travel and holidays activities

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Travel & Holidays ESL Games, Worksheets | ESL Travel Activities

If you need some fresh, new ideas for the ESL travel and holiday unit that you can find in most textbooks, then you’re in the right place. We’ll share our top ideas for games and activities, along with travel vocabulary, worksheets and lesson plans. Let’s get to the best ESL holiday activities.

ESL holiday and travel-themed activities

Let’s get into everything you need to know for an ESL holiday lesson. Keep on reading!

ESL Travel and Holiday Activities

Here are the top ESL travel activities that you may want to try out with your students.

#1: Plan a Trip

Have your students plan a dream vacation in English! Instead of researching in their first language, use Google in English. In order to practice writing, keep notes only in English. Here’s an example of how you might plan your trip using English. You can have your students add as little, or as much detail as you’d like. However, the point of the activity is to practice writing in point form which is useful when writing outlines for tests or essays.

Day 1: Monday, January 1

Fly Seoul (3pm) —-> Vancouver (7am) Check in Hotel ABC, 123 Avenue Rest, relax

Day 2: Tuesday, January 2

Stay Hotel ABC Tour Stanley Park Eat Pub XYZ dinner

Day 3: Wednesday, January 3

Check out Hotel ABC Rent car Budget 123 Drive Whistler Rent skis shop ABC Go Skiing Lunch ski lodge Check in Hotel ABC Whistler Bed early

Procedure for one of my favourite ESL travel activities:

• Give students time to do some Internet research about a place they want to go. It’s helpful to specify the number of days. I generally make a rule that they must do this research in English. Suggest some helpful websites where they might like to start (Trip Advisor, Air BnB, etc.).
• Students can make a day-by-day itinerary of what they’re trip is going to look like.
• They can share about their trip with the class or turn it in for a graded assignment.

• Amazon Kindle Edition
• Bolen, Jackie (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 78 Pages - 03/22/2021 (Publication Date)

#2: A-Z Alphabet Game

If you know that your students already know a fair bit about holiday and travel, you may want to try this quick warm-up game. Or, you could consider using it as a review game at the end of a class.

The way it works is that students, in pairs or small groups write down the alphabet on a piece of paper. Then, they have to think of one travel related word for each letter. It doesn’t have to be done in order. For example:

P: Passport

The winner is the team with the most completed letters at the end of the allotted time. Do you want to find out more? Check this out: A-Z Alphabet Game ESL .

#3: Travel Word Association

This is nice ESL activity to do if you know that your students have studied about travel and holidays before. They can shout out vocabulary words related to this and you can make a mind map or sorts on the board. Group similar things together. For example, articles of clothing.

Find out more about this quick ESL warmer right here: ESL Vocabulary Word Association.

• 146 Pages - 06/18/2020 (Publication Date)

#4: Postcards ESOL Travel Activity

If you can get your hands on some cheap postcards or have some laying around your house or teacher’s office, try out this fun writing activity. It may just be the novelty factor, but students seem to love it. This activity is ideal for working on common greetings, the past tense (more ideas here: ESL past tense games ), and using descriptive words, as well as using synonyms to avoid repetition.

Distribute the postcards to the students. You can do one per student, or put the students into pairs. They have to look at the picture on the front of the postcard and imagine that they went on this vacation. Then, they can write about their trip to a friend or family member.

Next, the students trade postcards with another student or group. After reading them, they can write a response back of at least a few sentences. Finally, you may want to display them around the class as they’re colourful and fun and other students may enjoy reading them! Have some fun with this ESOL travel activity.

• Give each student or pair a postcard. They look at the picture and imagine what they did on that vacation, and then pretend that they’re writing to a friend or family member.
•  Exchange postcards and another student or group have to write a response to what they read.
• Display the postcards around your classroom (optional).

#5: Travel or Holiday Videos

I’m ALL about using videos with my ESL/EFL students. They’re fun, engaging and a nice way to grab student’s attention and introduce a topic. Of course, you can base an entire class around one too if you design the activities well.

If you want to find out more about using them in your classes and some activities and games to do with them, you’ll want to check this out: Using Videos for Teaching English .

#6: Dictogloss ESOL Travel Activity

This is a challenging activity that works on listening and writing skills. Find a short story related to holiday or travel. It could even be a description of your own vacation that you took recently.

Then, you read out the story to your students in a way that is a bit challenging for them to catch every word. Students have to take notes and then try to reconstruct what they heard based on their notes in small groups. You can read it again so that students have a chance to make some additions or corrections. Finally, students compare their version with the original.

Do you want to try it out with your students? You can learn more about one of the best ESL travel activities here: ESL Dictogloss Activity .

#7: Holidays ESL Lesson Plan

It’s easy to plan an ESL lesson about any topic, including holidays. Check out this video for the steps to follow:

#8: Yes/No Questions and Answers

If you think about it, holidays and travel lend themselves to a ton of yes/no questions. For example:

• Did you fly or drive?
• Did you eat some delicious things?
• Was the food good?
• Did you have nice weather?

If you want to see some activities or games to work on these kinds of questions, you’ll want to check this out: Yes/No Activities and Games.

• 279 Pages - 07/12/2020 (Publication Date)

#9: ESL Food Activities and Games

I’m not sure if it’s the same for you, but when I travel, it’s ALL about the food. I want to try all the delicious things where I’m staying! The good news is that I have a ton of fun, interactive games and activities for food. You can easily adapt most of them to focus on holidays.

You can find out more details here: ESL Food Activities.

#10: ESL Surveys

I love to use surveys in my classes because they lend themselves to just about any topic. In the case of travel, they’re ideal for working on the present perfect and simple past together.

For example:

Have you ever travelled to another country?

Where did you go?

If you want to know more about how to design and use surveys in your classes for an ESL travel lesson, then you’ll want to check this out: Surveys for ESL Students.

ESL Travel Games and Activities

I also love to use ESL surveys to get students to express an opinion in English.

#11: Present Perfect Activities Related to Travel

The present perfect is often used to talk about vacations, travel and holidays. For example:

• Have you ever been to another country?
• Have you travelled to ______ before?

In order to incorporate this grammatical construction into some of your lesson, you’ll want to check this out: Present Perfect ESL Activities.

#12: Brochure Scanning

This is an excellent travel activity! You’ll have to get your hands on some travel brochures first. The way it works is that students get tons of practice with a reading sub-skill (scanning) because they have to look quickly through the brochures to find specific bits of information. For example, cost or number or days.

Do you want to try out this reading activity? You can find out all the details here: Brochure Scanning Reading Activity for ESL .

#13: Odd One Out ESL Warmer

This is a quick English warm-up activity that you can try out with your students. The way it works is that you write words, in groups of 4 on the board. 3 are similar and 1 is the odd one out. Students have to choose this one and say why it doesn’t fit. For example:

Bathing suit, sunglasses, boots, flip-flops

Answers: Boots because it’s not for a beach vacation. I accept many different answers as long as students support it well.

You can learn more about this ESL warm-up here: Odd One Out for ESL .

• 87 Pages - 10/24/2019 (Publication Date)

#14: Would you Rather? 

I’m sure you’ve done this before with friends. You have to choose between two negative things, or two positive things. For example, how you want to die, or what you want to eat. In this case, students could choose between two types of vacation. For example:

Would you rather have a beach or forest vacation?

Would you rather stay in a big hotel, or an AirBNB?

Learn more about this nice activity for an ESL travel lesson here: ESL Would You Rather?

• 81 Pages - 06/22/2021 (Publication Date)

#15: Task Based Activity: Dream Vacation

I love to incorporate this style of teaching into my holiday lessons. It allows students more freedom to choose what they want to learn about and also builds opportunities for some serious teamwork.

In this case, I’ll have students work in groups of 2-3 to plan a dream vacation. They can do some research to find out all the details including how to get there, food, budget, where to stay, etc. Then, they either have to write a report and hand it in to me and/or do a short presentation to the class.

Need some more ideas for this style of a lesson? Check this out: Task-Based Learning .

#16: Travel Themed Charades

I love to play charades with my students. The way it works is that you can think of some travel-related phrases. For example:

• Flying on a plane
• Sleeping on a bus
• Eating noodles
• Buying souvenirs

Then, students have to act this out and their teammates have to guess what the phrase is. More details here: ESL Charades.

#17: Travel Journal

Encourage students to keep a travel journal for a fictional trip. They can describe their experiences, sights, and sounds, using new vocabulary.

Travel and Holidays ESL

#18: Eliciting in an ESL Travel Lesson

Unless your students are absolute beginners, then it’s likely that they already know a good amount of travel and holiday vocabulary. That’s often why I like to start off my ESL traveling lesson by using some eliciting techniques. There are two main reasons for this.

The first reason is that it’s possible to find out what the students already know about this topic to avoid wasting class time covering these things. The second is that it helps students activate their prior knowledge about travel/holidays to make the new things they learn more memorable. Learn how to do this tactic for an ESL holiday lesson here:

ESL Eliciting Advice .

#19: Travel Listening Lesson

A nice way to talk about any topic is through a listening lesson. In this case, find a conversation between two people talking about an upcoming vacation plan. Or, someone talking about a favourite vacation from the past (it could even be you). Then, design an entire listening lesson around that. Find out how here:

#20: Idiom ESL Traveling Activity

There are lots of idioms related to holidays, travel and transportation. Here are just a few of them:

• All hands on deck
• To send flying
• Bump in the road
• Off the rails
• Train wreck
• Asleep at the wheel
• Fall off the wagon
• Hit the road

One of the best ways to make these idioms super memorable is to do this fun activity. Afterwards, your students will never forget! Learn more about this ESL activity:

Idiom Activity for Language Learners .

#21: Concentration ESL Traveling Vocabulary

One of the best ways to review new words during an ESL holiday or travel lesson is to play this memory game. Depending on the level of the students, make some matching pairs of cards with the following:

• Word/picture
• Word/definition
• Word/clue about the word

Then in small groups, students play the game to find the matches. Find out all the details about how to set it up and play:

ESL Concentration Game .

#22: Speaking Fluency Activity

To use this activity with a unit on holidays or travel, have students talk about a past, or upcoming vacation.

#23: Me Too!

Students have to make a true statement about themselves related to holidays and travelling. For example:

• I’ve been to Japan.
• I hate the beach.
• My family goes on a big vacation every summer.

If other students can agree, they stand up and say, “Me too!”

#24: Labour Day Guessing Game

#25: Holiday Interviews

Pair students and have them interview each other about their favorite holidays. They can then present their partner’s holiday to the class.

#26: Travel Bingo

Create bingo cards with images or words related to travel and holidays. Students mark off the squares as they learn new vocabulary.

#27: Travel-Themed Role-Plays

Set up role-plays where students act as travelers, airport staff, or hotel receptionists. This helps them practice common travel dialogues.

#28: Travel Vocabulary Pictionary

Play Pictionary using travel-related words. Students take turns drawing and guessing the vocabulary words.

#29: Travel Storytelling

Ask students to create and share short stories about a memorable travel experience they’ve had or wish to have in the future.

#30: Travel Debate

Have students debate the pros and cons of traveling. This encourages critical thinking and speaking skills.

Travel and Holiday Vocabulary

Here are some of the most common vocabulary words that you may want to teach your students related to traveling for an ESL holiday lesson.

• bathing suit
• boarding pass
• vaccination
• The months of the year in English

Do you have any ESL travelling vocabulary that you’d like us to add to the list? Leave a comment and let us know!

Travel Worksheets and Lesson Plans for ESL

If you’re looking for some worksheets or lesson plans related to holidays and travel, then you’ll want to check out some of our top resource recommendations:

ESOL Courses

ISL Collective

Lingua House

ESL Travel Vocabulary Worksheets

If you want students to get some practice with ESL travel vocab, here are a few recommendations:

English Club

Did you Like these Travel Games for ESL?

• 68 Pages - 11/12/2019 (Publication Date)

Yes? Thought so. Then you’re going to love this book: The Emergency English Teacher: No-Textbook, No-Prep, No-Materials ESL Activities.

If you’re always in need of last-minute activities and games for your classes, then this book is exactly what you might need. It’s English teaching made easy in a serious way.

You can get the book in digital or print formats. Take the e-version with you to your favourite coffee shop for lesson planning on the go. Or, keep a copy on the bookshelf in your office to use as a handy reference guide. But the best idea is to have it with you at all times for those English teaching emergencies.

Do you want to find out more? Head on over to Amazon to pick up your copy today:

FAQs about ESL Travel Lessons

There are a number of common questions that people have about teaching this unit. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.

What is the purpose of teaching the travel and holiday unit to English learners?

The purpose is to help English learners develop vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills related to travel and holidays.

What topics can be covered within the travel and holiday unit?

Topics can include modes of transportation, booking accommodations, tourist attractions, holiday activities, travel phrases, and cultural aspects of different destinations.

How can I introduce vocabulary related to travel and holidays?

You can introduce vocabulary through visual aids, realia (actual objects), flashcards, and interactive activities such as matching games or vocabulary quizzes.

What grammar structures can be taught in the travel and holiday unit?

Grammar structures such as present simple for schedules and timetables, past simple for recounting travel experiences, future tenses for making travel plans, and modal verbs for expressing preferences or asking for permission can be taught.

What speaking activities can be used to practice travel and holiday-related topics?

Role-plays, group discussions about dream destinations, travel itineraries, or describing holiday experiences are effective speaking activities. Additionally, pair work activities like “Find Someone Who” or “Guess the Destination” can engage learners in conversation.

ESL Travel Activities and Games: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts about these Holiday ESL activities? Do you have another one that you’d like to recommend to us? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Also be sure to give this article a share on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter. It’ll help other busy English teachers, like yourself find this useful resource for ESOL travel lessons.

ESL Travel Lesson

Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 15 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 60 books for English teachers and English learners, including Business English Vocabulary Builder and 39 No-Prep/Low-Prep ESL Speaking Activities for Teenagers and Adults . She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

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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!

Introducing the best hostel EVER!

Hell yeah, you heard right! There are many great places in Indonesia, but none of them can live up to Tribal Bali .

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.

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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.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ziggy Samuels

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written by Joanne Owen

updated 18.04.2023

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.

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.

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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.

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100 Travel Bucket List Ideas

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Are you looking for travel bucket list ideas for your next trip? Running out of ideas or looking for fresh ones? From epic classics to exciting newcomers, we have selected the 100 best places to visit all over the world.

Where will 2024 lead you? 🙂

1. Get stunned by the Great Pyramid of Giza

The Great Pyramid of Giza defines bucket list goals. Built over 5000 years ago, it’s the oldest and the biggest of the pyramids, the last structure of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World that survived.

It is a marvel of human engineering and construction, and a defining symbol of the Egyptian world.

Read more: Things to do in Cairo

2. Walk along the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is a good reason for the existence of the Bucket List! It’s an astonishing relic of China’s history, and it’s a must for many travelers and tourists around the world, in fact, it is considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Identified as one of the most important symbols of China, it consists of numerous walls and fortification, many running parallels to each other for a measure of 8,850 km. The Great Wall can be visited from Beijing .

3. Explore Petra

Jordan’s rose-colored sandstone city is an extraordinary experience. On the border of the Arabian desert, hidden in the mountains of the Dead Sea, Petra is one of the most notorious archeological sites in the world.

The city’s architectural beauty comes from the fact that it was directly chiseled from the sandstone mountains. Temples, tombs, and monastery that you cannot miss!

4. Visit the Colosseum

Recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Rome’s great gladiatorial arena is the most exciting of the city’s ancient sights. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum is the perfect example of Roman engineering and architecture.

It’s the largest amphitheater in the world and the site of some of the bloodiest and most brutal contests in history.

Read more how to book Colosseum tickets and the best things to do in Rome

5. Walk to Chichen Itza

Located in the Yutacan state of Mexico, Chichen Itza is the best place to visit in the world if you are interested in an ancient Mayan city featuring ruins and architectural wonders that captures the culture and history of the people from the past.

For a cultural experience and a chance to discern a significant part of Mayan heritage, this is the right trip.

Read more: Things to do in Cancun

6. Trek to Machu Picchu

A trip to Incas’ lost city in Perù is a dream trip for many travelers. Machu Picchu is an Inca citadel situated on a mountain of 2,430 meters above sea level, that can be reached by a hike on mountain trails or a train trip through the valley of the Urubamba River.

As one of the best places to visit in the world and most visited tourist destinations in South America, Machu Picchu is sure to fill travelers with high expectations.

Read more about how to visit Machu Picchu

7. Discover the Taj Mahal

An enormous mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between the 1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Janan in memory of his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Nowadays, the Taj Mahal is one of the best places to visit in Agra , attracts over 3 million visitors each year and has become an unmissable attraction for anyone traveling in India.

Read more about Taj Mahal tickets price and timings .

8. Hike to Christ the Redeemer

Situated at the top of Mount Corcovado overlooking the city of Rio de Janeiro, the statue of the Christ the Redeemer not only captures tourists’ attention with its breathtaking views but also with the imponent statue of the Christ, considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Standing with his arms open, the Christ is one of the most recognized and photographed monuments in Brazil.

Read more about the best Rio De Janeiro tours and the best things to do in Rio de Janeiro .

9. Be intrigued by Stonehenge

One of the wonders of the world and best-known prehistoric monument located near the city of Salisbury, England.

The structure that we call Stonehenge was built between roughly 5,000 and 4,000 years ago and was one part of a most extensive sacred landscaped.

10. Discover the Amazon Rainforest and River

Also named “lungs of the world”, the Amazon rainforest produces an important share of the oxygen for the entire planet and is made up of a mosaic of eco-system and vegetation types.

Live an experience in the Amazon rainforest and its River is to experience a lifetime of moments in one single trip.

It is difficult to find another place in the world as rich in adventures and unique experiences as the Amazon. You can visit the Amazon from Manaus (Brazil) or Iquitos (Peru) .

11. Sail on Ha Long Bay

The ethereal beauty, Ha Long Bay is located in the area of the Gulf of Tangkia, in the north of Vietnam.

Frequently included in lists of natural wonders of the world, Halong Bay is famous for its scenic ocean karst topography and its crystal waters.

Read more: Best Halong Bay luxury cruises

12. Discover the Milan Cathedral

Standing proudly in the main square of the city center, Milan’s Duomo is decidedly the most impressive structure and the emblem of the city of Milan.

Stay speechless in front of the majestic and Gothic style of the church and admire the breathtaking views of Milan (and on clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the Alps) from the rooftop of the Church.

Read more: Things to do in Milan

13. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral

One of the major attractions in Paris , the Notre Dame Cathedral is known as one of the most notorious of the Gothic cathedrals of the middle age and is distinguished for its size, antiquity and architectural details.

Its stained glass windows and sculptures show the influence of naturalism that serves to contrast the Romanesque architecture. It’s also said that the cathedral’s tower has one of the best views of the city.

Read more: Things to do in Paris

14. Drink wine under the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower was the principal exhibition of the Paris Exposition of 1889. It was constructed for the commemoration of the centennial of French Revolution and to demonstrate France’s industrial power to the world.

Nowadays is the emblem of the city of Paris and it’s considered an architectural wonder of the world, in fact, each year attracts more visitors.

Read more how to book Eiffel Tower tickets

15. Enjoy the view from Marina Bay Sands rooftop

Visit Singapore’s best luxury attraction and soak in the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool with the glittering expanse of the city.

For the ultimate experience, head to Ce La Vi and dance all night long with your friends.

Read more: Fun things to do in Singapore , Best things to do in Sentosa

16. Visit the Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis of Athens and its monuments are the universal symbol of the classical spirit and civilization and form the most significant architectural and artistic complex of the Greek antiquity.

The Acropolis in Athens was a military fortress during the Neolithic period, due to its position which offers a great view of the land and sea. Now it’s one of the most important ancient monuments in Europe.

Read more about Acropolis tickets price or the best things to do in Athens !

17. Visit Easter Island

Who wouldn’t want the opportunity to visit one of the most isolated and mysterious islands on Earth?

You can not miss the enormous volcanic craters, preserved stone villages, beaches and, in particular, 900 Moai giant stone figures. You should definitely add The Easter Island to your bucket list.

18. Enjoy yourself at Sydney Opera House

Opened in 1973, the Sydney Opera House is a multi-performing art center in Sydney and great architectural work of the 20th century that is synonymous with creativity and innovation.

Set in a remarkable waterscape, these shell-structures are nowadays a world-famous icon of architecture.

Read more: Things to do in Sydney , Top tourist attractions in Sydney

19. Discover the magnificent Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat is the ultimate expression of the genius of Khmer, an impressive temple that is stunning for its grand scale and its incredible details.

One of the most important archeological sites in Cambodia, the Angkor Wat is considered the largest religious monument in the world.

Read more: Things to do in Siem Reap

20. Visit the Summer Palace in China

The Summer Palace is a vast conjunction of lakes, gardens, and palaces in Beijing and is said to be the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China.

Known for being the playground for emperors during the summer of the old imperial city, the Summer Palace is a marvel of design and offers an exciting escape into the traditional Chinese landscape.

21. Visit Hagia Sophia

The most important Byzantine structure and one of the world’s great monuments. This church was built at Constantinople (nowadays Istambul) in the 6th century under the direction of the Byzantine emperor Justine I.

Hagia Sophia , that means “Church of Holy Wisdom”, each year attracts over 3 million visitors. The monument, which is now a museum, once was a church and then a mosque.

Read more: Things to do in Istanbul

22. Dive on the Great Barrier Reef

Located on the coast of Queensland in Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is famous for being the world’s largest coral reef system.

Viewing it from a greater distance, you can understand why it is considered as one of Australia’s most remarkable natural gift and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Due to its natural beauty, the Great Barrier Reef has become one of the most touristic destinations to enjoy many experiences, including scuba diving; it is definitely one of the best things to do in Cairns !

23. Participate in a hiking tour in the Grand Canyon

As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Grand Canyon , located in the high desert of northern Arizona (USA) will take your breath away with its ever-changing scenery of enormous proportions.

Thanks to its forest, painted deserts, sandstone canyons, to the Colorado River and the waterfalls, Grand Canyon is one of the most beautiful sceneries in the world. Grand Canyon helicopter tours are an amazing way to visit the impressive scenery of the national park.

Around 5.5 million of people visit the Grand Canyon each year and its 277 miles of superlative beauty, making it the most visited National park in the United States, and also one of the top tourist attractions in the US .

Due to the vicinity to Las Vegas, it can be easily visited through day tours from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon .

Read more: Things to do at the Grand Canyon

24. Sail to the Statue of Liberty

Inaugurated in 1886, the sculpture stands at the entrance to New York Harbour and from the beginning has welcomed millions of immigrants to the United States.

For this reason, the Statue of Liberty  more than a monument is a symbol of freedom to millions of people around the world and a point on your bucket list that you cannot miss!

Read more: Things to do in New York City

25. Visit the city of Lhasa and the Potala Palace

In the center of Lhasa (Tibet), literally “Land of the Gods”, you can find the Potala Palace, that once was the principal residence of the Dalai Lama.

If you want to live a spiritual experience, this is the right place because you can chat with monks, learn more about Tibetan culture and experience the mystical atmosphere of Lhasa. Setting eyes on Potala Palace for the first time is a moment you’ll never forget!

26. Climb the Kilimanjaro

The Kilimanjaro is famous for being the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain on earth. It is a possible bucket list option for most people and 20.000 people every year climb it.

The Kilimanjaro is an extraordinary experience if you want to stand on the roof of Africa.

27. Discover the Wailing Wall

Erected initially as part of the expansions of the second Jewish temple begun by Herod the Great, it’s one of the holiest sites in the world.

The Western Wall is a surviving trace of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, which was destroyed by the Romans.

The Temple was the center of the spiritual world, the primary conduit for the Godliness. For this reason, the Wall is the holiest place where Jews are permitted to pray.

Read more: Things to do in Jerusalem

28. Admire Mount Rushmore

Attracting approximately 3 million of tourists from all over the world each year, Mount Rushmore is one of America’s most important attractions. Mount Rushmore National Memorial is a large-scale mountain sculpture created by the artist Gutzon Borglum.

On it, you can admire America’s most prominent U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.

29. Swim in Palawan, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

It’s not complicated to understand why Palawan , in Puerto Princesa National Park, was chosen as one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

This park features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with an underground river, it’s considerate one of the world’s most impressive natural place. Famous because its lower portion is subject to tidal influences, emerges directly into the sea.

Read more: Fun things to do in Puerto Princesa

30. Visit St. Peter’s Basilica

Located in the Vatican city, the center of Christianity, St. Peter’s Basilica is Italy’s largest, most luxurious and most spectacular basilica. One of the largest churches in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica, was built during the Italian Renaissance and it’s located in the Vatican.

The imposing structure was built over a span of more than one hundred years by the most excellent Italian architects of the period. Learn hot to skip the line to enter the St. Peter’s Basilica .

31. Admire an aurora borealis in Norway

Every traveler’s bucket list should include viewing the Northern Lights , one of the most naturally spectacular phenomena that have the power of taking your breath away.

The Northern Lights are a natural light display in the sky, and Norway with its open spaces and little light pollution is one of the best places to try to see the most impressive lights show. So try to discern the Northern Lights!

32. Search for Nessie in the Loch Ness

Located in the Great Glen which stretches from Inverness, Loch Ness is the longest and deepest of all the loch in the area.

One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of Loch Ness is by taking a boat cruise or a kayaking trip on the water of the lake where you’ll be able to appreciate the surrounding landscapes and villages and, who knows, maybe even catch a glimpse of Nessie.

In fact, this is the place, if rumors are to be believed, where Nessie the Loch Ness monster resides.

33. Explore the Incredible Temples of Bagan

Built between 1057 and 1287 by a series of kings, this massive expanse of thousands of temples (estimates over 2.000) is one of the most precious archeological sites in Asia. Bagan’s Temples are the key to experiencing authentic Myanmar’s life and understanding the religious devotion of its people.

The most exciting way to see the temples is doing a hot air balloon trip. With over 2000 pagodas and temples spanning across 40 miles of land, it is truly magical to stand in a hot air balloon and to look out over the countryside and the entire complex of Bagan.

34. Discover the Iguazu Falls

Recognized worldwide as natural beauties and one the best places to visit in the world, the Iguazu Falls are located on the border between Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.

If you are searching for an immersive experience in nature, this is the right place thanks to the possibilities to walk into the woods and to the proximity of the immensity of the Iguazu waterfalls in the Iguazu River. Iguazu Falls is one of the 100 best national parks in the world .

35. Tour in Patagonia

Wherever you visit, Patagonia maintains an exclusive, secretive charm. Well known for its picturesque mountains, grassland and windswept coastlines, Patagonia is famous for its precious wildlife that never fails to astonish.

It is the perfect bucket list material, including watching the Perito Moreno ice dam break, the whale watching or biking the Torres del Paine Circuit.

36. Watch whales at Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park

Do you dream of seeing whales? The Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park in Québec (Canada) is one of the best whale-watching sites in the world.

Not only you can admire these magnificent animals, but you can also see Québec’s famous coastal landscapes.

37. Trek through the Himalayas

The Himalaya is the world’s mightiest mountain system, containing nine of world’s ten highest peaks and stretching more than 2,500 km across India, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, and Tibet.

Associated with high adventures and mountaineers, this place is like no other, with its remote and majestic scenery.

38. Get splashed at the Victoria Falls

Commonly referred to as “the smoke that thunders” due to the columns of spray that can be seen from miles away, the Victoria Falls are one of the greatest attractions in Africa and the most spectacular natural beauty on the Zambezi River.

Considered as the largest fall in the world, is a point on your bucket list that you cannot put into consideration!

39. Skydive the Great Blue Hole

A giant underwater sinkhole off the coast of Belize, the Great Blue Hole is one of the most famous destinations for scuba divers that are attracted by the chance of diving in crystal-clear waters and see millions of species of marine life including spectacular coral formations and tropical fish.

40. Participate in a wild safari at Serengeti National Park

Experiencing a safari in Africa has to be one of the points of your bucket list. Here, you have a lot of places where you can see an abundance of wild animals. Serengeti is one of the most famous national parks and is synonymous with wildlife and outstanding African scenery.

It’s Tanzania’s oldest park and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Furthermore, it’s home to the spectacular wildebeest migration and offers wildlife viewing throughout the year. Serengeti National Park is one the best places to visit in the world if you are interested in African wildlife safaris.

41. Be amazed by the Great Geysir in Iceland

Iceland is a magnificent country and one of the most spectacular and breathtaking geysers in Iceland is the Great Geysir.

It’s fairly active and erupts on a daily basis. See the mighty geyser erupt and send a spectacular water and stream column into the air have to be on your bucket list.

Iceland is the best place to visit in the world if you are interested in geological formations, geysers, volcanos, glaciers, etc.

Read more: Best things to do in Iceland

42. Admire Big Ben’s mighty clock

The Elizabeth Tower, known as the Big Ben, is one of the best tourist attractions in London ! Big Ben is the name of the impressive bell inside the clock tower, which weighs more than 13 tons.

The clock tower looks spectacular, in particular during the night when the four clock faces are illuminated. When you see Big Ben, it feels like you are in London.

Read more: Fun things to do in London

43. Visit the Louvre Museum

Unquestionably one of the most excellent art galleries in the world, the Louvre Museum contains thousands of classic and modern masterpieces.

As a symbol of the French culture and a testament to European art history, it’s not surprising that it’s also the most visited art gallery in the world. Every trip to France’s capital deserves a visit to the Louvre to discover the wealth of treasure it contains.

Read more how to book Louvre Museum tickets and discover the best museums in Paris .

44. Relax at Blue Lagoon

Surrounded by fantastic nature, the Blue Lagoon is an oasis of relaxation set in the pure heart of the Icelandic landscape. It is one of Iceland’s most popular attractions, and it’s not hard to understand why.

The beautiful milky-blue opaque water contrasts with the surrounding black lava field covered with green moss. Combined with its excellent location and its relaxing pools with their rich skin nourishment, the Blue Lagoon quickly became one of Iceland’s most visited attractions.

Read more: Fun things to do in Reykjavik

45. Walk around on Cinque Terre

A century ago the Cinque Terre (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore) were merely five fishing villages on an unforgiving stretch of the Ligurian coast.

The vibrant color of the Mediterranean, the wild coastline with the tiny towns placed like puzzle pieces on the cliffs make the Cinque Terre a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Read more: Fun things to do in Cinque Terre

46. Visit Pompeii

Famous for being the Roman city that was destroyed by the Vesuvius eruption in 79 a.C. Two thousand people died, and the town was abandoned for many years. When a group of explorers rediscovered the site in 1748, they were surprised to find that Pompeii was practically intact under a layer of dust and debris.

Thanks to the buildings, artifacts and skeletons found in the buried city we were able to discover a lot about everyday life in the ancient world.

Read more: Pompeii skip the line tickets , Best Pompeii tours , Things to do in Naples, Italy

47. Visit the Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is a chapel in the official residence of the Pope and one of the greatest treasure of the Vatican city. Not only it is known for its decoration, but also for being the temple in which popes are chosen and crowned.

What captures the attention of the Sistine Chapel is not only its architecture but in particular the frescoes that completely cover the ceiling and the walls. All the frescoes of the roof of the Sistine Chapel are the work of Michelangelo. Read our guide about the Vatican Museums .

Read more: Best museums in Rome

48. Discover Venice on a Vaporetto

Italy is full of charm, but nowhere can be compared to Venice, the floating city. Not only it is known for its canals, its art and its rich cultural heritage, but it’s one of the world most romantic destinations.

Take a gondola ride through the canals of Venice is a point on your bucket list that you cannot miss.

Read more: Best things to do in Venice

49. Visit the mighty Sagrada Familia

The basilica Sagrada Familia is one of Barcelona’s most famous tourist attractions . One of the world’s most prized architectural marvels, despite the fact that the Gaudi’s construction has not yet been completed.

This Church will leave you breathless, not only because of its giant size but primarily because of its pioneering architecture, which perfectly shows off the genius of Antoni Gaudì.

Although the outside is a work of art, the interior of Sagrada Familia is inspired by nature. The columns seem tree trunks, giving the idea of being in a forest instead of inside a Church.

Read more how to book Sagrada Familia tickets and the best things to do in Barcelona .

50. See your reflection at Salar de Uyuni

It’s the world’s most significant and most unusual surface area. One of the things we insist you get on your bucket list is the stunning Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia.

A salt flat is an expanse of ground that is covered with salt and other minerals that make incredible patterns and visual wonders. The Bolivian salt flats are just fabulous, and they need to be discovered to be believed.

51. Walk in the Sequoia National Park

Known as “Giant Forest” the Sequoia National Park preserves the landscape that still resembles the Southern Sierra Nevada.

You’ll find yourself gazing by the towering, majestic and picturesque stretch of trees of the beautiful Sequoia National Park, located just next to the Yosemite National Park .

52. Ride through the Sahara

There are only a few beautiful places in the world that can be compared to the incredible landscape of the Sahara Desert, the most extensive hot desert in the world. Its landscape is so vast that it’s impossible to judge the distance.

The color palette makes it difficult to distinguish specific forms, and the intense sunlight that reflects on the sand will show you things that don’t exist. In Morocco, you can visit the Sahara Desert from Marrakesh .

53. Hike through the Antelope Canyon

The unbelievable beauty of Antelope canyon waits for the adventurous traveler who wants to discover one of the most spectacular attractions.

These impressive caves, the spiral rock arches, and stunning colors make the caves look seriously of another planet. It’s a canyon of thousands of years just outside of Page, in Arizona.

Read more: Best Antelope Canyon tours

54. Explore Bali island

Famed for its island vibes, stunning beaches and of course, its epic surf breaks, Bali is a must-visit destinations.

Go scuba diving, visit amazing temples, climb a volcano, enjoy the crazy nightlife, there is so much fun things to do in Bali .

Don’t miss to explore the Monkey Forest. Make sure to check out our list of activities in Ubud .

55. Climb the Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s pride that you should never let go when you visit this country. A beautiful snow-capped rising from the earth, it’s the highest Japan’s mountain.

The mountain may seem more beautiful seen from a distance, but the views on clear days and the experience of climbing it during the early morning hours it’s an experience that you won’t forget.

Read more about the best Mount Fuji tours and fun things to do in Tokyo .

56. Visit the British Museum

The British Museum is the house of a vast collection of world art and artifacts. Its collection includes fabulous Egyptian sarcophagi and mummies, hard of treasure from British archaeological digs, and Roman antiquities.

Furthermore, the museum is a Greek revival building designed by Sir Smirke.

Read more: Best museums and art galleries in London .

57. Explore the Moma Museum

The Museum Of Modern Art of New York is one of the largest and most influential museums of modern art in the world, in fact, it’s presenting one of the best in contemporary art.

It has been influential in developing and collecting modernist art, including artists such as Van Gogh, Cézanne, Dalì, Monet or Andy Warhol.

Read more: Best museums in New York City

58. Walk along the Canals of Amsterdam

A visit to Amsterdam isn’t complete without enjoying its canals. In fact, Amsterdam is famous for having more than one hundred kilometers of canals and wandering through the city along the canals is one of the favorite activities of the tourist.

The main canals, laid-out in a pattern of concentric half-circle, chronicle the growth of the city of Amsterdam. For this reason, they are considered as a symbol of the town!

Read more: Best Amsterdam canal cruises , Best things to do in Amsterdam

59. Discover the remains of the Berlin Wall

One of the most potent and strongest symbols of the Cold War, for 28 years the Berlin Wall sliced the city.

The construction of the wall began in the summer of 1961 by the authorities of the Communist East German that were trying to stop people from escaping to the Westside.

Read more: Best things to do in Berlin , Best tourist attractions in Berlin

60. Visit Versailles

Versailles is best known for being the site of the vast royal palace and gardens built by King Louis XIV on what had been the grounds of a royal lodge.

The Palace of Versailles has been the scene for several historical events, and it’s today inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List. Versailles is definitely amond the best palaces in Europe .

Read more how to book Versailles tickets

61. Explore the Glowworm Cave

The Glowworm Caves include a labyrinth of limestone caves and formations which began developing about 30 million years ago. Thousand of tiny, glittering glowworms inhabit these subterranean caverns, making a light show that’s memorable.

62. Walk on Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge that connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County (in California) is an architectural emblem nad one of the most famous SF tourist attractions .

It is stretching on over two miles across the Golden Gate river, and it’s a must-see iconic architectural marvel of the city of San Francisco.

Read more: Fun things to do in SF

63. Visit the Great Mosque of Cordoba

The Mosque of Cordoba is the most important monument of all the Western Islamic world, and one of the most amazing in the world.

A great symbol and reminder of the golden civilization that Muslims did in Europe over one thousand years ago, it’s now the symbol of Cordoba.

Read more: Fun things to do in Cordoba

64. Walk around on Mont Saint-Michel

On a rocky island in the middle of vast sandbanks between Normandy and Brittany stands Mont Saint-Michel, a gothic style abbey dedicated to the archangel St Michael and the village that grew up next to its great walls. In 1979 was classed by Unesco as a world heritage.

Read more: Best places to visit in Normandy , Best Normandy tours from Paris

65. Enjoy yourself at Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas Strip offers so many gambling, restaurants and entertainment options, that you can take a trip there and never get bored.

A Las Vegas ‘ trip is one of the principal American experiences. From the Strip’s bright lights to the world-class museums, this little Nevada city is everything you’d expect it to be and much more.

Read more: Fun things to do in Las Vegas

66. Admire the Forbidden City

Located in the center of Beijing, the Forbidden city it’s the world’s largest and best-preserved palace complex. This palace served as the home of two Chinese dynasties and can give you an idea of the Chinese history.

The name is referred to the fact that no one could enter into the palace without the emperor’s permission.

67. Get splashed at Niagara Falls

Six million cubic feet of water flows over Niagara Falls every minute, offering what is considered one of North-America’s most spectacular views. In fact each year around 28 million people visit the Canadia-US border.

It consists of three distinct waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Veil Falls, that functions as one of the primary power providers to the state itself.

Read more: Best things to do in Niagara Falls

68. Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is the campanile of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa, known worldwide for its unintended tilt. Humans make mistakes, and one error was made in the XI century with the tower of Pisa.

This calculation error would later become a symbol of civic pride. This tower represents an advanced understanding of weight and load characteristics, showing the Italian knowledge in architecture.

Read more: Things to do in Pisa

69. Walk on Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is a beautiful, mysterious geological formation on the Ireland’s North East. This formation it’s steeped in myths and legend.

The setting is a spectacular, dynamic coastal landscape of Atlantic waves, cliffs, fascinating geographical antiquity, bays, and magnificent views.

70. Visit the White House

Often seen as a symbol of American power and splendor, the official residence of the President of the United States of America, also known as the  White House  is a point of reference for all the American citizens.

So join the over 70.000 people who visit the White House each month, one of the best Washington DC tourist attractions .

Read more: Best things to do in Washington DC

71. Snorkel on Komodo Island

One of the islands that compose the Republic of Indonesia, Komodo Island is a place with unique fauna and flora, beautiful from the bottom of the sea to the top of the mountains.

This island is also known as the “dragon’s Island” since the world’s biggest lizard lives here.

72. Times Square

Square in Midtown Manhattan, formed by the intersection of Seventh Avenue, 42nd Street and Broadway, Times Square is one of the most tourist places in New York City .

Let yourself be conquered by the flashing neon lights and giant digital billboards, the brilliant Broadway marquees, the costumed characters and musicians. Times Square is big, bright and unforgettable.

Read more: Fun things to do in Times Square

73. Drive through the Black Forest

A different holiday destination , the Black Forest gets its name from its dark, slightly sinister canopy of evergreens.

With its mountains located in the southwest corner of Germany, the Black Forest has never been a distressing place, only enchanting and is an opportunity to tick this very picturesque place off your bucket list.

74. Climb the stairs at Tianmen Mountain

Has been defined one of the most beautiful mountains in the world by many travelers who have been in China.

The Tianmen Mountain is famous for its stunning views that include the “heaven’s door”, 99 bends, vertical cliffs, the thrilling cliff-hanging walk away, the glass skywalk and the world’s longest cable car ride.

75. Visit London’s Warner Bros Studio

At Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter fans could experience the magic of the films and discover the real magic that brings the movies life.

The Harry Potter Studio Tour offers to its visitors the unique opportunity to explore the original sets, to see the animatronic creatures and the breathtaking special effects. Step into the world of everybody’s favorite boy wizard.

Read more about Harry Potter Studio Tour London Last Minute Tickets

76. Admire the view from Burj Khalifa

Dubai takes pride in having the tallest building in the world. Standing at 829,9 meters tall, the Burj Khalifa with its 360 degrees view on the 124th floor is one of the best tourist attracitons in Dubai . Get ready to enjoy the highest observatory in the world.

Read more how to book Burj Khalifa tickets and other 100 things to do in Dubai !

77. Explore the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park

It’s a vast area of undulating sand dunes between which are formed rainwater lakes at certain times of the year. The result is blue lakes surrounded by brilliant white dunes.

Stretching on for miles upon miles, the dunes in Brazil are so vast and so blindingly white that it’s easy to understand where the park got its name, Lençóis Maranhenses in Portuguese, that means “bedsheets of Maranhão”.

78. Admire The Great Sphinx

The first truly colossal royal sculpture in Egypt, and one of the oldest, largest and most mysterious monuments ever created by man.

The Great Sphinx with the lion’s body and the human’s head offers us an invaluable glimpse into the past.

79. Hike on the Rainbow Mountain

The Rainbow Mountain , otherwise known as Vinicunca Mountain, is about three hours away from Cusco. Towering at 6.000 meters, it’s coat of many colors is attributed to its sedimentary layers exposed for years to environmental conditions and mineralogy.

Hiking the colored mountain is no joke, due to the combination of the weather and the high altitude.

80. Sandboard at Huacachina

The natural oasis of Huacachina inside the expansive sand dunes, is a desert paradise with a dreamy lagoon surrounded by palm trees.

The perfect place for doing sandboarding and dune buggies, the most famous activities there.

81. Visit Quito

Quito , the Ecuadorian capital, is not only the largest and best preserved colonial center in Latina America but also the first Unesco World Heritage City. If you want to stand with one foot in each hemisphere, there you can find a monument and a museum marking the general location of the Equator.

Know as “The Middle of the World” because is located about 25 kilometers south of the equator and the city extends about 1 kilometer of zero latitudes.

Read more: Best things to do in Quito

82. See the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace

London’s magnificent Buckingham Palace is more than just the home of the British monarchy, it’s one of the most visited attractions in London. It’s possible to visit this grand mansion and it’s over 700 rooms including 19 staterooms and 78 bathrooms.

You can also enjoy the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a unique celebration of British pageantry and the major event happening all year in front of the Palace that attracts the biggest crowds.

Learn how to book Buckingham Palace last minute tickets .

83. Take a boat to Jeju Island

With breathtaking natural wonders and hundreds of unique attractions, Jeju Island is one of Korea’s best travel destinations.

Korea’s largest island offers many attractions, including a volcanic Hallasan commanding the Island from the center, a 224 km semi-tropical forested national park, a wild coastline dotted with waterfalls and the most extended lava tube in the world.

84. Admire the Zocalo

The Zocalo is the center of Mexico City and one of the Mexican capital’s most well-known landmarks and squares. Formally known as Plaza de la Costituciòn, this grand square once constituted the ceremonial hub of the Aztec city.

Measuring 220 m from north to south, and 240m from east to west, it’s one of the world’s largest city squares. It’s undoubtedly one of the city’s most historically and culturally exciting destinations.

Read more: Best things to do in Mexico City

85. Enjoy a bath in Pamukkale

You can now relax and bath at Pamukkale so it should definitely figure on your bucket list.

86. Hike to the Vesuvius

Located on the Gulf of Naples, Mount Vesuvius is the only active volcano in Europe. It’s best known because of the eruption in 79 a.C. that destroyed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Seen as one of the most dangerous Volcanoes in the world, is the emblem of the city of Naples!

87. Admire the Ganges River in Varanasi

Varanasi is a city on the banks of Ganges, the largest river in India who basin is the most populated river basin in the world, with over 400 million people.

Varanasi is the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Jainism, for this reason, many Hindus believe that death at Varanasi brings salvation.

Furthermore, there is a spectacular Hindu ritual called “Ganga Aarti” (consisting in a ceremony that dispels darkness) which takes place in the banks of the Ganges River.

88. Discover Al-Masjid an-Nabawi

Also known as Prophet’s Mosque, it’s a grand mosque in Medina and the second holiest mosque in the world. Built by the Prophet Muhammad, the construction stands on the site of a mosque and contains the tomb of the same Prophet.

One of the holiest sites in Islam and one of the principal destinations for religious pilgrimage.

89. Bath in the Dead Sea

Salty lake located on the lowest place on the face of the heart, the Dead Sea (431 m below sea level) is a breathtaking natural beauty surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Negev Desert.

Takes its name from the saline water of the lake because no fish can survive in the salty waters. The other result of the salty water is their renowned health and healing properties and the unique feature that one can float naturally in them.

90. Admire the blue flames at Ijen Volcano

Indonesia’s Kawah Ijen Volcano , on Java’s Island, has two of the most unusual occurrences on the hearth. The first is electric blue flames, difficult to see during the day but illuminate during the night.

This is possible because the sulfur combusts on contact with the air creating stunning blue lava. The second occurrence is the Kawah Ijen Crater acid Lake, at the top of the volcano, filled with blue water. In fact, it’s due to the acid that the water assumes this strange color.

91. Visit Meiji Jingu Shrine

It’s a large Shinto shrine in Tokyo, built in 1920 in memory of Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken, under whose reign Japan became a modern state. T

his shrine, surround by a vast forest, it’s the most visited religious site in Japan.

92. Ride a horse in Mongolia

It’s typical say that “a Mongol without a horse is like a bird without the wings”. Immerse yourself in the Mongolian nomad’s timeless way of life. You’ll ride through the vast, treeless steppes of Mongolia with the largest herds of horses the world has ever seen.

Enjoying a Mongolian ride means choosing to experience nomad’s life and experiment a way of life so different from ours.

93. Explore Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple, founded in 628, is the oldest and most visited temple in Tokyo. Many people believed that the temple brings good luck, happiness and make all wishes come true.

In front of the principal hall of the temple, you will see many people covering themselves with smoke. This because the smoke they are covering themselves with, is believed to make the part they covered better.

94. Visit the Grand Palace

Located in the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace is one of the most famous landmarks of the country. And offers spectacular sacred sites and buildings. This Grand Palace served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782.

Nowadays the Palace is used for many Royal rituals and other official functions. The Grand Palace is one of the best places to visit in the world and must-do in Thailand.

Read more: Best things to do in Bangkok

95. Walk on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

One of Los Angeles’s most famous tourist attractions, attracting 10 million visitors each year. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is the stars embedded in the sidewalks of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine St. in Hollywood.

The name on each star is the people in the field of television, music, drama, radio, and film that influenced the entertainment industry. Visiting the Walk of Fame is one of the most emblematic things to do in Los Angeles .

Read more: Fun things to do in Hollywood, California

96. Hike on Trolltunga

After an arduous hike, that takes 10-12 hours, there is a breathtaking view over lakes and snow-capped mountains, ending at the Troll’s tongue, a thin sliver of rock.

97. Visit Bourbon Street

If you’re looking for a street with lots of people, bars, and live bands, you are in the right place. Welcome to Bourbon Street in the famous French quarters of New Orleans.

Read more: Fun things to do in New Orleans

98. Visit the Paricutin Volcano

Located in the state of Michoacan (Mexico) near the city of Uruapan, the Paricutin Volcano is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Famous for being the youngest volcano formed in the Northern Hemisphere, developing in a farmer’s cornfield.

The eruption of the Paricutin scoria cone from 1943 to 1952 marks the first time that scientists have been able to observe the complete life cycle of a volcano, from birth to extinction.

99. Shop at Tsim Sha Tsui

Situated in the south of Kowloon Peninsula, Tsim Sha Tsui is known as the shoppers’ paradise thanks to its malls and colorful shopping streets. It’s a giant world bazaar, where Hong Kong ’s Harbour meet stands, shops, markets and malls.

Take a walk for Canton Road where you’ll see the best the world has to offer in luxury designer goods.

Read more: Fun things to do in Hong Kong

100. Admire the Golden Temple

The Golden Temple in India is not only a central religious place of the Sikhs but also a symbol of equality and human brotherhood and one of the oldest worship places in the Indian Sikh.

The Temple takes its name from the fact that the entire top of the temple is made of pure gold. Sikhs all over the world would like to make a visit and to pay obeisance at the temple. In fact, the tank is said to have healing powers, and pilgrims come from across the world to bathe in its sacred waters.

Hopefully, you could do most of them! Do not hesitate to tell us in the comments below which one you have already done and which one you recommend to us!

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Summer Bucket List Activities: 80 Fun Things to Do this Sunny Season

There is something about summer that just brings the life out of us, isn’t there? Well, those sun-filled, warm-breeze days are here with us yet again (thank goodness) and of course you will be looking for fun summer activities and things to do.

Besides sunbathing, walking around in those cute sun dresses and letting the sand run through your toes (if you are lucky enough to be at the beach), there are several other fun ideas to add to your summer bucket list.

1. ✦ Go to an Amusement Park

2. ✧ leap off a rope swing, 3. ✦ pick strawberries, 4. ✦ try a new food.

Have you ever tried raw oysters, escargot or frog’s legs? Maybe you have never had something as simple as sushi. Think of all the things you have yet to taste (for some fun ideas go to an Asian market!), then go out and try something new. You never know, you may stumble upon some delectable delicacies that you may never have heard of had you not been adventurous with your food.

If you are a timid eater then you may want to start with checking off some things from our American Food Bucket List: 60 Foods in the USA to Eat . But, if you’re feeling really adventurous than pick an item from this list: Weird Food Bucket List: 60 Strange Foods From Around the World

5. ✦ Attend an Outdoor Concert

In the United States, 40 to 50 million people attend outdoor concerts each year—it’s a top thing to do!. Find the perfect venue in your area, bring a lawn chair and spend a bucket list worthy evening listening to tunes. Unsure of where to see your show? Check out the 10 Outdoor Concert Venues Worth a Summer Road Trip .

6. ✦ Ride a Ferris Wheel

7. ✦ Attend a Parade

8. ✦ have a picnic.

Pack a traditional wicker basket with your favorite picnic foods and enjoy the feast as well as the weather. Real Simple magazine can help you out with their Picnic Packing Checklist . If you want to set up an Instagrammable picnic, here’s a cute red checkered picnic basket .

9. ✦ Play on a Slip-n-Slide

10. ✦ take a road trip.

Pick a spot on the map, get in your car and just drive. There are very few activities in this world that are as fun-filled and as exhilarating as going on a road trip either solo or with your best friends.

Make a list of all the things you would like to do along the way and let the other chips fall where they may. Just go with it and have fun. The open road calls to all of us. One of my favorite road trips was Canada’s Cabot Trail !

11. ✦ Feed the Ducks

12. ✧ grow an herb garden.

Gardening can be a lot of fun and growing your own herbs is a great way to promote a healthy lifestyle and teach the same to your kids. They will definitely have a blast digging in the soil and planting seeds, growing seedlings and watering them. You don’t need a lot of space and the vessel can be anything from a wooden crate to a mason jar to an old tire.

For an easy option, just buy an herb starter kit. Nature Blossom’s Sow & Grow makes it simple by giving you everything you need to grow five organic favorites: Basil, Thyme, Parsley, Sage, Cilantro. Or get creative with these top 30 low-budget garden pots & containers

13. ✦ Be a Tourist in Your Own City

Can you confidently say that you know your city in and out? If Frommer’s was to contract you to write a guide to your city, would you do it justice? Take the time to visit more than just your usual hangout places. There is more to life than hanging out at the bowling alley and the mall.

Be a tourist in your own city, go someplace new and you may be surprised by just how wonderful that old town can be. Most cities have free tours too. You could discover streets, shops, and landmarks that you never knew existed. You could also do the tour via segways, making it a little bit more fun.

14. ✦ Go to the Beach

15. ✧ Learn to Juggle

16. ✦ ride in a hot air balloon.

Take yourself to new heights and see what the world looks like from a birds-eye view. Better yet, make a champagne toast whilst flying high in the sky. If you are too afraid for the flight, then watch from the ground at a Hot Air Balloon Festival .

17. ✦ Nap in a Hammock

18. ✦ make tie-dye t- shirts.

Do you have a bunch of white T’s you would like to breathe some life into? Why not make tye-die T-shirts this summer? Again, this is something that the entire family can get into and enjoy as you all try to outdo each other with your various brands of creativity. This Tie-dye Kit will make it much easier for you!

19. ✦ Run Through Sprinklers

20. ✦ go wine tasting.

21. ✧ Learn to Fly Fish

This may be a challenging bucket list goal, but what could be a more serene thing to do than casting a line into the river? Besides, you get to wear really cool pants.

22. ✦ Go Whitewater Rafting

Take a thrilling ride down the river in an inflatable raft, hitting rapids along the way. Whitewater Rafting is considered an extreme sport, so be careful when choosing this as one of you Summer Bucket List ideas.

23. ✦ Do a Cannonball into a Body of Water

24. ✦ go to a baseball game.

25. ✦ Go 24 Hours without Internet, Radio or Television

Now, I know, this is a tall order. We use the internet for everything nowadays. But think about it. When was the last time you went for two hours without your phone? Try going 24 hours without internet, radio or TV. Go camping; sit and read a good book; talk to your friends and family or use the time to complete some of the ideas on this summer bucket list.

Soon enough you will wish you had these quiet and peaceful moments more often.

26. ✧ Have a Water Balloon Fight

While we all love to feel the sun in our faces, sometimes the heat of summer can get a little too…toasty! On those days, very few things even come close to feeling as good as having a cold shower, but the next best thing is to have a water balloon fight.

Fill up dozens of these latex fun makers and target your favorite friends, while trying to stay the driest of the bunch. If winning the fight is just as important as having fun, research techniques on How to Survive a Water Balloon Fight .

27. ✦ Ride a Big Water Slide

28. ✦ do a random act of kindness.

Random acts of kindness are some of the most fulfilling and most humane and human things you could ever do. Especially when it is done for a complete stranger.

• Donate some food
• Pay the bridge toll for the person behind you
• Go to an animal orphanage and help out for the day
• Feed someone’s parking meter.

The possibilities are endless. The best way to approach this is to look at your local community and see what it is they need the most. Or check out my post for ideas: 75 Random Acts of Kindness Ideas: Examples of Kind Things to Do .

29. ✧ Play Disc Golf

30. ✧ have the ultimate bbq.

Good food, good company, cold beers and warm outdoor weather, what more could you ask for in this world? Having an Ultimate BBQ is one of the best ways to while away a boring Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Everyone has their own specific style when it comes to BBQ’s so do not let anyone tell you anything about what you like. You go right ahead and grill that meat the best way you know how. Enjoy!

31. ✦ Watch Fireflies

32. ✦ go waterskiing, 33. ✧ run a themed 5k.

Themed 5k marathons are a wonderful way to not only bring the community together for a common course, but to also show off your extreme levels of fitness and fun loving nature. Make sure the theme is something fun, like a mud run (check Active’s 5k Race Finder for ideas). It’d be a bonus if running the 5k was to support a local organization.

Don’t know where to start? Read How to Train, Run & Finish Your First 5k Race

34. ✧ Host a Bonfire

A bonfire can add incredible ambiance to any party, especially on a warm Summer night. So, invite your friends, load up your cooler with beverages, bring lots of wood and a radio to play your favorite tunes.

35. ✧ Make Sangria

There is nothing like a refreshing glass of Sangria to quench your thirst on a hot Summer day. One of my favorite recipes is the Plum and Nectarine Sangria from William-Sonoma.

36. ✦ Paddle a Canoe

37. ✧ make a summer playlist, 38. ✦ go to a farmer’s market.

Enjoy strolling through the Summer farmer’s market while gathering fresh and local ingredients for your dinner. Take your bounty home and try making a delicious farmers’ market salad loaded with veggies.

39. ✦ Sleep in a Cabin

40. ✦ Read a NYT Best Seller

If you are an avid reader, then those warm summer evenings make for some of the best times to just sit by your porch and read a New York Times Best Seller . This list is considered one of the most reliable when it comes to suggesting excellent books in the United States. Whether you are looking for fiction, non-fiction, auto-biographies or even a children’s book for those bed time stories, you will find it here.

You could give ‘The Thief’ by J.R Ward a try. Although, I must warn you, this is the 16th book in the thrilling Black Dagger Brotherhood series. So if you do not want to be so hooked that you simply must read the other 15, maybe you should try something else. Like ‘Shoot First’ by Stuart Woods or go non-fiction and read ‘Russian Roulette’ by Michael Isikoff and David Corn.

Or…you could check out my book ‘ Bucket List Adventures: 10 Incredible Journeys to Experience Before You Die’ . That should get you bitten by the wanderlust bug real quick.

41. ✦ Ride a Roller Coaster

42. ✦ go to a drive-in movie.

If you are looking for a unique and cheap date night, how about going to a drive-in movie? They may be more difficult to find these days, but they are a whole lot of fun when you do. Look at the Drive-In Movie Website to locate the nearest one.

43. ✦ Watch the Sunset

44. ✦ Watch Fireworks

45. ✦ go skinny dipping, 46. ✦ make s’mores.

If you haven’t had these yet, drop everything you are doing and go make some—s’mores are absolutely divine. As the perfect campfire treat, making S’mores is something that the whole family can get into and thoroughly enjoy.

Allow me to elaborate: The best kind of S’more, the ones I like most, go a little something like this – You take a fire-roasted marshmallow, sandwich that with a layer of your favorite chocolate and then cover it all up with two pieces of graham cracker.

This recipe should help to get you started on the right foot. This treat has been a campfire staple long before most of us here were even born. The very first recorded s’mores recipe was published in 1927 in ‘Tramping and Trailing With the Girl Scouts’, a Girl Scouts handbook. So you are in good company. And if the traditional style doesn’t do it for you pick a unique one from the 12 Creative S’mores ideas.

47. ✦ Get a Pedicure

48. ✦ sleep under the stars.

If you are lucky enough to travel the world, then try to sleep under the stars in the Northern Hemisphere. The Northern Lights are a spectacle that you will never forget. But if Sweden is too far, then maybe you can make a good go of it right in your backyard? On those warm summer evenings, get a bunch of your friends and just camp outdoors sleeping under the stars.

49. ✦ Fly a Kite

Flying a kite is a relaxing way to spend a Summer day that has a bit of wind kick to it. If you haven’t previously had any luck getting your kite in the air, wikiHow can tell you How to Fly a Kite in 8 Steps . And if you need a kite, this octopus kite is so cute!

50. ✦ Watch the Sunrise

51. ✧ Spend the Entire Day Barefoot

This may not be such a great idea if you are walking across hot concrete, but it would be fabulous and freeing if you were spending the day at the beach or in a soft grass field.

52. ✦ Walk Barefoot in the Sand

Sinking your barefoot toes in the warm sand is the perfect way to spend a warm day.

53. ✦ Go Backpacking with a Friend

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced wilderness and gone backpacking. Grab an adventurous friend or two and take on Mother Nature. You can do something as simple as visit the local park or the neighboring county. Or plan a few day trek, and check “sleep under the stars” off your summer bucket list at the same time.

54. ✦ Make Ice Cream

Instead of going to the grocery store to buy your favorite ice cream flavor, set up shop and make some at home. If ice cream seems too complicated, try making fun flavored popsicles, like Blueberry Vanilla Yogurt . Yum!

Here is the ice cream maker and popsicle molds that I use for my sweet summer treats.

55. ✦ Bake a Fruit Pie from Scratch

56. ✧ Brew Your Own Beer

Speaking of mojitos, how about you brew your own beer? Brewing your own beer is not that difficult. You will just need a starter kit and some excellent advice , but once you get it right, you may never set foot in a bar again.

57. ✦ Go Star Gazing

58. ✦ porch sit for the afternoon, 59. ✦ make a sand castle.

You really can’t avoid the beach with that much success during summer. Since you will be headed that way anyway, why not put your creativity to good use while you show off that killer bikini body? Building a sand castle is much tougher than it looks, especially if you are going for the ‘uber-elaborate’ kind. Doing this with your loved ones is a wonderful way to spend some time together, get an enviable tan and maybe even have a mojito while you are at it.

For the more creative bucket lister you can learn How to Build the Perfect Sandcastle .

60. ✧ Get a Tattoo

For travel related tattoo ideas, check out 55 Beautiful Tattoos That Tell Their Own Travel Stories .

61. ✦ Go Bowling

62. ✦ learn to surf.

This is a bit more challenging than most of the things to do on this Summer Bucket List Ideas, but you can enjoy the warm weather while also learning how to catch a wave. You can find fun, beginning surfing lessons near just about every surf beach.

63. ✦ Skip Stones in a Lake

64. ✦ take a boat ride, 65. ✧ go on a scavenger hunt.

Scavenger hunts can be exhausting if you are playing with strangers or someone you do not know that well. Luckily, I have my husband with me and we enjoy driving each other crazy trying to find new ways to outwit each other. You could do the same with the people you love and have a good old time.

For ideas, see How to Set Up a Scavenger Hunt for Grownups.

66. ✦ Visit a Historical Site

67. ✧ Attend Burning Man

Burning Man encapsulates everything fun and exciting about summer. It combines the desert heat, amazing creativity, wonderful musical revelations and a huge group of people who want nothing else but to have a wild, wonderful time out in the middle of nowhere. At Burning Man you can be yourself, have unbridled fun and you can definitely party all night and try to sleep all day. Just like you used to when you were younger.

68. ✧ Stand Under a Waterfall

Standing under a waterfall is a ritual purification practice to some Japanese, but for you it could just be a bit of warm weather fun.

69. ✦ Chase Down the Ice Cream Truck

70. ✦ hike a new trail.

71. ✧ Build a Treehouse

72. ✦ learn to shoot a bow & arrow.

Though archery is an easy sport to learn, it’s a hard one to master. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t give a shot at hitting the bulls-eye this Summer.

73. ✧ Compete in a Food Eating Competition

74. ✦ volunteer.

Volunteer your time and effort to make the world a better place. You don’t have to join ‘Greenpeace’, although that’s not such a bad idea, you can volunteer right in your own community.

Help the elderly, give blood , volunteer at the local soup kitchen or just make sure that your neighbor’s yard is well-kept. Give back to the society and you will be the better for it.

75. ✦ Go Somewhere You Have Never Been

Accomplishing this bucket list goal doesn’t mean that you have to travel to the ultimate location, just go somewhere you have never been. It could be something as simple as visiting a new park in your city or taking a day trip to a nearby town that you have been meaning to explore.

76. ✦ Create a Cocktail

Many foodies are also experimentalists, and becoming your own mixologist will test your skills. The best part about this bucket list goal is that you will have to do a lot of sampling before coming up with your own perfect harmony of flavors. Practice makes perfect!

In the heat of the Arizona Summer, I decided it was the perfect time to create my own refreshing cocktail. The funnest part? Testing all the different concoctions. In the end, my signature drink was a Lemon-Basil Fizz made with prosecco, coconut rum, raspberries, basil and lemon sorbet (see the video below). What will yours be?

Related: 10 Tips on How To Make a Great Cocktail Related: Foodie Bucket List Read: Your House Cocktail is the Most Important Recipe You’ll Ever Invent

77. ✦ Sip a Umbrella Cocktail by the Pool

78. ✧ make fresh squeezed lemonade.

Lemonade and summer go hand in hand like Christmas and Santa! You simply must have some when the sun is out. Squeezing your own lemonade allows you to add a bit of your own flair into the mix. Go wild and let your inner mixologist come out and play!

79. ✦ Get a Summer Hair Cut

80. ✦ go camping.

This summer, when the sun comes out, get your backside out there and do something fun as well. That’s a bucket list order!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. For more information read my full disclosure .

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My Book: Bucket List Adventures

41 thoughts on “Summer Bucket List Activities: 80 Fun Things to Do this Sunny Season”

I love this way of thinking about your summer travel and adventure plans! By activity, not necessarily place.

Hopefully, it will help to make peoples Summer fun filled with activities!

And joy and make them happy

Great list I’m ready to live. My peace of mind is more important than anything right now.

I love these ideas! Especially the drive through movie, I’ve NEVER done that xx

I haven’t been to one since I was a teenager! I need to go as an adult too :)

Great list…I haven’t had a summer bonfire in years! Would be a great way to spend an evening! Of course, the s’more go without saying – they are really just an extension of the bonfire!

S’mores (& any variation of them) are my favorite! I even made S’mores creme brûlée at my restaurant for a dessert special.

What an awesome list!!!

I will DEFINITELY complete the barefoot all day one! I’ll also be hiking at least once a week, exploring new parks around my hometown, since I’ll be at mom’s for the summer. Great list!!!

Hiking is such a great way to spend the Summer and have a new experience, since every trail is different. Have Fun!

What I love in your list, Annette, is that it’s fun and very accomplish-able. I’ll definitely borrow a few items from it :)

Hi Annette, Thanks for stopping by my blog and commenting. I think I like your bucket list better than mine!:) We are going to do the last one on yours, go somewhere we’ve never been. I can’t wait. I enjoyed looking at your blog very much, and look forward to seeing future posts.

I am going to try #1 on yours, though I live in California now so it may be a bit difficult!

I love this! So many of these remind me of my childhood in rural Virginia. Would love to do them again and recapture those memories!

I agree, I would love to do some again to recapture the memories.

Going ziplining and getting up in the tree’s at a new height is very empowering. Many counties offer ziplining as an adventure and a way to see the sites in a new way. TreeGo has many parks throughout North America that include not only ziplining but aerial challenge course that anyone can do. No special skills are required and its tons of fun.

I understand you are in Toronto this July, we would love to host you and your team at our park to add a new dimension to your bucket list.

Wow! Finally Igot a blog from where I be capable of reeally take useful facts concerning my study and knowledge.

Estoy encantado de haber visto con esta Web y poder disponer de tanta información.

Uh oh…you owe us one more! hahaha

#38 & #77 are both “Go to a Farmer’s Market”

Ha! Good find. Replaced it with another :)

Wow! this list looks fun, have to try out all if possible. Especially learning how to juggle and surfing. Thanks for sharing this awesome bucket list ideas.

I love these!! Perfect for on trips or staying home!! Love it thanks for sharing!!

Aww these are so sweet! Great for solo or with a date or bestie!

An eye-opening. thanks for making me go out of my bed :P

wow, babulous, i love to enjoy nature beauty here, near the lake. :D

Great adventure & pictures are amazing.

Aww! Such an awesome list. I’ll start making my own!

I would still choose the beach aside from making myself cool all the time, I get to bond with the beautiful nature around me…

This list helped me a lot !!!

Happy to hear it!!

Ha! Such a beautiful list. Continue your great work!

I love summer

hihihihihihihihihihihihihihihihihihi summer

This is quite the list! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for the list, these are great ideas 🙂

Amazing blog, please keep on writing blogs like this.

Wow, that was a very good blog, it was really informative, and I felt very happy to read it, Thank you so much to share it with us. by the way i am doing a plan to travel to the Seychelles resort and this blog is doing help me for that trip.

Thanks for the list. Fireflies was my favourite/one I forget about. Got to use pieces from here for an intro to a Toastmasters meeting today. The topic I used? ‘Summer’!

AS this was published a long time ago, I hope you got most or all of your list done.

Thanks again,

This is what I have done already this year. Hold a summer garden party Do raspberry and strawberry picking Have a nice free picnic in a park Eat ice cream Go on countryside walks Drive to a nature reserve

You did a lot already. Great job!

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Hey Bucket Listers! I'm Annette .

I’m a goal obsessed mid-lifer, traveler, experience collector, fear crusher, digital marketer and author with big bucket list dreams. Let's Connect!

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Bucket list ideas travel facing fear & anxiety.

Print the beach picture, read the sentences and colour it in!

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Holiday activities

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12 Fun Travel Activities in China!

China as a tourist destination offers limitless scope for exploration. Whether you choose to travel aboard a luxury cruise ship, visit a bustling city, or seek out the tranquility of an ancient temple. Let’s enjoy travel activities in China!

Picnic on the Great Wall (Beijing)

You might have experienced hiking the Great Wall, but have you ever thought of having a picnic with cheese and wine on the Great Wall? It will definitly be an unforgettable experience for you while admiring the wonferful scenary and enjoying the delicious food on the wall.

Cooking Class (Chengdu, Sichuan)

Buy all the ingredients needed from a local market and then enjoy a cooking class. Later on, follow the expert chef and cook some of the most famous Sichuan dishes!

Tea picking (Yellow Mountain)

Learn more about the Huangshan Maofeng Tea harvesting and processing methods. The formerly called Huangshan Cloud Tea, has a special character well known around the world. The tea leaves look like tongues of birds with silver floss all around them and they shinein a bright color of yellowish peak green.

Yangtze River Cruise （Chongqing, Sichuan）

Cruising on Yangtze River is the most relaxing and rewarding way to discover China. The most interesting and popular Yangzte River cruises are three or four night trips between Yichang and Chonqing, taking in highlights such as the Three Gorges Dam and the Fengdu Ghost City, among others.

Camping on the mountain (Mt.Wugong)

The blue sky and endless meadow add radiance and beauty to each other, attracting innumerable outdoor fans to hike and camp in Wugong Mountain.

Bamboo boat rafting (Yangshou, Guilin)

The rafts are built in the traditional design which has plied the river for centuries and is still used by fisherman and farmers. Along the river, you can enjoy vivid scenery with ancient villages and bridges with daily life scenes of local people.

Be a Pandas Volunteer (Chengdu, Sichuan)

Do you want to learn more about pandas? As a panda keeper, you will clean up bamboos, pick up droppings, wash the enclosures, observe and understand the panda’s status and living conditions, and so on, activities that will give you the opportunity to spend some 2 wonderful hours with the cute pandas.

Clay Terracotta Army Making (Xi’an)

On your visit to Terracotta Warriors, you can add a hands-on activity to make your own Terracotta Army as a souvenir. A local workshop will teach you how to make a clay warrior by yourself.

Ride a Camel (Dunhuang, Gansu)

Dunhuang is a city in Gansu Province near the border of Xinjiang. It is a city surrounded by desert, and it is known for its sand dunes perfect for camel rides.

Take a Gondola in Ancient Water Towns (Hangzhou and Shanghai)

You can find preserved canals with ancient buildings in several cities such as Shanghai and Hangzhou. Stroll through ancient streets, dive into unique shops, take scenic gondola rides and be introduced to unique foods.

Enjoy sky walk (Xiamen, Fujian)

With its 58F the Xiamen Shimao Strait Tower is the highest outdoor aerial trail in China. Visitors can walk at an altitude of 280 meters, overlooking the beautiful scenery of Xiamen’s sea view.

Experience zip lines (Baiyun Mountain, Guangzhou)

China’s longest zip lines have opened to the public in the southern city of Guangzhou. The line connects the Baiyun Mountain with the Huangpodong Reservoir. You can reach a speed of up to 120 km/h, the thrilled journey lasting just two minutes, which would take around an hour by foot.

Have you ever experienced above activities? Welcome to share your ideas in the comment section below. For more travel details, talk to our travel consultants right ahead! BOOK NOW !

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7 Best things to do in Japan in 2024

A s a travel enthusiast starts planning a 2024 travel itinerary, Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, ticks all the boxes. It is the ultimate travel destination thanks to its historic streets of Kyoto, savoring delicious street food in Osaka, exploring the religious shrines, or staying at the ryokans . From the age-old cherry fields to the peaceful country roads, this place is a feast for the senses.

Springtime being this place's truly magical venture, Japan comes alive with color and energy, and visitors are feasted on a lot of enjoyable destinations to explore. Its rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty offers an array of adventures for every travel enthusiast.

Disclaimer: This is purely the writer's opinion, and might have missed some favorite destinations.

The top activities to experience in Japan in 2024

Whether the avid traveler is a history buff, a food enthusiast, or a nature lover, Japan is the perfect place for their visit in 2024.

Ahead, Team Sportskeeda has thoughtfully created a list of the seven best things to do in Japan in 2024 and make the most of their visit.

• Explore Kinkaku-ji at Kyoto
• Enjoy Hanami in Tokyo
• Feed the deer at Nara
• Learn about the city's history at Hiroshima
• River cruise at Osaka
• Ski at Hokkaido
• Sun-bask on the shorelines of Okinawa

1) Explore Kinkaku-ji at Kyoto

Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan , is a must-visit spring destination for avid travelers. Considering that the best time to travel is in late March to early April, this holiday and sightseeing place is well-known for its cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Sight-seers should not miss the spectacular Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and the traditional Gion District. For lodging, one should consider staying at a classic ryokan to experience the hospitality at its best. Kansai International Airport, the nearest airport, can be easily commuted to thanks to local transportation.

Once in Kyoto, one should also make sure to try out the local cuisines, like kaiseki (a multicourse feast) and various matcha confectionaries. Noted diners like Nishiki Market and Pontocho Alley also rule the culinary delight list.

2) Enjoy Hanami in Tokyo

Be it the onset of autumn or spring, the metropolis of Tokyo, Japan, is always bustling with a unique blend of modernity and ritual. Including Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine, this metropolis' main attractions are decorated with cherry blossoms, catering to a panoramic view.

Once in Tokyo, tourists can enjoy activities like hanami (flower viewing) picnics in Ueno Park and boat or yacht cruises along the Sumida River. For an unforgettable stay, visitors can select a hotel in the vibrant Shibuya or Shinjuku districts and indulge in a wide variety of delectable local cuisines, like sushi tempura and ramen at Tsukiji Outer Market, and the food stalls at Ameyoko Market.

Read more: 6 Best European countries to visit in Summer 2024

3) Feed the deer at Nara

Nara, well-known for its friendly deer and ancient religious shrines, it is always the perfect time for any travel enthusiast to visit this charming destination.

Visitors can engage in activities like feeding deer and exploring the picturesque Isuien Garden at Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple, the main attractions they shouldn't miss. Once here, a holiday enthusiast can stay at cozy homestays or ryokans for an authentic lodging experience. There are also sample local delicacies, like Kakinoha sushi and persimmon leaf sushi, at the best diners in the Nara-machi district.

4) Learn about the city's history at Hiroshima

Hiroshima, a Japan metropolis with a resilient spirit and a profound history, is best visited in early April. From the local Hiroshima Airport, courtesy of its travel-friendly communication, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Shukkeien Garden are the main places of interest that offer serene beauty. Here, tourists can engage in activities like visiting the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to learn about the city's history.

One can also plan their stay at comfortable hotels and savor local cuisines like okonomiyaki and oysters from the best diners like Okonomimura and Mitaki-en.

5) River cruise at Osaka

Considered one of the most vibrant cities, Osaka is famed for its lively environment and mouthwatering delicacies. The best time to visit is late March or early April. Once landing at the Kansai International Airport, a vacationer can enjoy their holiday by visiting the main attractions, like Osaka Castle and Dotonbori.

Thanks to its panoramic view, travelers can enjoy local activities like exploring the bustling Kuromon Ichiba Market and river cruising along the Okawa River. Planning a 2 to 3-day trip to Osaka, a vacationer can book their stay at downtown's trendy hotels and indulge in local cuisines like takoyaki , okonomiyaki , and kushikatsu at street food stalls, and best-eating joints like Mizuno and Kani Doraku.

Read more: 6 Best treks in the world

6) Ski at Hokkaido

Hokkaido, the northernmost island, is a must-see spring holiday destination in Japan, courtesy of its spectacular natural attractions. When hiring local transportation or pre-paid cabs from New Chitose Airport, the best time to visit is late April or early May. During this time, tourists can enjoy the main attractions, such as the vast fields of Shikisai-no-Oka and the majestic beauty of Shikisai Hill.

They can engage in activities like exploring Biei's charming beauty, skiing, Onsen (hot springs), enjoying a relaxing soak in the famous Noboribetsu hot springs, or staying at comfortable ryokans or motels with stunning mountain views. They can also savor these gastronomical delights in local delicacies like fresh seafood , spicy ramen, and tasty dairy products at the best diners like Ramen Yokocho and Nijo Market.

7) Sun-bask on the shorelines of Okinawa

Off-boarding at the Naha airport, Okinawa's gorgeous shorelines and rich history welcome avid travelers, making it an excellent destination year-round for all travel enthusiasts visiting Japan. Once here, travelers can explore the lively marine life at the Churaumi Aquarium and the Ryukyu culture of historical Shuri Castle.

They can rest and recoup at beachfront resorts like the Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa, or Halekulani, Okinawa, to experience the true essence of Okinawa, Japan. Visitors can also spoil their tastebuds with the local flavors of sample Okinawan soba, agu pork , goya champuru, and rafute pork.

Read more: 6 best Spring destinations in the world to take a family vacation

These are the seven best things to do in Japan in 2024 that promise an array of unforgettable experiences for travel enthusiasts. So, avid travelers can start backpacking to enjoy their adventure-packed holiday.

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Autism makes travel a challenge. Here’s how I learned to cope

Busy places and unexpected events used to send me into meltdown on holiday. An autism diagnosis helped me to adapt my plans and rediscover the joy of travelling

W andering hand-in-hand through the medieval streets of Bologna, my boyfriend and I were in awe of the sweeping porticoes and distinctive rust-red brickwork of the city. It was our first holiday together. We’d wanted to find somewhere beyond the obvious that would marry our respective interests in architecture and history. Bologna was the perfect fit.

We admired the Church of Santa Maria della Vita , with its imposing baroque interior, lavishly decorated in colourful frescoes and marble carvings. We caught a little red and blue express train up into the hills to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca , and climbed the bell tower of the Basilica di San Petronio for panoramic views across the city.

But after one particularly long, hot day on our feet, with our stomachs clamouring to be fed, my mood began to shift. With the setting of the sun came the rising of my rage, as we struggled to agree on where we wanted to eat. In a city nicknamed La Grassa (“the fat one”), we weren’t lacking in options; in fact, it was the sheer number of well-reviewed eateries that was overwhelming.

Eventually we decided on pizza, and my boyfriend anxiously led us through sun-dappled alleyways, seeking out a little hole-in-the-wall spot with stellar reviews on Google. Looking back now, I’m ashamed of my reaction once we arrived. Instead of excitedly tucking into the steaming, cheese-drenched deliciousness before me, I burst into tears, refusing to order. And why?

Because they were slices .

In my mind, getting pizza meant that we’d be presented with a whole pizza. The idea of just grabbing a slice or two felt abhorrently wrong. It truly felt to me, in that moment, like I was being asked to do the impossible. Instead, we had to find a standard bistro and get me the right kind of pizza. Scrolling through photographs from that trip for this article, I find a snapshot of my boyfriend opposite me at the table, looking as if he’d just (barely) survived the fury of the Visigoths during the sacking of Rome.

It wasn’t until three years later – in spring 2020, when I was diagnosed as autistic – that this fragment of my life story, and many others like it, finally began to make sense.

B eing autistic means that life is a challenge, every day, in myriad tiny ways most others cannot see. Autistic people often grapple with sensory, social and communication challenges that manifest differently in each of us. As a toddler, for instance, I couldn’t stand the touch of grass on my skin. My parents could pop me down on a blanket by our tent during camping trips, safe in the knowledge that I wouldn’t stray. The same went for sand – putting me down to build a sandcastle on the beach only led to banshee-esque wailing until someone picked me up. When I got older, I preferred to stay by the tent and read my books than risk the chaotic din of the campsite playground. I’ve also always found it difficult when confronted with the unexpected. That could be anything, from a last-minute change of plans to something simply not turning out the way I’d pictured it in my head.

Relentlessly busy places are a terrifying prospect for those of us predisposed to sensory overwhelm. The best way I can describe how I experience this sensation is to ask you to imagine that the whole world has climbed into your chest. It then sits there, heavy and loud and bright, thrumming with energy, too much energy, more than any one person could hold within themselves. And yet, that’s what’s expected of us, day in, day out.

Fortunately, societal awareness of how autistic people interact with public spaces has grown over the past few years, thanks to the rise of lived experiences shared on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. The thriving autistic creator communities online were a lifebelt for me when I was first diagnosed, providing both insights into my own behaviour and suggesting coping mechanisms.

Initiatives such as the sunflower lanyard scheme are also having a real impact on how employees in train stations, airports, bus terminals and so on are trained in making these places more accessible to those with hidden disabilities. What I have learned is that many challenges can be overcome with sufficient planning and support from those around me. Through much trial and error over the last four years, I’m making real progress towards learning how to adapt my holiday plans to accommodate my needs. I now have a self-made kit for mitigating sensory overwhelm that I take with me whenever I travel: sunglasses, noise-isolating earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, a fidget toy or two and a safe food to snack on (a favourite cereal bar, for example). Having avoided meltdowns by using these items in the past, I now can’t imagine travelling without them.

The process of writing my book, The Autistic Guide to Adventure , has provided many useful insights too. Designed to introduce younger readers from the autistic community to a variety of different outdoor activities, the book suggests how to best approach them from sensory, social and communication perspectives.

Take kayaking, for instance, a popular holiday activity in the UK thanks to our miles upon miles of public waterways and easily accessible coastline. I’ve kayaked on family holidays since a young age. Before I knew I was autistic, however, I’d never have thought to give myself extra time to get used to sitting in a new boat in a new location, testing the feel of a buoyancy aid or holding the paddle properly. Yet something as simple as taking the opportunity to do that – on dry land, before the kayak even gets near the water – can make a real difference to how comfortable and confident an autistic person might feel about trying this new activity. Most activity providers are understanding and would be happy to facilitate this, if you let them know in advance.

Other simple adaptations to recreational activities include using walking poles for all levels of hiking – not only on mountains – and bringing an inflatable for wild swimming. These help to maintain balance, something that many autistic people find hard because of difficulties regulating their vestibular system.

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There will never be one single trip or destination that’s perfect for every autistic person, because our individual strengths, struggles and support needs are so different. But if we each plan ahead and choose what to do or where to go based on our known sensory sensitivities, communication preferences and social battery life, every trip has the potential to be perfect just for us .

M ost recently, my boyfriend and I took a much-anticipated trip to the Arctic Circle, visiting Tromsø. There’s a key difference between this holiday and our stay in Bologna five years earlier: the weather. It’s common for autistic people to have strong preferences when it comes to temperature – in my case, I’ll always choose cold over hot.

That’s why Tromsø in December was a sensory dream for me. Plunged into polar night, the light was never brighter than a muted lilac haze for a few short hours around midday. The temperature was consistently below freezing; the snow lay piled in marshmallow-soft heaps along pavements and roadsides. It was as far a cry from the lively streets and humid air of summer in Bologna as you could get, and it was perfect.

Learning from previous experience, we planned exactly where we wanted to eat during the trip. We spent several cheerful mealtimes huddled by the fire pit at Raketten Bar and enjoyed Pølse , a hotdog stand in a sunshine-yellow kiosk dating back to 1911.

Autistic people often prefer the company of animals to other humans, but it’s not something I’d ever thought to factor into my travel plans before. In Tromsø, we ended up spending three out of our five days on activities involving animals: huskies, whales and reindeer. It was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions we could have made.

The joy of losing myself in a frenzied pack of newfound canine friends radiates from my face in photos from the day we went husky sledding.

Given that travel is something I treasure, it’s a relief to realise that my ability to do it is not limited by being neurodivergent. On the contrary, I truly believe some of my many travel experiences have been – and will continue to be – enhanced by the fact that my brain works on a different wavelength. When I close my eyes, I can still see the play of lavender light on the snow-capped mountains surrounding Tromsø. I’m immediately transported back to a place that felt like home to my soul, soothed without having to take even a step outside.

The Autistic Guide to Adventure by Allie Mason is published by Jessica Kingsley (£14.99 ). To support the Guardian and Observer, buy a copy at guardianbookshop.com . Delivery charges may apply

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5 New Greek Hotels For Summer

W ith summer fast approaching, there are recently opened hotels and resorts in Greece to consider. From popular escapes such as Mykonos and Santorini to the lesser-known islands across the Aegean chain, here are five new Greek hotels worth checking out —and into.

10 Incredible Cruise Ship Features

For many years, the trend in cruise ship design has been that “bigger is better”—with vessels such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas setting new passenger records. But many cruise lines are also competing by offering innovative features to the high seas. From kart racing on multi-level courses to multiscreen movie theaters, here are some of the most incredible activities on cruise ships right now.

Disney World Earns Its First Michelin Star

Victoria and Albert’s at the Grand Floridian Resort—which has been a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star restaurant since 2018—added a new star to its constellation this month: It became the first Disney restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star . Located at the Grand Floridian Resort at Walt Disney World, Victoria and Albert’s is known for its opulent Victorian era-inspired meals. A prix-fixe dinner is $295 per guest, with optional wine pairings starting at $155 per person. Unlike the rest of the theme park, a formal dress code is encouraged for all diners, who must be 10 years of age or older.

Golden visas—which grant residency and/or citizenship through an investment—may be disappearing from Europe, but many EU countries are now luring travelers with digital nomad visas, which grant travelers the legal right to work remotely for an extended period. Italy recently became the latest country to offer the visa and here are other EU countries with digital nomad visas .

America’s Best Airlines 2024

The personal-finance website WalletHub recently announced its annual ranking of the best U.S. airlines . The study evaluates the nine largest national airlines and one regional carrier across a range of criteria, including safety, on-time records and overall service. This year, Alaska Airlines was named the best airline in America, beating out Delta, which ranked first in 2022 and 2023. The survey also ranked U.S. carriers based on reliability and comfort.

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This New Jeju Island Resort Is a Peaceful Getaway From Seoul — With Ocean Views, Seaside Hikes, and Shellfish Diving

Jeju is the largest of South Korea’s islands and a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a perfect respite from the big city.

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Courtesy of JW Marriott

On a quiet cliffside suspended between a calm sea and craggy rocks, the wonders of nature and seamless architecture collide in harmonious balance at JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa . As I made my way down a winding driveway just off the main road, I caught quick glimpses of the East China Sea and hotel entrance, weaved together with layers of the island’s volcanic basalt stone lined with ancient pine.

After an hour-long flight from Seoul (where I spent three nights at another JW Marriott hotel), a car ride past peaceful fishing villages and gurgling waterfalls felt worlds away from the bustling city I had just left. Jeju, the largest of South Korea’s islands and a UNESCO World Heritage site, was formed by a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago that birthed cavelike lava tubes, coastal rock pillars, and a subtropical climate that produces dense forests, blooming azaleas, and dune-swept beaches. 

Courtesy of JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa

Opened in March 2023 on the southern coast of Seogwipo, the new 197-room Marriott property holds a prime location above Jeju’s sweeping coastline. The lobby — which makes no small introduction to the resort — is a spacious, hanok -inspired space bordered by antique Korean chairs where guests sit to check in. The lobby’s centerpiece, a large summer tangerine tree (called hagyul), is just one of many introductions to designer Bill Bensley’s incorporation of Jeju’s thriving landscape throughout the property.

“Upon entering JW Marriott Jeju, guests are welcomed by a pathway paved with golden-hued stones, leading to the lobby, where a breathtaking view of the pristine blue ocean and Beomseom Island unfolds before them," said general manager Douglas Kim. "Instead of a bustling hotel lobby, they step into a tranquil space reminiscent of a traditional hanok, setting the tone for their experience. This is the beginning of their journey filled with enriching moments, where they can relax and immerse themselves from the very start."

When I stepped into my room, instant calm followed–made possible by the impressive quiet of the 289,000 square-foot resort and its hues of soft yellow (a symbol of good luck in Korea), sunkissed gardens, and remote, bluffside location. Soon after, a tableside afternoon tea of tiered treats like sweet corn cream cakes and citrus sponge cake was served with views of a cobalt blue ocean. The experience was just one of many ways the property succeeds at bringing guests closer to the tastes and sights of Jeju.  

Here, everything you need to know about JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa .

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa Hotel

• A lavish weekend buffet brunch features fresh catches like lobster, sashimi, and oysters, plus colorful desserts from the resort's pâtisserie chefs and caviar with Champagne as starters.
• Inspired by Jeju Island’s raw natural beauty, the hotel’s landscape includes low-lava stone walls and mustard flowers. 
• A luxurious afternoon tea service includes local, seasonal ingredients incorporated into sweet and savory treats like duck and feta canapes and citrus sponge cake topped with green mandarin cream.
• Guests can walk along the island's famous Olle trail, which is directly connected to the hotel and provides sweeping ocean views through forested cliffside.
• The property’s omakase-style restaurant Yeomul honors haenyeo–Jeju's legendary female divers–by serving the harvested seafood the women catch.

Jeju Island’s thriving natural environment is reflected throughout the property. Metal-sculptured flying fish line the hallway corridors to the guestrooms, while basalt stones are a nod to the island’s volcanic terrain. Yellow hues throughout the property symbolize the island’s blooming canola fields, bringing color to the room’s warm wood tones. All rooms feature a balcony, with most facing the sea, and some premium rooms include outdoor wooden soaking tubs.

From my panoramic suite, I only had to step onto my balcony to see that rustic terrain reflected just below–rugged rocks jutting from the sea,  the crouching tiger-shaped Beomseom Island in the distance, and hints of what kaleidoscope springtime foliage would bring to these hillsides in the months to come. The bathroom — a low-lit black, grey, and glittering gold retreat with a sunken marble tub as its centerpiece — stood in balanced contrast to the yellow-hued, wood-lined living space and bedroom just outside. 

The all-day, sundrenched Island Kitchen is one of the property’s most popular places to eat. I’ve been fortunate to experience some pretty spectacular brunches in my lifetime, but Island Kitchen’s weekend extravaganza officially tops my list of favorites.

The feast includes an unlimited Champagne and caviar option and adjacent rooms that display rows of freshly caught crustaceans, short rib, bibimbap, roasted chicken, various salads and fruits, and house-made bread and cakes.

In addition to the buffet, diners can order from a menu of made-to-order breakfast dishes like eggs Benedict and steak paired with lobster. The best advice I can give after a visit? Plan for a nap.  

At Flying Hog , executive chef Joon Ko plates the island’s bounty like art. I ordered Jeju’s prized black pork belly, which Ko rubs with salt and lets rest in the fridge for three days before slow cooking for three hours and finishing on the grill.

The result? A crackling, chicharron-like skin that borders tender meat. Produce, including carrots, beet, and scallions, is sourced from a local purveyor, Jeju Gollaoe Gine, who specializes in sustainable farming practices. “We want our guests to experience the essence of Jeju throughout their stay. The use of local ingredients is meant to convey the changing flavors of the seasons,” said Ko.

A hidden omakase-style restaurant, Yeomul, named after the ponds that dot the property, is adjacent to an elevator and marked only by a sign of a fox peering into water. Inside the intimate space, fresh seafood harvested by the haenyeo , Jeju's legendary female divers, is served, including abalone, tilefish soup, and an assortment of sashimi. 

The marigold-colored lounge features afternoon tea and prized local snacks like Jeju’s Udo peanuts, green tangerines, and popular apple mango. A small seaside bar serves up classic cocktails or an original concoction that can be made based on your favorite flavor profiles.

The resort has a gym and four indoor pools, including a whirlpool fed by the island’s volcanic springs. One pool, a sprawling, V-shaped oasis, lends views of the sea and nearby gardens decorated with Ugo Rondinone's specially commissioned yellow, blue, and pink boulders. Guests can also enjoy several activities, including Jeju Tea Ceremonies and wine tastings with the property’s sommelier. 

JW Jeju is connected to the island’s famous Olle Trail, a well-marked 10-mile network of pathways that follow the coastline and offers views of Oedolgae Sea Stack — a basalt formation near the shores of Sammaebong that left me in awe in the wake of its Jurassic Park-like formation. 

The most memorable excursion during my visit was to Beophwan, a fishing village where I got a chance to swim with the famous haenyeo women divers — whose livelihood depends on the variety of seafood they harvest. I have read about these incredible women in books, of their ability to hold their breath for minutes without oxygen masks as they dive for up to seven hours a day for shellfish like abalone and urchins.

Dressed in a wetsuit and armed with a tewak — the net attached to an orange float used to help collect the shellfish — I fumbled into the sea, knowing well before the water reached my knees that I would never come close to achieving what these fearless women have made into a longstanding tradition. Still, I tried, and after a few humbling reality checks on my diving capabilities and lung capacity, I finally caught two gleaming abalone shells, which my haenyo instructor held to the sky in celebration. 

At the low-lit, intimate spa, I received the pro-collagen age defy facial. My skin was illuminated with a series of Elemis products and my therapist’s swift, upward hand motions.  Other treatments include foot reflexology, body masks with Thermes Marin products, and hot stone massage with nourishing oils. 

There’s no shortage of incredible opportunities for children on property. When I peeked into the colorful Kids Camp, a group of children were quietly prepping chocolate during their baking class. Other activities include Jeju Forest Adventures, where kids can join group-led outdoor excursions. Families can also enlist a picnic rental service to enjoy on the island. Family packages that include perks for both adults and children can be booked here . 

Accessibility and Sustainability 

Guest rooms include bathtub grab rails, roll-in showers, lowered electrical outlets, and adjustable hand-held shower wands. Service animals are welcome on the property, and the pool, main entrance, meeting spaces, and restaurants are all accessible. The sustainable cooking program focuses on zero-waste dishes incorporating only two to three ingredients cooked from root to leaf.

The resort is located on the southern coast of Seogwipo, about an hour's drive from Jeju International Airport. Most guests rent a car at the airport, which the hotel can help coordinate. 

As part of Marriott's Bonvoy program, you can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for your stay at JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa. Be sure to look at the resort's various packages on offer, as many include half-board rates at Island Kitchen or dining credits at the resort's other restaurants.

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Pinterest’s 2024 Travel Report Hints at Low-Key Style

By Brittany Siminitz | April 29, 2024

Pinterest has released its annual travel report, highlighting the destinations, activities, and other travel-related terms—including aesthetics—with the biggest increases in searches year over year (February–March 2024 compared with the same period in 2023).

You might be thinking, “What does travel have to do with jewelry?” and that’s a fair query—there is no mention of jewels anywhere in the report. But it does give us a sense of consumers’ moods and desires, and from that we can make inferences on the types of accessorizing they might be inclined to do.

For instance, the report tells us that travelers are feeling mellow—no big cities or party-centric beaches are among the top searched destinations. Pinners using the platform to perfect their travel plans seem to prefer quiet, intimate trips, where digital detoxes reign over Instagram-worthy shots (though jaw-dropping views aren’t absent from the list).

“In 2024, wellness travel will take over. As the hustle and bustle of daily life takes its toll, travelers seek digital detox and solace in serene landscapes and rejuvenating experiences,” reads the report. “Say goodbye to crowded cities and hello to off-the-beaten-path destinations that promise tranquility and self-discovery. Adventure travel for the adrenaline seekers, mysterious places that add thrill and wonder, and nature travel are all on the rise.”

Search terms seeing big jumps this year include “luxury safari lodge,” “mountaineering,” and “adventure camping,” with Pinners showing interest in such destinations as Tanzania (which is relevant to our industry) and the Philippines.

In what Pinterest calls “quiet life trends,” searches have increased for “travel journal pages,” “wellness retreat aesthetic,” and “village vibes,” among other terms, along with interest in Okinawa, Japan, and the English countryside as destinations.

Pinners also seem to favor locales with an aura of mystery—”haunted places,” “ancient cities,” and “lost places” were all notable search terms, and interest in Peru’s Machu Picchu and Edinburgh, Scotland, rose, according to the report.

So what can we glean from this report when it comes to jewelry? The data doesn’t exactly ring “statement jewels”; it feels like sentimental jewelry—and perhaps good-luck tokens—might be a better fit. I imagine those hiking dangerous trails or visiting haunted places might benefit from an amulet or two, something that requires little maintenance and can be worn worry-free. The pandemic years brought a major surge in talismanic jewels, and this year’s apparent travel trends look to reinforce that spike—sentimental jewels are here to stay.

Is there a place for the statement earring or luxuriously sparkling tennis necklace? The growing popularity of search terms like “Santorini party” and “Morocco aesthetic” certainly would support that. But an overwhelming need for connecting with nature and its quieter offerings comes from this report, and while travelers will no doubt make photo-worthy visits, the vibe feels pared-down, less gussied up.

Read the report in full here .

(Photo via Pinterest)

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Golden Week crowds greeted with high temperatures as holiday period kicks off

Temperatures soared Sunday across a broad swath of the country, as Japan marked the second day of the Golden Week holiday period, with millions of travelers venturing to both international and domestic destinations.

Meanwhile, Osaka and central Tokyo reached 28 C, well above averages for this time of year, while Nagoya hit 28.3 C. The mercury in the cities of Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, and Fukushima also hit 30 C.

As Japan began its Golden Week holidays, which last until May 6, crowds of travelers headed to airports and train stations for trips to visit their hometowns or resorts, with families carrying hefty suitcases forming lengthy lines at airline counters.

Around 835,200 people were projected to travel through Narita International Airport in Chiba Prefecture for international flights and 263,300 people for domestic flights during the busy holiday period.

An estimated 23.3 million people in Japan, about 90% of pre-pandemic levels, were expected to travel during the 11-day period, according to a report from travel agency JTB.

The Golden Week holidays this year are the first since the government downgraded the classification of COVID-19 to match that of the seasonal flu last May, lifting all remaining travel guidelines due to the virus.

Destinations consistently favored by Japanese tourists such as Hawaii and Guam were popular, while nearby South Korea and Taiwan were choices for those mindful of the weak yen, as reported by NHK.

A total of 2.96 million seats were booked for bullet trains and other reserved trains from Friday up until the end of the holiday period, a 16% increase from last year, according to the nation’s six Japan Railway operators.

But rain could put a damper on plans in some areas on Monday, when a low-pressure system is expected to approach western Japan, with rain likely drenching the Kyushu region from the morning and spreading to the Chugoku and Shikoku areas around noon. Some areas are expected to experience heavy rain and thunderstorms.

In the Kinki region, rain is expected starting in the evening, but the Tokai, Kanto and Hokuriku regions may see some sun with a chance of rain at night. In Okinawa, rain and thunderstorms are likely until around noon, mainly in the southern islands.

Tokyo, Nagoya and Naha, the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, were forecast to see temperatures of 27 C, 25 C and 29 C, respectively.

On Tuesday, rain is anticipated from the Kyushu to Kanto areas, mainly in the morning. In the Tohoku region and Hokkaido, showers are likely to continue into the afternoon, possibly turning into heavy rainfall.

Wednesday will see scattered rain in Okinawa, Kyushu, extending to Kanto, but the skies are forecast to clear on Thursday from Kyushu to Hokkaido, potentially creating ideal conditions for Golden Week outings next weekend.

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