but adventure kicks into high gear. Passengers hop into zodiacs and cruise through brash ice, passing larger-than-life icebergs and glacier-covered mountains. Wildlife sightings are common, yet unpredictable, with huge colonies of penguins, swimming seals, and maybe even breaching humpback whales.

Simply sitting and watching life unfold at the bottom of the world is an adventure in itself, but there are more active ways to experience Antarctica. Depending on the time of year, expedition cruise operators may offer sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountaineering. Other popular optional adventure activities are winter camping and the Polar Plunge, where brave souls jump into the cold Antarctic waters.

No matter how you spend your time, a  trip to Antarctica  is guaranteed to be unforgettable!

by Rhonda Krause from travelyesplease.com

Well, that’s about it for some of the best adventure destinations in the world! You may also enjoy these:

• The Best Adventure Captions
• Funny Road Trip Quotes + Captions
• Heymondo Travel Insurance: Our Review

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Home » Budget Travel » The 12 Best Places for Adventure Travel Holidays (TOP TRIPS in 2024)

The 12 Best Places for Adventure Travel Holidays (TOP TRIPS in 2024)

Adventure is good. Adventure says a lot about who we are as people. How we interact with it, the kind of adventure we seek, our reasons for doing it… these things woven together tell a story .

The adventure keeps us alive – without it, we stagnate . We work our 9 to 5 so we can come home afterwards, cook dinner, binge Netflix on the couch with our significant other, and then – if we’re lucky and not too tired – a banal quickie before we hit the sack.

Even writing that paragraph gave me an existential crisis .

So what’s the remedy to all that deep-seated nihilistic fear and loathing? Quite simply, an adventure! Nature, adrenaline, dicking around and almost falling off mountaintops: now you’re really living!

So, you’re considering some good ol’ travel adventures. Well, this is the list for you: the 12 best places for an adventure travel holiday . It’s also quite a good list if I do say so myself; at least one offering from every continent!

The activities vary, the environments vary, the budgets vary but the feeling of truly being alive remains the same among these adventure tourism destinations. These are the bucket list trips of a lifetime!

To, you know… distract you from the gnawing meaninglessness of existence.

The 12 Best Places for an Adventure Travel Holiday

What is adventure tourism, safety and ethics of adventure travel, it’s time to go to the best places for adventure travel holidays.

Alright, we’re jumping right into it… the good stuff! The best places for adventure travel across the seven continents!

After the mega-list we’ll get into some nitty-gritty stuff but today I want to give you your dessert before your broccoli. The 12 best places for adventure travel straight off the bat!

They may not necessarily be the most adventurous countries (depending on your perception of ‘adventurous’) but then some, I’d argue, are pretty far out. That’s what I’m saying: we got something for everyone! It’s like Baskin Robbins if Baskin Robbins only had 12 flavours.

Bah, enough loose metaphors – it’s time for the 12 best places for adventure travel – starting with the best!

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A unique coworking hostel for those that want to travel the world while working from their laptops. Make use of the massive open-air coworking spaces and sip on delicious coffee. If you need a quick screen break, just take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool or grab a drink at the bar.

Need more work inspiration? Staying at a digital nomad-friendly hostel is a really smart way to get more done whilst still enjoying the social life of travelling… Mingle, share ideas, brainstorm, make connections and find your tribe at Tribal Bali!

#1 Pakistan: The Best Place for Adventure Travel that Makes People Go, “You’re going where!?”

I bet you weren’t expecting this to make the list of the best places for adventure travel holidays!

Yep, let’s talk Pakistan. And before we do, you’re gonna have to leave all your stigmas at the door (along with your shoes, thank you very much)!

Pakistan is one of those places where you’re taking adventure tourism to the next level. It drops a lot of the ‘tourism’ in the process. If your idea of the best adventure holiday is a lot of beautiful nature with a lot of friendly, inquisitive people, it’s worth flying in the face of the status quo and travelling to Pakistan. I mean, that’s the whole point of a travel adventure, right?

You’ll find a lot of trekking in Pakistan with something for everyone. If you’re an avid trekker, the Karakoram range is magnificent and a true feat to experience. There are also more chill day hikes – and then there’s the 18-day trek to the K2 base camp (the second-highest mountain in the world).

You can try going it solo to discover one of the most adventurous countries in the world all by your lonesome. There is certainly some solitude and epic adventure waiting for you!

Even adventure travel is sometimes better shared though!

#2 New Zealand: Adventure Travel With a Bit of Everything!

Time for something a little more standard but no-less downright gorgeous! The good thing about adventure travel in New Zealand is that you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. It’s like seven countries in one neat little package.

Ice-capped mountains? Check. Petrified forests? Check. Prehistoric coastline? Check. Uninhabited fjords? Check.

And that’s just found while road tripping the South Island !

New Zealand’s adventure tourism options have a flavour for everyone!

The Great Walks offer multiple levels of trekking from the well-worn Abel Tasman to the near-undisturbed Stewart Island. Or, you know, you could just walk the entirety of New Zealand – I met a dude that did it without shoes. That’s pretty metal.

But where do you go in New Zealand for the best overall adventure holiday? Easy one, man. You backpack Queenstown : the go-to for adventure travel sports and activities in New Zealand.

You’ve got beautiful weather on the lake in the summer months. Then, come winter, all the snow bums roll in for the powder season. A year-long travel adventure backpacking epicentre!

So what other adventure activities are there? It’s mega-famous for bungy jumping, ziplining, or you can book a skydiving tour. Honestly, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world to do it.

Oh, and if you get bored, beautiful, darling Wanaka is about an hour’s drive away… and it’s way better!

#3 Nepal: Holy Mountains and a Booming Adventure Tourism Industry

The past decade has seen near-consistent growth in tourist arrivals to Nepal. 

How come? Hmm, I can’t be certain but it may have something to do with the Himalayas… Nepal is the ‘roof of the world’ after all.

So what type of adventure tourism can you expect from Nepal? Well, again, it’s the Himalayan Mountains… so… a lot of mountaineering. Mind you, this is the final-boss-level mountaineering I’m talking about. The proper hardcore deal.

However, Mount Everest is full of garbage and Nepal is struggling to keep up with its tourism. We’ll cover being a responsible tourist later on, but while we’re talking about Nepal, trek something other than Mt Everest.

You can disappear (safely) into the Annapurna range . This epic trekking loop strikes a nice balance between being both culturally authentic and tourist accessible. But pick your timing right: outside peak season but close to the cusp for the best of both worlds.

Alternatively, just pick a direction and start walking. The further out you get to where the whiteys don’t go, the more spectacular and strange Nepal becomes. The chaos of India slowed down by the pace of mountain life. 

I’ve even heard whispers of a pristine ancient lake too; they say… Rara .

And then there is travelling Pokhara . Pokhara, in many ways, is like Queenstown. Only it’s slower, it’s more chill, and you smoke hash instead of greenery.

There’s a lot of adventure tourism activities around Pokhara now (as the industry has grown). You can learn to Paraglide , go trekking, and there’s some dope rafting around too.

#4 Costa Rica: Adventure Travel that’s Pura Vida

Costa Rica – the birthplace of the zipline. So, now you know number one on your list of adventure activities to do in Costa Rica.

Backpacking Costa Rica has got a lot to offer the adventure traveller: jungles, beaches, volcanoes. The nature in Costa Rica is one of the reasons that Costa Rica has remained one of the world’s best places for adventure travel for so long.

Its natural magnetism to travellers and ex-pats alike has made Costa Rica both a fantastic and varied place to travel. It’s also caused its prices to rise and become one of the more expensive choices for adventure holidays you can take while travelling Central America .

The trade-off? It’s the goddamn birthplace of the zipline, remember?

Picture this: you’re cruising along at a cool 70km/hr. Beneath you, the rippling greens of the jungle canopy blur together. At the end of the line, a crew of trained squirrel monkeys await your arrival, a chilled refresco and caramel flan in hand. Ok, I made that last bit up (but I’m a writer , don’t you know).

La Fortuna is your best destination for adventure tourism in Costa Rica. It’s a small town close to the piercing Arenal Volcano (which is an absolutely magnificent creature). In the area, you’ll find hiking, canyoning, rafting, and of course, the jungle zipline!

And, if you’re more of a beach person, head towards Costa Rica’s coast for snorkelling and scuba diving action.

#5 USA: The Adventure Travel MECCA

Heading north from Central America takes us to… North America. Yeah, that makes sense.

What will you find while exploring the USA?

A lot of flag-waving patriots who chase tornadoes and pull their own teeth out on account of the lack of medical insurance. Anyway, other than that, you’ll find SO MUCH epic, adventure travel!

The big, bold, and beautiful US of A is chock full of adventurous places to visit .

So, where to travel for adventures in the USA? God, what do you like? Canyons, mountains, coasts, great lakes, rivers, prairies… it’s all there.

• Moab (Utah) takes the top pick as one of the best places for an adventure vacation in the USA. It is the go-to for mountain biking with courses ranging from the beginner all the way up to the ‘holy shit, I might die’ . You’ll also find heaps of sweet rafting, ATV driving, horseback riding… it’s an adrenaline junkie’s desert playground!
• Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming) has hiking and hot springs. That’s a no brainer! Anywhere that has hot springs is going to make for a top trip.
• Colorado: home of the Rocky Mountains! What do you get there? Mate, were you not listening; I just told you – the Rocky Mountains! Hikes, rock climbing, and legal bud; it may just be heaven-on-earth.
• Yosemite National Park, California : is the impossible-to-not-mention choice. The undisputed king of the USA’s national parks featuring the truly staggering peaks of free-soloing ‘What’s a rope?’ Alex Honnold fame.

The USA is  blisteringly beautiful. It’s also blisteringly expensive! Visiting two national parks in day can run you $70+ in entry fees.

Orrrr… you kick those entry fees to the curb, buy an annual ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for $79.99,  and get unlimited access to ALL 2000+ federally managed sites in the States totally FREE!

You do the math. 😉

#6 Argentina: Adventure Travel at the End of the World

If you head in the other direction from Central America (by which I mean south) you get to travelling South America . That also makes sense. 

There are a lot of kick-ass destinations for adventure trips in South America: Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador jump to mind. But Argentina has Patagonia. And I’m all about those harsh, sparsely populated wildernesses.

This idea for adventure travel is not for the faint of heart – you’re heading into challenging terrain. Look at a map of Argentina. You’re nearly at the bottom of the world. But challenging is the whole point, right?

And backpacking Patagonia is only one region of Argentina you need to explore. It’s a big damn country with a lot of cool places to see (the Ibera Wetlands come to mind). 

Argentina is so big and so damn gorgeous that it’s picking up steam as one of the best places for adventure travel in a van. Van life is preferred by many scroungy vagabonds – because a van makes perfect sense for an adventure vacation on a budget.

The northernmost point to the southernmost point of the land at the end of the world… now that’s a journey idea!

#7 Canada: Adventure Travel With a Dash of Solitude

Since we’re talking about vast, harsh, sparsely populated wildernesses, we should talk about Canada. You’ve got a lot of chill places and cool cities in Canada ( like Vancouver )… and then you head into the great outdoors and oh wow!

It’s mega pretty .

What kind of extreme adventure vacations can you get up to in Canada? Well… that depends on how extreme you’re willing to go.

For something fun but with a low chance of death, there’s skiing and snowboarding at a resort such as Whistler. Hit the slopes and then get all the perks of a ski-town: loud parties and hordes of drunk Australians. Don’t worry, we’ve got awesome hostel suggestions for budget adventurers too! 

Oh, you wanted something with a high chance of death? Sorry, I misheard you. How about ice-climbing UP A FROZEN WATERFALL! How’s that for an extreme adventure vacation? It’s your very own Tom Cruise movie!

Banff is one of your best adventure travel destinations in Canada. You’ll find the aforementioned ice-climbing there (yesssss) plus a bunch of other cool shit: national parks to adventure in , hot springs, and skiing.

North from Banff (and not too far by Canadian standards) is Jasper National Park with more wilderness and hikes. If it’s solitude that you’re seeking in your adventure travels, then travelling the Canadian wilderness has what you need.

Just watch out for bears. Although, they make a spray for that.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

#8 Mongolia: Adventure Travel With The OG Nomads

This is one of the best adventure holidays in Asia as far as I’m concerned. It’s a long-time dream of mine: to ride a horse on the plains of Mongolia. I haven’t done it yet – timing is important – so I’m recommending you to do it.

Why? Well, if you want to truly call yourself a nomad, then you gotta be a damn nomad! You need a horse on the plateaus of Mongolia. You need to search for water for your travelling companion and shoot at horse thieves with your bow.

I met a good dude in New Zealand. He’d never ridden a horse before and he was curious, so he went to Mongolia and made his very own horseback adventure tour. Now that is bad-ass!

Seriously though, Mongolia is a country of beautiful yet unforgiving terrain and the Mongolian people have unlocked its secrets, able to live nomadically and tend livestock amongst its deserts, plains, and hills. It’s also smack-bang between Russia and China so wherever you go, you’ll be off the beaten track .

If you’re interested in Mongolian culture, I’d recommend being there in October. Every year in the first week of October is the Golden Eagle Festival where you can see skill contests in archery, wrestling and eagle hunting. Not hunting eagles but hunting with eagles –  they’re the OG nomads, man!

#9 China: The Other Best Place for Adventure Travel that Makes People Say, “You went where!?”

Good ol’ communist China: the antithesis to the American Dream. It’s like going to another planet so, if you can’t get ‘off the beaten track’ there, you’re probably doing something wrong. China is a hit with backpackers in search of adventure!

You’ll almost always be mildly-to-noticeably uncomfortable which makes for some of the most character-building adventure holidays for both single travellers and couples. It’s also a solid destination choice for a cheap adventure holiday. It’s not as cheap as, say, Nepal, but it’s cheaper than most people realise (especially if you’re camping in nature ).

So, what kind of adventure activities await in China? Well, trekking galore; I’ve heard the Great Wall is kind of long and, yup, you can camp on it! Or you can visit Tiger Leaping Gorge or Mount Huashan which is considered one of the most dangerous hiking trails in the world. Deadly hiking in China – now that’s an extreme adventure vacation!

I mean, hell, just buy a bicycle and see how far you can get across the supreme landscape. It’s China, you’re pretty much guaranteed an adventure no matter where you go!

#10 Zimbabwe: Adventure Travel With a Touch of Sun and Crocodiles

There’s three more entries on our list and three more continents to explore. Let’s make a shift over to Africa now… to Zimbabwe! Africa is one hell of a trip that will always make you laugh!

If we’re talking Zimbabwe adventures, we’re talking Victoria Falls. Oh, the falls? They’re drop-dead breathtakingly ‘life is beautiful’ gorgeous. Absolutely stunning.

Victoria Falls has built itself up as the best adventure holiday destination in Africa. You’ll find a huge scope of adventure activities in Victoria Falls including bungy-jumping, gorge-swinging, flying foxes, rapid rafting (I’m talking those infamous grade V and VI options), and cage diving with crocodiles. Diving with crocs… it’s an adrenaline junkie’s paradise!

It’s also warm – with swimming involved! It’s a nice change of pace from the freezing-cold murderous wildernesses I keep sending you to (just wait for the last two entries on this list, muahahaha)!

And since you’re in Zimbabwe (and how often do you end up over that way, realistically) maybe explore the rest of the country. Victoria Falls is surrounded by gorgeous national parks and there are plenty of adventure safari tours to partake in.

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#11 Scandinavia: Adventure Travel With Freedom to Roaaaaam

Right, let’s talk about adventure holidays you can have while backpacking Europe. Are we talking about the stunning (and warm) Amalfi Coast or the tranquil (and warm) beaches of Portugal? Hah, nope, it’s back to freezing your tits off. Apparently, adventure is best served cold.

I think the reasons to send you to Scandinavia should be relatively obvious: a massive and untamed wilderness of eclectic beauty that will bitchslap you upside the face if you don’t respect it. Just my type. 😉

But, there’s another reason: something called “freedom to roam” . Laws vary by location and discussions on environmental impact is important but it is, I feel, the way adventure travel should be.

Every human has the right to disappear into nature and just be. Just be without electricity, and goddamn Wi-Fi, and the white noise of the world. Time to just spend some time without your phone, and straight-up forest bathing.

So if you’re looking for the best places to escape alone, the Scandinavian/Nordic countries have got you covered. If you’re also looking for the best adventure holidays for couples, you should consider Scandinavia because everybody knows that disappearing into the wilderness for weeks at a time is better with someone that lets you touch their butt.

Where are you going? Wherever you damn well please, that’s my point. Take a compass. And if you don’t feel like walking then saddle up a reindeer – and go disappear… safely. Light a campfire (legally) and watch the stars and the lights in the northern sky which no man owns no matter how much they wish they did.

#12 Antarctica: The Final Boss of Your Adventure Travels

I said we were going to all seven continents, right? I also said adventure is best served cold.

Yes, you can do adventure travel in Antarctica. Yes, it is more expensive than anything else on this list and no you can’t go unguided unless you break away from your tour group ( NOT a good idea). This is about the most extreme adventure trip you can take until Elon Musk sorts out that whole space/moon tourism thing. But, let’s be real, do we really want him to?

Most Antarctica tours involve a cruise and will take you to and around parts of the continent – usually, the Antarctic peninsula which is pretty damn close to Argentina (hence the ‘land at the end of the world’ thing). Some of them will also take you to the Falkland Islands which are super damn pretty.

Now, you could always shore up your boat life skills and test the hell out of yourself and your crew by sailing there…

Either way, you can expect a lot of wildlife watching as well as some adventure activities alongside such as kayaking, scuba diving, and paddle-boarding. Notice how all those activities had some relation to the freezing-cold water…

Yep, that’s what to expect from Antarctica: desolation, magnificence, and feeling permanently cold all the time. But hot damn if she’s not gorgeous.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Now I’m giving you your broccoli. You don’t have to eat it; you do you, man.

Depending on where you look, you’ll find several definitions of adventure tourism. Of course, as we all know, stuffy definitions created by stuffy people don’t often encapsulate the whole truth. But we need to talk about the consequences of these stuffy definitions.

In 1953 Edmund Hillary and Tenzig Norgay were the first ever to summit Mount Everest. Now, just over 65 years later (less than the lifespan of a person) over 8000 people have summited the peak.

Now, there’s something to be said about the advantages and disadvantages of adventure tourism but it doesn’t help with our definition for the purpose of this article. Thus, I’ve decided on three criteria to define adventure travel by:

• There’s some level of an inherent risk involved i.e. injury or death is increased in likelihood by the activity.
• The activity revolves around interaction and interplay with nature and the outdoors.
• There is a market, sub-culture, and level of commercial gain behind the activity.

The adventure activity can be guided or unguided; paid for or free; and range anywhere from death is a slim possibility to ‘Dude, who gets your PlayStation when you die?’ .

But, generally speaking, your best places for adventure travel are going to be marketed as primo adventure tourism holiday destinations. With that comes all the perks and caveats of a place well-worn by tourists.

I’d also like to define the difference between adventure travel and a journey . Hitchhiking across China, walking through the Middle-East, or backpacking around South Africa are all great journeys (and some of my ultimate bucket list ideas), but they’re not adventure travel holidays since they’re not primarily driven by the purpose of tourism. That’s a personal journey, mate!

Types of Adventure Tourism: Hard Adventure Activities

Ok, so seriously, if you want to discuss types of adventure travel, there are lots of ways to break it down and a lot of different sub-categories. That’s the point of my criteria above and my separation of a ‘journey’ and ‘adventure travel’ . 

One of my favourite types of journeying (which many would rightfully consider adventure travel) is overland travel (i.e. no planes). However, telling you to start in Japan and finish in Italy without using planes wouldn’t make for a very appealing article. It does, however, make for a seriously dope journey!

So, the first category of adventure tourism activities that we’re going to talk about are the ‘hard’ type. Generally, the activities defining this category pose a sizeable risk… of death.

When you’re partaking in these adventure travel ideas, generally it’s better to know what you’re doing to avoid that whole ‘dying young’ thing:

• Mountaineering
• Ice Climbing
• Wingsuiting
• Base Jumping
• Bear Fighting

For the record, I made that last one up… I hope…

Types of Adventure Tourism: Soft Adventure Activities

These examples of adventure tourism tend to be less hazardous and generally less dangerous than fighting a bear on an ice mountain while wearing a wingsuit. They have lower overall death-related statistics and your mum isn’t going to complain as much when you tell her what you’ve been up to.

It’s worthy to note that most of these activities’ risks can be mitigated by having a professional guide or partaking in some sort of adventure holiday tour. Conversely, the risks can be heightened (i.e. made more fun) by pushing the limits of the activity, often upgrading it to a hard adventure activity. Try rafting some grade VI rapids and you’ll see what I mean:

• Trekking/hiking/orienteering
• Kayaking/rafting/canoeing
• Bungee jumping
• Skiing/snowboard
• Mountain biking

Obviously, this far from a complete list but it does give you an idea for what you’re in for when visiting some of the best places in the world for adventure travel… that being a whole lotta fun!

Why Visit the Best Places for Adventure Travel?

Well, I feel I sorta already addressed that with the whole ‘combatting the existential abyss inside your soul’ thing but, yeah, there are other reasons too.

It’s about the challenge. Sure, the advent of the adventure tourism industry mitigates the challenge somewhat (see the above example of Mount Everest) but it’s still an adventure – it’s in the name, after all!

And it’s your adventure! Take it as far and as dangerous as you like. You do you.

It’s about growth : growth through hardship. Learning to take things in stride. Learning that things, most of the time, will be ok. You just have to keep moving.

It’s about getting dirty. Because, everybody knows, being covered in dirt, and mud, and scratches, and leeches makes you appreciate a hot shower just a little more.

And, it’s about contentment. It’s about, one day, when you’re eighty years old and nestled in your rocking chair reminiscing on the life you’ve lived, you can say: “Yeah, that was pretty good. I’d say, overall, I did a good job – 7 out of 10… oh, maybe a 7.5.”

You could think of your travels as a way to create a lifetime reel of memories to spin into epic yarns to bother your grandkids with…

But adventure travel is also about connecting to life and our planet, which, in case you hadn’t heard, is pretty bloody gorgeous.

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Right, so that’s your dessert: 12 of the best places for adventure travel across the seven continents of our world. And some damn fine choices too, if I do say so myself!

And you ate your broccoli. Good, I’m proud of you. No, you can’t have a second dessert! But you can have some more broccoli. 😉

So, before you inevitably go and tear it up snowboarding, rafting, or bear fighting, I’d like to touch on a few more things to note. A few practical considerations of the environment, taking care of yourself, and just generally not being a knob-jockey while you’re engaging in your Evel Knievel ways.

Toursim: the Double Edged Sword

This topic is really deserving of (and has many) socio-ecological research papers, but it goes without saying that adventure tourism has an impact. Think about Pokhara in Nepal: what was once considered one of the most mystical places in Nepal is now a bustling city that is known as its ‘tourism capital’.

But, again, think about Pokhara: a city that was once only accessible by foot is now one of the most affluent cities in Nepal. It’s a huge metropolis that garners a large amount of revenue for a developing nation and supplies jobs and a better quality of life for many people. It’s here that you start to wonder: is budget travel ethical?

Tourism is a double-edged sword and adventure tourism only takes a whetstone to the blade. As per my original definition, it usually entails some form of interaction with the natural environment and, as you may have noticed, it also usually involves some form of interaction with cultures unaccustomed to the West. Which means they are unaccustomed to – let’s say – the ugly side of Western tourism.

So be a good dude; it’s just that simple. Nothing grandiose – just stay aware, be responsible, and be respectful. Be respectful of other cultures and the people there; their sole purpose in life is not to make sure our one-week-itinerary travel adventure trips blows up on the socials. 

And be respectful of our environment. It was here long before we were carving it up with snowboards and mountain bikes and it’ll be here long after it’s wiped us all out for carving it up with snowboards and mountain bikes.

Past that, you do you. You know how to be a good human. And if you’re travelling and not being a good human… it’s only a matter of time until someone – local, traveller, or Mama Nature herself – sorts you out.

Travel Insurance for Best Places for Adventure Travel Holidays

Goddamn! All this adventure and far-flung locales and talk of bears – maybe it would be smart to protect yourself with some insurance?

Things do go wrong when you travel, particularly if you’re doing hectic shit in the most hectic corners of the planet.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

That’s it. The whole list. If you do one of these ultimate bucket list ideas , well done. If you do all 12… geez, dude, legend; you’re a braver human than me.

So, what are my final thoughts on the 12 best adventure holidays in the world? Honestly, I think I’ve touched on all of it already.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re after a cheap adventure holiday, an extreme vacation, or a journey away from where all tours can take you. Just remember, that it’s the adventure that connects us to travel and to life.

Just remember that adventure is awesome. And that it keeps us alive. And that it is these stories that you’ll be telling your grandkids one day. So make them grand and beautiful and dangerous and filled with plot twists.

Tell a good story.

Ziggy Samuels

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The Best Countries in the World for Adventurous Travelers

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Adventurous travelers are unique individuals to say the least. While they can appreciate some rest and relaxation on a tropical beach, they're more likely to be drawn to destinations that offer more engaging and challenging outdoor activities. This is the type of traveler who would rather spend their time trekking a remote trail and sleeping in a tent as opposed to visiting an all-inclusive resort . For them, it is the quality of the hiking, mountain biking, and climbing that defines a great destination, particularly if it can provide exhilarating and enriching activities that are also physically and mentally challenging.

For these types of travelers we have created a round-up of the most adventurous countries on the planet. The places that over the years have practically defined the term "adventure travel." If you're looking to put a little excitement into your next vacation, these destinations will certainly provide that and a whole lot more. The only question is, which one do you visit first?

New Zealand

Westend61/ Getty Images

No list of adventurous countries would be complete without mentioning New Zealand. After all, this is the country that invented bungee jumping and perfected the use of jet boats for high-speed river tours. But you don't have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy the land of the kiwi. The country is home to some of the best long-distance hiking trails in the world, offers excellent kayaking and mountain biking, and has some of the most breathtaking landscapes found anywhere on Earth.

Recommended Adventure: Hike the 1,864-mile Te Araroa Track , easily one of the best hiking routes in the world.

Not to be outdone by their kiwi counterparts, Australia has plenty to offer the adventurous traveler too. From scuba diving and snorkeling off the Gold Coast to cycling the Great Ocean Road, to overlanding in the outback, the options are numerous and varied. It doesn't hurt that Australia has a vast array of landscapes to explore, not to mention plenty of open spaces. This is a destination you can visit multiple times and still find plenty to draw you back.

Recommended Adventure: Dive the Great Barrier Reef , a truly iconic place that every traveler should visit at least once.

Tyler Stableford / Getty Images

We could spend hours extolling the virtues of Iceland as an adventure destination and probably only scratch the surface of what it has to offer. Here, you can explore ice caves, go sea kayaking along a stunning coastline, trek across a glacier, and soak in a hot springs after a day of whitewater rafting. The country's epic vistas are some of the most dramatic on Earth, with amazing geothermal features such as geysers and fumaroles adding texture and color. And did we mention the opportunities to spot the Northern Lights? Iceland is one of the top destinations for spotting the aurora borealis too.

Recommended Adventure: Wander through the massive ice cave of the Vatnajökull Glacier , a place that is unlike any other.

Another classic adventure destination, Nepal has a lot to offer the adventurous travelers. While wandering the temples and backstreets of Kathmandu and going on safari at the Chitwan National Park are fantastic, the real draw here is the climbing and trekking. Nepal is home to some of the most famous hiking trails in the world, including the Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Base Camp route. It also has eight of the world's tallest peaks within its borders, making it a bucket list destinations for mountaineers from across the globe. The sheer scope and scale of the Himalaya is something to behold and definitely worth a visit for anyone who can't resist the call of alpine environments.

Recommending Adventure: Trekking in the Himalaya . Trust us, just choose a route and go.

Anna Gorin / Getty Images

One of the things that makes Peru such a great destination for adventure travel is the variety of landscapes that are available to explore. Visitors can go hiking in the Andes of course, and visiting Machu Picchu is a must. But they can also explore the depths of the Amazon Rainforest, go surfing along the Pacific Coast, or ponder the meaning of the mysterious Nazca Lines. No matter where you go however, you'll find yourself enthralled with the country's rich and long history, with Inca ruins to explore and cultural monuments to marvel at.

Recommended Adventure: While the Inca Trail is a classic hike, leave the crowded trail behind and enjoy a river cruise on the Amazon instead.

WLDavies / Getty Images

Tanzania has two very big adventures to offer anyone planning on visiting the East African nation. First and foremost, it is a classic safari destination with a trip to the Serengeti a must-do for any traveler. But those looking to push themselves a bit harder will want to add a Kilimanjaro trek to their bucket list as well, as the ancient volcano is the world's tallest freestanding mountain at 19,341 feet. After your climb and safari, travel to Zanzibar island, located just off the coast, where you can blend relaxation on the Indian Ocean with a deep dive into the fascinating history of that storied place.

Recommended Adventure: Climb to the "Roof of Africa" "on a Kilimanjaro trek , one of the truly iconic adventure travel experiences.

Malena Barrios / Getty Images

The adventure capital of Central America, Costa Rica is yet another destination with plenty to offer adrenaline junkies. From zip lining through the rainforest to volcano boarding down and whitewater rafting, this is a place that will definitely get your heart pumping. Throw in some excellent hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park and mountain biking in the jungle—not to mention plenty of good snorkeling and diving off the coast—and you begin to understand why this is such a popular playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Recommended Adventure: Raft the Rio Pacuare , one of the truly great whitewater rivers in the world.

Paul Oomen / Getty Images

When it comes to breathtaking landscapes and plenty of adventurous activities, Norway ranks at the top of the list for must-visit places. In the summer, the hiking, mountain biking, and paddling are fantastic, while the winter brings nordic skiing, dogsledding, and skiing. It doesn't hurt that the country is also one of the best for experiencing the Northern Lights, nor that its people are some of the most accommodating and friendly you could ever hope to meet. The truly adventurous will want to head north the island of Svalbard, where the polar bears outnumber the people, the wilderness is vast and unexplored, and the whale watching is spectacular.

Recommended Adventure: Brave the winter and go dogsledding above the Arctic Circle. Tours range form just a few hours to more than week, depending on just how adventurous you really are.

Ascent/PKS Media Inc. / Getty Images

Thanks to its massive size and amazing outdoor environments, Canada is easily one of the top adventure destination in the world. Whether you're looking for summer excursions or winter activities, you'll find plenty to see and do there. In the west, the Canadian Rockies offer superb hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and camping, while in the east you'll find fantastic sailing, paddling, fishing, and whale watching in Nova Scotia. The main problem that visitors to Canada face is deciding exactly where to do and what to do, as it can be a daunting task to whittle down the list of opportunities.

Recommended Adventures: Go polar bear spotting in Churchill . There are few better places to spot these amazing creatures in the wild.

Spanning more than 2,650 miles along the South American coast, Chile is a destination that features a diversity of landscapes to explore. From Patagonia in the south to the Atacama Desert in the north—with the spine of the Andes Mountains in between—there is just too much to see and do in a single visit. The country is home to some of the best hiking and backpacking trails imaginable and features world-class ski destinations during the winter. It also features top-notch paddling, excellent surfing, and outstanding mountain biking, making it a well-rounded spot for multi-sport athletes.

Recommended Adventure: Backpack through Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, where the scenery is so gorgeous that it will stick with you long after you've come home.

One of the best kept secrets in adventure travel, Mongolia is off the beaten path but worth the effort to get there. The massive country covers more than 600,000 square miles, yet only has a population of a little more than 3 million people. That means there is a lot of open space to explore, ranging from the remote and rugged Altai Mountains to the vast and wide-open Gobi Desert. Here, you'll have the chance to explore on foot, mountain bike, or horseback, while encountering nomads that have lived in much the same way for hundreds of years.

Recommended Adventure: Get away from it all on a fat bike tour through Tavn Bogd National Park with Round Square Adventures , a trip that combines physical challenge with remote and wild settings.

South Africa

Pierre-Yves Babelon / Getty Images

While East Africa may offer the best all-around safari experience, South Africa is the true paradise for adventurous travelers. Here, you can visit one of the truly great safari destinations in Kruger National Park, but will also find stellar backpacking in the Drakensberg Mountains, a plethora of outstanding mountain biking trails, and excellent diving and surfing along the coast. You'll also discover great motorcycling routes in Baviaanskloof, along with a host of adrenaline sports such as skydiving, bungee jumping, and zip lining.

Recommended Adventure: Go cage diving with great white sharks off the Western Cape, where you'll get an up close and personal look at these fearsome predators.

Kraig Becker

With its rich culture, long history, and diverse landscapes, Jordan is a surprisingly great adventure destination. Visitors can go off-roading in the deserts of Wadi Rum, snorkel and dive in the Red Sea, float in the Dead Sea, and hike in and out of the ancient city of Petra. In the north, they'll discover green forests and in the south rocky cliffs and an arid environment unlike any other, with plenty to see and do in between. Wander through Roman ruins, visit historical fortresses, ride a camel across the dunes, and soak up the star-filled night sky from a bedouin campsite for a complete Jordanian experience.

Recommended Adventure: Hike the Jordan Trail , a route that covers more than 400 miles starting at Um Qais in the north and running to Aqaba in the south

Chantip Ditcharoen / Getty Images

Go camping in the Sahara Desert, hike and mountain bike in the High Atlas Mountains, or go off-roading through vast and open spaces. Those are just a few of the things you can do in Morocco, a country that is steeped in history and tradition. Part of the fun of visiting this destination is that you can spend part of your time being very active and busy, while also wandering through ancient souks or relaxing in a bustling and historic city like Marrakech or Casablanca. With so much to see and do, you'll have a hard time deciding which experiences call to you the most.

Recommended Adventure: Trek to the summit of Mount Toubkal , the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and all of North Africa.

United States

It can be easy to forget just how many adventure travel opportunities can be found inside the United States itself. Nearly every corner of the country has something to offer those who enjoy being active and in the outdoors. There are literally thousands of campsites, tens of thousands of miles of trail, and stunningly beautiful mountain ranges in both the east and the west. Whether you're looking for lush forests, alpine meadows, rugged coastlines, wide-open plains, or hot and arid deserts, you'll find it all in the U.S. Best of all, there is usually plenty of information to help you plan your trip and a great infrastructure in place to support your journey too. Sometimes, the best adventures can be found right in your own backyard.

Recommended Adventure: Pick a national park . Any national park. Chances are you won't be disappointed.

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• Adventure Travel

12 Best Places for Adventure Seekers

Farryl Last is a poet and international educator from New York. She studied abroad in Paris and B...

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How would you design your dream travel itinerary ? Maybe you’re the type to check off every major monument and museum along the way. Maybe you’d prefer leisurely strolls along city streets, or you're eager to discover a beach or pool for some international lounging.

Or maybe it’s tons of activity, opportunities for cultural immersion , and a daily adrenaline rush (or two or three) you’re after. In that case, you might just be an adventure-seeker at your core.

Planning an adventure trip? Here are the top destinations to consider!

Adventure travel can cover a wide range of experiences, and the best places for adventure travel help you pack an array of heart-pounding, goosebump-raising possibilities into your trip. In fact, any time you push yourself to your limits, you’re embracing adventure travel .

For you, that could be hurtling from planes, scaling the world’s tallest peaks, or swimming hand-to-fin with sharks. Even immersing yourself in the local language or connecting with nature can offer meaningful adventure travel experiences.

And that means you’ll find opportunities for adventure just about everywhere. Picking the first place to visit might be your hardest task!

12 best places to travel for adventure seekers

You can’t go wrong with any of these action-packed destinations if you’re debating where to go for adventure travel:

1. Thailand

Grab your backpack and do a little island hopping in Thailand!

Put Thailand on your personal map if you’re looking for one of the best adventure trips in the world. A wide range of adventure opportunities exist in the midst of a tourist-friendly country, making Thailand a great destination whether you’re just getting into adventure travel or you’re a seasoned expert.

Gorgeous beaches, stunning temples, and bustling cities are just the start. Thailand lures in backpackers who want to explore wildlife (and wild nightlife), taste delicious food, surf for the first time , and do so much more. You can’t beat the affordability factor, either, making Thailand ideal for short-term adventures and longer stays alike.

Recommended program: Grabatour Thailand: 8-Day Thailand Experience

2. New Zealand

There’s good reason why New Zealand is home to the adventure capital of the world (for the uninitiated, just google Queenstown). You’ll find opportunities to live out all your adventure-travel dreams across the country. With everything from glaciers to hot springs to snowy mountains, New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes make it the go-to land of adventure for travelers worldwide.

Zorbing , bungee jumping, flying by wire, jet boating—yep, Kiwis invented it all. Whether you’re after a water-based adventure (think: class 5 rapids for white water rafting) or prefer your adventures high above the ground (skydiving anyone?), New Zealand has you covered.

Recommended program: 12 Weeks Adventure Guide Program in Queenstown, New Zealand

3. Costa Rica

Hike in Costa Rica and meet jungles bursting with wildlife!

The country known for pura vida , a.k.a. the pure, simple life, is also one of the best places for adventure travel. You’ll find adventure around every corner, whether that’s on a sandy beach, in a dense jungle, or even high above a cloud forest or deep down in a cave spelunking .

Pound the waves and then lounge on the beach, or zipline above cloud forests and take in the natural beauty while getting your adrenaline fix. You can even go more hardcore with bungee jumping and extreme hiking. Costa Ricans really know how to embrace that pura vida lifestyle, so if you’re looking to enjoy life and earn some adventure points along the way, this Central American country is the place to go.

Recommended program: GVI: Wildlife Expedition in Costa Rica

India draws in plenty of travelers thanks to its reputation for adventure and its vast land. You can sign up for camel rides or skydiving, mountain trekking or watersports. India is also one of the world’s best places to go white water rafting , and there’s no lack of foodie tours, photography opportunities, and an impressive assortment of landscapes to keep things interesting.

There’s something here for those seeking laid-back days and top-notch adrenaline rushes alike. You’ll find deserts in Rajasthan and beaches in Goa, not to mention bustling cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Prefer your adventures in the mountains? Head off to the Himalayas, or better yet, make time for all of it on an extended adventure trip.

Recommended program: Oyster Worldwide: Backpacking Tour of India

5. Australia

When it comes to adventure travel, Australia has it all!

Scuba diving? Check. Bush hiking? Check. Snowboarding? Yeah, you can do that in Australia, too. Boasting mountain ranges, rainforests, outback, and even the Great Barrier Reef, this continent truly has the landscapes and activities to please any adventure-seeker.

The species count in the hundreds of thousands (you read that right) will have wildlife enthusiasts ready to book a plane ticket. Australia is well-known as a home to kangaroos and koalas, but you might also catch a glimpse of a cassowary, kookaburra, or echidna. When it’s time to really get your adrenaline pumping, white water rafting, bungee jumping, or learning to surf at an iconic spot like Bondi Beach or the Gold Coast should do the trick.

Recommended program: Pacific Discovery: New Zealand & Australia Gap Year Semester

Morocco brings together cultural influences from Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, making it a unique landscape for all travelers. That’s especially true for the adventurers among us. Colorful souks, camel rides, mountain hikes, and delicious foods kick off an itinerary essential for those who love trips off the beaten path.

Situate yourself in the Mediterranean or in the Sahara. Maybe settle in for a homestay experience perfect for honing your Arabic or French skills. Morocco offers an assortment of ways to up your adventure game.

Recommended program: Desert Discovery Tours: 4 Days Desert Trip – Marrakech to Fes

7. Switzerland

Treat yourself to some Swiss chocolate while skiing in the Alps.

If the thought of Alpine adventures gets your pulse racing, you’ll want Switzerland on your list of destinations. Sure, this crossroads country in central Europe is known for delicious chocolate and luxurious spas. It’s also the place to take in unbeatable views of the Alps—whether you’re hiking, skiing, or hurtling high above the mountains (no surprise, Switzerland is a top skydiving destination ).

From backpacking to snowboarding, paragliding to kayaking, there’s an adventure for anyone in Switzerland. Book a bike trip in the countryside, backpack through the Alps, and adventure on to your heart’s content.

Recommended program: Vivid Snowboarding: Snowboard Instructor Course

Peru lands squarely on adventure-seekers’ lists thanks to Machu Picchu. This Inca citadel is both the stuff of legends and the ideal setting for a heart-pumping trek. You’ll find a whole lot more to explore in Peru though. The diverse country features habits that range from the tropical Amazon basin rainforest to Andes mountain peaks to a Pacific coastal region complete with arid plains.

Whether it’s hiking, island hopping, Amazon rainforest tours , or a homestay experience you’re after, you’ll find it all in Peru. Check out the unique towns, learn about the area’s folklore, and take in the views from a canopy bridge. Machu Picchu is only the beginning of an amazing adventure.

Recommended program: Linguistic Horizons: Internship in the Sacred Valley, Peru

Greece is a go-to hub for adventure travel in the Mediterranean.

Stunning scenery and a plethora of adventurous activities make Greece a top choice when you’re wondering where to go for adventure travel. On land, you’ll have various chances to go hiking, biking, or mountaineering. By sea, try sailing or scuba diving.

Greece is even one of the top spots for snorkeling in the Mediterranean thanks to over 9,000 islands and islets and an underwater landscape chock full of species like the loggerhead turtle and Mediterranean parrotfish. Time to rest and recharge after a day of electrifying activity? Stroll along the cobblestone streets in a quaint village for a different kind of adventure.

Recommended program: GoEco: Greece – Sea Turtle Conservation

Adventure bragging rights are yours for the taking once you hop a flight to Nepal. The home of Mount Everest (you know, the world’s tallest mountain) is actually the place to find a whopping eight of the ten tallest mountains on the planet. In other words, extreme adventurers can find plenty of challenges here.

Adventures in Nepal go far beyond mountain climbing, too. White water rafting, biking, and paragliding, all against the backdrop of hospitable people and mouthwatering food, makes for a memorable adventure trip. Sign up to volunteer, go birdwatching, or set off for the hike of a lifetime in Nepal.

Recommended program: Glorious Himalaya Trekking: Annapurna Base Camp Trek

11. Iceland

Between the northern lights and magnificent waterfalls, Iceland will take your breath away.

Iceland’s unique geography makes this island nation a dream for adventure travelers. Gorgeous glaciers, stunning waterfalls, and active volcanoes (the country is situated on the Mid-Atlantic ridge as well as over a hot spot, after all) mean an abundance of outdoor activities amidst the dramatic and diverse Icelandic landscape.

DIY-adventurers can’t go wrong by renting a car and road tripping along the Ring Road. You can also go for a soak in a natural hot spring, hike in a lava forest, or snorkel in the fissure where the American and European tectonic plates meet. When you’re not in full-on adrenaline mode, exploring the charming towns will keep you busy.

Recommended program: Travel For Teens: Iceland Adventure

12. United States

Hiking and kayaking in national parks like Yellowstone, dogsledding in Alaska, foodie tours in New York or LA. You don’t have to book a flight halfway across the globe to experience adventure travel at its finest. The United States is vast, it’s diverse, and it’s ready to deliver pretty much any adventure you can dream up.

Whether you visit Alaska, Hawaii, or any of a number of action-packed destinations in the continental U.S., you’re sure to find an adventure worthy of sending that postcard home…even if home is just a short drive rather than an hours-long flight away.

Recommended program: The High Desert Center: 3 Affordable Months of Adventure, Travel, Community & Growth

Get matched with 5 adventure travel programs for FREE

Are you ready for some of the best adventure trips in the world.

Time to step out of your comfort zone!

No matter how you define adventure, the best places to travel for adventure seekers all have one thing in common: They offer the chance to get out of your comfort zone and embrace exploring the world around you. Start checking off destinations on your adventure bucket list and experience the power of transformative travel.

Explore ALL Adventure Travel Opportunities on GoAbroad.com

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The best places in the world for lovers of adventure tourism are revealed

Oct 31, 2016 • 1 min read

Iceland is the best country in the world when it comes to its potential for adventure tourism, according to new research.

Germany , New Zealand , Norway and Switzerland make up the rest of the top five in a scorecard for adventure travel compiled by the Adventure Travel Trade Association. Countries were ranked in ten different categories, beginning with their natural resources: coastline, population density, and other physical characteristics.

Cultural resources like national parks or UNESCO world heritage sites were also factored in along with adventure activity resources that allow for outdoor, nature-based activities. They also looked at tourism infrastructure particularly things that tempt adventure travellers like availability of trail maps, eco-lodges, access to trained guides and so on.

Their ‘Adventure Tourism Development Index’ also ranked countries by region with Iceland coming out on top in the competitive Europe and North America section.   New Zealand was rated best in East Asia and the Pacific, Croatia in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and Chile in Latin America and the Caribbean. Also ranked top in their respective regions were Israel , Bhutan , and Botswana in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The report said adventure tourism had significant benefits for countries not just in terms of attracting tourists but also helping preserve their heritage. It explained: “For countries and communities fortunate enough to possess outstanding natural and cultural characteristics, adventure tourism can provide a source of sorely needed income and an incentive to conserve vestiges of the past, current cultural identities and ecological wonders.”  Adventure tourism is big business and was worth an estimated US$263 billion back in 2012, the most recent year for which data is available.

The Adventure Travel Top Ten:

3. New Zealand

5. Switzerland

7. Australia

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• Adventure Travel

10 Best Adventure Vacations Around the World

From cage diving with sharks to jumping out of a plane, these adventure vacations are guaranteed to break you out of your comfort zone.

After a year of indoor activities (and far, far too many Zoom meetings), it's finally time to break out. If you're anything like us, you've got plenty of energy to burn — and a long list of places you want to explore. Adventure vacations, like the 10 we've listed below, offer a fantastic way of getting to know a destination while also testing your own physical limits. So, whether you're diving with great white sharks or jumping out of a plane, you'll leave with a closer understanding of that part of the world, not to mention a rich repertoire of stories to share with your friends back home.

Not usually the daredevil type? Not a problem. We've curated these adventure trip ideas to be beginner-friendly, accessible, and most importantly, fun. Now, what are you waiting for? Go out there and ride that adrenaline high.

Paragliding in Umbria

The town of Castelluccio, in Italy's Umbria region, sits three hours from Rome. Perched high on a grassy hill, it's known for stunning views over the Piano Grande, a valley that comes to life with thousands of tiny red, white, and purple flowers every spring (there's even a festival honoring the floral event that takes place in June). It's the perfect place to soak up fresh mountain air while indulging in the region's notable pecorino cheese.

It's also a paraglider's dream.

At 8,123 feet in the air, Monte Vettore is the typical jumping-off point for a 20-minute tandem glide with Fly the Appenines . (If you're hungry for more air time, you can also sign up for longer 90-minute cross-country flights.) Piano Grande's year-round mild weather makes it ideal for this activity, so even if you show up after the flowers have faded, you'll still be in for a treat. Once you're back on the ground, there's still the rest of Umbria to explore by foot, car, or even horseback .

Heli-skiing in The Alps

It's no secret that the Alps are home to world-class skiing. But for those who want exclusive access to untouched powder and secluded wilderness, there's nothing like a heli-skiing trip to make you feel like the world's your own private playground. At the northern edge of Piedmont, Val Formazza offers all the isolation you'll need.

The protected valley is surrounded by three majestic peaks: Ofenhorn, Blinnenhorn, and Basòdino. And because it's so high up (the highest landing spot available is around 10,500 feet), the area receives an average of 4 feet of snow per year. To access all that unspoiled backcountry, Heli-Guides.com maintains a fleet of Airbus AS 350 BE helicopters, and the menu of options — from easy day trips to full-week packages — means travelers can spend as much (or as little) time in the valley as they like.

Of course, some prior skiing experience is needed, but you don't have to be a pro. Guides choose from a wide range of landing spots, meaning they can customize the trip to match your exact level of ability. And one thing's for sure: wherever you choose to land, the views aren't likely to disappoint.

Shark Diving in South Australia

Off the coast of Port Lincoln in South Australia , the Neptune Islands are home to Australia's largest colony of long-nose fur seals. And while those cuties are worth a visit themselves, what interests thrill-seekers are their top predator: the great white shark.

Little is known about the migration habits of great white sharks, which is what makes this site so exciting for adventure travelers. Thanks to a mingling of cold and warm currents merging from the Indian and Southern Oceans, the islands offer an incredible diversity of wildlife, hence the appeal for blood-thirsty sharks.

Humans aren't on the menu, of course. Safe inside a steel cage or what's known as an "aqua sub" (essentially a reverse aquarium, where the fish are outside the glass), you'll be free to marvel at these 19-foot-long beasts as they swim mere inches from your face. To add to the novelty, tour companies like Adventure Bay Charters use sound — not live bait — to attract the sharks. For some reason, heavy metal seems to get the job done. So what are you waiting for: Pull up your favorite AC/DC track, climb into the cage, and let the gasps begin.

Hut-to-hut Hiking in Colorado

Little known fact: Colorado is home to more huts and yurts than any other state in the U.S. And that's not by accident: Back in the 80s, members of the 10th Mountain Division of the US Army decided to recreate the huts they'd encountered while on duty in the Alps. And so the 10th Mountain Division Hut System was born.

Today, the network of 36 huts spread across a 350-mile route is a fantastic way for travelers to connect with the Colorado wilderness. Just don't come expecting turn-down service. The huts are rustic — you'll have snowmelt for water, a bare bed, and basic cooking utensils, and that's about it. But for all the austerity, the huts have a zen-like appeal (and they're very affordable). Some are close to popular trails, while others are miles (and we do mean miles) from civilization.

Best of all, you can go any season. Just be prepared to sweat. In winter, it'll be 6-7 miles of cross-country skiing to get from one hut to the next. (Intermediate skiing skills are required.) And in the summer, it's the same distance for hiking and mountain biking — just without the snow. However you do it, make sure at least one person in your group has wilderness experience, not to mention avalanche safety training for winter visits. As the website states: "Route finding may be the most important skill you'll need."

Seeing Red-hot Lava in Hawaii

On the Big Island of Hawai'i, a December 2020 eruption of Mount Kilauea, the most active of the island's five volcanoes, had residents worrying they'd have to relive the devastation caused by the last eruption in 2018. Luckily, the damage this time was minor. But it's been a boon for visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park .

While eruptions are ongoing, it's entirely safe to view the lava — from a distance, of course.

Each day, hundreds of people show up to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to witness the plumes of gas and steam; by night, the phenomenon is even more spectacular, as you'll see red-orange lava glowing from inside the rim of the caldera. The sight is enough to make you realize the sheer geological power of Hawaii's subterranean stirrings. And the trip is entirely family-friendly: On a 12-hour guided tour with Hawaii Forest & Trail , you'll embark on a 3-mile hike around the park, go romping through a dark lava tube, and enjoy views of the flowing lava from several key vantage points. Nature doesn't get any more thrilling.

Snorkeling in Belize

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Belize's Great Blue Hole is not only one of the most mysterious — and beautiful — sites on earth, it's also a must-visit destination for divers. Venturing all the way down is recommended for experienced divers only. But that doesn't mean the rest of us can't go exploring, too.

Snorkeling is a fun, beginner-friendly way to glimpse life below the surface. On Belize's largest island, Ambergris Caye, an area called Tres Coco is a wonderful place to start. Here, snorkelers benefit from large brain and elkhorn coral in waters that only go 6 to 8 feet deep. You'll see not only tropical fish like yellowtail snapper and rainbow parrotfish, but also conch, banded shrimp, sea urchin, and stingrays.

A few miles off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye, you'll find Hol Chan Marine Reserve , another excellent destination for underwater thrills. The protected reserve is teeming with wildlife, including a sandy-bottom area that's become a gathering place for nurse sharks, hence the name: Shark Alley. Don't worry, though. Despite the sharks' intimidating appearance and rows of serrated teeth, they're harmless to humans, and will only respond aggressively if provoked.

Canopy Tour in Guatemala

If you're not afraid of heights, a visit to Guatemala's Tikal National Park might be in order. The UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a thrilling canopy tour that takes place each morning in the park at 9 a.m.

On the tour, you'll be able to soar through the trees via zipline. The route connects 10 platforms built 100 feet above the forest floor, and it offers an impressive bird's eye view of the flora and fauna. Along the way, a staff of naturalist guides will be able to identify any creatures — Howler monkeys, ring-tailed coatimundi, jaguars, and toucans, to name a few — that catch your eye.

While you're here, stick around to explore the park's impressive Mayan ruins. Scattered throughout the park is a network of 3,000 ancient temples, monuments and dwellings — the largest excavated site in the Americas.

Hiking Half Dome in Yosemite

Valerie de Leon/Travel + Leisure

America's national parks are full of enchanting scenery, but nothing quite compares to the magnificent peaks of Yosemite Valley. The sheer granite cliffs appear to poke the heavens, while the gently cascading 2,400-foot waterfalls will make you think you've wandered straight into Neverland. For a truly unforgettable panorama, try hiking Half Dome, the park's most recognizable monolith.

Only 300 hikers are allowed to climb its surface each day. And when you start making your way up the near-vertical rockface, you'll understand why. A steel cable acts as a handrail, with a series of wooden slats for your shoes to grip onto. Due to the treacherous nature of the climb, things move very slowly, as folks do their best to advance up the rock without tumbling into the valley below. (Don't forget: The route is two-way, so you'll also have to navigate sharing the cables and foot rests with all the folks climbing down, too!)

To apply for a climbing permit, simply log onto the park's website in March to enter a lottery for the upcoming season. A limited number of permits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis; those can also be secured through the website. And don't forget to drink water — lots of it.

Trekking to Machu Picchu

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

If the idea of trekking through a stark landscape of craggy mountains and lush jungle sounds appealing, then maybe it's time you finally crossed Machu Picchu off your bucket list.

A colorful mix of landscapes awaits hikers on the Salkantay trek, a pleasantly crowd-free alternative to the popular Incan Trail that leads to the archaeological wonder. The classic 5-day itinerary begins with scaling Salkantay Mountain, the 12th highest in Peru. It's hard work, but the endorphins greeting you at the top of the pass — not to mention those views — will be reward enough. From there, it's onto the delights of the Sacred Valley's "cloud forest," where you'll cross under waterfalls, go ziplining, and sleep in simple yurt-like tents with all meals catered by a team of hard-working guides.

By the time you finally reach Machu Picchu (at sunrise, no less) on the fifth day, it'll feel less like a bucket-list item, and more like the natural continuation of a landscape which, after sleeping outdoors and sharing meals with locals, you'll feel intimately connected to. Enjoy the view from the top, you've earned it.

Skydiving in Dubai

Dubai might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of adventure. The desert metropolis is typically associated with glamorous hotels, gold, and its iconic skyscraper, Burj Khalifa. But for those looking to skip the malls, skydiving is a fun way to see another side of Dubai — literally.

Picture this: You're freefalling at 120 miles an hour, having been dropped out of a plane 13,000 feet over Dubai. Below you, the iconic Palm Islands are spread out like a painting made of sand. From above, you'll be able to make out the turquoise Persian Gulf, the symmetrical "fronds" of the islands, and, yes, the famous spiraling skyscraper.

You'll be strapped to an instructor, of course. (Someone's got to make sure that parachute deploys!) After freefalling for 60 seconds, you'll float slowly over the city for 5 minutes, and between the views, the howling wind, and the pleasant feeling of weightlessness, the sensory overload will leave you grinning ear to ear. By the time you touch down, you'll probably want to toast your bravery with a glass of champagne. Looks like that hotel bar will come in handy, after all.

Related Articles

The Best Adventure Destinations For The Ultimate Vacations

Written By: The Planet D

Adventure Travel , Travel Bucket Lists

Updated On: February 9, 2024

While all countries offer an adventure of some kind, there are a few destinations that we have been to that seem to cater to the true adventurous spirit. We came up with a list of our top 10 favorite adventure vacations to tick off your travel bucket list.

Each of these destinations will let you do a lot of adventures in one place.

• Is a safari on your bucket list? Check
• What about Whitewater Rafting? Yep
• Or how about jumping out of an airplane? Oh yeah

Table of Contents

Adventure Bucket List Vacation Guide

Check out our favourite adventure destinations around the world that we’ve personally been to for the greatest adventure vacations on earth.

Have you got a favorite adventure destination? Share it with us in the comments. We’re planning our 2021 travels and are itching for a great adventure around the world.

1. New Zealand

New Zealand isn’t called the adventure capital of the world for nothing! New Zealand is the land of adventure and you can check off most of your travel bucket list dreams here. We took part in pretty much every adventure that we could dream of trying during our trips to New Zealand and can honestly say, this is the best place on earth for adventures.

From whitewater rafting  class 5 rapids  in freezing glacial waters to magnificent glacier walks and bunjy jumping to skydiving it’s the adrenaline junkies dream destination. With beaches, watersports, wildlife and glaciers, New Zealand has it all.

• Check out all the Things to do in New Zealand
• The Best Places to Visit in Wellington, New Zealand
• A Local’s Guide to The Best Things to do in Wanaka, New Zealand

2. Best Adventure Vacations for Wildlife – Tanzania

Tanzania is the ultimate safari destination . Going on a game drive through the Serengeti is an experience you’ll never forget. Looking for the big 5 is a thrill of a lifetime and seeing a large male lion for the first time is out of this world.

There is nothing like camping in the middle of a game reserve or viewing Jane Goodall’s chimpanzees at the Gombe Forest on Lake Tanganyika. Don’t forget to cycle, we had our greatest adventure cycling through the country!

But Tanzania also is an amazing vacation destination with a tropical escape to Zanzibar where you can go scuba diving and snorkelling, take a sailing trip or enjoy the beach life. But the ultimate adventure is to climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and stand on the roof of Africa.

Check out all the things to do in Tanzania at 16 Amazing Things to do in Tanzania

3. Best Mountain Trekking Adventures in Nepal

One would think that the only thing to do in Nepal is trek in the Himalayas. While the biggest attractions are treks to  Mount Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit there are so many more adventures in Nepal to be had!

Even travel through the country is exciting. The flight to Lukla is considered one of the scariest in the world making for thrills and spills in mid-air. Head out to Pokhara and try Paragliding over the valley below. There is awesome  mountain biking  and cycling trips are gaining speed all over the country.

Did you know that you can go on safari in Nepal as well?  The Chitwan National Park offers excellent opportunities to spot Rhinos and its considered one of the best tiger habitats in the world. There is White Water Rafting and kayaking as well that we didn’t get to try unfortunately because it was the dry season when we were there, but rest assured we’ll be back.

• The Complete Guide to the Everest Base Camp Trek
• Top Places to visit in Kathmandu, Nepal
• Tips for Planning and Trekking to Everest Base Camp

4. Best Adrenaline Rush in South Africa

South Africa is considered the adventure capital of Africa and with good reason. It caters to thrill seekers of all kinds. From bunjy jumping the highest commercial bungy jumping the world at Bloukrans Bungee Jump on the Garden Route to cage diving with great white sharks, South Africa has it all. We’ve done sandboarding and ziplining, kayaked with hippos and flying over Durban in a microlight plane !

South Africa is also an amazing safari destination where you can see all the amazing African animals like the Big 5 (lions, buffalo, elephants, leopards, and rhinos) to ostrich and cheetahs. There’s also great caving at the Cango Caves in South Africa.

• Check out all the things to do in South Africa here
• 20 Amazing Things to do in Cape Town, South Africa
• Ultimate Guide to Kitesurfing Cape Town – A Local’s Guidebook

And you thought the only thing to do in Peru was to go to Machu Picchu ! That couldn’t be farther from the truth. While the ruins are spectacular,  Peru  offers some of the most exciting adventure travel in the world. It starts with a trek on the Inca Trail and Sacred Valley, but the adventures continue with Paragliding over Mira Flores in Lima and surfing off the coast.

If you want dry land, try sandboarding in Huaccachina. But the real adventure for us was going on a wild dune buggy adventure in some of the highest dunes in the world.

And the ultimate backwater adventure vacation has to be exploring the Amazon. Explore the tributaries of the world’s largest river in search of wildlife. Or if the Amazon isn’t in the cards yet, we loved taking a boat trip to Isla Ballestas to view sea lions and penguins Peru’s answer to the Galapagos Islands.

• Fun Facts About Peru You Never Knew
• Paracas Peru – Adventures in the California Desert
• What To Expect When Hiking Rainbow Mountain Peru

Spending time at  Victoria Falls  will satisfy the adventure bug in any traveler. Try whitewater rafting in the sky as a helicopter whisks you through the deep maze of gorges and giving you a bird’s eye view of the largest waterfall in the world. Or even better, hop on a microlight flight for a birds eye view.

If you want the real deal, The Zambezi River offers some of the most exciting rapids on earth!

Or if heights are your thing…Bungy jump on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe on the bridge spanning the Zambezi River below.   But we loved the Gorge Swing where you drop 50 meters in a matter of seconds, to be whipped across the Victoria Falls gorge at 95 miles an hour. If that’s too much for you, there’s abseiling and ziplining over the gorge as well!

There’s more relaxed adventures as well, take a day trip to Chobe National Park for some of the best game viewing in Africa and if you are very brave try Sitting in Devil’s Pool at the top of Victoria Falls during the dry season.

They don’t run the world’s toughest race in Fiji for nothing! It is paradise island destination filled with countless adventure activities! We went out to the adventure capital of Fiji on the Pacific Coast where we took part in some wild activities. Home to the eco-challenge in 2003 and 2019 this South Pacific Island is an adventure lover’s dream. From high-speed Jet boating on the Sigatoka River to riding the longest  Zip Line  in the world over a magnificent jungle canopy.

There’s jungle trekking and exploring caves with actual descendants of Head Hunters as your guides. World-Class diving sites, beautiful whitewater rafting on the Upper Navua River and island hopping on sailboats to explore it’s 300 islands. Oh yeah, this island paradise is a place you’ll never want to leave.

• 12 Things to do in Fiji – The Ultimate South Pacific Dream Trip
• Kava Ceremony in Fiji Etiquette
• Pacific Coast Fun with Zipline Fiji

9. Malaysian Borneo 

This place as it all! Start in Kota Kinabalu and make your way to Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s most beautiful peak. This is a challenging 2 day climb that will take your breath away two-fold. One for the rigorous hike and another for the spectacular scenery. Visiting Gunung Mulu National Park where you can hike the Headhunter’s Trail and trek to the Pinnacles is a thrilling experience.

Continue on to Sepilok where you’ll view Organgutans in their natural habitat and then pop over to the Kinabatingan River to view wildlife along the river banks from Wild Orangutans, elephants and crocodiles to name a few.

The best diving in the world is in Sipadan where you can dive within a swirl of a school of barracuda! And it’s an amazing wildlife adventure destination. There’s more wildlife viewing where you can spot the proboscis monkey and Borneo houses one of the largest cave systems in the world where you can view 2 million bats circle overhead nightly from Deer Cave.

• Great Things to do in Borneo – Malaysia’s Wild Jungle Island
• The Pinnacles of Borneo – Amazing Wonder of Gunung Mulu
• Mount Kinabalu – What it’s Really Like to Climb Borneo’s Highest Peak

10. Antarctica

It’s the final frontier for adventure travel. Not everyone has the opportunity to go to Antarctica, but it is at the top of everyone’s travel bucket list. Before going on an Antarctic expedition, we thought you simply sailed through the ice, but there are amazing adventures to be had.

From kayaking around icebergs to taking zodiacs close to the mouth of glaciers and taking part in the polar plunge jumping into the Antarctic Peninsula’s freezing waters. You’ll have bragging rights for years to come!

It is also one of the best safari destinations on earth with millions of penguins wanting to say hello. Fearless whales that surface for a closer peek and leopard and Weddell seals lounging on ice flows. Antarctica is the ultimate adventure vacation.

• 11 of the Best Things to do in Antarctica
• Fascinating Facts About Antarctica
• How to Pack for an Antarctica Cruise

11. Greenland

Heading to the other end of the world, Greenland blew our minds. With many of the same adventures as Antarctica, Greenland is the northern hemisphere’s final adventure frontier. We kayaked through uncharted fjiords, stood beside the world’s most active calving glacier and jumped into the freezing Arctic waters for the Polar Bear Plunge.

There’s awesome hiking, and dogsledding, zodiac tours and village visits. What unique about a visit to Greenland is all the chances to view the Northern Lights.

• Incredible Greenland – The Final Frontier for Adventure Travel
• Kayaking in Greenland – The Greatest Arctic Adventure in Photos
• Ilulissat Greenland – Icebergs are Born at Ilulissat Fjord

12. Off the Beaten Path Adventure Vacations – Kyrgyzstan

The Stans are one of the last places that haven’t been overrun by tourists in this world, and Kyrgyzstan is made for adventurers. Issyk Kul Lake is the place to be for great adventure where you can meet the mystical Eagle Hunters, stay in yurts and trek to the fairytale Skazka Canyon.

But it is going to Jygalan that the adventures really begin where you meet up with the horse people of Kyrgyzstan. Take a horse trek high into the mountains or go trekking on foot into the mountains. Going to Kyrgyzstan is an adventure unto itself as the country is remote and wild.

• Kyrgyzstan Trekking by Horse – Into Jyrgalan and the Boz Uchuk Lakes
• The Proud Eagle Hunters of Kyrgyzstan
• 10 Incredible Reasons to Visit Kyrgyzstan

14. Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands are home to the world’s most unique ecostystem with many animals endemic to the islands. It is truly one of the greatest wildlife destinations in the world for unique encounters. Swim cage free with the Galapagos Sharks, or frolic in the sea with playful sea lions.

Spot the massive Galapagos tortoise and see the Galapagos marine iguana. It’s an amazing destination for scuba diving, snorkelling and bird watching. But there is some amazing hiking through the jungle and along an active volcano on Isabella Island. Explore its lava fields and cones as you hike up to overlook the caldera.

• Unique Galapagos Islands Animals in Photos
• 27 photos that will transport you to the Galápagos Islands
• Playing With Sea Lions on San Isabella in the Galapagos

16. Costa Rica

It took us years to finally make it to Costa Rica and it did not disappoint. Costa Rica is a wild untamed land of jungles and volcanoes. We spied monkeys, sloths and toucans while searching for wildlife.

Kayaking and zodiac tours are a must and hiking through the jungle is an experience you’ll never forget. Take a tour to the cloud forest and see the incredible Arenal Volcano blowing its smoke as you stay in a treehouse. Costa Rica is the original home to the zipline and canopy tours so it is not to be missed!

• Things do to in San Jose, Costa Rica
• 23 Interesting Facts About Costa Rica
• What to Expect on a Panama Canal Cruise with Uncruise

It’s difficult to choose an adventure destination in Canada for a vacation, because each province has awesome adventures. We have an entire breakdown of adventures in Canada, but to help you check off your bucket list, here are a couple highlights from different provinces. Read more: Best Canada Adventures From Coast to Coast

Walk with polar bears and explore the arctic Tundra on tunrda vehicles. You’ll also see wolves, bears and moose on Canada’s most epic safari. Then head to Churchill for some kayaking or snorkelling with Beluga whales.

Read all about our time with polar bears here. Walking with Polar Bears – The Greatest Arctic Safari and check out the time we went Kayaking with Beluga Whales in Churchill

Alberta was home to the 1992 Olympics and besides the world class skiing there are plenty of adventures to be had. See all the great adventure to be had at Things to do in Alberta Canada – The Ultimate Guide

Explore North America’s largest glacier at the Athabasca glacier, go cross country skiing deep into the back country to stay in a remote lodge, take a high mountain trail ride through the rockies or search for grizzlies, moose and caribou in Jasper National Park . The possibilities are endless. Read more: Beautiful Places to Visit in Alberta

• The Best Things to do in Canmore, Alberta
• The Best Things to do in Banff
• 14 Best Hikes in Jasper National Park – Alberta Canada
• Driving the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper Alberta
• Things to do in Drumheller, Alberta
• Where to Stay in Banff

Nova Scotia

The East Coast is home to the world’s highest tides and you can ride the waves while tidal bore rafting in Nova Scotia. If that’s a little too much of an adventure, you can walk on the ocean floor while the massive tide is out. There is incredible kayaking on the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic Ocean, world class trekking and hiking and fantastic whale watching, boat tours and beaches. Read more: Best Things to do in Nova Scotia – The Ultimate Travel Guide

But there are so many other amazing adventures in Canada, you really need to read our full article to see them all and plan your own Canadian adventure vacation.

• Tidal Bore Rafting in Nova Scotia – The World Highest Tides
• The Stunning Skyline Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
• 22 Incredible Stops on the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia
• Things to do in Lunenburg Nova Scotia – Top Activities
• The Best Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia
• The Ultimate Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary

18. Thailand 

Thailand has so many adventure activities it is difficult to know where to begin from sea kayaking through sea caves and entering hongs to snorkelling and scuba diving.  We’ve spent many a day rock climbing in Southern Thailand , it is one of the best sport climbing destinations in the world. There’s not only water sports, jungle trekking is a popular and mountain biking is gaining popularity. The toughest adventure we took part in was training in Muay Thai Kickboxing. It’s one awesome way to get yourself in shape.

For a less stressful adventure take a motorcycle ride to the Myanmar Border. We wound our way through steep mountain roads and witnessed hill tribes in their natural habitat. We went sea kayaking to untouched villages in the north of the country and hiked through tea plantations in Doi Mae Salong. The sky is the limit in Thailand imagine and adventure and you can probably do it here!

• The Best Things to do in Koh Samui
• 35 Amazing Things to Do in Thailand in 2021
• Beautiful Beaches in Thailand to Spark Your Wanderlust
• The Best Things to do in Pai Thailand
• 35 of the Best Things to do in Chiang Mai, Thailand

19. Mexico 

Sure it’s probably the number 1 vacation destination for North Americans to go and chill out on the beach, but there is so much more to Mexico than Margaritas and laying in the sun. Mexico has some of the most pristine scuba diving on the planet. It is also one fo the best places to swim with whale sharks. Which is a must on any bucket list.

For diving, there is the magnificent Palancar Reef which we still put up there as the best marine life views we’ve ever seen. And for the truly adventurous, there’s diving in the Cenotes near Tulum. Paragliding and Hang Gliding can be experienced all over the country including Tapalpa and Oaxaca. Mexico is known for its rock climbing too, there are sites all over the country most notably El Potrero Chico. There is surfing all along the Pacific Coast and mountain biking in Copper Canyon. Of course there is hiking too.

One of our greatest adventures in Mexico was kayaking through the Baja Peninsula for 10 days. It was a trip we’ll never forget. Mexico is such a giant country that it is impossible to pin down where to choose to do your vacation.

• 15 Fun Facts About Mexico
• Best Things to do in Cancun, Mexico
• 23 Amazing Things to do in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula

Like Canada and Mexico, America i s huge and has many adventure destinations, but what sets it apart is that it has Alaska, so we could easily choose! Alaska is filled with adventures from seeing glaciers up close and personal to spotting wildlife like brown bears (coastal grizzlies) to moose.

But it also has North America’s highest mountain, Denali (aka Mount Mckinley) that you can either climb if you are an avid mountain climber or take a scenic flight over. There’s amazing hiking, whale watching, more zodiac tours and kayaking. Alaska is truly the best adventure vacations in the US.

• The Best Places to Visit in Alaska
• 28 Amazing Things to do in Juneau, Alaska
• Things to do in Alaska
• How to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise

And these are our favorite adventure destinations to add to your bucket list. They have definitely created lasting memories for us.

What destination or country did we miss? Add your bucket list adventure to our list in the comments below.

• 50 Most Beautiful Places in the World to Visit – That We’ve Been
• Beautiful Isolated Places on Earth – In Photos
• 41 Beautiful Places in Canada To Visit Right Now
• Bucket List Travels – 52 Places to Visit in Your Lifetime

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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12 thoughts on “The Best Adventure Destinations For The Ultimate Vacations”

EXCELLENT ARTICLE… WELL, ALL COUNTRIES HAVE IT’S OWN SPECIALITY & BEAUTY… & THESE 5 PLACES ARE THE BEST PLACES FOR ADVENTURES… I REALLY LOVE FIJI & NEPAL…

I’m glad Peru made your list! This place is definitely underrated in adventure travel!

Wow this a great round up. New Zealand is my stand out. I have not been to the others but nothing like starting at the top. I think Peru would be my next, once I have been round Australia seeing that I live here.

Awesome article!! One question: when you refer to Fiji, are you referring to the largest island (Viti Levu)? Or are you referring to other islands? Would like to know cause I it would be cool to visit Fiji and participate in some of these adventures. I tend to see Fiji as a beach destination but I guess is way more than that.

Hi Ruth, Good Question and yes, we are referring to Viti Levu. All of our adventures took place on the main island with an emphasis on the Pacific Coast. (the adventure capital!)

New Zealand definitely deserves that #1 spot, that’s for sure! You wouldn’t think so much adrenaline-inducing adventure could be contained in such a small country… but it is!

I would also add the US! Plenty of adventure to be had in this diverse country of mine.

Ah, wish I had seen that CTV segment! Is there a video?

Hi Candice, we are working on getting the video copied. We had friends and family record it on their PVR’s but CTV is working on getting us copies of future segments as well. We are on every Friday between 9 and Noon on CTV News Channel!

Go New Zealand!

You betcha, New Zealand is the tops for adventure in our books!

Well I’ve done New Zealand and Nepal. Sounds like I have a few more adventure destinations to visit 🙂

Wicked Dean, you’ve done some pretty awesome adventure destinations! Stay tuned for part two tomorrow for some more ideas!

World's Best Adventure Holidays

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written by Joanne Owen

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Dreaming of a fantastic adventure holiday? We’ve hand-picked ten destinations that deliver exactly that. Here is our list of places that offer unforgettable opportunities to enjoy pulse-quickening experiences of a lifetime. Take your pick from ice-caving glacial lagoons, ziplining tropical rainforests, trekking sweeping desert landscapes, and soaring over cliffs and canyons in a copter.

1. Croatia: best adventure holidays in Europe

2. iceland: active holiday with stunning scenery, 3. cuba: best adventure holidays for cyclists, 4. south africa: unforgettable wildlife holidays, 5. costa rica: best adventure holidays in central america, 6. yellowstone national park: most adventure holidays in the us, 7. oman: active holiday for sightseeing&snorkeling.

• 8. Sri Lanka: adventure family holidays

9. Mexico: perfect holiday for explorers

10. kauai, hawaii: best hiking holidays, 11. galapagos islands: island-hopping adventure holidays.

The information in this article is inspired by the The Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for visiting the world.

That said, adventure isn’t only about satisfying cravings for high-octane kicks. Adventure also means getting off the beaten track for extraordinary wildlife-watching experiences , spending nights star-gazing in remote wildernesses or finding your new favourite food in local markets.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for South Africa, created by local experts

7 days  / from 4800 USD

Cape Town and Garden Route - a luxury guided tour

Cape Town and the Garden Route have it all - a fascinating culture, safaris, chocolate and wine tasting, and much more. Discover the coastal city of Cape Town and the Peninsula before heading out to the Garden Route with Knysna and Mossel Bay, where you'll experience some game drives.

15 days  / from 4000 USD

The Cape Peninsula and Safaris in Kruger and Pilanesberg

Wildlife in South Africa is still truly wild, a fact that you'll be able to discover in this fascinating two weeks trip. Enjoy whale watching in Cape Town and first safaris in Aquila before heading up north: the famous Kruger and Pilanesberg national parks with all its wildlife await.

7 days  / from 3000 USD

Explore the North of South Africa: Sun City and Madikwe game reserve

For those short on time, staying close to Johannesburg may make sense. On this trip, you'll arrive and depart in Johannesburg and then transfer to the theme park Lost City before continuing to Madikwe for a few days of game drives to spot plenty of wildlife.

Adventure awaits: hiking, cycling, river-rafting and quad-biking 

WhiIe spectacular UNESCO-designated  Dubrovnik  understandably attracts a whopping number of visitors each year, as does the country’s  beaches  and islands , Croatia’s adventure offerings are every bit as epic, not least in  Plitvice Lakes National Park , another UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

This emerald wilderness of mighty mountains, lakes and waterfalls offers twelve hiking trails through pristine landscapes that’ll take your breath away. Explore the area by hiking solo or booking a walking tour with boat trip .

More untouched wilderness awaits in Northern Velebit National Park. The Velebit massif, Croatia’s longest mountain, rewards hikers with a mind-blowing mix of craggy cliffs and limestone peaks, wildflower meadows, and pine forests that seem to extend to infinity. 

Croatia's Plitvice Lakes National Park - a place to enjoy adventure holidays in epic surroundings © Shutterstock

If you fancy picking up the pace, head to the glorious Gacka River valley or the Konavle region for bone-juddering, off-road quad safaris , while white-knuckle experiences can be had rafting the white-water rapids of the Cetina River , taking in canyons and karst fields along the way. 

For more inspiration — and to take the hassle out of planning — take a look at our 100% customisable  ultimate adventure trip around Croatia and the Rough Guide to Croatia .

Meanwhile, newbies will want to read our  first-timers guide to Croatia , find out about the best things to do in Croatia and gaze upon the best beaches in Croatia . Been there, done that? Discover  unusual things to do in Croatia . 

Where to stay in Croatia

Ethno Houses Plitvice Lakes  offers rustic elegance a mere 400 metres from the park’s highest waterfall.

Adventure awaits: ice-caving, glacier-hiking, lava-caving and intercontinental snorkelling

With frozen glaciers, dramatic fjords, mighty volcanoes, and the  northern lights ,  Iceland  is a ruggedly majestic stunner of a country. But don’t just take our word for it — see for yourself in our  gallery . 

Given the drama of its landscapes, it’s little wonder that Iceland is one of the world’s top hiking destinations, whether you head to the glacial valleys and lava fields of the  enchanting east , or fancy exploring the remote waterfalls of the  wild west . 

Serious hiker? Discover Iceland’s most  extreme trail .

Iceland also offers unique opportunities to find adventure in bona fide fairy tale landscapes. You could, for example, take a  Crystal Ice Cave Tour from Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. The enchanting cave is part of Europe’s biggest glacier, Vatnajökull Glacier, and presents itself as a sparkle of heavenly blue hues.

Extraordinary landscapes yield extraordinary adventures in Skaftafell, Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland © Jens Ottoson/Shutterstock

Iceland is also a hotspot for unforgettable water experiences. Head to the Silfra Fissure to  snorkel between North America and Europe and try lava caving . Then there are all those bubbling geothermal springs to relax in after you’ve flexed your muscles. Before you take the plunge, discover  Iceland’s best hot pools , and read up on the  dos and don’ts of Icelandic spas .

With so much to see and do, you'll want to be informed about the best travel experiences in Iceland . Or, if you like to do things your own way, read our rundown of  the best things to do in Iceland . For more inspiration, take a look at the best places to stay in Iceland and Rough Guides'  Iceland itineraries .

Where to stay in Iceland

Just 10 minutes from the Blue Lagoon, boutique  Silica Hotel  boasts its own lagoon, with room verandas overlooking lava fields.

Adventure awaits: biking, hiking, wildlife-watching and water-sports 

If you think of  Cuba, chances are your mind’s eye will conjure images of idyllic Caribbean beaches , classic cars, colonial architecture, revolution, and the  romance of Cuba . But alongside its coastal and cultural attractions, Cuba offers a tonne of exhilarating adventure experiences. 

To truly get off the beaten track, you could consider taking a  Cuban bike trip . After exploring intoxicating, off-beat Havana and fuelling yourself at the  best restaurants in Cuba , head to the Las Terrazas Biosphere Reserve for an undulating 200m climb through spectacular scenery before a speedy downhill run to Soroa.

Going it alone? Discover the  best places to cycle in Cuba  and read our tips for backpacking through Cuba . Serious cyclists might also want to discover the world’s most  epic cycle routes . 

For more biking or hiking adventures,  Viñales  National Park is a must-visit, with its striking landscape of boulder-like hills exuding decidedly prehistoric vibes. Satisfying trekking can also be enjoyed in the pine-forested  Sierra del Escambray and the cloud forests of the Sierra Maestra.

Feel revitalised in Cuba's Vinales Valley © Shutterstock

Want to watch wildlife? The Península de Zapata National Park is an unspoilt paradise for birdlife, including the endemic Zapata rail and the Cuban pygmy owl, along with plenty of boars, iguanas and crocodiles.

The  Peninsula de Zapata  is also a hotspot for excellent scuba diving and snorkelling, as is the  Jardines del Rey . Fringed by 400km of coral reef, this archipelago has over forty dive sites to explore — think enchanting forests of colourful sponges teeming with tropical fish.

Ready to dive into Cuba’s diverse delights? From  family-focused adventure itineraries to extended off-the-beaten-track tours , Rough Guides’ tailor-made trips have a host of activity-based ideas for Cuba. You might also want to discover the  best places to go in Cuba on a first-time visit and the best beaches near Havana and get your hands on our in-depth guidebook .

Adventure awaits: safaris, cycling, hiking, climbing and road trips

Going on  safari in South Africa  is one of those unforgettable adventure experiences of a lifetime, with Kruger National Park offering one of the world’s widest diversity of wildlife. Around 140 species of mammals — including all the Big Five — and 500 species of birds call Kruger home.

Covering an area the size of Wales, you could spend days here and still not see everything, so read our  first-timers guide  to give yourself a decent shot at it, and consider opting for a  private guided tour of the park . It's also worth taking the time to discover how to safari safely and ethically .

Roving rangers in Kruger National Park, South Africa © Rich T Photo/Shutterstock

Alternatively, if you fancy having more freedom to truly immerse yourself in the region, consider a  self-drive tour – check out the best road trip routes in South Africa . That way you can spend as long as you like in Kruger National Park before exploring the likes of Blyde River Canyon, and Dullstroom’s highlands, where pretty fishing villages serve as gateways to hiking trails and rock-climbing sites.

Need convincing about self-drive breaks? Here is a host of  reasons to choose a road trip for your next adventure . 

Another exhilarating way to experience South Africa is to  cycle the Garden Route  — ideal for adventurers who want the challenge of cycling a variety of terrain while taking in  outstanding scenery , with  fine food and wine  on hand to provide post-ride replenishment. 

From tours covering  safaris and culture to discovering wildlife, wine and whales around Cape Town , check Rough Guides’ customisable South Africa itineraries for inspiration.

Where to stay in South Africa

Kicking off your South African adventure in Cape Town?  Cape Grace Hotel  is flanked by Table Mountain and has a private quay.

Related articles from the blog

Adventure awaits: ziplining, hiking, surfing and wildlife-watching

One of the world’s most biodiverse countries, it’s not for nothing that  Costa Rica  features in our  best places on earth . It also happens to be among the world’s best destinations for adventurous nature lovers. 

Whether you’re into wildlife watching or more high-octane experiences, Costa Rica sure isn’t short of  beautiful national parks  for walks on the wild side. Experienced hikers might want to tackle a 20km trek through Parque Nacional Corcovado. Alive with toucans, sloths, howler monkeys, and the thrum and shimmer of hummingbirds, you might get lucky and glimpse an ocelot or jaguar. 

For a less hardcore (but every bit as rewarding) hike, head to Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja in  Guanacaste , where a 6km circuit unfolds in the shadow of a smoking volcano. 

Wild waterfalls await walkers in Rincon de La Vieja National Park, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Meanwhile, alongside being a great place for birdwatching, Monteverde cloud forest delivers pulse-quickening kicks. Take a  mega-mix adventure trip  to experience the whole kit and caboodle of ziplines, swings and climbing thrills.

Want to get wild on the water? Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is a prime surfing spot, but since the country spans both the Pacific Ocean and  the Caribbean  Sea, it offers a huge variety of coastal experiences, so it’ll be worth reading up on the  best beaches in Costa Rica . 

If that wasn’t enough, Costa Rica is also the perfect place to put your plans to travel more sustainably into practice. For decades, Costa Rica’s eco-lodges and activity offerings have been blazing a trail for responsible tourism. 

To help choose your base, discover the  best hikes in Costa Rica . Keen photographers might also want to know where to see the country’s  best waterfalls . Our  Costa Rica travel tips  and customisable  eco-adventure itinerary might also come in handy for pre-trip inspiration.

Interested in adventuring around the wider region? Read our overview of Central America’s top adventure experiences . And, if you’re planning to go it alone for longer, arm yourself with  tips for back-packing Central America and top tips for visiting Costa Rica .

Where to stay in Costa Rica

Want to be close to the beach and forest? Locations don’t come better than  Lapa Rios Eco Lodge .

Adventure awaits: hiking, diving, kayaking, horse-riding and wildlife-watching

Included in our round-up of the best places in the USA to visit (discover all 100 in the  picture-packed Rough Guide ),  Yellowstone National Park  offers a staggering range of landscapes and activities. 

The mountain scenery makes a stunning backdrop for all those hiking and horse-riding excursions.  Take a trip to the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone  to experience that glorious diversity — from the Mammoth Hot Springs and Old Faithful Geyser to Azure Yellowstone Lake and sub-alpine Hayden Valley. 

Alternatively, you could go all out and take an  immersive safari driving tour , staying in lodges that are primely located for kayaking and wildlife-watching. Expect to see grizzly bears, huge herds of heavy-bearded bison, elegant horned elk, prairie dogs, eagles, coyotes and wolves. 

Grand Prismatic pool spring in Yellowstone National Park © Lane V. Erickson/Shutterstock

All that considered, it’s no surprise that Yellowstone attracts over four million visitors a year, so you might want to find out how to  avoid the crowds in Yellowstone  and curb the pitfalls of over-tourism. And don't miss Rough Guides look at the truth about tourism in Yellowstone National Park .

Sticking with the sustainable travel theme, consider taking a railroad trip to explore the wider  Rockies  region or more of the USA, for that matter. To start planning, read our  tips for travelling by train in the USA . 

Want to know more about America’s great outdoors? Read our overview of the most stunning national parks in America , and take a look at the inspirational  Rough Guide to the USA’s National Parks . 

Where to stay in Yellowstone National Park

To be close to the action, browse hotels  near Yellowstone National Park’s west entrance.

Adventure awaits: desert trekking, turtle-watching, snorkelling and star-gazing

If you’re looking for fresh adventures in a genuinely lesser-visited location,  Oman  might just be your cup of saffron-spiced coffee, best served from a traditional dallah pot.

Before heading off on your desert-to-coast adventures, you’ll want to make time to explore Muscat , which offers unforgettable opportunities to discover ancient Arabic culture alongside cutting-edge, contemporary architecture, courtesy of its Grand Mosque.

To experience Muscat’s diversity,  take a Muscat tour  that includes a visit to the ancient city of Nizwa (don’t miss the market), and Bahla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a formidable 13th-century fort at the heart of its oasis settlement. But that's not all this city has to offer — discover more reasons to love Muscat .

Muscat is also the ideal base from which to visit the otherworldly Wadi Shab pool, cave and Bimah sinkhole , and to enjoy  whale and dolphin-watching excursions and snorkelling . The idyllic, UNESCO-protected Dimaniyat Islands are guaranteed to stir your soul as they present an astounding array of marine life. 

Oman's desert in atmospheric night mode © Shutterstock

For the ultimate Omani experience, head to Wahiba Sands to see undulating dunes shift from gold to burnished orange before heavenly star-gazing opportunities unfold. 

Meanwhile, nature lovers won’t want to miss exploring Ras Al Jinz bay. Happily, this important nesting site for green turtles is within reach of Wadi Bani Khalid, where curving canyons and cooling pools show Oman in sublime light. 

If the country is new to you, read our  guide for first-timers to Oman , and find out what you  won’t want to miss in Oman . To cover more ground without the stress of planning, you could consider booking a  tailor-made Omani adventure trip .

Alternatively, if you want an all-out independent experience, discover more about  wild camping in Oman , and dig into the in-depth  Rough Guide to Oman .

Where to stay in Oman

Offering sunset camel rides, sweeping desert surroundings, and stirring star-gazing experiences,  Sama al Wasil is a delight.

8. Sri Lanka: adventure family holidays 

Adventure awaits: trekking, abseiling, climbing, safaris and surfing

Though modest in size, jewel-shaped  Sri Lanka  is a diamond of a destination for adventurous travellers, especially those who want to get to know the culture and wildlife of the destinations they visit and enjoy  Sri Lanka's great food . 

One of the most rewarding aspects of visiting this dramatic Indian Ocean island is the fact that its hiking trails also afford incredible wildlife-watching opportunities. This certainly holds true while trekking to Single Tree Hill. Starting in Shanthipura, Sri Lanka’s highest village, the trail traverses the forest habitats of wild boars, sambar deer and leopards. And don't miss 10 reasons to discover Sri Lanka's east coast .

You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to full-on safaris. For  first-time visitors to Sri Lanka , we especially recommend Yala National Park  and Gal Oya National Park, both of which teem with birds, elephants, sloth bears, leopards, jackals, marsh mugger crocs, and much more besides. For added atmosphere (and lively birds), you can’t beat taking a golden hours safari through Yala . 

Talking of golden hours, southern Sri Lanka features in our round-up of the best places to visit in winter for the sun .

Look out for leopards in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka © Shutterstock

Experienced climbers will want to tackle K1 (also known as Kirigalpotta), the highest point of the Horton Plains Sanctuary. Traversing grassland, marshland, cloud forest and rocks, the trail is nothing but diverse, and you might just see leopards along the way. 

But Sri Lanka’s adventure activities aren’t limited to its interior. The island’s coastline offers  incredible surf , with  beautiful Sri Lankan beaches  to rest upon between riding those waves. There are plenty of  places to go whale-watching in Sri Lanka , too, with  trips from Mirissa  of longstanding repute. 

Planning family adventure holidays? Find out  why Sri Lanka should be the next place you take your kids . If you’re going it alone, read our tips for solo travel . Or, to skip the pain of planning, Rough Guides’  Sri Lanka for adventure-lovers trip can be customised to your exact spec.

Where to stay in Sri Lanka

For rewarding walks, Queenswood Cottage  is well-located in Nuwara Eliya, Central Sri Lanka, and beautiful with it.

Adventure awaits: Mayan exploration, hiking, canyoning, cave-diving and wildlife-watching  

If your idea of adventure holidays involves intrepid treks through dense rainforests to explore ancient cities — with a whole lot of wildlife wonders to be wowed by en route — Mexico should be top of your wish list. 

To experience exactly that in a single trip, you might want to take the  Mayan Trail .  Tulum’s  archaeological treasures aren’t exactly off the beaten track, but their spectacular (and unusual) coastal setting makes them a must-visit. 

What’s more, Tulum is within reach of the beautiful Bacalar Lagoon, and the lesser-visited Kohunlich ruins. Located deep in the jungle, and best known for its Palace of Masks, this ancient Mayan city exudes a truly magical atmosphere. 

With over 360 bird species recorded here, and being home to over 100 species of mammal, Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is the perfect place for wildlife watchers. Find out  where else to see animals in Mexico . 

In addition, given that this sprawling site also includes over 6000 Mayan structures, most of which are still being excavated, Calakmul Biosphere Reserve is also a sure-fire winner for wannabe explorers.  

A stunning sunset over Chichén Itzá, Mexico © Shutterstock

Hailed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it’s worth devoting a day to exploring  Chichén Itzá . Alternatively, if you’re staying in the  Cancun region  and find yourself hankering for activities beyond the beach, book a Chichén Itzá tour with added adventure  — take your pick from ziplining, driving amphibious vehicles, and rafting underground caves. 

Talking of caves, if you’re feeling brave, the  Yucatán  Peninsula is known for its cenotes — underwater limestone caves that deliver refreshing dive experiences. Discover the  cool places to visit in Mexico . 

Meanwhile, Sumidero Canyon National Park, located in the state of  Chiapas  and accessed via boat, offers a smorgasbord of outdoor activities, from kayaking and abseiling to zip-lining and mountain biking. Or you could always book a nature-oriented trip that includes visiting Chiapa de Corzo , where craft markets and ancient ruins await. 

Given the country’s diverse offerings – we haven’t even mentioned all those  beautiful Mexican beaches  and   Mexico's incredible food  — you might want to read up on  things not to miss in Mexico  before booking your trip. 

Rough Guides’  customisable Mexico itineraries  also offer plenty of inspiration, whether you want to immerse yourself in Mayan culture during a  self-drive trip around Yucatan , or fancy an  authentic experience in Central Mexico .  If you're travelling with little ones in tow, don't miss our guide to visiting Mexico with kids .

Where to stay in Mexico

The perfect base from which to explore the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve and a tonne of Mayan sites, eco-minded, jungle-surrounded  Casa Kaan Calakmul  is a top place to rest your head.

Adventure awaits:  hiking, helicopter-riding, kayaking and feasting

Known as Hawaii's Garden Island ,  Kauai  is a lush and lesser-visited destination that made it into the Rough Guide to the 100 Best Places on Earth . 

With over half its 550-square miles reserved for conservation and preservation and tonnes of tropical forests, hiking trails, zip lines, and excellent surf, Kauai epitomises adventure, with its iconic Na Pali Coast delivering peak pulse-quickening activities and scenery. 

Often featured in Hollywood adventure movies, the Na Pali Coast is inaccessible to vehicles, which means you’ll have to get into Jurassic Park mode to see its staggering rock spires. Take your pick from paddle-boarding, kayaking, or booking a  private plane or helicopter trip  that offers exhilarating views of both the coast and  Waimea Canyon . 

Hardcore hikers will want to consider hiking Na Pali’s Kalalau Trail. Definitely not for the inexperienced or faint-hearted, this showcases why Kauai is regarded as one of the world’s best hiking destinations. 

The Na-Pali coast of Kauai, Hawaii, is like no place on earth © Shutterstock

Starting alongside Kee Beach, the 11-mile trek to Kalalau Valley involves increasingly challenging scrambles and climbs. The first two miles of the trail to Hanakapiai Beach aren’t too tricky, though you’ll still have to clamber through dense vegetation to reach it. From the beach, a sub-trail leads to the thundering, jungle-bounded Hanakapiai Falls. 

Keen to up your hiking game? Discover hiking tips  that’ll serve you well wherever you are in the world.  

After spending your day surfing, hiking, or  zip-lining Kauai’s tropical forests , you might want to enjoy fine food while learning about local legends and history at an  Island Dinner and Luau Kalamaku Show . Though known as an adventure holidays destination, Kauai’s certainly not short of cultural experiences.

If Kauai’s unspoiled remoteness and sense of adventure have sparked your interest, you might also fall for the  surfer’s holy grail of the remote Marshall Islands , an archipelago located between Hawaii and the Philippines. Alternatively, get the lowdown on all six of  Hawaii’s freely visited Islands .

Where to stay in Kauai

Set near crescent-shaped Poipu Beach (great for safe swimming, novice surfers, and snorkellers),  Hideaway Cove  offers laidback comfort in stunning surroundings.

Hanalei Bay and Pier on Kauai, Hawaii © Steve Heap/Shutterstock

Adventure awaits: volcanic islands, matchless wildlife, stunning scenery and unique history.

It’s quite humbling that thirteen scarred volcanic islands and more than a hundred islets, scattered across the ocean should have been so instrumental in changing humanity’s perception of itself. Yet it was the forbidding Galápagos Islands that spurred Charles Darwin to formulate his theory of evolution by natural selection, catapulting science into the modern era.

Galapagos Island still gives an unparalleled insight into the mechanics of nature at one of the world’s most treasured wildlife destinations . Today the archipelago’s matchless wildlife, stunning scenery and unique history make it arguably the world’s premier wildlife destination.

The animals that have carved out an existence on the dramatic volcanic landscape have a legendary fearlessness. This results in close-up encounters that are simply not possible anywhere else on Earth. Witnessing first-hand the mating dance of the blue-footed booby and snorkelling with sea lions, turtles, penguins and sharks are just a couple of the unforgettable experiences that await you.

The Galapagos is undoubtedly one of the most tempting destinations for adventure holidays in South America. You'll find even more ideas for your holiday in our guide to incredible South American journeys .

Follow in Charles Darwin's footsteps with this compact tailor-made trip to the Galapagos Islands . Spot the giant tortoise, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies and sea lions. All in their natural habitat, lounging and feeding as you walk or swim by.

Interested in adventuring around the wider region? Also, read our Rough Guide to Ecuador & The Galápagos or Rough Guide to South America on a Budget .

Galapagos iguana © Shutterstock

Where to stay on Galapagos Islands

Puerto Ayora is the nerve centre of the conservation programme, and headquarters of both the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Parque Nacional Galápagos. Home to more boats, tour brokers, hotels and restaurants than anywhere else in the islands, Puerto Ayora is also the best place for budget travellers to find last-minute places on cruises.

Inspired? Discover where else to find  serious adventure in some of the world’s wildest places . And remember, wherever you’re thinking of heading, there’ll be a Rough Guides guidebook or ebook to support you along every step of your journey, while our  tailor-made trips  take all the hassle out of planning.

Finally, to support you through your post-adventure comedown, you might want to bookmark our  advice for adjusting to life after travelling   — you can thank us later. 

Bartolome Island, Galapagos, Ecuador. Bartolome Island is a volcanic islet in the Galapagos Islands with an amazing viewpoint at the top © Seumas Christie-Johnston/Shutterstock

After discovering a full gamut of places to go for fantastic adventure holidays, you might want to arm yourself with  ways to find more adventure during all your travels. Our gallery of seriously weird places around the world also offers inspiration for adventurous travellers seeking alternate experiences.

We may earn a commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Header image: diving adventures in Mexico © Shutterstock

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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People like adventure in their lives, with the chance to break away from the normal rhythms of daily life helping to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. With play important in adult life just as it is during childhood, these are the best countries for fulfilling your wanderlust.

Part of the overall Best Countries rankings from U.S. News, the Adventure subranking is based on an equally weighted average of scores from six attributes that relate to adventure found within a country: friendly , fun , good for tourism , pleasant climate , scenic and sexy . For more information on how we rank, read the Best Countries methodology.

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#28 in Best Countries Overall

Occupying half of South America’s land mass, Brazil is the giant of the continent – both in size and in population. Brazil’s history is filled with economic turmoil, veering from boom to bust, and its culture is a melting pot that has traditionally welcomed the world. Brazil is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. However, the country in the 21st century confronts serious questions touching on poverty, inequality, governance and the environment.

GDP PC, PPP

GDP PER CAPITA, PPP

#15 in Best Countries Overall

Italy is a south-central European country, whose boot-shaped borders extend into the Mediterranean Sea. The country’s historical cities, world-renowned cuisine and geographic beauty make it a popular destination for more than 40 million tourists each year. The nation is home to Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest and most active volcano, and houses two countries within its borders – the Vatican and San Marino.

#27 in Best Countries Overall

Located in southeastern Europe, Greece as an independent nation is young, existing since the 19th century. Its civilization, however, is one of history’s oldest and most influential, credited with creating the concept of democracy as well as the ancient Olympic Games, and laying Western foundations in science, the arts and philosophy.

#17 in Best Countries Overall

A number of independent kingdoms united in 1492 to form the Kingdom of Spain, a cultural patchwork that continues to shape the modern nation’s dynamic identity. Spain comprises much of the Iberian Peninsula, which it shares with Portugal on the southwestern edge of Europe. It also includes the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean and two enclaves in North Africa.

#29 in Best Countries Overall

Thailand, which translates to “land of the free,” is the only Southeast Asian nation that did not encounter European colonization. Located just above the equator, the nation is wedged into the Indochina peninsula with neighbors Myanmar , Laos and Cambodia and has an arm that extends out to Malaysia .

#25 in Best Countries Overall

Jutting into the Atlantic Ocean on the edge of the Iberian Peninsula and flanked by Spain  to the east, Portugal is a nation with its gaze turned outward. Its history is steeped in discovery and exploration, beginning with early leaders that, after ousting Celtic and Moorish settlers in the 12th century, focused on building their kingdom beyond continental borders.

New Zealand

#8 in Best Countries Overall

British and Polynesian influences course through picturesque New Zealand, an island nation in the Pacific Ocean southeast of Australia . Early Maori settlers ceded sovereignty to British invaders with the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, and European settlers flooded in. Today, 70 percent of Kiwis, a common term for the people of New Zealand after a native flightless bird, are of European descent. A sense of pride has surged among the Maori, the country’s first settlers who now account for about 14 percent, as homeland grievances become more openly addressed.

#4 in Best Countries Overall

The Commonwealth of Australia occupies the Australian continent. The country also includes some islands, most notably Tasmania. Indigenous people occupied the land for at least 40,000 years before the first British settlements of the 18th century.

#33 in Best Countries Overall

Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on its West and the Gulf of Mexico to its East, Mexico is the third-largest country in Latin America and has the second-largest economy. The nation is one of contrasts, with terrain encompassing arid lands and Caribbean coastlines and a society that has extremes of wealth and poverty. Once home of the Maya, Aztec and other ancient civilizations, Mexico was ruled by Spain starting in the early 16th century. Administered by Spain  for three centuries, the country achieved independence early in the 19th century, first as a short-lived empire and then as a republic in 1824.

#42 in Best Countries Overall

Located in the heart of Central America, Costa Rica has  been one of the most politically and economically stable countries in Central America since its birth in the 19th century The nation compares favorably to its regional neighbors in areas of human development, and it has used its landscapes of jungles, forests and coastlines to develop an international reputation for ecotourism . Costa Rica’s constitution was adopted in 1949, and has since been amended to declare the nation as multicultural and multiethnic.

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• Travel Guide

Ranked: Best Countries For Adventure Travel

Published: October 7, 2023

Modified: January 3, 2024

by Berri Colston

• Plan Your Trip

Introduction

Adventure travel is a thrilling and exhilarating way to explore the world while pushing your personal boundaries. From hiking through rugged mountains to diving into crystal-clear waters and embarking on wildlife safaris, adventure travel offers unique and unforgettable experiences. If you’re a thrill-seeker seeking adrenaline-pumping escapades, you’ll be delighted to know that there are numerous countries around the globe that cater to adventure enthusiasts.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 countries for adventure travel. These countries have been carefully selected based on factors such as the variety of adventure activities available, the natural landscapes and ecosystems they offer, and their commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a water sports enthusiast, or a wildlife lover, these countries have something exceptional to offer.

It’s important to note that adventure travel can vary greatly depending on an individual’s preferences and level of experience. While some may prefer more extreme activities like skydiving or bungee jumping, others may enjoy more leisurely adventures such as wildlife safaris or scenic hikes. These countries offer a diverse range of experiences that cater to different adventure seekers, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.

So, get ready to embark on a virtual journey as we dive into the top countries for adventure travel. Whether you’re planning your next adrenaline-fueled vacation or simply seeking some inspiration for future adventures, this list is sure to ignite your sense of wanderlust and leave you yearning for thrilling experiences in far-flung destinations.

Factors considered in ranking

When determining the best countries for adventure travel, several key factors were taken into consideration. These factors contribute to the overall appeal and suitability of a destination for adventure seekers. Here are the main factors that influenced the ranking:

• Geographical Diversity: The country’s geographical features, such as mountains, forests, rivers, and coastlines, play a crucial role in providing a wide range of adventure activities. Countries with diverse landscapes tend to offer more opportunities for various thrilling adventures.
• Adventure Activities: The availability and variety of adventure activities were important factors in the ranking. Countries that offer a mix of activities like hiking, mountain biking, water sports, wildlife safaris, and extreme sports were given higher priority.
• Safety and Infrastructure: Adventure travel comes with its own set of risks, so safety is of utmost importance. Countries with well-developed infrastructure, reliable tour operators, and a good safety record were favored in the ranking.
• Sustainable Tourism: Responsible travel and ecotourism play a significant role in preserving the natural beauty and integrity of a destination. Countries that prioritize sustainability, conservation efforts, and support local communities were given special consideration.
• Cultural Experiences: Immersion in local culture and traditions can greatly enhance the adventure travel experience. Countries with vibrant cultural heritage, local festivals, and opportunities for interacting with local communities were valued in the ranking.
• Affordability: Traveling on a budget is a reality for many adventure travelers. The cost of accommodation, transportation, and adventure activities were considered, ensuring that the countries on the list offer a range of options for different budgets.

By considering these factors, we have compiled a list of the top 10 countries for adventure travel. Each country on our list offers a unique blend of thrilling activities, breathtaking natural landscapes, and cultural immersion, providing adventure enthusiasts with unforgettable experiences that will leave them wanting more.

New Zealand

New Zealand, also known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” is a dream destination for adventure travelers. Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, this island nation offers breathtaking landscapes and an abundance of thrilling activities.

One of the highlights of adventure travel in New Zealand is its extensive network of hiking trails. The country is home to the famous Milford Track, one of the world’s greatest walks, taking hikers through awe-inspiring fjords, waterfalls, and lush rainforests. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is another must-do hike, offering panoramic views of volcanic terrain, emerald lakes, and challenging terrains.

If you’re a water sports enthusiast, New Zealand will not disappoint. From white-water rafting down the mighty Buller River to kayaking in the pristine Abel Tasman National Park or surfing the world-renowned breaks of Raglan, there are endless opportunities to get your adrenaline pumping.

New Zealand is also a haven for thrill-seekers looking for extreme sports. Queenstown, often called the “Adventure Capital,” offers skydiving, bungee jumping, jet boating, and paragliding. The Shotover Canyon Swing and Nevis Bungy Jump are iconic experiences that will have your heart racing.

For a unique adventure experience, explore the otherworldly landscapes of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Glide through a subterranean world illuminated by thousands of luminescent glowworms, creating a magical atmosphere.

Aside from its adventurous activities, New Zealand is known for its pristine wilderness. The country is home to diverse ecosystems and unique wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers. Explore the fjords of Milford Sound, spot seals and penguins on the Otago Peninsula, or go whale watching in Kaikoura.

With its stunning natural beauty, adrenaline-pumping activities, and welcoming locals, New Zealand offers an unrivaled adventure travel experience. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush or a serene escape, this island nation has it all.

Australia, the land down under, is a vast country known for its diverse landscapes and thrilling adventures. From the stunning Great Barrier Reef to the vast Outback, there is no shortage of incredible experiences for adventure travelers.

One of the main attractions for adventure seekers in Australia is the Great Barrier Reef. Dive into the crystal-clear waters and explore one of the world’s most magnificent coral reef ecosystems. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing are just a few of the ways to discover the vibrant marine life and colorful coral formations.

Australia is also home to some of the world’s most iconic hikes. The Overland Track in Tasmania takes you through ancient rainforests, glacial valleys, and rugged mountain landscapes. The Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory offers stunning desert scenery and breathtaking sunsets.

Surfing enthusiasts flock to Australia’s renowned surf breaks along the east and west coasts. From the famous breaks of Bondi Beach in Sydney to the powerful waves of Margaret River in Western Australia, surfers of all levels can find their paradise here.

For those seeking unique wildlife encounters, Australia has plenty to offer. Embark on a thrilling wildlife safari in the Australian Outback and spot kangaroos, emus, and even elusive koalas. Dive with whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef or swim with dolphins in Byron Bay.

Do not miss the opportunity to explore Australia’s vast wilderness in the Red Centre. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Uluru, or embark on a 4WD adventure through the rugged landscapes of the Kimberley region.

Australia’s vibrant cities, such as Sydney and Melbourne, offer a perfect blend of urban adventures and cultural experiences. Explore the bustling markets, enjoy world-class dining, or take part in festivals and events that showcase the country’s diverse cultures.

With its stunning natural wonders, thrilling adventures, and unique wildlife encounters, Australia is a top destination for adventure travel. Whether you’re diving into the Great Barrier Reef, hiking through ancient rainforests, or exploring the spectacular Outback, Australia will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Canada, the second-largest country in the world, boasts an abundance of natural beauty and thrilling adventure opportunities. From its rugged mountains to pristine wilderness, Canada has something to offer every adventure seeker.

One of the major attractions for outdoor enthusiasts in Canada is the Rocky Mountains. With stunning national parks, such as Banff and Jasper, this mountain range offers a plethora of adventure activities. Hike through picturesque trails, go mountain biking, or take on the exhilarating challenge of climbing the Rockies.

For adrenaline junkies, Canada offers incredible opportunities for winter sports. Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts can hit the slopes in world-class resorts like Whistler, while ice climbers can scale frozen waterfalls in places like Canmore and Quebec.

The Canadian wilderness is also a playground for water sports lovers. Kayak through the turquoise waters of Lake Louise, white-water raft down the rushing rivers of British Columbia, or go paddleboarding in the tranquil lakes of Ontario.

Wilderness enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore Canada’s vast national parks. Experience the raw beauty of places like Algonquin Provincial Park, where you can go canoeing, camping, and wildlife spotting.

For a truly unique adventure, head to the Canadian Arctic. Explore the Arctic tundra, witness the spectacular Northern Lights, and have the chance to see incredible wildlife like polar bears, Arctic foxes, and beluga whales.

Aside from its natural wonders, Canada is known for its warm hospitality and multicultural cities. Explore the vibrant city of Vancouver, where you can ski in the morning and swim in the ocean in the afternoon. Discover the historical charm of Quebec City or immerse yourself in the multicultural atmosphere of Toronto.

With its diverse landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and welcoming atmosphere, Canada is a top destination for adventure travel. Whether it’s hiking through majestic mountains, exploring vast wilderness, or experiencing winter sports like never before, Canada offers an adventure of a lifetime.

Costa Rica, often referred to as the “jewel of Central America,” is a paradise for adventure seekers. With its lush rainforests, stunning coastlines, and diverse ecosystems, this small country offers a wide range of thrilling experiences.

One of the main draws of Costa Rica is its extensive network of national parks and protected areas. Explore the enchanting Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where you can hike through misty trails and spot rare species of birds and mammals. Discover the beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its pristine beaches and abundant wildlife.

For adrenaline-pumping adventures, Costa Rica offers fantastic opportunities for zip-lining. Soar through the treetops and admire breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy. White-water rafting down the wild rivers is another thrilling activity not to be missed.

Costa Rica is also a popular destination for surfers. With its Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, the country boasts world-class surf breaks suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. The beaches of Tamarindo, Jaco, and Puerto Viejo are known for their consistent waves and vibrant surfing communities.

Animal lovers will be delighted by the wildlife encounters in Costa Rica. Take a boat tour through the Tortuguero National Park and witness the nesting of endangered sea turtles. Go on a birdwatching expedition in the Osa Peninsula, home to over 350 species of birds, including the majestic Scarlet Macaw.

For a unique adventure, head to one of Costa Rica’s active volcanoes. Hike up Arenal Volcano and witness its dormant peak, or soak in natural hot springs near the volcano. The thrill of being close to these powerful natural wonders is an experience not to be missed.

Don’t forget to indulge in some relaxation and rejuvenation after your adventures. Costa Rica is famous for its eco-lodges and wellness retreats, where you can unwind amidst the beauty of nature and enjoy yoga sessions or spa treatments.

With its stunning biodiversity, adrenaline-pumping activities, and commitment to sustainable tourism, Costa Rica is a top choice for adventure travelers. Whether you’re exploring the rainforests, riding the waves, or encountering incredible wildlife, Costa Rica promises unforgettable experiences and a deep connection with nature.

Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is a captivating destination for adventure travelers. With its dramatic landscapes, geothermal wonders, and unique experiences, Iceland offers a one-of-a-kind adventure unlike any other.

One of the main attractions in Iceland is its stunning waterfalls. Explore the famous Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, where you can walk behind the cascading water or hike along rugged trails to witness their grandeur. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Goðafoss, known as the “Waterfall of the Gods,” or take a boat tour to the mesmerizing glacial lagoon of Jökulsárlón.

Iceland is also renowned for its geothermal hot springs. Relax in the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa with its vibrant blue waters and mineral-rich mud masks. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, visit the hidden hot springs nestled in the Icelandic countryside.

Adventure seekers will be thrilled by the outdoor activities available in Iceland. Glacier hiking and ice climbing on Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier, offer a truly unique experience. Explore the otherworldly landscapes of the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula or go on a thrilling snowmobile ride on Langjökull Glacier.

Iceland is also a prime location for witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights. The country’s remote locations and clear night skies make it a perfect destination for chasing the elusive Aurora Borealis. Join a guided tour or venture out on your own to witness this magical phenomenon.

For those who enjoy wildlife encounters, Iceland offers opportunities to observe native bird species, such as puffins and Arctic terns. Take a boat tour to the bird cliffs of Látrabjarg or visit the Papey Island nature reserve to see the diverse avian life up close.

Exploring Iceland’s diverse landscapes is an adventure in itself. From the stunning black sand beaches of Reynisfjara to the ethereal beauty of the Highlands, every corner of the country offers remarkable photo opportunities and a sense of wonder.

With its breathtaking landscapes, geothermal wonders, and unique experiences, Iceland is a top destination for adventure travel. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, hiking on glaciers, or soaking in geothermal hot springs, Iceland promises an exhilarating adventure that will leave you in awe of the natural wonders of this remarkable country.

Peru, a fascinating country in South America, is a treasure trove of adventure for those seeking to immerse themselves in ancient history and awe-inspiring landscapes. From its iconic ruins to its diverse natural wonders, Peru offers a wealth of experiences for adventure travelers.

One of the main draws of Peru is undoubtedly the iconic ruins of Machu Picchu. Trekking the famous Inca Trail is a bucket-list adventure for many. The multi-day hike takes you through breathtaking mountain scenery, cloud forests, and ancient Inca settlements before culminating at the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu.

Peru is also home to the majestic Andes Mountains, offering exceptional opportunities for hiking and mountaineering. The Cordillera Blanca is known for its stunning peaks, including Huascaran, the highest mountain in Peru. For those seeking a thrilling challenge, climbing the Nevado Alpamayo is a memorable experience.

The Amazon rainforest, covering a significant portion of Peru, presents a unique adventure. Embark on a riverboat expedition deep into the Amazon, where you can spot diverse wildlife, explore remote indigenous communities, and hike through the dense jungle to discover hidden treasures.

The country’s diverse landscapes also include the mystical Nazca Lines, ancient geoglyphs etched into the desert floor. Take a scenic flight over the Nazca Desert to witness these enigmatic and intricate drawings, leaving historians and adventurers alike in awe.

For water sports enthusiasts, Peru offers world-class surfing on its Pacific coast. The waves of Punta Hermosa and Chicama are highly regarded among surfers from around the globe. Paracas National Reserve is another popular destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts.

Peru’s cultural heritage is equally captivating, with its fascinating mix of indigenous traditions and Spanish colonial influences. Explore the historic city of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, and discover its vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and rich culinary scene.

With its ancient ruins, breathtaking mountains, dense rainforests, and vibrant culture, Peru is a dream destination for adventure travelers. Whether you’re hiking the Inca Trail, exploring the Amazon jungle, or discovering the mysteries of the Nazca Lines, Peru promises unforgettable adventures that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Nepal, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is a haven for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. With its towering peaks, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Nepal offers a plethora of thrilling experiences.

Trekking in Nepal is a major draw for adventure travelers. The country is home to some of the world’s most renowned trekking trails, including the legendary Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit. Immerse yourself in breathtaking mountain vistas, traverse high passes, and witness the unique Sherpa culture along the way.

If you’re a mountaineering enthusiast, Nepal is a dream come true. The world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, attracts experienced climbers from all over the world. Ascending this iconic mountain is a challenge that tests physical endurance, mental strength, and mountaineering skills.

Outside of the mountains, Nepal offers thrilling white-water rafting experiences. Take on the raging rapids of the Bhote Koshi River or the Seti River for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. Kayaking and canyoning are also popular activities, allowing you to explore Nepal’s scenic rivers and waterfalls.

Nepal is also known for its diverse wildlife, particularly in the Chitwan and Bardia National Parks. Embark on an elephant-back safari or a jungle walk to spot rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, and numerous bird species. For a truly unique experience, a helicopter tour over the majestic Himalayas offers a bird’s-eye view of the world’s highest peaks.

For a cultural adventure, explore the ancient city of Kathmandu with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the famous temples and stupas, such as Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, and witness the vibrant religious rituals and traditions of the Nepalese people.

Nepal’s warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage make it a captivating destination for adventure travelers. Whether you’re conquering the world’s highest mountains, venturing into the wild jungle, or immersing yourself in the local traditions, Nepal promises a life-changing adventure that will leave you with a profound appreciation for its natural and cultural wonders.

Switzerland

Switzerland, known for its magnificent alpine landscapes and precision engineering, is not only a dream destination for nature lovers but also a haven for adventure enthusiasts. With its towering peaks, pristine lakes, and well-maintained trails, Switzerland offers a wide array of exhilarating experiences.

One of the highlights of adventure travel in Switzerland is hiking. The country’s well-marked trails cater to all levels of hikers, from gentle strolls to challenging summit ascents. The Swiss Alps provide a stunning backdrop as you explore regions like the Jungfrau Region, Zermatt, and the Engadin Valley.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Switzerland offers exceptional opportunities for skiing and snowboarding. With its world-class ski resorts, including Zermatt, Verbier, and St. Moritz, winter sports enthusiasts can indulge in exhilarating descents on perfectly groomed slopes.

Switzerland is also known for its iconic mountain peaks that attract climbers from around the world. The Matterhorn, Eiger, and Jungfrau are just a few names that ignite the imagination of mountaineers. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a novice adventurer, Switzerland’s majestic peaks offer a range of challenges.

Water sports enthusiasts will not be disappointed either. Switzerland’s crystal-clear lakes provide opportunities for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing. Lake Geneva, Lake Zurich, and Lake Lucerne are popular spots to enjoy water-based activities while enjoying panoramic mountain views.

Cycling and mountain biking are also popular adventures in Switzerland. From scenic road cycling routes to thrilling downhill mountain bike trails, the country caters to all types of riders. The Swiss National Bike Network offers well-maintained paths that allow you to explore the diverse landscapes at your own pace.

Switzerland’s efficient transportation system makes it easy to access adventure locations and engage in outdoor activities. The Swiss love for precision engineering ensures that cable cars, cogwheel trains, and funiculars transport you effortlessly to mountain peaks, opening up a world of exploration.

With its picturesque landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and Swiss hospitality, Switzerland is a top destination for adventure travelers. Whether you’re hiking through alpine meadows, conquering snowy slopes, or indulging in water sports, Switzerland promises exhilarating experiences that will leave you in awe of its natural beauty.

South Africa

South Africa, a diverse country located at the southern tip of the African continent, is a captivating destination for adventure travel. From its picturesque coastlines to its magnificent wildlife reserves and vibrant cities, South Africa offers a thrilling blend of experiences.

One of the main draws for adventure travelers in South Africa is its incredible wildlife safaris. The country is home to renowned national parks, including Kruger National Park, where you can embark on game drives to spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) in their natural habitat.

For an adrenaline-pumping adventure, cage diving with great white sharks in Gansbaai is an experience not to be missed. Get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures as you witness their powerful presence in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

South Africa’s scenic coastlines offer exceptional opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. From surfing the famous breaks of Jeffreys Bay to kiteboarding in Langebaan, the country has something for every water adventurer. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular activities, allowing you to explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter diverse marine life.

The country’s diverse landscapes lend themselves to thrilling outdoor activities. Hiking enthusiasts can tackle the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town or venture into the scenic Drakensberg Mountains for breathtaking panoramas. Bungee jumping, zip-lining, and quad biking are just a few of the adventure activities available.

South Africa’s vibrant cities, such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, offer a unique blend of urban adventures and cultural experiences. Explore the bustling markets, visit historical sites like Robben Island, or immerse yourself in the vibrant street art scene.

In addition to its outdoor adventures, South Africa boasts a rich cultural heritage. Take a journey through the country’s history by visiting the Apartheid Museum or the Nelson Mandela capture site. Immerse yourself in Zulu traditions and music, or taste the flavors of South African cuisine, which is a fusion of diverse influences.

With its remarkable wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultural experiences, South Africa is a top destination for adventure travel. Whether you’re on a wildlife safari, exploring rugged terrains, or immersing yourself in the vibrant city life, South Africa offers an adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Thailand, a tropical paradise in Southeast Asia, offers a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. From its pristine beaches and lush jungles to its bustling cities and ancient temples, Thailand is a top destination for adventure travel.

One of the highlights of adventure travel in Thailand is its stunning islands and beaches. Whether it’s swimming, snorkeling, or diving, the country’s clear turquoise waters teem with vibrant marine life and colorful coral reefs. Destinations like Phi Phi Islands, Koh Samui, and Krabi offer incredible opportunities for water sports and island hopping.

For those seeking jungle adventures, Thailand’s national parks and rainforests provide an abundance of opportunities. Explore the dense jungles of Khao Sok National Park on an unforgettable trekking or canoeing excursion. Discover hidden waterfalls, experience wildlife encounters, and sleep in floating bungalows amidst breathtaking natural scenery.

Thrill-seekers can indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities like zip-lining in Chiang Mai or white-water rafting in Pai. The lush landscapes and hilly terrains of northern Thailand offer perfect settings for hiking and mountain biking, allowing you to immerse yourself in stunning vistas and encounter traditional hill tribe communities.

Cultural exploration is also a must in Thailand. Visit the iconic temples of Bangkok, such as Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew, and witness the grandeur of Buddhist architecture. Experience the spiritual practice of meditation in a serene monastery or participate in a traditional Thai cooking class to learn the secrets of Thai cuisine.

Thai festivals offer a vibrant cultural experience. Witness the colorful lantern festival of Loy Krathong or the water-soaked festivities of Songkran, where the country celebrates the Thai New Year. These festivals provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Thai traditions and celebrate with the locals.

Thailand’s warm hospitality, incredible flavors, and rich cultural heritage make it a captivating destination for adventure travelers. Whether you’re island-hopping, trekking through lush jungles, or discovering ancient temples, Thailand promises an adventure that will leave you enchanted and longing to return.

Adventure travel opens a world of thrilling experiences, allowing us to explore the beauty and diversity of our planet. From the rugged mountains to the pristine coastlines, the countries featured in this article offer a wide range of opportunities for adventure seekers. New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Iceland, Peru, Nepal, Switzerland, South Africa, and Thailand all boast unique landscapes, exciting activities, and rich cultural experiences that make them top destinations for adventure travel.

Whether you’re hiking through majestic mountains, diving into crystal-clear waters, encountering wildlife in their natural habitats, or immersing yourself in ancient cultures, these countries offer something exceptional for every adventure enthusiast.

When choosing your next adventure travel destination, consider the factors that were taken into account when ranking these countries: geographical diversity, variety of adventure activities, safety and infrastructure, sustainable tourism, cultural experiences, and affordability. These factors ensure that you can have an enjoyable, safe, and meaningful adventure experience while exploring the wonders of these destinations.

Remember, adventure travel is not only about seeking adrenaline rushes but also about immersing ourselves in the beauty of nature, embracing new cultures, and pushing our limits. It is an opportunity to connect with our adventurous spirit, expand our horizons, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

So, whether you’re trekking through the Himalayas in Nepal, diving into the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, hiking the Inca Trail in Peru, or experiencing the vibrant Thai culture in Thailand, embrace the spirit of adventure and let these extraordinary destinations ignite your sense of wonder and exploration.

Adventure awaits. It’s time to embark on your next unforgettable journey and create stories that will inspire and captivate for years to come.

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28 Adventures to Travel For, From Glacier Chasing in Greenland to Sand Surfing in the Sahara

By Caitlin Morton

As much as we love lounging on a faraway beach or revisiting our favorite city for the tenth time, sometimes our passports need some adventure travel—we’re talking about those once-in-a-lifetime trips that push us way outside our comfort zones. Adventure travel is a great way to see more of the world, while also testing your physical limits, and coming home with a lifetime's worth of stories to tell at parties.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most incredible outdoor adventures for intrepid travelers, ranging from climbing Machu Picchu to skydiving in Dubai . Even if you don’t consider yourself a daredevil, you’ll still find activities that feel exciting (hello, camping under the northern lights) without too much physical—or emotional—exertion required. So fasten your seatbelts, grab your best pair of hiking boots , and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Boat under the Iguazú Falls

South America’s Iguazú Falls, located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, make all other waterfalls look like mere trickles in comparison. The system of more than 200 cascades (reaching heights of around 270 feet) can be viewed from surrounding walkways and catwalks, but we’re fans of the more adventurous vantage-point—hopping on an Iguazú Jungle inflatable raft and sailing directly under the exhilarating, high-pressure falls.

Climb to Machu Picchu

No adventurer’s must-visit list is complete without Machu Picchu , the famous Incan citadel located in the Andes. While the site can be accessed via train and bus, more active travelers can take the five-day trek along the entire 26-mile-long Inca Trail. Or, thanks to local tour operator Sam Travel Peru , you can get dropped at kilometer marker 104 and do the whole experience in 24 hours .

Sand surf in the Sahara

The dunes of the Sahara are colossal, untouched, and tailor-made for extreme sports. The desert’s rows of barchans (meaning “crescent-shaped dunes” in Turkic) have ideal shapes for sand surfing (descending the slopes on a surfboard) and sandboarding (descending the slopes on a snowboard)—and those views don’t hurt, either. Stay at Erg Chigaga Luxury Camp in Morocco, which offers sandboarding in addition to other desert activities like camel rides and quad biking.

Heli-hike in British Columbia

With CMH Heli + Skiing , you can helicopter to the steepest and deepest powder in Canada for backcountry skiing. However, come summer , the company’s guides take guests on multi-day hiking trips to terrain otherwise inaccessible, along ridgelines, through alpine meadows, and to stunning viewpoints. While these high-altitude adventures are not for the faint at heart, the accommodations are quite comfortable, with log-hewn lodges complete with full-service restaurants, spa treatments, and a rooftop hot tub to relax in before another day on the trail.

Hannah Towey

CNT Editors

Jessica Puckett

Steph Koyfman

Hot air balloon over Cappadocia

A hot air balloon ride over central Turkey’s Cappadocia region provides 360-degree views of the famous limestone spires and “fairy chimneys”—something you can't get at the ground level. We recommend booking with Kapadokya Balloons , the first company that introduced hot air balloon tourism in Cappadocia. Services include transfers to and from your hotel, snacks, full insurance, and a champagne party after the flight.

Hunt for glaciers in Greenland

Greenland is relatively expensive and tricky to get to, but well worth the effort—especially since it’s one of the most untouched landscapes on the planet. Exhibit A: the hundreds-year-old icebergs and glaciers floating off the mainland, which you can get up close and personal with during a cruise excursion. ( Hurtigruten and Cruise Norway offer these sailings.)

Hop across Botswana on a mobile safari

While most safari camps stay in one place like a traditional hotel, the private canvas safaris by  Barclay Stenner Safaris are totally mobile, meaning you can pick up and move locations based on weather conditions and wildlife movements. The outfitter’s Botswana itinerary moves across the country to fauna-rich areas like the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans—get ready to follow groups of lions, hippos, elephants, and more.

Paraglide over Turkey’s Blue Lagoon

Oludeniz has one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey, with pebble shores and a “blue lagoon” of aquamarine hues. The beach also happens to be one of the world's best places to paraglide, thanks to stable weather and gorgeous panoramic views. The launch site for most companies is from Babadağ mountain, with jumping-off points reaching 6,000 feet above sea level.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef

Divers and snorkelers everywhere need to experience the Great Barrier Reef at least once in their lifetime. Not only does the site have more than 400 different types of coral and 1,500 species of fish, but the natural wonder has been rapidly eroding due to coral bleaching and global warming . That means it’s more urgent than ever to see this sight in all its glory—and to understand what we are losing.

Swim through Mexico’s cenotes

Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula features a wealth of unique natural beauty, particularly when it comes to its cavernous cenotes. Floating in one of these natural sinkholes is an incredible experience, as is diving through the underground cave systems . When in Tulum , visit Dos Ojos (“Two Eyes”) to view one of the planet’s most beautiful underwater sites or Gran Cenote for rock formations that resemble Gothic architecture.

Free-fall over Dubai at 120 miles per hour

Dubai is one of the most over-the-top cities in the world, so are you really surprised that skydiving is one of its most popular activities?  Skydive Dubai is a company located near Jumeirah Beach, offering tandem skydiving for beginners and solo jumps for licensed divers. If you thought Dubai’s skyline was impressive already, just wait until you see it while falling from 13,000 feet in the air.

Scale Half Dome at Yosemite National Park

The Half Dome trail through Yosemite may be one of the most intense hikes you’ll ever take, stretching for 16 miles and ascending more than 5,500 feet. The final 400 feet are the trickiest—hikers must climb up the steep slope with two steel cables as their only support—but the breathtaking views from the top make the effort (and terror) worth it. Afterwards, stay at The Ahwahnee, one of the most beautiful national park hotels in the country.

Swim with great white sharks in South Africa

The fishing town of Gansbaai is often considered to be the birthplace of great white shark cage diving, an activity that would make most adrenaline junkies drool. Cage diving is totally safe (despite what some low-budget shark movies might lead you to believe), but we dare you to keep your heart rate in check as you come face-to-face with an apex predator.  Marine Dynamics is one of the most popular cage diving operators in town, with a marine biologist and videographer joining every tour.

Bungee jump in New Zealand

New Zealand practically invented adventure sports when the Kawarau Bridge Bungy opened in 1988. Here you join around 38,000 annual visitors to take the 140-foot jump from the South Island's historic, steel-framed Kawarau Bridge—an activity in which the views are almost as thrilling as the fall itself.

Climb Mount Fuji

Solitary Mount Fuji is probably Japan’s most iconic natural wonder , rising 12,388 feet above villages and reflecting on lakes’ surfaces. You can get views of the landmark from many places, like Lake Kawaguchi in Fujikawaguchiko and even the Park Hyatt Tokyo , but it’s the views from the mountain that will give you the most bragging rights. Visit from early July to mid-September to take advantage of the official climbing season, when the designated trails and paved roads are free of snow.

Go volcano boarding on Cerro Negro in Nicaragua

If you’re looking for action sports and adventure, we recommend booking a flight to Nicaragua right now. There you can kayak, surf, zipline through the jungle, and even sled down the side of an active volcano. Intrepid travelers love to climb up the 2,388-foot Cerro Negro and then “volcano board” back down (an activity where you sit or stand on a piece of plywood and slide your way down the slopes). You'll want to go with a guided group tour with this one. Bigfoot Hostels is one of many operators for excursions—for $25, you get transportation to the volcano, boards, safety equipment, snacks, and your speed clocked by a radar gun.

Take a white-knuckle drive in Norway

Who says your adrenaline can’t pump from the comfort of your car? Trollstigen is one of the world’s most popular (and  terrifying ) highways, known for its steep gradient and hairpin turns. The one-lane road passes such impressive wonders as the 1,050-foot Stigfossen waterfall, but be sure to pull over before you gawk and snap photos. There are several viewing platforms along the road that will let you take in the sites without risking a crash.

Dive Belize’s Great Blue Hole

Known for its circular shape and strikingly deep blue color , the Great Blue Hole is a 1,000-foot-wide sinkhole in the middle of Belize’s Lighthouse Reef. While an aerial shot is enough to convince anyone of its beauty, scuba divers are the ones who get to experience the wonders that lie beneath: massive, 40-foot limestone stalactites and stalagmites that formed during the last glacial period.

Go canyoning in the Azores

Portugal’s Azores Islands are equal parts adventurous and beautiful, inviting travelers to get up close and personal with nature while hiking, biking, and swimming. If you want to really push the envelope, try canyoning—an activity that has you rappel down a waterfall while navigating slippery rocks and fast-flowing water. Azores Getaways offers a comprehensive and easy-to-book experience. Training, equipment, on-site instructors, and snacks are all included in the excursion, which will no doubt become one of the most memorable of your life.

Kayak through Torres del Paine National Park

Chile’s Patagonia region is one of the most beautiful spots on the planet, and there are plenty of ways to explore the area. But while most people experience the sights while hiking, you can get a slightly different view from the water via a kayaking trip.  Kayak en Patagonia offers several tour options ranging in duration and difficulty levels, but all let you paddle past towering mountains, rugged glaciers, and other incredible vistas.

Sleep under the northern lights

Ah, the elusive northern lights . So many factors are at play when it comes to seeing the technicolor phenomenon—location, time of year, weather conditions—but it’s hard to lose with an excursion to Finnish Lapland. The Arctic area is one of the planet’s best for aurora viewing, especially if you get to sleep in an igloo hotel at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort or mobile Aurora Bubble Sled . Up your viewing chances by planning a trip between December and March.

Go heli-skiing in Alaska

If you’re a seasoned traveler who’s conquered every black diamond slope in North America, there’s still one snowy adventure left to vanquish: heli-skiing. There’s nothing quite like hopping in a helicopter and being dropped onto untouched snow at the top of a mountain—especially in a setting as formidable as Alaska’s Chugach Mountains. The experienced guides at  Valdez Heli Ski Guides (VHSG) will help make this dream a reality, taking you to some of the best runs of your life and then letting you unwind (hot tub and massages included) at the cozy  Tsaina Lodge .

Snorkel between continents in Iceland

Iceland is one of the best countries in the world for adventure travel , with opportunities for everything from glacier hiking to snorkeling and diving. For the latter, head straight to Thingvellir National Park along the country’s Golden Circle route , where two tectonic plates slowly pull apart at the rate of about two centimeters (0.8 inches) per year. The phenomenon results in the Silfra fissure, a stunning rift valley where travelers can snorkel or dive in impossibly clear (and cold) waters. Tour company DIVE.IS offers tours for divers and every level of snorkeler—including those with no prior experience—and will snap an underwater photo of you touching two continents at the same time.

Float along the Amazon

Some remote destinations are best seen from the deck of a boat, and that includes the upper Amazon River. Aqua Expeditions ’ luxury cruises through the Peruvian stretch of the river tour the area’s wildlife and culture at a delightful, leisurely pace. You'll even have chef-prepared gourmet meals and five-star suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. Looking for something a little less luxe? Amazon Adventures offers kayaking trips along some Amazon tributaries, where you can fish for piranhas and camp out in the rainforest.

Surf ‘The Pipeline’ in Oahu

Oahu’s Banzai Pipeline (commonly referred to as The Pipeline) is easily one of the most sought-after surfing spots in the world. Located off the coast of the island’s north shore in Ehukai Beach Park, the surf reef break averages waves measuring nine feet high. This activity is definitely not for beginners, but even non-surfers will get a thrill out of watching the many surf competitions that take place at The Pipeline—all from the safety of a sunny beach.

Spot elusive wildlife in the Great Bear Rainforest

Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest is the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world—and one of the most magical, with elusive species like sea wolves and Kermode bears roaming its 21 million acres. Outer Shores Expeditions will take you on a nine-day excursion aboard a schooner, departing from British Columbia’s First Nations community of Bella Bella and stopping for sea kayaking along the way.

Soak in the planet’s most extreme infinity pool

Located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls attracts thousands of tourists each year. One of the biggest draws here is the Devil’s Pool , a naturally formed eddy sitting at the very edge of the falls, where daring swimmers can splash around between August and January (depending on water levels, that is). Given that a slippery rock barrier is the only thing separating you from going over the edge, this site is easily the planet’s most extreme infinity pool .

Camp in Antarctica

Antarctica is truly the final frontier when it comes to adventure travel, providing untouched landscapes, unique wildlife, and more activities than you’ll know what to do with (like cruising, caving, and thermal spring soaking , to name a few). If you can get yourself to Punta Arenas, Chile, Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions will fly you to Antarctica for three days of skiing and hiking before setting you up for a South Pole sleepover.

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The 36 Best Places to Visit in the U.S. for Adventure

We’re celebrating the grandeur of America, from beautiful rivers, beaches, and mountains to incredible glamping outposts and wild places. Our travel experts are constantly on the road finding new adventures, and their ideas will jump-start your next unforgettable journey.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the Outside app available now on iOS devices for members! >","name":"in-content-cta","type":"link"}}'>Download the app .

Creating our annual Travel Awards package takes months of work by a large team. This time out, our travel editors unanimously decided to celebrate trips in the United States, because the pandemic reinforced what we’ve long known: there is a bounty of spectacular American destinations to share.

Next we tapped our vast network of expert travel writers, many of whom have been working with Outside for 20-plus years. Our writers are constantly out there chasing adventure and collecting information on exciting lodging, trails, rivers, beaches, road trips, and other things to do. What they came back with was impressive—the research memo for this package was 117 pages long.

Then the really hard part began: whittling down an overwhelming number of choices into one winner and one runner-up in each category. This is when the heated debates arose, as we pored over research and advocated for favorites. The final decisions were based on many factors, including new travel options, improved-upon classics, accessibility, and sustainability, and we always strive to offer a variety of geographic locales, activities, and price points.

Our overriding goal? To inspire readers to get outside and explore the world, and provide them with great ideas for years to come. —Mary Turner, deputy editor and travel director

Beach Winner: Loggerhead Key, Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida

Dry Tortugas is one of the most remote parks in the national park system, located approximately 70 miles beyond Key West. It’s also one of the smallest. Depending on the tide, only 143 acres of sand, coral rubble, and rock make up the archipelago’s seven islands. But those islands are blessed with great beaches, including South Beach on Garden Key, home to the park’s main tourist facilities. The best, however, is on the northwest side of Loggerhead Key, accessible only via private boat or by undertaking a three-mile paddle from Garden Key. The islet is encircled by gorgeous white sand, and just offshore is a stunning coral formation called Little Africa, because it looks like a map of the continent from above. That’s one of the best places to snorkel. Paddling between the islands can be challenging, though shoals break up larger waves. For tourists coming from Key West, the Yankee Freedom catamaran offers day trips to Garden Key at 7:30 A.M. and returns at roughly 5:15 P.M. (Round-trip tickets start at $200 and include a snack, box lunch, and snorkeling equipment.) Plan to bring your own safety gear and kayak—and be sure to reserve a spot for it on the catamaran in advance—or rent what you require in Key West. You’ll also need to stop at the Garden Key dock house to pick up a free boating permit. There’s first-come, first-served camping on Garden Key ($15 per night). Come prepared to be entirely self-sufficient. —Ryan Krogh

Runner-Up: York Beach Surf Club, York, Maine

This historic cottage colony has been reimagined as a hip year-round hotel that pays homage to the 1960s surf club started by local legend L. F. “Sonny” Perkins. He and his son updated the oceanfront property starting in 2020 with Scandi-style bungalows, a restaurant serving lobster breakfast sammies, and a collection of vintage surf photos. Summer camps and lessons are held on the gentle waves and sandy shores of York Beach. Experienced surfers pack five-millimeter wetsuits and come for the area’s storied winter swell. From $350 —Jen Murphy

Lodging Winner: Oculis Lodge, Glacier, Washington

Travelers will soon have a new way to admire the Cascade Range’s pines and peaks: the Oculis Lodge , 12 igloo-shaped domes tentatively scheduled to open before summer. The project set a record as Indiegogo’s most funded lodging campaign to date, with over $1.2 million raised. The domes, designed with a bedroom, kitchen, and sunken living room, are next-level glamping. Each sleeps up to six guests and features a private jacuzzi, sauna, and heated deck for yoga or other exercise. What’s more, all have a 15-foot-wide skylight and an en suite telescope, to give the glittery cosmos a starring role. Sustainability is a staple here; the domes consist of reclaimed and recycled materials, and they require up to 50 percent less energy to heat and cool than conventional cabin structures. With their minimal profile, the structures blend into the surrounding forest. The seven-acre property is located within 30 minutes of Mount Baker Ski Area and Mount Baker Scenic Byway, and two hours from North Cascades National Park—one of the lower 48’s least visited. But travelers staying at Oculis don’t have to go far for adventure; hiking, mountain biking, and paddling trails abound in the area. From $300 —Stephanie Vermillion

Runner-Up: Turtle Bay Resort, Oahu

Few adventure resorts can compare to Turtle Bay, a 1,300-acre North Shore property set on land previously owned by the Hawaiian royal family. To celebrate its 50th anniversary last year, it underwent a $250 million renovation and now offers a paniolo luau dinner series, an on-site farm that supplies its restaurants and spa treatments, a surf school led by native Banzai Pipeline champ Jamie O’Brien, 12 miles of biking and hiking trails, five miles of beaches, four swimming pools, a free daily fitness class, cruiser bikes, and sunset horseback rides through the banyan trees. When you finally find yourself indoors, you’ll have a room with a view of the sea. From $680 —Tasha Zemke

River Winner: Devils River, Texas

The rough-and-tumble landscape of southwest Texas doesn’t seem like the most fitting location for one of America’s best float trips. Yet here it is, the Devils’ pristine spring water flowing through a magical limestone canyon that’s home to black bears and mountain lions, cactus and yucca. Paddlers embarking on the 47-mile float from Baker’s Crossing to Amistad Reservoir are rewarded with the finest of the state’s overlooked outdoors: fly-fishing for native Guadalupe bass, swimming holes so clear they may as well be rock bathtubs, and nonstop Chihuahuan Desert scenery. The river alternates between long, deep pools; stretches of flat, braided water; and Class II–III rapids. Not long ago this trip, which takes most paddlers four days, was nearly unmanageable because of private land rights along the shore that made overnighting difficult. But the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which regulates access via a permitting system, opened a series of campsites to make the multiday adventure possible. A handful of outfitters offer shuttles, canoe rentals, and fully guided trips, including Amistad Expeditions , based in nearby Del Rio. In 2019, Devils River State Natural Area was designated the first International Dark Sky Sanctuary in Texas, and camping beneath oak and wild pecan trees with the Milky Way in view is transcendent. —R.K.

To learn more about the Devil’s River float, check out this map  from Gaia GPS.

Runner-Up: Great Falls Whitewater Project, South Carolina

Vitality is rushing through Great Falls, and its source is the Catawba River, one of the nation’s newest whitewater escapes, located an hour from Charlotte, North Carolina. Duke Energy, which spearheaded the project , modified two century-old dams to restore natural river patterns, creating recreational opportunities and encouraging ecotourism. Rafters and paddlers can run Class II–III rapids in one section and Class IV in another. The restoration is expected to foster biodiversity and provide an economic boost to Great Falls, a town struggling from the loss of a once booming textile industry. —S.V

Road Trip Winner: Highway 395, Eastern Sierra, California

While U.S. 395 goes through four states between the Mojave Desert and the Canadian border, it’s the roughly 200 miles that pass by the granite giants of California’s eastern Sierra that warrant top billing. Start in the town of Inyokern and point your wheels north toward Fossil Falls, where you can hike above a volcanic canyon carved by glacial melt. Forty-six miles away, in Lone Pine, the Eastern Sierra Visitor Center’s parking lot boasts epic views of 14,494-foot Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. Get cultured at the nearby Museum of Western Film History, packed with memorabilia from some of the hundreds of movies shot in the area. Afterward, meander (or rack up to climb in) the arch-studded Alabama Hills, mesmerizing at sunset when alpenglow drapes the bulbous formations. Refuel in Bishop at Great Basin Bakery, then venture north to view the burbling wonders of Hot Creek Geologic Site, which should inspire a soak at nearby Hilltop or Wild Willy’s hot springs. Pull yourself away and head to Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve to admire the whimsical shoreline spires, then sit down to brews and bites at Whoa Nellie Deli in Lee Vining, quite possibly the best restaurant located inside a gas station in North America. Lone Pine, Bishop, and the Oh Ridge Campground at June Lake are good places to overnight, making this a perfect two- or three-day trip. —Shawnté Salabert

Runner-Up: Sunshine Route, Puerto Rico

A climatologist at the University of Puerto Rico calculated the average color of the sunbeams that shine across this popular Caribbean destination, and the result was a lovely red-orange hue, dubbed Puerto Rico Sunshine. This year that color inspired the creation of the new Puerto Rico Sunshine Route, which circumnavigates the island and links numerous sun-kissed spots. Start in San Juan, snorkel at places like La Parguera Natural Reserve, soak in Coamo Hot Springs, and surf in Rincón. —Tim Neville

Public Land Winner: The Colorado Plateau

Boasting 30 national parks, monuments, and recreation areas, the Colorado Plateau is arguably America’s greatest natural playground. Shaped by the Colorado River over millions of years, the landscape’s dramatic canyons, monoliths, and mesas form a 150,580-square-mile expanse of high desert straddling the region’s Four Corners and include the spectacular spires of Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park and the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park . Now is the time to appreciate such magnificence: the river is one of the country’s most hotly contested water resources, and it’s threatened by drought. New weeklong, Navajo-led trips from the Grand Canyon Conservancy’s Field Institute provide the ultimate deep dive into the greater national-park area and its Indigenous connections (from $2,800). To explore on your own, base out of Grand Junction; this western Colorado adventure hub is a 30-minute drive from Colorado National Monument and surrounded by top-notch hiking and mountain-biking trails, campsites, and wineries. Riverfront accommodations ranging from RV sites and tiny homes to Airstreams can be found at Camp Eddy (from $50), just half a mile from Las Colonias Park, a 140-acre space along the river that’s popular with paddleboarders and kayakers. Stargazing nearly anywhere on the plateau is epic, but the Star Tower at Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch ( from $475 ), scheduled to open this summer, is our choice for the annular eclipse, which this year falls on October 14. Located minutes from the namesake national monument in southwest Colorado—a designated International Dark Sky Park—the two-story building resembles Anasazi ruins, and its rock-exposed bedroom features a deck where you can watch the interstellar action. —J.M.

Runner-Up: Everglades National Park, Florida

This wild national treasure celebrated its 75th anniversary in December—all the more reason to plan a trip. Head down in the dry season, November through April, and book a room at the Ivey House Everglades Adventure Hotel in Everglades City ( from $179 ). The hotel has kayaks for rent, and staff provide expert area intel. Or sign up for an airboat tour with the guides at Gator Park to see the array of grassland wildlife. If you’d rather pitch a tent, Flamingo Adventures’ Long Pine Key Campground (from $30) is a convenient option near the Homestead park entrance. —Mary Turner

For more ideas on beautiful public lands to visit, read our story on the 18 Best State Parks in the U.S.

Wellness Winner: Castle Hot Springs, Arizona

The world starts to fade away on the dirt road to this resort an hour north of Phoenix. As you make your way down it, you’ll pass wild burros and saguaros and catch views of the jagged Bradshaw Mountains. Once you arrive at the 1,100-acre property , you’ve headed back in time. Native tribes sought out these springs for centuries. Since Castle’s inception in 1896, notable guests have included Theodore Roosevelt and JFK, who convalesced here with other veterans after World War II. The draws? Warm weather, a remote retreat from daily life, and three natural hot-spring pools of varying temperatures, whose mineral contents—magnesium, lithium, and bicarbonate, among others—are still popular with those eager to soak up health benefits. Parts of the original resort burned down in 1976, but Cindy and Mike Watts bought it in 2014 and began the process of restoring it. Today the main lodge, housing the Harvest restaurant and a small bar, is reminiscent of the past, while 30 new stand-alone bungalows and cabins, all of them with mountain views, welcome the future. There are activities by the hour, such as guided canyon hikes, e-bike rides, a via ferrata, and yoga. Or do what most guests do: chill out. (The Wi-Fi password, fittingly, is RUsureUwant2?.) A perfect day looks like this: Wake up and soak in the springs. Head to breakfast, and follow that with a hike up Salvation Peak. Return in time for lunch on the restaurant’s patio, then retreat to your room to nap or read on the porch. Late afternoon, soak in the springs again before a massage treatment. Soon enough it’s time for dinner. The food is delicious and healthy—as many of the ingredients as possible are grown on-site—but you can also get a bison burger and fries. You will leave nourished and refreshed. Recent additions include Sleep Retreats, with an expert to coach you on getting better rest. Castle is a splurge, but the price includes meals, gratuities, and many activities. From $1,575 for two people —M.T.

Runner-Up: Kah-Nee-Ta Resort, Warm Springs Reservation, Oregon

After an unexpected shutdown in 2018, Kah-Nee-Ta —a wellness-centered resort and spa 60 miles south of Mount Hood—is planning to welcome travelers back into its calming mineral waters before the end of the year. For 10,000 years, Indigenous communities have relied on the springs for healing. Now the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have partnered with Mount Hood Skibowl to open Kah-Nee-Ta’s doors to visitors who want to learn about Native traditions. —S.V.

Mountain Winner: Catskill Mountains, New York

The Catskills and their namesake park—comprising about 700,000 acres of forested peaks, narrow valleys, and countless streams just 100 miles from Manhattan—are steeped in history. They’re also undergoing a renaissance, thanks to a handful of new lodges, hotels, and restaurants. Those catching our eye include the 11-room Chatwal Lodge, a log-cabin-inspired chalet overlooking the 833-acre Toronto Reservoir, and the Eastwind Oliverea Valley, with 27 cabins and rooms, A-frame saunas that nail the Scandinavian hygge vibe, and a restaurant called Dandelion that uses seasonal vegetables in its cuisine. The DeBruce, a onetime hunting lodge that’s been transformed into a 12-room inn, has a dining room with tasting menus sourced from the 600-acre property; think venison in a wild-berry reduction. The husband-and-wife duo behind the inn were semifinalists this year for a James Beard Award. As for recreational opportunities in the Catskills, not much has changed since the Gilded Age, which is a good thing. There are thousands of miles of well-maintained hiking trails, excellent mountain-biking opportunities (check out 60 miles of lift-accessed tracks at Plattekill Mountain), and dozens of lakes and ponds to explore with a paddle in hand. The Catskills are also the birthplace of American dry-fly fishing. —R.K.

Runner-Up: Frog Lake Backcountry Huts, Truckee, California

In 2020, the Truckee Donner Land Trust bought property on the back side of 9,103-foot Castle Peak as part of a conservation deal, and 3,000 acres became available for recreation. Four stunning huts overlooking their eponymous lake followed in December 2021, with bunk beds, gas stoves, morning coffee brewed by a hutmaster, and down slippers in a range of sizes. The huts are accessible to backcountry skiers from December through April, or can be reached via a five-mile hiking path—a spur off the Pacific Crest Trail—July through October. They are easily the nicest huts in the Lake Tahoe area, so when the semiannual booking windows open in fall and spring, hop on it. From $65 per person —Megan Michelson

For more information on trails near Frog Lake Huts, check out this map from Gaia GPS.

Biking Winner: Monument Trails, Arkansas

Arkansas has pumped a lot of energy and money into its mountain-biking trails. As a result, the state transformed into a world-class destination almost overnight. One of its most robust initiatives is a public-private partnership that created Monument Trails , an array of singletrack in Arkansas’s state parks. Many routes were designed and built by Rogue Trails, a firm based in the town of Rogers made up of former racers who take land management and sustainability seriously. The first were unveiled in 2019, another 17 were introduced in the past year and a half, and today some 75 miles span Hobbs, Mount Nebo, Pinnacle Mountain, and Devil’s Den State Parks. The shared-use trails traverse iconic landscapes, including the Ozark Mountains, pristine hardwood forests on rugged plateaus, and limestone domes, and you’ll find yourself wheeling across flowy cross-country terrain and bombing technical downhills. Bentonville, with its dynamic craft breweries, and Eureka Springs, boasting a vibrant art scene, are top choices for places to stay while you play. Funding for the expanding trail system is supported by the Arkansas Parks and Recreation Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to developing local outdoor offerings, with patronage from the Walton Family Foundation. This year marks the centennial for Arkansas State Parks, so go celebrate. —R.K.

To learn more about Arkansas’s bounty of rides, check out these Trailforks maps for Hobbs , Mount Nebo , Pinnacle Mountain , and Devil’s Den  state parks.

Runner-Up: Mulberry Gap, Ellijay, Georgia

Welcome to the mountain-biking capital of Georgia: a humble adventure base camp 90 miles north of Atlanta within Chattahoochee National Forest. This 15-acre property , formerly a private family retreat, was converted into a campground with cabins. Ride out the door to explore over 50 miles of the nearby Pinhoti Trail system. Breakfast and dinner are served family-style, and lunch is provided to stash in your daypack. On-site guides give clinics, host group rides, and organize shuttles, and a fleet of Specialized rigs are available to rent. Camping from $13; cabins from $55 —M.M.

Glamping Winner: Huttopia, New Hampshire

At this outpost in the White Mountains, fully furnished canvas tents are scattered throughout a 50-acre forest, complete with its own 68-acre lake and heated saltwater pool. Huttopia also offers a gathering area with fire pits, tables, chairs, and flatbread pizza served from a retro Airstream. Each tent has its own kitchen, bathroom, deck, fire pit, and electricity, or you can upgrade to a tiny home or chalet. Either way you’ll be able to swim, paddle, or fish Huttopia’s Iona Lake during the day and enjoy live performances by magicians and acoustic artists at night. The resort goes out of its way to welcome kids, with organized activities like treasure hunts and craft time. Venture off-site to hike 6,288-foot Mount Washington, tube the lazy Saco River, or pedal the 35-mile Kancamagus Scenic Byway, which curves through the heart of White Mountain National Forest. And it’s all just two and a half hours from Boston. From $88 —Graham Averill

Runners-Up: Glamping News Is Ridiculously Good This Year. Here Are Six More Places on Our Radar.

*You’ll forget that you’re camping at Open Sky , just west of Zion National Park, Utah, where spacious safari-style tents are tucked into the rocky surroundings, offering primo stargazing and quick access to park trails. From $599

* Ulum , outside Moab, Utah, is the latest venture from Under Canvas. Each tent has its own private deck and a rain shower, and is steps from hot and cool dipping pools. From $549. Under Canvas Yellowstone , located in Paradise Valley, Montana, opened in December along the Yellowstone River. From $329

*At Summit Big Bend , placed on 1,000 picturesque acres outside Big Bend National Park in West Texas, you can bed down inside a renovated mining cave tucked into a cliff. Caves $549, glamping from $198

*Book a tent at Kitfox , on 160 acres of conservation land outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, for one of the resort’s Dine in the Wild weekends, when a local chef prepares homegrown fare. Hiking and biking in Galisteo Basin Preserve are right outside your door. From $200

* Dunes Experiences’ Desert Camp is scheduled to launch in June next to Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, featuring safari-style tents and guided excursions in the surrounding San Luis Valley. $250 —G.A.

Desert Winner: Joshua Tree, California

This dramatic desert landscape is having a moment, with plenty of new projects. The recently opened nine-mile Long Canyon Trail, for example, links Desert Hot Springs with Joshua Tree National Park, and a new stewardship agreement between the Park Service and the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians will involve the tribe in park management, interpretive services, cultural and historical training, and rescue and wildfire operations. Meanwhile, lodging options keep getting better. AutoCamp opened a property with decked-out Airstream trailers surrounding a modern clubhouse and a heated pool. You’ll find The Bungalows—newly refurbished mid-century modern cottages—at the 152-acre, wellness-focused Joshua Tree Retreat Center. While you’re in the area, knock out a through-hike of the California Hiking and Riding Trail, a 37-mile point-to-point path that forms a U through the northern section of the park and heads deep into the backcountry, with views of the Little San Bernardino Mountains to the west and Lost Horse and Hidden Valley to the north. The terrain ranges from rolling scrubland and valley floors thick with iconic Joshua trees to Jumbo Rocks, a field of massive boulders. Hit this trail in the early spring, when the terrain bursts with wildflowers. Hungry? The new Spaghetti Western Saloon in Morongo Valley is the brainchild of two Italian-born musicians; it offers live performances, locally and organically sourced ingredients, and Wild West–inspired cocktails. —G.A.

Runner-Up: Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Alaska

Thirty-five miles north of the Arctic Circle in Kobuk Valley National Park , a curious sight rises 100 feet out of the forest—the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. Spend two days hiking and camping in what seems like the Sahara, where summer temperatures can reach 100 degrees. The best way in and out is by bush plane via the town of Kotzebue or Bettles. The pilot will land right on the sand. —T.N.

Electric Travel Winner: Natchez Trace Parkway, Tennessee and Mississippi

The West Coast doesn’t have a monopoly on EV-charger density. The Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile highway through rural Tennessee and Mississippi that’s managed by the National Park Service, has more than 300 charging stations in surrounding communities. Most are free, and more than half are level three—the fastest available. The road itself is packed with cultural touchstones, tracing a route once used by Native Americans, European settlers, and, lately, roadsters looking for a slice of Americana. With no stoplights, no billboards, and little development outside of the occasional restored barn or farmhouse, the Natchez Trace rolls through hills blanketed with hardwood and pine forests. Start in Nashville and end at the Mississippi River in the town of Natchez, checking out highlights as varied as Elvis’s birthplace in Tupelo (milepost 260) and the dome-shaped mounds built by Indigenous people 2,000 years ago (milepost 286.7). It’s a bike-friendly route, with campsites for bikepackers; form a rolling 22-mile loop by combining Highway 553 with the Trace between mileposts 10 and 20. If you’re driving, stop at the Chickasaw Village Site (milepost 261.8), a 90-acre prairie with the preserved homes of a Native village, and explore the Yockanookany section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail (milepost 122) through the cypress swamp left behind when the Pearl River changed course thousands of years ago. —G.A.

Runner-Up: E-Biking in Maine

Cycling coastal Maine is beautiful, but add sailing, secluded beaches, and numerous chances to eat lobster, and you’ve got a winning combo. Ride with Summer Feet Cycling from Port Clyde to Acadia National Park—a six-day adventure—sleeping at inns along the way ($3,695). Your e-bike makes the climb up Cadillac Mountain all the more memorable. —T.N.

Hiking Winner: Arrigetch Peaks, Alaska

Think Mordor, but transported to Alaska. Set in the middle of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve , an area that welcomed fewer than 9,500 visitors last year, these 7,000-foot granite peaks are so remote that most trekkers opt for a guided tour in July or August, when the weather is best and wildlife abounds. Between the peaks are six incredibly clear aquamarine lakes in the Aquarius Valley, and the journey to get there is just as stunning. Alaska Alpine Adventures, which has led group tours around the state for 25 years, offers a rigorous ten-day backpacking expedition starting and ending in Fairbanks that takes in the Alatna River, glacial valleys, and burbling waterfalls over the course of some 40 miles (from $6,000). For a less time-intensive way to check out the Arrigetch, Brooks Range Aviation and Coyote Air, based in Bettles and Coldfoot, respectively, offer flightseeing trips (from $785) that put the scope of the area into better perspective, plus glimpses of herds of roaming wildlife. While you’re in the Land of the Midnight Sun, take advantage of your proximity to the Alaska Railroad, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. From May through early September, the line’s scenic 12-day Centennial Special runs from Anchorage to Fairbanks via Seward—a 470-mile historic route that lets you gawk at Denali, the Kenai Fjords, and several glaciers through your panoramic window (from $5,155). —Emily Pennington

To plan your route in the Arrigetch Peaks, check out this map from Gaia GPS. For more hiking inspiration, read Outside’s trail expert’s guide to the 10 best hikes in the world .

Runner-Up: Urban Hiking in Boston

The pandemic may have put city trails in the spotlight, but urban treks have long been a staple in Boston, one of the country’s most walkable burgs. There’s the lauded Freedom Trail, Boston’s signature colonial-history jaunt to churches, cemeteries, and other sites from the American Revolution. And last year, a Bostonian created the 27-mile Walking City Trail, linking green spaces in 17 neighborhoods. —S.V.

Family Trip Winner: New River Gorge, West Virginia

West Virginia has been getting the word out about all its spectacular nature of late—notably the churning whitewater, forested trails, and sandstone cliffs of America’s 63rd national park, New River Gorge . With so many recreational opportunities for every age and expertise level, this is our pick for families. Base out of Adventures on the Gorge, a 350-acre resort in Lansing, for all things outdoorsy. There are hiking trails, a disc-golf course, a zip line, and a swimming pool, plus multi-bedroom home rentals. Staff organize half-, full-, or multiday outings for your river crew. (Children from 6 to 11 raft free with an accompanying adult Sundays through Thursdays.) Plan your trip to coincide with Gauley Season, a six-week whitewater extravaganza—beginning this year on September 8—that draws thousands of people to test their skills on the Class III–V rapids let loose by scheduled releases of the Summersville Dam. Plenty of dryland activities beckon, too, including treks to historic mining communities, rock climbing for all skill grades, and horseback riding to the rim of the gorge. It’s easy to see why West Virginia’s slogan is Wild and Wonderful. —E.P.

Runner-Up: Philipsburg, Montana

In winter, families head to Philipsburg’s Discovery Ski Area—known as Disco to locals—for its easy frontside groomers. In town you’ll find a community ice rink, old-fashioned candy at the Sweet Palace, and cold craft beer at Philipsburg Brewing Company. Come summer, Philipsburg (population 847) is a quaint base camp for mellow hikes in the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, fishing for brook trout in Georgetown Lake, and downhill mountain biking at Discovery Bike Park. At nearby Gem Mountain, you can even pan for sapphires—the treasure that put this former mining town on the map. —Jacob Baynham

Cabins Winner: Getaway House

Jon Staff was a burned-out East Coaster when he and a partner at Harvard Business School came up with a plan that focused on doing what he needed most: getting into nature to reset his mood, with zero distractions. Getaway House was born from that impetus. What started as one small house in a New Hampshire forest has grown into more than 780 tiny homes, set in clusters called outposts, in at least 15 states, all of them within a couple of hours of a major city. The idea behind each stay is for guests to fully disconnect from day-to-day life so they can reconnect in a healthier way upon reentry. Each white pine home is no bigger than 200 square feet and designed with a small kitchen, a large window for taking in the trees, and a lockbox for your phone. TV? Wi-Fi? Don’t ask. Instead, you’ll find an outdoor fire pit, a mini library, and a landline for emergencies. More than two dozen popular outposts now dot the country. One of the newest, near Asheboro, North Carolina, has trails and fishing, and sits within day-tripping distance of Birkhead Mountain Wilderness; there’s also a 12-mile round-trip hike up 938-foot Coolers Knob Mountain in the Uwharries. From $109 —T.N.

Runner-Up: Jet Hospitality

Looking to hook a gorgeous Montana rainbow trout, dig razor clams in Washington, or pick wild huckleberries on a stroll in Idaho? Jet Hospitality has you covered throughout the western U.S., with cabins, bungalows, and inns, along with glamping, tent, and RV sites, in Fort Smith, Montana; Pacific Dunes, Washington; and Teton Peaks Resort, Idaho, where you can hike or ride along the 30-mile Ashton-Tetonia Rail Trail or enjoy a wolf-watching adventure in Yellowstone National Park. —T.N.

Lake Winner: Burntside Lodge, Minnesota

In January, the Department of the Interior announced withdrawal of more than 225,000 acres of public land from federal mine-leasing programs near Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The 20-year hiatus allows campers to finally relax and reserve one of the 248 coveted permits allowed per day to enjoy paddling season, which starts May 1 and ends September 30. Not everyone who wants to explore the pristine north woods must sleep in a tent. Burntside Lodge on Burntside Lake—one of dozens of Boundary Waters entry points—has been owned by the LaMontagne family for more than 80 years. Its third-generation head chef, Nicole LaMontagne, serves up walleye as fresh and flaky as you could catch and fry yourself. With kayaks, canoes, and SUPs for rent, guests can paddle across the water to the Crab Lake Portage, then hike a mile overland for a taste of the wilderness. But most are happy to stay put. Reserve cabin 26. This one-bedroom shorefront log structure was built in the 1920s by Finnish craftsmen. The floors slope a bit, but with a cozy bed, a hot shower, a fireplace, and sunset views, who cares? —Stephanie Pearson

Runner-Up: Keweenaw Peninsula, Michigan

The Keweenaw Peninsula, off Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, juts into Lake Superior like a thumb ringed by thick forests, craggy shores, and a white-sand beach. You can see it all while paddling a sea kayak on the 100-mile-long Keweenaw Water Trail as it hops between wilderness campsites. If you’d prefer to be guided, go with the Keweenaw Adventure Company . —T.N.

Island Winner: St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

St. Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, which offer five National Park Service sites and require no passport for American citizens. Sitting 40 miles south of the more popular Caribbean counterparts St. Thomas and St. John, St. Croix is often overlooked by island-hopping visitors. It’s newly in the spotlight, however, after Congress designated the entire island a national heritage area in December. This step helps protect its mix of history and culture. A stroll through the colonial structures of Christiansted National Historic Site transports you back to Alexander Hamilton’s day, when the downtown district was a Danish port. Wander the shores of Salt River Bay, a somber reminder of the centuries when migrants, colonizers, and enslaved people passed through the territory. The island is also covered with trails that deliver incredible sea views, and snorkelers of any skill level will relish a day trip to Buck Island to marvel at massive reef systems where elkhorn coral may reach 30 feet high. For accommodations, consider the recently renovated King Christian Hotel, right on the waterfront. From $229 —Theresa McKinney

Runner-Up: Dauphin Island, Alabama

Visiting Dauphin, a 35-mile drive from Mobile on the Gulf Coast, will be a revelation once you glimpse the six miles of sugar-soft white dunes at West End Beach. The island is also home to a 137-acre Audubon bird sanctuary, with a three-mile-long National Recreational Trail, as well as excellent kayaking and paddling. This sliver of land has just 1,800 residents, the restaurants tend toward the bar-and-grill variety, and most vacation rentals are on stilts to protect against hurricanes—all of which contributes to its relaxed charm. —R.K.

Ski Winner: Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico

Operating a ski resort is an inherently resource-intensive business. Taos Ski Valley , however, has long taken a more conscientious approach, proving itself a maverick in the industry by committing to clean-energy initiatives. Taos was the first major ski resort to become a certified B Corp, which means that its operations meet the highest social and environmental standards. Late last year, it became carbon-neutral certified after reducing its footprint. It now uses renewable energy to power snowcats, snowmaking machines, and chairlifts; it has undergone green-building upgrades; and it invests in offset projects like reforestation and biofuels. Aside from its reputation for driving change, the main reason skiers flock to this resort in northern New Mexico is for the uncrowded, low-key vibe. That and the quick hike to steep chutes off the West Basin, bird’s-eye views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains from atop 12,481-foot Kachina Peak, and the green-chile-stuffed breakfast burritos from Bumps Market in the village. Stay at the 80-room Blake Hotel (from $300) and you’re steps from Lift 1. (The historic Hotel St. Bernard, another favorite, is undergoing a renovation and is slated to reopen in 2025.) Start this off with Al’s Run for a leg-crushing warm-up, and at day’s end join those in the know for beer and soft pretzels on the deck of the Bavarian at the bottom of Lift 4. —M.M.

Runner-Up: Bluebird Backcountry, Kremmling, Colorado

When Bluebird Backcountry opened three years ago, it offered a unique way to get into ski touring—with trail maps, guides, and gear rentals. You won’t find chairlifts at this 1,200-acre ski-patrolled area 45 minutes southeast of Steamboat Springs; it’s all human-powered. Over the winter, Bluebird added lodging options, including van-camping sites, a hostel, rustic cabins, and ski-to domes (from $25 for camping, $59 for hostel rooms, and $109 for cabins and domes). There’s no fancy slopeside hotel, but that’s partly why Bluebird’s so awesome: it’s an affordable escape from crowded resorts. —M.M.

The Wildest Place Winner: Black Hills and Badlands, South Dakota

The nation’s 17th largest state has a population of just under one million, about a fifth of whom live in Sioux Falls. The entire western third of the state is prairie grasslands, dense pine forests, geologically fascinating rock formations, and national parks filled with sacred caves and fossilized creatures from another era. See it all along the 111-mile Centennial Trail. Accessible to hikers, horseback riders, and, in some places, mountain bikers, the trail traverses state parks, federal wilderness, national forests, and a national park. It begins eight miles northeast of Sturgis in Bear Butte State Park, named for a plug of black igneous rock sacred to both the Lakota and Cheyenne. It then climbs into the wild geology of the Black Hills, home to pronghorn, bighorn sheep, elk, and turkey, winding around seven trout-filled lakes, crossing streams, and eventually topping out at 7,242-foot Black Elk Peak, before ending in Wind Cave National Park . Camping options vary from primitive tent sites to full campgrounds. Two-thirds in, the trail passes within a mile of Mount Rushmore, where hikers can peel off and sleep in a comfortable glamping tent at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore. To ensure no wrong turns, pick up the definitive guide, Hiking Centennial Trail, by Cheryl Whetham and Jukka Huhtiniemi. —S.P.

Runner-Up: Basin and Range National Monument, Nevada

Even in a state known for vast, empty landscapes, this 704,000-acre national monument two hours north of Las Vegas takes the prize. With no paved roads or designated hiking trails and unreliable cell service, you’re on your own to climb, roam, and suss out primitive camps in this desert terrain, where peaks rise to almost 9,000 feet. A lucky six people per day can visit City, a monumental sculpture of dirt, rock, and concrete mounds and depressions created over 50 years by artist Michael Heizer. Submissions to visit in 2023 are closed. Try again for 2024 at the Triple Aught Foundation’s website. —S.P.

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Adventure Awaits

Best Adventure Travel Destinations Around the World

Where should I go next? The world is full of exciting places to visit. From adventure sports to wildlife, from culture to history, there is no shortage of things to see and do around the globe.

There are countless reasons why travel is such a great experience. Not only does travelling give us new perspectives on life and ourselves, but it also gives us opportunities to explore other cultures and meet new people. So whether you want to participate in extreme sports or relax on an exotic beach, there is an adventure holiday destination to suit every traveller. 

But which destinations offer the best experiences? This article will give you an idea of the best adventure travel destinations based on the experiences of various adventurous travellers who’ve already got the t-shirt. 

Most Adventurous Travel Destinations Contents

This post contains affiliate links which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to buy anything from them. This is at no extra cost to you and In doing so you help to keep this site running, so thank you in advance.

Best Adventure Destinations in the Americas

Mexico is one of the best destinations for adventure travel. With a wealth of history and culture to explore, the country is sure to provide plenty of opportunities for tourism activities. So whether you’re looking for adventuristic hikes or simply relaxation, Mexico has something for everyone.

One of the most adventurous destinations in Mexico is Puebla. There are plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy; from hiking and biking trails to the beautiful architecture, this vibrant city has plenty to do.

Another great city is Oaxaca. This Northwestern Mexican city is known for its stunning architecture and vast Andean landscape. If you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation experience, Oaxaca is the perfect place to stay.

Then, of course, you have Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Playa del Carmen. This whole stretch of Mexico is full of adrenaline activities. From the specially designed adventure parks within the Xcaret Group to the Playa Del Carmen ATV tours, Zipline experiences, or even just jumping into the beautiful cenotes. You can’t go wrong with a trip to Mexico if you’re looking for fun, sun, and adrenaline.

By Erica Riley from Travels with Erica

Baños is a small town in central  Ecuador  and is the country’s adventure capital. It is most famous for its swing at the end of the world and waterfalls. 

Most people who visit Baños rent a bike at one of the many shops in town and bike along the Ruta de las Cascadas. You pass seven waterfalls on the ride, along with countless other breathtaking views. 

Once you get to the last waterfall, trucks await to bring cyclists and their bikes back down to the town. If you take the truck back to Baños, have cash on you. It costs a few dollars per person, but it is well worth the money after a long day of biking. 

Chasing waterfalls isn’t the only adventurous activity you can do in Baños. 

You can go paragliding, white water rafting, ziplining, canyoning, and go on a multi-day trek through the jungle. 

No matter what gets your adrenaline pumping, you can likely find it in Baños which makes it one of the top adventure travel destinations.

Monte Selva  is one of the most popular places to stay in Baños. It is in a great location but is on the pricier side.  Hotel Casa Santa Lucía  is your best option if you’re looking for a budget hotel.

By Laura the Explorer

Peru is my ultimate adventure holiday destination. Stretching from the coast of the Pacific Ocean, over the Andes Mountains, and into the lush Amazonian jungle, this South American country has so much to offer anyone looking for an adventure.

Peru is famous for its world-class treks, and the most prominent has to be the classic  four-day Inca Trail trek  to Machu Picchu, which I highly recommend! But it’s not the only option – there’s also the Cusco-based Salkantay trek, the Colca Canyon trek near Arequipa, and the Santa Cruz trek from Huaraz. 

Peru isn’t just about the multi-day treks, though, as day adventures are plentiful too! I’d follow the coast from Lima and take a flight over the incredible Nazca Lines, board down the dunes to the desert oasis of Huacachina, or take a day trip to stunning Rainbow Mountain.

Historic adventures are another must-do in Peru. Explore the history of the Incas in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, or head out on Lake Titicaca to discover the floating islands and meet the resident Uru people.

And last but not least, even the food in Peru is an adventure. From the world-class restaurants of Lima to the local delicacy cuy or maybe the 4,000 different kinds of potatoes, the country will take you on a culinary adventure. 

Patagonia, Chile

By Alya of Stingy Nomads

Patagonia, a vast region in the south of South America, is an excellent destination for an adventure holiday. Despite occupying a large part of Argentina and Chile, it’s one of the continent’s less populated and wild regions. Patagonia is known for its spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife, and unspoiled nature. We’ve spent two months exploring the region and could easily spend more time there. 

There are many National Parks and Reserves in Patagonia where one can practice outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, rafting, kayaking, etc. Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is one of the most popular places in Patagonia for hiking. There are two multi-day routes, the O circuit and  the W trek , and dozens of day hikes of different difficulty levels. 

El Chalten is another popular destination for outdoor activities. The town is often called the adventure capital of Argentina. The area has many hiking and rock climbing routes with breathtaking views. You will find many campsites, hotels, and hostels in El Chalten, but Rancho Grande is one of the most popular. 

Alternatively, the Carretera Austral in Chile is a perfect place for water activities, glacier hiking, and a cycling adventure. The area boasts many turquoise lakes and mountain rivers that are great for rafting and kayaking. Travelling Patagonia was one of the highlights of our year in South America.

By Zoe Schafer of Zoe Goes Places

Guatemala is Central America’s adventure playground that is easy on the purse strings. There’s plenty to do, but these are my top recommendations: 

You’ll want to hike a volcano in the Guatemalan city of Antigua. One option is the half-day hike to Pacaya Volcano, where you can roast marshmallows on the hot volcanic rock. The second option is the  overnight hike to Acatenango , where you’ll spend the night watching the nearby Fuego Volcano erupt lava high into the sky, followed by an incredible sunrise. Another great spot in Antigua is the Hobbitenango activity park – think giant swings, short walking trails, viewpoints and hobbit-themed fun!

From Antigua, you should make the trip to Lanquin to visit the serene Semuc Champey National Park. The journey takes around 10 hours on a shuttle transfer, but it’s worth it! Stay at the beautiful Zephyr Lodge, which has a range of dorms, private rooms, and a pool overlooking the lush countryside. At Semuc Champey, you can go caving, jump from waterfalls, swim in natural pools and hike through the jungle to the viewpoint. Also, you can go tubing along the river in the town, although it’s more of a chilled activity with beers on sale along the water! Nevertheless, Guatemala is still one of the best destinations for adventure travel in South America.

By Melissa from My Beautiful Passport

When looking for your next adventure holiday destination, give Nicaragua a try. Nicaragua is safe to visit and an excellent place for adventure seekers, especially if you skip the capital city. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, wedged between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, bordering Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. Known as the land of lakes and volcanoes, Nicaragua has 19 volcanoes across the country, plus the two largest freshwater lakes in Central America. 

Nicaragua is one of the most adventurous destinations I’ve visited and less discovered than its neighbour Costa Rica. Within this action-packed nation, you can find many outdoor activities, including surfing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, ziplining, and the famous  volcano boarding . The volcano hiking and surfing found here are some of the best in Central America, with different intensities available for different skill levels.

When looking for where to stay in Nicaragua, I recommend staying in Leon, San Juan del Sur, and Ometepe Island, as they are great adventure hubs. There are luxury and affordable accommodation options available in each of these areas of Nicaragua. So take an adventure holiday to Nicaragua for an unforgettable experience.

By Carley from Home to Havana

If you’re looking for an adventurous vacation, look no further than the  Ciudad Perdida  trek in Colombia, an unforgettable hike through the mountains to Colombia’s Lost City of Teyuna. Only first “discovered” by outsiders in the 1970s, indigenous peoples that live in the area had long known of the impressive ruins of this city deep in the jungle, constructed by their ancestor’s hundreds of years before Machu Picchu.

This multi-day trek, usually completed in four days, passes through the lush Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range near Colombia’s Caribbean coast and is pure adventure. To reach Ciudad Perdida, you’ll need to join a trek with a guide approved by the local indigenous leaders and stay at camps along the route with rustic kitchens and bunk beds. Prepare to hike for many kilometres each day. However, take pleasure in the chance to swim in the river at camp each night to cool off.

On day three of the trek, you’ll make it to the Lost City and be able to marvel at the terraced ruins peeking out of the jungle. While much of the Lost City is accessible to visitors, there are thought to be hundreds or even thousands of structures still hidden by the jungle, waiting to be rediscovered.

New Hampshire, USA

By Kate McCulley from newhampshireway.com

The state of New Hampshire may not be as famous to outsiders as Vermont or Maine — but not to New Englanders who know that this is one of the top adventure travel destinations in the US! The White Mountains region is home to tons of

Summer and fall are all about hiking the mountains. Artist’s Bluff near Franconia makes an easy but scenic hike; more seasoned hikers will enjoy Franconia Ridge. Appalachian Trail hikers often claim that New Hampshire’s White Mountains are the trail’s most beautiful (and most difficult!) part.

Climbing Mount Washington, the highest mountain in the Northeastern US, is the crowning achievement for New Hampshire adventurers. The summit is a challenging but rewarding hike home to the “worst weather in the world.” Nevertheless, even more, intrepid hikers conquer the NH 48, New Hampshire’s 48 4000-footers.

Not hiking? New Hampshire is a great place to explore by mountain bike or ATV, and the state campgrounds are very well maintained.

Visiting in the winter? There are plenty of ski resorts, from Loon Mountain to Cranmore Mountain, but that’s just the beginning. The White Mountains are a great place to learn ice climbing. Head up the Great North Woods for a dog-sledding ride. Fly through the air on the winter zipline at Mount Washington.

Jackson is filled with many cross-country ski trails, while Pittsburg, on the Canadian border, is the undisputed champion of snowmobiling in the Granite State. Even Lake Winnipesaukee is home to an ice fishing derby!

One place for a great base in the White Mountains is  Lincoln NH , which gives you easy access to hikes in Franconia Notch State Park, the Kancamagus Highway, and Loon Mountain Ski Resort. Also, the Woodstock Inn Brewery in North Woodstock is a cosy place to stay with excellent food and beer. 

Alaska, USA

By Paula Marinelli from Paula Pins the Planet

I love adventure travel destinations, and one of the tops of my favourite trips, without a doubt, is an  Alaska itinerary . During a road trip in Alaska, you will have several opportunities to find adventure along the way, such as driving through epic mountains and making plenty of stop-offs, so get ready for the ultimate experience. 

Some of the best places to visit in Alaska for any adventure lover is to spend at least a full day hiking and looking at wildlife at the amazing Denali National Park. Another must place to visit is Fairbanks, also with plenty of things to do. Here you can also find several hiking trails and enjoy some winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding or rent an ATV to get into the wild and get the opportunity to go off the beaten track along the Kelhini River. 

Now my preference for adventure is Seward, where you can head out on a cruise and spend some time exploring glaciers and marine wildlife at the Kenai Fjords National Park. While in the area, make sure you visit the Exit Glacier for fantastic hiking trails and the opportunity to get really close to the glacier. And if you are looking for a challenging hike, Harding Icefield is one of the best in the state. 

If you are an adventurous traveller, you need to add Alaska to your bucket list, and I am sure your trip will be as memorable as mine. The Last Frontier State offers a large variety of things to do, from excellent hiking trails to the stunning wilderness to glaciers where you can explore from a close distance and feel the power of nature just happen in front of your eyes. 

Hawaii, USA

By Sarah Vanheel of CosmopoliClan

Hawaii has so much more to offer than swaying palms and golden beaches. During my island-hopping trip, I ventured beyond the resorts to explore the natural beauty of every island. The variety of landscapes and opportunities for adventure blew me away, especially on the Big Island of Hawaii. 

This action-packed island accounts for no less than eight climate zones, from the arctic periglacial zone to the hot desert, resulting in the most spectacular scenery. Night snorkelling with manta rays, hiking to the unique green sand beach, admiring roaring waterfalls, swimming with turtles, setting foot on the crater lake of an active volcano, taking a whale-watching cruise and ziplining are just some examples of the mind-blowing activities on this majestic island. 

The Big Island awoke my inner adventurer. However, to make the most of your visit, I’d recommend dividing your time over the east and west coast. Hilo is the main town on the east side and the perfect travel base to explore the island’s lush decor and rocky coastline. 

The  best places to stay on Big Island’s  west side are the resort areas of Kailua-Kona and Waikoloa. This area is where you’ll find the island’s best beach resorts, such as the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, part of the Autograph Collection. Renting a car is always recommended when exploring Hawaii, yet not essential since you can visit most highlights as part of an organized tour.

By James Ian from Parks Collecting 

Utah, in the Southwest of the United States, is one of the best places in the country – and possibly the whole world – for adventure sports. But, of course, one of the epicentres of adventure sports is Moab. It’s just a few miles from  Arches National Park , which has some epic hikes and includes my favourite, Devil’s Garden. It’s also near Canyonlands National Park (great for hiking and four-wheel driving) and Dead Horse State Park. The Colorado River winds through the state nearby, and several stretches have excellent whitewater rafting, kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboarding. 

The area around Moab has epic trails for mountain biking and dirt roads for ATVs and jeeping. It’s also a mecca for rock climbing and canyoneering. Rappelling down steep cliffs, squeezing through narrow slot canyons, and even swimming through deep rock pools in narrow canyons are sure to satisfy every adrenaline junkie. I spent an epic day rappelling and hiking in the Granary Canyon, which ended in a 200-foot drop to an ancient native American granary, and it was amazing. 

Other highlights of this adventure holiday destination include Zion National Park, which has two of the most famous hiking trails in the country. The Narrows, where you hike in a waist-deep river through a steep slot canyon, is one of my all-time favourite hikes. And walking along a narrow ridge with steep drop-offs on both sides to get to Angels Landing is a must-do adventure for those without a fear of heights. More slot canyons in the surrounding area make for incredible canyoneering experiences. This experience was my introduction to canyoneering, and it was amazing! No matter what kind of adventure you like, you will find it in Utah. 

An excellent place to stay in Moab is Moab Springs Ranch which has cute bungalows and a seasonal outdoor pool. 

Banff, Canada

By Jessica Schmidt from Uprooted Traveler

Banff, Canada, is full of outdoor adventures with epic glaciers, dramatic mountains, and turquoise lakes. This small mountain town is conveniently located just an hour and a half from the Calgary International Airport.

Banff in the summer  is pure magic, with colourful alpine lakes, like Moraine Lake or Lake Louise, to be explored via canoe or kayak. There are also plenty of incredible hiking trails, like the Little Beehive trail, which takes you to some of the most dramatic views overlooking the Canadian Rockies. For something more adrenaline-inducing, consider going on a via Ferrata tour, where you’ll climb (with a harness, of course) 2,450 meters above sea level as you traverse stunning couloir on wires. 

If you’re visiting in winter, it is still one of the best adventure travel destinations. For example, Banff boasts multiple world-class ski resorts, allowing everyone from beginners to expert skiers and snowboarders to enjoy tearing up the slopes, all with the dramatic backdrop of the Rockies. The area is also one of the best ice climbing destinations on the planet, with plenty of frozen waterfalls to scale.

Consider making the Canalta Lodge in downtown Banff your home base during your stay. Beyond its convenient location, it offers tons of awesome perks, from complimentary breakfast, outdoor hot tubs, and even a cold plunge pool for those hearty travellers.

Best adventure holiday destinations in Europe

Eastern germany.

By Ali from Berlin Travel Tips.

If you’re looking for an adventurous vacation, eastern Germany is a great place to visit. Hiking, cycling, water activities, and more are all fun ways to experience this section of the country. 

Saxony Switzerland National Park is south of Dresden, one of the country’s best parks. There are hiking trails for all levels, and the scenery is gorgeous. I’m not the most athletic person, but I enjoyed an easy hike with only a short amount of steep walking. The town of Bad Schandau is a good base for exploring here.

Another great option at this top adventure travel destination is the Spreewald. This forest is a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve, and it’s easy to  visit the Spreewald from Berlin  since it’s only about an hour away. Boat tours are popular here, but for more adventurous travellers, rent a kayak or canoe and explore on your own. You can also find many cycling paths here or go for a long hike in the forest. Though not quite an adventurous activity, I recommend trying lots of pickles while you’re here. The region is famous for them, and there’s even a pickle cycling route.

If the ocean is more your thing, head to Rügen on the Baltic Sea. This gorgeous island has lots of beaches and hiking and cycling trails. I especially enjoyed visiting Jasmund National Park to see the dramatic cliffs. I only did a few short hikes in that area, but if you’re in better shape than I am, you can hike to the park from the town of Sassnitz. Binz is a cute resort town to stay in, and we loved the dog-friendly Strandhaus Belvedere hotel.

Algarve, Portugal

By Linn Haglund from Amused by Algarve

One of the best adventure destinations is the southern Portuguese coast, Algarve. Boasting an incredible variety of adventures, it particularly attracts travellers from all over the world for its superb surf. Whether you are new to surfing and want to take surf lessons or are a seasoned surfer, there will be perfect waves on one of the spectacular beaches. 

An underrated activity that not many travellers add to their itinerary is hiking. With more than 150kilometers of coastline, the region boasts incredible coastal hikes venturing on top of jaw-dropping cliffs, past mesmerizing beaches, rock formations, and sea caves. Water sports lovers will quickly fill up even a short trip of  3 days in Algarve  with kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, and maybe even scuba diving to explore sea caves and secluded beaches.

Even though most people only go for a few days, you can easily spend weeks in Algarve without getting bored. Especially Albufeira and Lagos make for superb destinations to base yourself where you can meet other adrenaline junkies to go on tours with, even if you travel solo. If you want to explore the Algarve inland, go on a 4WD or buggy tour to race across the inland on an action-filled trip!

Related read : Discover the 10 Best Places to Snorkel in Europe

Split, Croatia

By Sylvie Simpson from Travels with Eden

Split is one of the best adventure holiday destinations in Croatia, if not the world. The city is the gateway to exploring the Croatian islands and the Adriatic Coast. In the city, you can explore the old town, visit Diolectins Palace and hike up Marjam Hill for stunning views or go on a SUP trip around the harbour. In addition, you can browse hundreds of boat trip options along the harbour and visit many of the Croatian islands as day trips from Split. There are often multiple swimming stops and snorkelling opportunities on the way to the islands.

Hvar is one of the best islands to visit on a day trip from Split. Hike up to the Spanish Fortress, go kayaking around the Palaneki Islands or go on a speedboat tour around the blue cave.

Bol is one of the nearest islands to Split and has some of the best beaches in Croatia. Explore the famous golden horn beach or hike around the stunning Vidova Gora.

From the city of Split, you can also explore inland Croatia. There are many  stunning waterfalls near Split , the best being Krka waterfalls, where you can explore the local area and swim in the gleaming green waters.

Whatever you choose to do in Split, there are plenty of adventure activities available and multiple islands to explore.

Southern Spain

By Cristina of My Little World of Travelling

Andalusia region, located in Southern Spain, is one of the most diverse counties in the country. So whether you love visiting museums and art galleries, tasting the local food, learning about culture, or hiking, Andalusia has it all.

If you love adventure activities, you will want to check the national parks and incredible beaches across Southern Spain. Head to the Sierra Nevada, well-known for skiing and beautiful hiking trails for winter sports activities. 

If you are a summer person, you will love the water activities you can do in Andalusian cities like Malaga, Cadiz and Almeria and their nearby towns. One of my favourite places to do scuba diving is Maro beach in Nerja (Malaga). The crystal-clear water and impressive cliffs and caves make it a unique place.

Tarifa is your go-to place for surfing as it is considered one of the best surfing areas in Europe due to its perfect wind conditions.

An excellent way to do all these activities is by going on a road trip around Andalucia. This way you can also discover some of the most  beautiful towns and cities in Southern Spain .

If you plan a road trip, I highly recommend starting your journey in Malaga because it has a big airport and is in a great location to move around Andalucia. If you stay in Malaga for a night or two, staying at Room Mate Valeria is an excellent choice.”

Recommended Read – Honeymoon in Spain | Discover What Makes it the Perfect Place for Newlyweds

Interlaken, Switzerland

By Jacoba from Op reis met Co

Sometimes you visit a place where you can quickly see yourself living for the rest of your life. For me, that’s the town of  Interlaken in Switzerland . It’s gorgeous and the perfect adventure holiday destinations for the active traveller. 

Interlaken is between two beautiful blue lakes (Interlaken means “between lakes”) in central Switzerland. It’s the gateway to the Jungfrau Region, with some of the highest mountain tops in the Swiss Alps. 

Impressive snowcapped mountain tops surround the town. I stayed in Backpackers Villa Sonnenhof, which I highly recommend. From the balcony of my room, I had a great view of the 4158-meter-high mountain Jungfrau. 

Why is Interlaken so great for the active traveller? First, it’s an excellent place for hiking; there are hundreds of fun hiking trails to explore. Then, if you’re up for the challenge, hike up to Harder Kulm, a mountain next to Interlaken. You have a fantastic view of the town and the lakes from here. 

In addition, Interlaken is an excellent place for other fun adventures, like white water rafting and paragliding. 

By Stephanie Rytting from The Unknown Enthusiast

Iceland is one of the best destinations for adventure travel. There are so many captivating places to explore in this country, made up of glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls, and reindeer. 

Iceland is located just beneath the Arctic Circle, between Greenland and Norway, and part of Europe. 

I loved my Iceland holiday adventure so much. I experienced the best whale watching in Europe from the town of Husavik, felt the raw power of enormous waterfalls, hiked on glaciers, and visited the Glacier Lagoon, where crystal blue icebergs from the glacier floated across the water. And I took every opportunity to finish my days by soaking in the ubiquitous hot springs and hot rivers throughout the country. 

I visited in summer, found the freedom offered by universal light liberating, and used it to explore at all times of the day. Seeing the midnight sun was a fantastic experience. Conversely, in the winter, you can go exploring in ice caves and see the Northern Lights.

Many people choose to see Iceland by doing an  itinerary on Iceland’s Ring Road  in a campervan. Still, if you want a home base, Vik, Iceland is a good, reasonably central spot in southern Iceland, and Hotel Katla is an excellent place to stay. 

Best adventure holiday destinations in Oceania

Queenstown new zealand.

By Josephine Remo

Famously known as the world’s adventure capital, Queenstown is the epicentre of adventure activities, and you should include it in any travel itinerary or road trip to  New Zealand . There is such a variety of things to do in Queenstown , ranging from bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boat trips, hiking, zip lining, and river rafting, Queenstown is a popular travel destination for New Zealanders and foreigners. For this, Queenstown is home to close to 1,5 million tourists a year.

In the Otago region on the southern island of New Zealand, Queenstown is right next to the magnificent Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by three rivers; Dart River, Shotover River, and Kawarau River. At Kawarau River, you find the world’s first and most famous bungee jump, “The Kawarau Bridge Bungy”. Another bungee jump alternative is to visit the stunning Skippers Canyon, which also serves as an excellent jet boating destination. 

A great activity to do while in town is to visit Lake Wakatipu. Because of its beauty and stunning views, this is a great spot for cycling, trekking, or enjoying a picnic along the elongated shores. 

For the best panoramic views, visit “Bob’s Peak”. Getting to the highest point can be done by taking the Tiki Trail trek or travelling up the Skyline Gondola. 

If you are into skiing or snowboarding, then “The Remarkables” mountain range on Lake Wakatipu’s southeastern shores rises sharply and creates an incredible backdrop along the water. 

Lastly, a must-do in the Queenstown area is to head further southwest to the wondrous fjord of Milford Sounds. This fjord is incredible at offering idyllic views, hikes, and kayaking tours that sometimes include dolphin or whale watching. All of these experiences, and then some, make Queenstown one of the most adventurous travel destinations in New Zealand.

Tasmania, Australia

By Natalie & Steve from Curious Campers

Tasmania is Australia’s smallest state, separated from the mainland by the unpredictable waters of Bass Straight. We love visiting here. Tasmania is a place of world heritage wilderness areas, towering sea cliffs, snow-capped peaks, and abundant wildlife. You can fly or catch the Spirit of Tasmania Ferry to Tasmania. We have done both and recommend taking a car on the ferry to make it much easier to get around.

One of our favourite adventure spots in Tasmania is  Cradle Mountain, National Park . There are walks here for all ability levels. It is a stunning place to trek, from the glacial Dove Lake walk to challenging hikes to the Cradle Mountain summit. You could spend 3 or 4 days exploring the area. The 6-day Overland Trek from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair is one of Australia’s best hikes. In Cradle Mountain, we stay at the cute and cosy Highlanders Cottages. 

The Three Capes Track on Tasmania’s east coast is a great way to see some of the state’s most dramatic coastline. Blowholes, sea caves, waterfalls and 300-metre-high cliffs are all part of the scenery. The Tasman Island wildlife cruise you can do around this coastline is also a fantastic travel adventure.

Best adventure holiday destinations in Middle East & Africa

By Linda Muy from Linda Travels

Uganda is an adventure seekers’ paradise known for its abundant wildlife and stunning scenery. Located on the equator in Central Africa, Uganda has vivid green landscapes and dramatic skies. There are beautiful lakes, snow-topped mountains and forests where endangered primates roam wild. 

Uganda is the best place in the world to  track chimpanzees and gorillas  in their natural habitat. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, there are tree-climbing lions, large herds of buffalo, elephants, waterbuck and a wide variety of birds in the wetlands. Semliki Nature Reserve is especially popular with bird watchers and has around 500 species of birds and a wide variety of larger wildlife. 

I stayed at the Semliki Safari Lodge in a luxury safari tent and loved the morning and afternoon game drives. On an early morning boat trip on Lake Albert, the water was like glass, reflecting the clouds in the sky, and we saw a rare Shoebill on a grass island in the middle of the Lake. Uganda is certainly one of the best adventure holiday destinations in the world, and with some planning, you can stay safe and enjoy the trip of a lifetime. 

Essaouira, Morocco

By Jenny Lynn

Being the ‘accessible Africa’ with easy connections from mainland Europe, travellers have known Morocco as a top adventure travel destination for some time now. Whether it’s an overnight camp in the Sahara Desert, trekking through the Atlas Mountains to reach the summit of Toubkal (4,167 metres), or getting lost in the medinas of Fez or Marrakech, Morocco offers so much for adventurous souls in a relatively small country.

If you want to base yourself in one place, rather than travelling all over the country, the best Moroccan town for adventure is Essaouira; just three hours west of Marrakech, perched on the Atlantic Coast. 

Essaouira’s traffic-free medina is beautiful to walk around, and the views over the ocean from the ramparts are stunning, especially at sunset. But there are many adventurous  Essaouira activities , such as quad-biking over the dunes, horse riding along the beach, and surfing the Atlantic waves. However, the main reason that people visit Essaouira is for kite-surfing. With that strong breeze from the Atlantic, Essaouira has been coined the “Windy City of Africa” and is one of the best places in the world for kite-surfing. 

Related read : Epic Things to Do in Marrakech

Cappadocia, Turkey

By Sean Lau from Living Out Lau

If you are looking for adventurous holiday destinations that are both affordable and rich in culture, look no further than Cappadocia. Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Goreme National Park, historical treasures dots Cappadocia’s lunar-like desert landscape. 

 The most adventurous thing we did was riding the hot air balloons. We floated through the sky and admired the epic rock formations from above. The hot air balloon rides only sparked our interest, so we took on some of the hiking trails in Cappadocia afterwards. 

We explored some ancient cave dwellings, fairy chimneys, and rock-cut churches that made this region so famous. For the brave ones, there are many cave dwellings that you can climb in and imagine life back then, but just be cautious of deteriorating structures. 

Besides hiking, we went on an adventurous ATV tour. We drove through some of the valleys in Cappadocia during sunset. Our tour guide told us the history of the place, including the people that once used to call this place home.

The icing on the cake was a superb  cave hotel in Cappadocia  that we stayed in called Goreme Cave Lodge. It had beautiful rooms carved into the caves that acted as natural insulation and an outdoor pool that complemented the natural landscape of Cappadocia!

Best adventure destinations in Asia

Sabah, borneo.

Borneo is an adventure holiday destination that offers stunning landscapes and coastline and a variety of activities to enjoy. From hiking to wildlife spotting, visitors can find something to enjoy regardless of their interests when  backpacking in Sabah . With its warm climate and welcoming population, Sabah is perfect for a relaxing holiday or people looking for new experiences.

The sun-soaked city of  Kota Kinabalu  is the perfect place to start your adventurous holiday. Its stunning landscapes and foothills make it a popular spot for culture and relaxation, and it is usually the first/last stop on your journey through Sabah. If you’re able, hike Mount Kinabalu and see this beautiful country above the mountain tops.

When you’re not busy hiking, why not head to the rice paddy fields and stay at a local homestay, learning traditional recipes and ways of cooking? Continue, and you’ll soon arrive at  River Katabangan , where you can stay in an eco-lodge immersed in nature and take beautiful river safaris morning, afternoon and night.

The final stop on your adventure should be the famous  Sepilok Orangutan rehabilitation centre  and sun bear rescue, which are ethical animal experiences that support the conservation effort of the Malaysian rainforest.

By Jade from Two Tall Travellers

Sri Lanka is an adventure lover’s dream destination! For such a small island, it’s packed with a surprising amount of thrill-seeking things to do. We spent three months here and certainly weren’t expecting so many exciting experiences to be available!

Hiking might not seem that adventurous to some, but we found plenty of challenging climbs like Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock that reward incredible views you just can’t get whilst sunbathing! We wanted to zipline down from Little Adam’s Peak, but we were too early for them to be open – something we regret and would go back and do in a heartbeat!

Snorkelling with wild turtles in Hikkaduwa was another highlight, and the surfing scene is excellent for beginners and pros alike. Kayaking, white water rafting and rock climbing are perfect options for adrenaline junkies!

I think the best adventures in Sri Lanka, though, have got to be the fantastic safaris dotted around the country! Yala is best to spot wild leopards – and they come out very close to the jeeps when they’re not lazing in trees – and Udawalawe is famous for its elephants – we saw around 60 in just one afternoon!

I’d highly recommend visiting Sri Lanka if you’re looking for adventure, whether on a hot balloon ride over the stunning countryside, diving breathtaking (excuse the pun!) sites or spending a morning  looking for blue whales  along the south coast. 

By Una from Wandernity

Bali is an island in Indonesia and a popular destination among travellers. There are many  reasons why you should visit Bali , and one of them is the number of adventures you can experience on this island.

Bali is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, spectacular rice terraces, lush jungle, and active volcanoes. Balinese culture is unique and vibrant, with rich history of art, dance, and music. And while Bali may be best known as a destination for relaxation and rejuvenation, it also offers exciting nightlife, world-class surfing, and opportunities for adventure. 

When I visited Bali, I tried surfing with an instructor for the first time. Then, for a more thrilling experience, I went to see the Ijen volcano and the mysterious blue lights in its crater on a night hike (it’s on Java island but can be easily reached on a day trip from Bali). The rafting was excellent in Bali, as the rivers are fast and with many turns, and the water is pleasantly warm when you get splashes. Overall, there are many adventures that you can find in Bali; just ask the locals for some fun directions.

I recommend staying in Plataran Ubud Hotel & Spa. Located relatively centrally, you’ll be able to go anywhere in Ubud in a few minutes. The hotel has lovely pools and lush greenery. And Ubud is a great home base in Bali for day trips to other top adventure travel destinations.

Related reads:

The Ultimate Guide to the Famous Bali Swing Ubud

Best Places to Travel in Asia

Best Adventure Travel Destinations in Summary

In conclusion, the best destinations for adventure travel worldwide are those that offer unique experiences and are located in some of the world’s most beautiful regions. With so many options available, it is hard to determine which destination is the best for you. However, our top recommendations should give you plenty of ideas to explore and enjoy your trip.

If you’re still thirsty for more adrenaline-pumping experiences, then check out my guides on:

• Best Adventure Honeymoon Destinations for Outdoorsy Couples
• Mini Moon Ideas in Europe for Adventure Lovers
• Top Adventurous Things to Do in Costa Rica for the Thrill Seeker

Do you have an appetite for adventure but don’t know where to start with planning it all?

Do you like to travel but hate spending hours online researching holidays and trying to find the best deals? Here’s why I come in. VeggTravel is an independent travel agent that does the hard work for you. I do the research, compare the prices and build the itinerary for your dream holiday, cruise, city break, or activity. Plus, my agent connections often mean exclusive offers on hotels and flights that you can’t find anywhere else.

Rest assured that any holiday booked through me will give you the relevant ABTA, CILA or ATOL protection you need. Not only that, but I’ll provide you with bespoke service tailored to your needs, and I’ll be there every step of the way, ensuring that things go smoothly or being your single point of contact if things don’t.

Ready to take your vacation to the next level? I don’t charge a fee, so if you’re based in the UK, drop me a mail and see what I can do for you.

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I'm Kerry, a Veggie travel enthusiast with a passion for adventure, nature, wildlife and the good old outdoors. I write about exciting bucket list travel destinations to give you inspiration and ideas for your next trip.

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Best adventure vacations in the u.s..

For some, escaping the daily grind means getting their adrenaline pumping on a rugged mountainside or 50 feet below the ocean's surface. Others search for snowy peaks and alpine lakes simply for a change of scenery. Using expert advice and traveler votes, U.S. News created a list of some of the best adventure vacations in the U.S. for a thrilling walk on the wild side. Be sure to cast your vote below to help determine next year's ranking.

Yellowstone National Park

Grand canyon national park, yosemite national park, jackson hole, kaua'i, hawaii - the big island, acadia national park, adirondacks.

For more than 11,000 years, Yellowstone has been home to Native Americans (26 different tribes have historic connections to the park), while the park's natural wonders draw visitors from all over the world. Hiking trails wind throughout the Wyoming, Montana and Idaho sections of the park, taking you to sights like the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs. If hiking isn't your style, you're in luck: Biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling and kayaking are all available. Camp at one of Yellowstone's sites or in its undeveloped backcountry, if you're feeling especially adventurous.

Arizona's Grand Canyon boasts an array of adrenaline-pumping activities, most notably hiking and whitewater rafting on the Colorado River. To avoid the crowds, check out the hiking routes on the North Rim; chances are you won't see as many people along the challenging North Kaibab Trail. You're welcome to explore on your own, but for some of the best views, consider signing up for a guided excursion in a Jeep, atop a mule or in a helicopter.

Yosemite National Park features mountains, meadows, massive sequoia trees and plenty of waterfalls – all less than 170 miles east of San Francisco. Activities are similarly varied, ranging from bird-watching and stargazing to snowboarding and biking. Climbers will relish the opportunity to boulder and slackline throughout the California park. Meanwhile, novice and experienced hikers alike will find plenty of trails to trek, whether they want to explore mountains or valleys. Keep in mind, Yosemite's famous Half Dome hike is best suited for proficient hikers.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming, offers adventurous pursuits year-round. In winter and early spring, ski resorts boast plenty of powder for skiing, snowshoeing and tubing. For a more relaxing outing, opt for a sleigh ride. In the warmer months, kayaking, whitewater rafting or hiking in Grand Teton National Park is a must. And in fall, no visit would be complete without leaf peeping and listening to the bugle calls of wild elk in the National Elk Refuge.

The beauty of this lake straddling the California-Nevada border is impossible to ignore. The picturesque peaks offer some of the best skiing in the country (both cross-country and downhill), while the crystal-clear lake is ideal for kayaking, canoeing and boating. You'll also find plenty of other activities, including disc golf, parasailing, hiking and golf. For a different kind of thrill, try your luck at the casinos or in nearby Reno, Nevada.

Filled with acres of misty rainforests, plummeting waterfalls and oceanside cliffs, Kauai's opportunities for adventure are enough to excite even the most jaded visitor. Float on a tube down the Hawaiian island's waterways, soar over the trees on a zip line or hike through rainforests and along the rim of Waimea Canyon. Surfing is another can't-miss activity here. Poipu offers great waves for new surfers, while the North Shore's gnarly waves are made for expert athletes.

Like other Hawaiian Islands, Maui offers a myriad of activities to get your blood pumping, from sea kayaking to helicopter tours to volcano hiking. But this is just the beginning: Head to Maui's northeast coast to admire roaring waterfalls, belching blowholes and jagged peaks. And don't forget to spend time in the water. Visit Molokini for a colorful and exotic snorkeling experience, or suit up to go into the depths of the ocean during a scuba diving excursion.

The largest of Hawaii's islands boasts plenty of jungle to trek and not one, but five volcanoes (some of which are still active). Explore Mauna Loa and Kilauea, two of the active volcanoes, by hiking through Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Its 150 miles of trails wind through rainforests and volcanic craters, among other natural wonders. After your hike, cool off in the island's surrounding waters by snorkeling in Honaunau Bay, located about 20 miles south of Kona on the island's western shore.

There are ample opportunities for adventure in Maine's forested wilderness. If you're considering Acadia for your next family trip, note that the park's rocky trails can be challenging for little legs. However, there are several forest and coastal trails that are better suited for children, including the Jesup Path and Hemlock Path Loop, and the Wonderland Trail. Additionally, you and the kids will get a kick out of watching the park's harbor seals.

This mountainous region in upstate New York has plenty to offer thrill-seekers. Test the powder on Whiteface Mountain, navigate the area's waters in a canoe or test your climbing skills on one of numerous rock faces. While here, you'll also want to check out a few of the region's more unique offerings, such as the Lake Placid Olympic Sites. At Mount Van Hoevenberg, fill your need for speed on its Cliffside Coaster or by partaking in bobsled rides. Then, try the zip line at the Olympic Jumping Complex to mimic the feeling of ski jumping.

You'll need to pack a sturdy pair of shoes for your trip to Sedona, Arizona. The town's striking red rocks are best seen on foot from one of the destination's 200-plus hiking paths. Not sure where to start? Kick off your trip at The Hike House, where staff can help you pick a trail that suits your skill level. You can also explore the area by horseback or via an all-terrain vehicle or a mountain bike.

If you're an adventure junkie, you shouldn't miss out on America's "Last Frontier." Take a boat trip through Tracy Arm Fjord to see crumbling glaciers and swimming seals, or head to breathtaking – literally, it's an exhausting hike – Mendenhall Glacier. Save some of your strength for other pursuits in the Alaskan capital, too, including fishing trips, glacier climbing, whale watching, skiing and dog sledding. No matter what you decide to do, be sure to wear plenty of layers and sturdy shoes.

Telluride, Colorado, was a gold and silver mining town until 1972 when the first ski lift was installed. The town then began its transformation into a mecca of outdoor adventure. In winter, available activities are limited to snow sports like skiing, ice climbing and sledding. As spring begins, Telluride's options expand to include everything from paragliding to rock climbing to kayaking. Extend the adventure by camping instead of staying in a hotel.

Anchorage, Alaska, showcases Mother Nature's adventurous side in Chugach State Park, where craggy cliffs beckon to hikers, rock climbers, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers and snowshoers. Families can get the kiddos in on the action by checking out the more novice Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Alternatively, they can treat younger travelers to a horseback riding trip or bike ride through one of Anchorage's other parks – there are 223 available within city limits.

Located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Big Sur features the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in the continental U.S. Home of famous U.S. Highway 1, this California treasure attracts roughly the same number of visitors as Yosemite. Strict regulations have limited how many commercial options are available for adventurers, but hikers and nature lovers will feel right at home here. Hit the trails at Los Padres National Forest or Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Don't forget to visit the beach in the latter, too, to snap pics of the stunning Keyhole Arch at sunset.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Everglades National Park

Outer Banks

Bryce Canyon National Park

Breckenridge

Asheville, NC

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More From Forbes

7 international destinations perfect for a golf trip.

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You’ve played some of the best golf courses in the United States . Now, you’re looking to pack your clubs, rally some friends, and hit the links on an international golf trip. But which parts of the world boast the best collection of golf courses?

Top Golf Destinations

From Latin America to the South Pacific — and, of course, Scotland — here’s a list of seven international destinations perfect for a golf trip.

1. Scotland: The Birthplace of Golf

The famous Swilcan bridge on the 18th hole of the Old Course links in St Andrews, Scotland. Many ... [+] famous golfers have traditionally posed for photographs on this bridge at the end of their tournament rounds, thanking the crowds for their support. The Royal & Ancient clubhouse can be seen towards the left of the background.

The Scottish seaside town of St. Andrews is known around the world as the birthplace of golf, and the iconic Old Course headlines most golfers’ bucket lists. Book a stay at the golf-inspired Rusacks St Andrews , where rooms come with views of the hallowed turf.

Even if you can’t score a tee time at the Old Course, there’s plenty more courses beckoning. In fact, Scotland has more golf courses per person than anywhere else in the world. From the links of Fife to courses along the dunes of Aberdeenshire’s coast, the country has more than 550 courses.

Scotland’s weather is known to fluctuate, but the golf season is typically April to September.

2. Ireland: A Links Paradise

Your best look yet at the new iphone 16, trump media stock djt at risk of a new short selling plunge, ryan garcia what s ostarine and how could a boxer use it to cheat.

Adare Manor in Ireland.

Ireland is nicknamed the “green of dreams” and the island is home to more than 400 golf clubs. A third of the world’s natural links courses are here, and more than 240,000 golfers make the pilgrimage to Ireland each year to play on the unforgiving fairways.

In County Limerick, Adare Manor is a coveted stay for golfers. The championship golf course designed by golf architect Tom Fazio will host the 2027 Ryder cup.

While most courses are open all year round, the best time for Ireland golf trips is from April to October. In peak summer, it stays light out until 10 p.m., which means you can play a couple of rounds and make the most of your golf vacation.

3. Fiji: Luxury Private Island Greens

Denaru Golf & Racquet Club

Fiji is a draw for all types of vacationers, from honeymooners to scuba divers. But it’s also a golfer’s paradise in the South Pacific, with more than a dozen courses scattered across the islands and stunning fairways lined with palm trees.

For those coming for golf, Viti Levu, the main island, is home to three championship courses: Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, which is located at the InterContinental Resort and comes with Pacific Ocean views, Denarau Golf & Racquet Club, and The Pearl South Pacific Golf Course.

Fun fact: The country has even produced one of the world’s top golfers, Vijay Singh, who fell in love with the game at the Nadi Airport Golf Course.

4. New Zealand: Dramatic Scenery

Te Arai Links in Tomarata, New Zealand

In New Zealand, golf is the sport with the highest participation among both men and women. The country has more than 400 golf courses, and the dramatic landscapes — from craggy, isolated coastlines tracing the greens to soaring mountains in the alpine areas — make it one of the most idyllic destinations for golfers.

Renowned architect Tom Doak has said “no country has seen its golf courses improve more over the past 20 years than New Zealand.” One of his famous New Zealand courses is Cape Kidnappers, which is perched above the ocean on clifftops, and built on ridge-and-valley landscape.

A 90 minute drive from Auckland (or 25 minutes via helicopter), Te Arai Links , which has two links golf courses along the coastline is also a sought-after destination. One course was designed by Doak, and the other is from Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. In between tee times, the area is known for its surf breaks and lively nearby market towns, Mangawhai and Matakana, as well as its vineyards and olive groves.

October through April is considered high season, and golfers will pay less the other times of year.

5. Mexico: Mountain, Desert And Ocean Landscapes

Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto

Los Cabos and the Baja Peninsula have long dominated as one of the best golf destinations in not just Latin America, but the world, thanks to its mountain-desert-ocean landscape, gentle sea breezes, and a collection of cacti-studded courses designed by some of the world’s greatest golf architects, like Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Greg Norman and Robert Trent Jones, Jr.

In Loreto, which is on the Eastern coast of Baja California Peninsula, golfers can tee off in a UNESCO World Heritage site when they play a round at Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto by Danzante Bay, which overlooks the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez. Travelers can book packages Unlimited Golf or Spa that comes with unlimited rounds for three days.

Golf continues to grow and get better throughout Mexico, with more than 200 courses to play. Beyond the Baja Peninsula, some other top golf spots in Mexico include the courses dotting the Pacific Coastline and in the Riviera Maya, like El Camaleón, an 18-hole, Greg Norman-designed course that moves through tropical jungle, mangroves, and past freshwater canals. It’s also the first PGA Tour Course in Latin America.

6. Vietnam: A Fast-Growing Golf Destination

Hoiana Shores in Vietnam

For golfers looking for the next ‘it’ destination, turn your attention to Vietnam, where some of the world’s best golf architects are designing courses in the mountains, jungles, and along its coastline. Before 2020, there were about 80 golf courses in Vietnam, many attached to luxury resorts. By 2025, more than 200 courses will be built out.

Golfers can find year-round golf in Vietnam, heading into the highlands like Dalat for a cool mist and mountain breezes and hitting and booking tee times in Ho Chi Minh City and Southern Vietnam throughout the year. November to April is dry and cool in Northern Vietnam, and the same goes for Central Vietnam from February to May.

Hoina Shores Golf Club , designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is a must-play for any golf enthusiast visiting Vietnam. It’s located within the $4 billion Hoiana Casino and Resort development on the Vietnamese coast south of Danang.

7. Mauritius: Bucket List Golf Destination

Anahita Golf Club

Mauritius is known for its stunning beaches and lush rainforests and unofficial world wonders like the Chamarel Seven Colored Earth Geopark, a sand dune bursting with colors. But this island in the Indian Ocean also has a history of golf. The tourism office claims that in 1844, when it was under British rule, Mauritius was the third country in the world to be introduced to the sport and Gymkhana Golf Club was the fourth country club in the world where golf was played

Today, Mauritius has 10 18-hole courses and three 9-hole golf courses, including the bucket-list worthy Iles aux Cerfs Golf Club at Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius . Golfers take a complimentary boat shuttle to the golf course where 18 holes come with scenic ocean views. The resort’s second course is Anahita Golf Club, which is set on a former sugar plantation and backed by mountains and fringed by a lagoon.

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