If you are looking for some awesome adventure destinations to add to your bucket list, you’ve come to the right place! It’s pretty hard to narrow down the most adrenaline-inducing places to travel (and why!) but this article should be enough to add some new places to your bucket list.
As an avid adventure traveler myself, I had already compiled an excellent list of places to travel for adventure – many of which I have ticked off. But, naturally, there are always TONS more places on anyone’s bucket list.
So I asked some amazing travel bloggers in my community what their favorite adventure destinations were, where you can find the best adventurous activities for an adrenaline rush. So I compiled a comprehensive list of the most amazing adventure travel destinations in every continent on the planet. Enjoy!
Places to Travel for Adventure in SOUTH + CENTRAL AMERICA
Patagonia
One of the most amazing places to travel for adventure is PATAGONIA. Yes, I know, Patagonia is not a country in and of itself – it’s a REGION split between two other incredibly adventurous destinations – Argentina and Chile.
Patagonia surrounds the Andes mountain range from the bottom tip of South America (Ushuaia, Argentina) up until about halfway up both Argentina and Chile. This means – Patagonia is HUGE! It encompasses over 1 million km sq from the bottom to the top, and has DOZENS of amazing places to adventure and explore.
Patagonia is one of the best adventure destinations in the world, as it is completely centered around outdoor adventures. There are National Parks, glaciers, hikes, caves, volcanoes, and stunning views that would make anyone’s jaws drop. You can go trekking, kayaking, boating, caving, rappelling, four-wheel driving, and SO much more – there’s no limit to the adventures you can have.
I recommend spending at least two weeks in Patagonia, if not extending your trip to four weeks in Northern Patagonia too. You must not miss the W Trek in Torres del Paine or Climbing Volcan Villarrica in Pucon, Chile – among SO many other things! Be prepared to see some of the most dramatic mountain views of your life, as well as being wowed at the culture and scenery.
Panama
You didn’t expect to see Panama on a list of adventure destinations, did you?! Since I recently spent a month there, I have dubbed Panama as one of my favorite underrated travel destinations AND adventure destinations. This country completely blew my mind with the sheer amount of awesome things to do!
I’ll start with the obvious: Panama is MUCH more than Panama City. While it’s great to see the canal, the famous capital is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring Panama.
Bocas del Toro is one of the best adventure destinations in Panama. Located on the Caribbean coast not too far from Costa Rica, Bocas is comprised of dozens of islands ready for adventure. You can go sailing, fishing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, jet-skiing, jungle hiking, and even take cooking classes around all the islands.
Playa Venao and Santa Catalina are great beaches on the Pacific coast for surfing – perfect if you are backpacking Panama. I highly recommend speedboating through the San Blas islands to encounter some of the most pristine islands you may see in your life.
If beaches and islands aren’t totally your thing – no worries! Panama also has a mountainous destination called Boquete. Boquete is home to a huge volcano which, when ascended, you can see BOTH the Pacific and Caribbean Seas on a clear day! Hiking Volcan Baru is a must for adventure travelers. Make sure to also stop at Lost and Found Hiking Hostel for some scavenger hunts and amazing views.
Peru
Peru is an incredible country and one of the perfect places to travel for adventure. Cusco is a great base to start your Peruvian adventure, as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the most famous hike in Peru. From Cusco you can arrange ATV tours to the Mayan ruins at Moray and to see the salt mines at Maras. In the Sacred Valley, you’ll also find zip-lining and the chance to sleep in a pod on the side of a cliff if you are brave enough!
Huaraz is the best place to go for trekking in Peru and is relatively off the beaten track compared to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Here you can hike through the breath-taking Huascaran National Park with incredible mountain views and beautiful blue lakes in the Cordillera Blanca, although the altitude can be a challenge.
If you prefer less strenuous activities and warmer weather, head to the coast for surfing in Mancora or Huanchaco or try paragliding on the cliffs in Lima. Inland, go sandboarding and hop in a buggy to speed around the sand dunes at Peru’s desert oasis Huacachina. For a wetter adventure, Peru also has some fabulous rafting on the Río Urubamba in Cusco, Río Chili in Arequipa and Cotahuasi Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world.
Arguably, the most adventurous place in Peru is the Amazon, where you can take tours into the rainforest from Iquitos, trekking through the jungle to spot wildlife. As a fitting finale to your Peruvian adventure, take a slow boat along the Amazon River right to its delta in Brazil.
By Claire Sturzaker from This Travel Lover
Colombia
Are you an adrenaline junkie looking for your next heart-dropping adventure? Do you also prefer not breaking the bank when doing said activities? If your answer is yes, then you must visit Colombia. A country with a terrible past, Colombia has now become one of the top travel destinations in South America. With diverse landscapes ranging from the beautiful Caribbean waters of Capurgana to the mysterious Amazon rainforest, it is not difficult to see why it is so popular.
Many of the best things to do in Colombia are adventure-based. In the ancient city of Cartagena, visitors can participate in many adventurous water sports such as windsurfing, diving, and kitesurfing on the Caribbean Sea. Deeper towards the Amazon Rainforest, a famous 5-day trek called the Lost City trek takes you to a protected archaeological site.
Still not enough adventure? Then make sure you include the city of San Gil on your Colombia itinerary. Known as the adventure capital of Colombia travelers can enjoy intense level 5 white-water rafting, canyoning, cave explorations, bungee jumping, and more!
By Sean Lau from Living Out Lau
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the ultimate adventure destination. From the laid-back surfer towns along the coast to amazing music festivals like Envision to the extreme wilderness of the jungles and volcanoes, you can find any adrenaline rush you’re looking for in this Central American country.
One adventure sport that you can’t miss while in Costa Rica is ziplining. Now, maybe you’ve ziplined a few times before. It’s all the same, right? Not in Costa Rica. CR is world-renowned for its ziplining industry. We experienced a zipline that was over 1km long, several hundred feet above the jungle, which flew past a raging waterfall. And that isn’t even considered one of the best in the country!
If ziplining isn’t your thing, you have plenty of other adventure options. In the short week we were there, we surfed, rappelled through canyons, hiked to hidden waterfalls, galloped horses through the jungle, and tried some high-intensity white-water rafting.
We also barely survived what was hands-down the biggest adrenaline rush of the trip: a water slide. More specifically, the Buena Vista del Rincon jungle water slide. No kidding, you suit up with a helmet and protective innertube, then scream along the 425m waterslide in the middle of the rainforest. This is undoubtedly dangerous, as we both almost flew out several times and could easily see how people have been injured here. Would we do it again? In a heartbeat.
Costa Rica is a beautiful country that is perfectly suited for adventure travelers. You will absolutely not get bored with any amount of time you spend there!
By Dani Ward from Diapers in Paradise
Places to Travel for Adventure in NORTH AMERICA
California
When it comes to adventures, California TRULY has it all. To be honest, there aren’t many adventure sports you CAN’T do in California! It’s one of the only places that you can go surfing and snowboarding on the same day, and there are dozens of National Parks, mountains, coastlines, and more.
California actually has more National Parks than any other state! Yosemite, Sequoia, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Pinnacles, and Channel Islands National Parks are fantastic for hiking, camping, amazing views, rafting, kayaking, extreme climbing, and more. California is also home to the highest mountain peak in the lower 48, Mt Whitney, which many people like to ascend over a few days.
The amount of cliffy coastlines in CA is incredible, and you can find more ocean adventures than you could possibly complete in a lifetime! California is fantastic for surfers, and also has many places you can kayak/swim in caves, rock climb, snorkel, jet ski, go sailing/boating, or even scuba dive. Some of my favorite coastlines to adventure are Big Sur, San Diego/La Jolla, Laguna Beach, San Louis Obispo, Point Reyes, and some great beach hikes in Southern California.
I could tell you about places to travel for adventure in California for AGES – there’s truly no limit between the incredible mountainous landscapes, low deserts, and oceanic opportunities. You MUST take a California road trip at some point in your life, and most definitely a Pacific Coast Highway road trip as part of it too.
Canada/Rockies
The Rocky Mountains run along the border of Alberta and British Columbia, two of Canada’s best adventure destinations. Most travelers heading to the Rocky Mountains fly into my hometown, Calgary, Alberta. I always recommend they begin their trip at Winsport, the sporting facility that hosted Calgary’s 1988 Winter Olympics. There, visitors can ease their way into adventure travel through activities like skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, downhill go-karting and even “summer luge” on the old Olympics tracks.
From Calgary, it’s only an hour’s drive west to Canmore, the gateway to the mountains. Canmore is ideal for river rafting in the summer (choose a sunset tour for the best wildlife spotting!) and cross-country skiing in the backcountry during the winter. From here, it’s only twenty minutes further to Banff National Park, one of Canada’s most famous, and spectacularly beautiful, parks.
Spend a summer day (or two, or three…) hiking the pristine forest trails that criss-cross the park, or take your adventure to the next level by spending a winter day heli-skiing high in the Rocky Mountains. And of course, when you’re all done, relax your exhausted muscles in Banff’s historic hot springs!
By Carly from Absolutely Calgary
Colorado
As the adventure capital of the United States, Colorado is a must-see on any adventurer’s bucket list. You’ll find world-class hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, climbing, and more throughout the state. The best way to get all of the outdoor action in Colorado is to hit the road. Go on an epic Colorado road trip.
Must-see adventure destinations include taking a scenic mountain drive through the San Juans, alpine rock climbing in the iconic Rocky Mountain National Park or hiking to the top of one of Colorado’s most scenic 14ers (mountains over 14,000 feet tall). After your big adventure, kick back at one of the many beautiful campsites in Colorado.
You can even explore the depths of space with a visit to the town of Westcliff and surrounding mountains. This area is a designated Dark Sky area, where you’ll get un-polluted views of the Milky Way. Other nearby attractions are the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, known for their backpacking and hiking routes. Also, check out Great Sand Dunes National Park, North America’s biggest sand dunes for even more spectacular adventures.
With so much to choose from, you could easily spend two weeks to a month exploring all that Colorado has to offer. So hit the road this season with an amazing outdoor adventure trip you’ll never forget.
By Meg Atteberry from Fox in the Forest
Oregon
There are far too many adventurous things to do in Oregon to choose favorites! It really is all dependant on what you’re after. Just choose your favorite activities and Oregon will take care of you. Here’s a quick rundown on some of my favorite spots and adventure destinations.
Rock Climbing – Smith Rock is the mecca for hanging off rocks and getting up high!
Hiking – There’s a hike around every corner in Oregon. A few of the best spots are Samuel H. Boardman and Ecola on the coast, around Mount Hood like the Tom, Dick and Harry Trail or Tamanawas Falls Trail. The Cascade region outside of Bend will keep you busy for weeks -the South Sister summit is a favorite, and the Wallowas and the Steens Mountain in the east won’t disappoint.
The Lakes – The lakes are just too good! Crater Lake National Park is must-see, it’s the State’s only National Park and is gorgeous. There’s some good hiking around the rim and beyond. Beyond that, the Cascade Lakes in Central Oregon are magnificent. There are numerous lakes all surrounded by trails or that have water sports on offer. Grab a SUP, kayak, or boat and spend the day out on the lakes. Bring your own or head to Elk or Lava Lake to rent equipment.
Like most places in the USA, the best way to experience Oregon is on a road trip! You can bring a tent along and keep your trip super cheap or try some of the unique spots that are around the state like yurts or even teepees.
by Nina Ragusa from Oregon is for Adventure
Maui, Hawaii
If you’re looking for adventure in one of the most beautiful places in the world then Maui is the place for you. Get your heart pumping and fly high through the trees on one of Maui’s zipline tours; my favorite has always been Kapalua Adventures on the island’s west side.
If hiking is more your thing, head to the top of Haleakala and hike around the volcano crater at the Haleakala National Park before or after taking in the sunrise or sunset. Or cruise the Road to Hana for a day and go hiking through the bamboo forest on the other side of Haleakala National Park all the way up to Waimoku Falls. They also have some amazing saltwater fishing.
When in Maui you have to try surfing at least once! There are lots of local surf schools around the island that offer great lessons and board rentals. Once you’ve had enough of the waves, try a kayak and snorkel tour. Kelii’s Kayaks is a locally owned company and their guides are experienced and knowledgeable about the best snorkeling spots and the sea creatures you’ll find. Take the super early tour (around 7 am) when the water is smooth as glass and see the coast from a new perspective and explore the colorful reefs below the surface.
Maui doesn’t have extensive public transportation so to really explore the island, you’ll need to rent a car. If you want to get off the beaten path, consider staying at Travasaa Resort in Hana on the far east side of the island. Hana is much less crowded than other areas of Maui with easy access to beaches and Haleakala National Park.
If traveling around, make sure to visit Kauai and catch the sunset in Oahu.
By Emily Hines from Em’s on the Road
Places to Travel for Adventure in EUROPE
Switzerland
Switzerland is a paradise for adventure seekers. The country is also known as one of the safest countries throughout Europe thanks to its low crime rate and strict police force. However, there are plenty of activities you can do, which are considered not so safe! Thanks to the country’s amazing public transport system, you can easily get around without driving. The beautiful Swiss Alps is a playground for thrill-seekers. It has many beautiful hiking trails and via ferratas, that are not for the faint-hearted.
The challenging hardergrat trail is on many hiking enthusiast’s bucket lists. Paragliding is a popular activity, especially in the scenic Lauterbrunnen Valley. Despite being a landlocked county, Switzerland is an amazing place for water sport activities as it has over 7000 lakes and many rivers. You can also pop over the border to Vorarlberg.
Sailing, water skiing and kayaking are all fantastic at these locations. In the winter the country gets plenty of snow and many people flock to the ski resorts. Luckily there are plenty of them in Switzerland, and off-piste skiing is also possible. So if you want one of the best places to travel for adventure in Europe, visit this country as it has so much to offer!
By Eniko Krix from Travel Hacker Girl
Wales
Wales, the country in the UK, is a great place to travel for adventure lovers and for people who enjoy outdoor activities. Three national parks cover one-fifth of the total Welsh land.
Snowdonia National Park, located in the north, is home to beautiful lakes, hills, moorlands, waterfalls, and the highest peak in England and Wales, Mount Snowdon. In this park, there are various hiking routes you can take. If you don’t fancy hiking you can also take a steam train to Snowdon’s peak at an altitude of 1,085 meters.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is the only coastal national park in the UK in the west. There are numerous coastal paths which take you to some breathtaking cliffs. If the weather is good you can cycle across sweeping hills, go for a swim or go scuba diving. There are different diving sites including wrecks and reefs. If you are lucky you can also swim with wild dolphins.
The Brecon Beacons, in the south of Wales, is famous for its magnificent upland formations. It is also home to some outstanding waterfalls, caves, and lakes. You can stay in Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer which offers different types of accommodations such as cottages, lodges, and chalets. This centre also offers different activities including caving, stand up paddleboarding, and canyoning. While in the Brecon Beacons, make sure to take the Four Falls Walk which takes you to four amazing waterfalls.
If you go to the south of the national park you will find Bike Park Wales which features various mountain biking trails for different experience levels from beginners to professionals.
By Mansoureh Farahani from Travel with Mansoureh
Iceland
Iceland is a paradise for adventure seekers and one of the best adventure destinations in the world for outdoor activities. Every corner of the island offers amazing opportunities to explore the unique Icelandic landscape: from glaciers to waterfalls, geysers and volcanoes!
The best way to experience Iceland is to take a road trip along the Ring Road. You can rent a car and book tours and activities along the way. Aside from hiking, most adventure activities in Iceland require booking a tour. Check out more Iceland budget tips.
There are dozens of adventure activities you can experience in Iceland. Our favorite adventure tour in Iceland was hands down snorkeling/diving the Silfra fissure. Wearing a drysuit, you get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim between two continents!
Some of the best adventure tours in Iceland include glacier hiking and ice climbing, ice caving, horseback riding, and hiking inside a volcano. If you are looking for great activities to do with kids, you can take a boat ride on a glacier lagoon or go white water rafting! Iceland also has dozens of hiking trails you can explore without a guide. Just make sure to always check the weather forecast and listen to local warnings as conditions can be very unpredictable!
By Julie Laundis from Wandering Sunsets
Greenland
Is Greenland the last frontier of world travel? This sparsely populated giant ice sheet between Europe and North America is often overlooked and usually seen by most at 30,000 feet on transatlantic flights. But if you are the sort that loves all sorts of winter-based activities and treks then I would highly advise you to stop over and spend some time in Greenland.
Taking a cruise through the Ilulissat ice fjord and encountering the iceberg formations up close and personal is undoubtedly one of the highlights, but there is also the opportunity to kayak along some of Greenland’s ice fields at your own pace too. A daring adventure, certainly, but best carried out in the Spring/Summer months where there is almost 24-hour daylight. You will need to rent a kayak from a company first.
The hiking opportunities throughout Greenland are limitless. One of the most enduring is the Arctic Circle Trail between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut, a real adventure through ice-capped mountains where pitching your tent and camping for the night is essential. And of course, another of the highlights of any visit to Greenland is the opportunity to go dog sledding. Dog sledding is a fun expedition for all but in truth a way of life for the local population. What better way to be transported through the deep thick winter snow through ice mountains and with a view of the frozen sea from a distance, or even in full view of the Northern Lights in January?
When staying in Greenland, there is no place I recommend more than the Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat. Between May and September, their metal igloos overlooking Disko Bay are open for reservations. It may be one of the most unique accommodation experiences and views you will ever have.
By Jonathan Riddick from Journeymaxx.com
Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites are often overlooked when people think about visiting Italy, but they are some of the most beautiful and adventure packed mountains in the entire world, and the possibilities to explore them are endless. Whether you want to keep it simple with a nice relaxing hike around Lago Di Braies, or perhaps you just want to ride a cable car and take in all the majestic views around you, there is something for everyone.
If you’re looking for adventure, you’ll absolutely love mountain and road biking in the Dolomites, as well as rock climbing. To truly experience the Dolomites, stay a night in a mountain top Refugio where you can enjoy sunset and sunrise from the perfect viewpoint, and really feel how wild these mountains are.
If you want something more adventurous, there are plenty of multi-day trekking routes where you hike from Refugio to Refugio, eating all their wonderfully cooked food along the way. Located just 2 hours from Venice, visiting the Dolomites is a must-do for adventure seekers.
By Jessica Averett from Bring The Kids
Places to Travel for Adventure in ASIA/MIDDLE EAST
Georgia
With sweeping valleys, white water rivers, towering waterfalls, and rugged mountains for days, the Republic of Georgia was made for adventure travel.
The Caucasus country has an extremely diverse landscape that ranges from semi-desert in the east to lush forest in the west. High mountains form natural land borders to the north and south, while a stretch of coastline along the Black Sea provides opportunities for sailing and water sports.
Georgia has 10 national parks, all with something different to offer. But the country is best known for its alpine trekking. Hikes range from easy trails such as Kazbegi to Gergeti Trinity Church, to multi-day journeys – the most popular being the three-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli. Accommodation along the high-altitude route comes in the form of village homestays, which means experiencing legendary Georgian hospitality (read: lots of homemade wine and mountains of food to conquer every night) is part and parcel of the experience.
Other highlights include horseback riding in the remote Tusheti Protected Landscape and trekking to Black Rock Lake on the Russian border. Winter sports including snowboarding are on offer in Gudauri and Bakuriani as well as tandem paragliding. For rafting, head to Western Georgia’s Rioni river in the summer months.
Budget flights from Europe, flexible visas, cost-effective options for guided tours – plus a general feeling of still being ‘off the beaten track’ – are just some of the factors that make Georgia a top adventure destination.
By Emily Lush from Wander-Lush
Nepal
Nepal is one of the ultimate places to travel for adventure. The small landlocked country boasts some of the world’s greatest trekking trails, stunning mountain regions, and other adrenaline-rushing activities. In short, Nepal is the Holy Grail for adventure enthusiasts.
Trekking in Nepal is undoubtedly the most coveted adventure. Home to some of the highest peaks in the world, Nepal has varied trekking trails suited for beginners as well as hardcore mountaineers. The Everest and Annapurna region in Nepal offers the most popular treks, while the Mustang and Dolpo trails and the Manaslu Circuit Trek are somewhat offbeat.
If you think Nepal is only about trekking, then you are quite wrong. Pokhara in Nepal is heaven for adventure activities. You can go for paragliding, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and mountain biking near Pokhara. Finally, the Everest Mountain Flight is the ultimate adventure that you can have in Nepal. A helicopter ride will take you a few hundred feet higher over the highest peak of the world, and you can enjoy the summit view of the Everest ranges from the flight.
Finally, the fast-flowing mountain rivers of Nepal provides some of the best whitewater rafting in the world. Single-day trips are available from Pokhara.
For adventure activities, it is best to visit and stay in Pokhara. There are several travel shops from where you can book your adventure activity. These agents arrange for pick up from your hotel as well. You can also book these activities from Kathmandu, the capital city.
By Agni & Amrita from Tale of 2 Backpackers
Phillipines
The Philippines is generally known for its beautiful beaches and incredible blue water. But our two month trip exploring many of the different islands showed us how many awesome, adventurous things there are to do here. Whether it’s island hopping or scuba diving in Palawan, chasing waterfalls in Cebu or riding scooters around the island paradise of Siargao there is an endless amount of epic adventure destinations in the Philippines.
Our favourite island in the Philippines is Siargao and that’s because it is stunningly beautiful while also providing plenty of adventurous activities to do. You can cliff jump into natural rock pools, swim from palm tree rope swings, surf, swim through caves and explore multiple different islands and lagoons by boat. It really is the dream island for adventure lovers.
The easiest way to get around the Philippines is to rent a scooter and drive yourself. This allows you to discover more remote and untouched regions, beat the crowds and really helps to create a unique experience for you. It doesn’t really matter what activity you are into because the Philippines has it all.
By Luke Storey from The Coastal Campaign
Kyrgyzstan
If you’re looking for adventure destinations then Kyrgyzstan should definitely be on your radar. While some people have never heard of Kyrgyzstan, many off the beaten path travelers are discovering the new hotspot in hiking and adventure. There is lots to explore in Kyrgyzstan and most of it can be done on a budget and without crowds of other tourists.
Kyrgyzstan boasts incredible hiking trails spanning mountain ridges, grassy glades, and pristine lakes. One of the most popular is the 3-day trek to Ala Kul Lake which ends in a little village sitting on natural hot springs. There are also incredible options for horse trekking and skiing throughout the country which are really affordable.
But of course, a trip to Kyrgyzstan wouldn’t be complete without experiencing some of the local nomadic culture. You can stay in yurts, watch eagle hunting displays or if you’re lucky, catch a game of Kok Boru – the local sport played on horseback with a goat carcass! You can also visit Kyrgyzstan in winter, which is a huge adventure too.
By Rohan Cahill-Fleury from Travels of a Bookpacker
Pakistan
Considering it’s home to dozens of the world’s tallest mountains, including the second tallest K2, it’s no surprise that Pakistan is an adventure traveler’s paradise- especially if you’re into trekking! The beautiful South Asian country is filled with a seemingly endless amount of mountain opportunities. Everything from day-hikes to alpine lakes to multi-day expeditions to the base camp of K2 can be done in Pakistan.
For those looking for a moderate adventure, I highly recommend taking 1-2 days to venture up towards Rakaposhi Base Camp in the Gilgit-Baltistan province. The trek starts in Minapin Village and heads to a pretty epic viewpoint where you’ll be able to see the majestic Rakaposhi mountain up close!
Another popular and easier trek to embark on in Pakistan is Fairy Meadows (also in Gilgit-Baltistan), where you’ll be able to stay the night in a lush campsite that has an unparalleled view of Nanga Parbat, the world’s 9th highest mountain.
Hitchhiking through Pakistan’s mountainous villages will also bring you up close and personal with a ton of elevation and little known treks- don’t forget about them in favor of the popular guys!
Overall, backpacking Pakistan is one of the most incredible travel experiences you can have. Pakistanis are some of the friendliest people on the planet, which will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip aside from the surreal landscapes.
Logistically speaking, Pakistan can be entered through any one of its international airports, or can be crossed overland. The Wagah Border with India is the easiest land border to cross over at, and would lead you right into one of Pakistan’s liveliest cities: Lahore. Even if you plan on spending all your time in the mountains (very understood!), I highly recommend spending some days in Lahore before heading north. The city is known as the cultural capital of the country, and boasts dozens of Mughal-era relics.
To reach the mountains, you’ll have to first make your way to Gilgit- the hub of Gilgit-Baltistan. Gilgit can either be reached by a flight (which is often canceled) or an overnight coach-bus ride from Pakistan’s capital city Islamabad. Islamabad is about 5 hours north of Lahore and Gilgit is some 17 hours north of Islamabad.
By Samantha Shea from Intentional Detours
Uttarakhand, India
Uttarakhand, India may not be a place that jumps readily to mind when you think of adventure destinations to travel. But this mountainous region is home to adventure in India. Uttarakhand is in North India, about a five hour drive north-east of the capital city, Delhi. It’s one of several states in India dominated by the Himalayan mountain range. Most of the state is mountainous, from the rolling foothills of Rishikesh right up to the soaring peaks, like Nanda Devi, the tallest mountain in Uttarakhand at 7,816 metres.
Naturally, this kind of terrain makes for great adventure travel options. Trekking is very popular in Uttarakhand, and one trek in particular is legendary. The summertime trek to Valley of Flowers is on many bucket lists as it has all the hallmarks of a true adventure. The Valley of Flowers trek is in a very remote location that’s only accessible for a brief time each year, but it rewards those who make the effort with a glorious vision — a Himalayan valley carpeted with flowers in full bloom.
Another popular option in Uttarakhand is white water rafting. This state is the source of the Ganga (Ganges) River. The most sacred river in India, the Ganges tumbles from the Himalayas before making a 2,500 kilometre journey across the length of India. In Uttarakhand, the rushing river is ideal for white water rafting. Rishikesh is not only the Yoga capital of the world, it’s also the gateway to adventure. Many adventure outfitters offer white water rafting in and around Rishikesh.
Finally, I cannot end before mentioning Corbett Tiger Reserve, one of the top tiger reserves in all of India. In fact, the very concept of tiger reserves started in Corbett, which was originally established in 1936 and later named after legendary author and hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett. A jeep safari in Corbett is a wildlife adventure among thick forests and rolling meadows teeming with tigers, leopards, elephants, sloth bears, pangolins and many others.
By Mariellen Ward from BreatheDreamGo
Israel
Israel is probably not the first country that comes to mind when thinking about adventure destinations, but it actually offers dozens of amazing adventure travel activities for anyone to enjoy.
Sitting on the Mediterranean, on Israel’s beaches, you can engage with all types of water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.
If you’re more of a green landscape kind of traveler, head to northern Israel, where you’ll find scenic views of mountains, creeks, and waterfalls. This area is filled with hiking trails, but you can also try other activities like skydiving, kayaking or rafting on the Jordan river, and flying in a hot air balloon over the Galilee region.
As opposed to the green north, southern Israel offers unique desert views. The Negev and Judaean deserts are extremely popular for hiking, but they’re also perfect for outdoor adventures like canyoning, rappelling, and rock climbing. If you want to make your time in southern Israel extra special, choose to stay at a Bedouin tent or lodge to learn about Bedouin culture and enjoy traditional Bedouin hospitality.
By Or Amir from My Path in the World
Places to Travel for Adventure in OCEANIA
New Zealand
New Zealand surely needs to be at the top of the list for adventure destinations around the world. The home of bungy jumping, and superhuman adventurers like Sir Edmund Hillary, you know you are going to have an action-packed holiday here.
While New Zealand can be a long way for some, there are direct flights from Australia, the USA, major Asian hubs and the Pacific Islands. Once you are here, the easiest way to get around is to grab a campervan or rental car and road trip your way around.
The South Island is the king of adventure, with Queenstown being its adventure capital. Bungy jumping originated here and now you can jump the highest bungy: the Ben Nevis, at 134m high, a 8.5-second freefall. It’s an absolute must-do in New Zealand. Queenstown has a raft of adventure activities including jet boating, heliskiing, rafting, skydiving, Skyline luge, and epic hiking.
While in the South Island, enjoy an overnight boat adventure in Milford Sound, swimming with dolphins in Akaroa, whale watching in Kaikoura or zipline at New Zealand’s longest zipline in Christchurch.
The North Island isn’t one to ignore for adventure either. Rotorua is home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, mountain biking in the Redwoods and kayaking with glowworms. Also try hiking the Tongariro Crossing in volcano country, diving in New Zealand’s best dive site, Poor Knights Marine Reserve, or a canoe adventure down the Whanganui River.
Whatever you choose, you will not run out of places to travel for adventure in New Zealand!
By Jennifer from Backyard Travel Family: Active Family Travel Specialists in New Zealand
Australia
Australia is a country packed full of adventurous things to do; whichever region you chose to visit you won’t be disappointed. Some of my best travel memories are from my numerous trips down under.
If I had to pick the best one, it would be the night I spent on a floating pontoon on my trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Spending a night in the middle of the ocean, seeing the magnificent reef on a scenic helicopter flight and then snorkeling in the beautiful underwater world was truly amazing.
Another adventure not to miss is sailing around the Whitsunday Islands. If you base yourself at Airlie Beach, you’ll be able to organise both of these experiences. Sleeping under the stars, and getting to dive at the best times was incredible.
If you enjoy hiking and trekking, then you’ll love the Blue Mountains near Sydney, or you could consider driving along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria or getting a delicious Aussie brunch in Melbourne. The stunning vistas along the way at both adventure destinations provide perfect photo opportunities, not to mention unforgettable memories.
Of course, Australia is famous for its surfing, and there’s no shortage of great beaches to ride the waves. Some of the best have to include Bells Beach in Torquay, Surfers Paradise or Noosa Heads in Queensland and Prevelly Bay in Western Australia.
If you’re staying in Sydney, climbing the famous harbour bridge is also not to miss or at least seeing the Pylon Lookout. There’s so much to do in Australia that one trip won’t be enough, so be prepared to plan a return adventure.
By Fiona Berry from Passport and Piano
Solomon Islands
The South Pacific has PLENTY of incredible island adventure destinations dotted throughout the Pacific Ocean. I’m sure many if not all small island nations would be grand for a more off-the-beaten-track adventure, but I can personally attest to the adventurousness of the Solomon Islands.
I spent a week traveling the Solomon Islands (check out my Solomon Islands guide here) and can safely say I only scratched the surface when it comes to really cool and adrenaline-inducing things to do. There are over 1000 islands in ‘the Sollies,’ each with something unique to offer.
Naturally, most Solomon Islands adventures have a LOT to do with the ocean! As far as surfing goes, there are remote reef breaks here that have literally never even had a surfer before. Finding these depends on YOUR lever of adventure (and, well, if you have a boat you can live on too I suppose). There are some tiny and beautiful Solomon Islands hotels too.
The Solomon Islands are also known as one of the best places to scuba dive in the WORLD. They have some of the clearest water and most prolific dive sites (with the most sea life) on the planet. There’s a LOT of jungle to hike and explore, many successful fishing trips, and some different water sports around, too.
Places to Travel for Adventure in AFRICA
South Africa
South Africa is another one of those countries that really does have a little but of everything! Many people think of beaches when they think of South Africa, but in reality, there are deserts, mountains, beaches, and more.
Cape Town is actually one of the most adventurous cities I have been to. It has hiking, climbing, kitesurfing, paragliding, helicopter-ing, abseiling, surfing, diving, and more available within a few minutes of the city center! Check out Cape Town’s top 10 adventures and also 100 things to do in Cape Town if you need some inspo; I can’t wait to go back.
But, Cape Town is merely the beginning of places to travel for adventure in South Africa. There are some incredible road trips to check out, such as the Garden Route, which touches upon lots of amazing coastlines, national parks, hikes, waterfalls, and beaches. The middle of the country is home to beautiful expansive deserts, and of course, there are TONS of places to see wild animals and ‘the Big 5″ such as famous Kruger National Park.
Perhaps one of my favorite adventure destinations in South Africa is the Drakensburg Mountains- on the border of Lesotho. These are some of the most incredible mountains I have seen in my life, and are home to TONs of single-day treks and also treks as long as 300km (“The Grand Traverse”). The ‘Devil’s Tooth’ mountain is a famous view, as well as the second-highest waterfall in the whole world, Tugela Falls. If you do the hike to Tugela Falls you will be able to see both, as well as scaling metal ladders attaches to the cliff face. An adventure for sure!
Victoria Falls
Forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe one the famous Zambezi River, Victoria Falls is a true destination for adventure. There are lots of ways to experience one of the largest waterfalls in the world! To make the most of Victoria Falls, I recommend spending some time on the Zambian side (Livingstone) AND the Zimbabwe side (Victoria Falls), not only so you can form your own opinion on which side’s view is better (its an age-old debate) but to take part in more adventures as well.
Livingstone, Zambia is essentially built on adventure tourism. There are multiple ways to fly over the falls (prop plane, microlight, helicopter) and even more ways to experience them from the ground or the water. There are TONS of boat cruises and sunset trips on the Zambezi, as well as safaris around the area, quad biking, horseback riding, and even fishing. It’s a great place to see a lovely African Sunset.
Rafting is also famous on the Zambezi – but don’t worry, you raft on the part of the river AFTER the falls! There’s a huge bungee jump from a bridge that connects the Zambian side to the Zimbabwean side, and because of this, you will need your passport just to do the jump!
Perhaps the most adrenaline-inducing adventure at Victoria Falls is swimming in the Devil’s Pool (dry season) or the Angel’s Pool (wet season). These are famous pools RIGHT on the edge of the 300+ ft waterfall – so close you can nearly look off the edge! In wet season when you can’t safely make it to Devil’s Pool, you can book a tour to Angel’s Pool and hold onto a rope as waist-high water goes over the edge of the falls. Its an absolute thrill!
Kenya
Kenya is located in East Africa and a popular destination for safaris and adventure holidays. With regular flights from many countries, it makes it an easy country to get to, and then moving about you have two main options of flying (which can be expensive) or driving. I have travelled around both ways and could recommend both. I would recommend you have a driver if you decide to drive. You can spend any length of time in this wonderful country and have the most amazing time.
Whilst Kenya is well known for its amazing safari adventure, people of all ages will make memories of a life time. We have just returned from 3 weeks with three small children (4, 4 & 1) proving safari really is possible with kids! Take a look at House in the Wild, it will blow your mind and offers far more than just a safari experience. We visited local schools, a Maasai Village, the rhino sanctuary just to name a few.
Pre children, I joined Angell Safaris and cycled 300km from Nairobi to Mombasa. The most incredible experience of my life. It was such an awesome way to see the country, go on safari, and really challenge your mind in one of the best adventure destinations!
By Anna Miller from Twins and Travels
Antarctica
Adventurous travelers are drawn to Antarctica for its isolated location, wild scenery, and opportunities for spontaneous exploration.
Just getting there is a huge part of the adventure, as you have to sail across the Drake Passage and its famously rough seas.
Once you arrive in Antarctica, the seas calm but adventure kicks into high gear. Passengers hop into zodiacs and cruise through brash ice, passing larger-than-life icebergs and glacier-covered mountains. Wildlife sightings are common, yet unpredictable, with huge colonies of penguins, swimming seals, and maybe even breaching humpback whales.
Simply sitting and watching life unfold at the bottom of the world is an adventure in itself, but there are more active ways to experience Antarctica. Depending on the time of year, expedition cruise operators may offer sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountaineering. Other popular optional adventure activities are winter camping and the Polar Plunge, where brave souls jump into the cold Antarctic waters.
No matter how you spend your time, a trip to Antarctica is guaranteed to be unforgettable!
by Rhonda Krause from travelyesplease.com
Well, that’s about it for some of the best adventure destinations in the world! You may also enjoy these:
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.