23 of the worlds best adventures for thrill-seekers
This is a country of frozen glaciers, towering volcanoes, jagged fjords, and skies lit up by the Northern Lights. It’s wild, raw, and unforgettable, perfect if you’re after a trip that’s anything but ordinary. The Great Lakes provide excellent sailing and kayaking, and Florida's Everglades offer unique kayaking through mangrove tunnels and wildlife-rich wetlands. The United States boasts an extraordinary variety of landscapes and climates, making it one of the most diverse adventure destinations on the planet. Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers unparalleled wildlife viewing in a natural amphitheater teeming with lions, elephants, rhinos and flamingos. Trek through rugged terrain to encounter the ancient Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, then dive into some of the world's most biodiverse waters, where manta rays, sea turtles and vibrant coral gardens await.
#11 China: The Other Best Place for Adventure Travel that Makes People Say, “You went where!?”
With a Here deep breath, you might also plunge down to the wreck of an East German patrol boat, scuttled some 15 years ago to have a second career as a home to Maltese fish. Hailed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it’s worth devoting a day to exploringChichén Itzá. If you think of Cuba, chances are your mind’s eye will conjure images of idyllic beaches in Cuba, 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.
You’ll even trek part of the remote Kumano Kodo - one of only two UNESCO-listed pilgrim routes in the world - through cedar forests and along mountain paths to reach Nachi, Japan's tallest waterfall. India draws in plenty of travelers thanks to its reputation for adventure and its vast land. You can sign up for camel rides or skydiving, mountain trekking or watersports.
A sprawling expanse characterized by imposing mountains, rolling hills, lush meadows and glistening lakes, it’s also famous for its charming villages, quaint tearooms and cozy country pubs. 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.
Hana is much less crowded than other areas of Maui with easy access to beaches and Haleakala National local produce catering Hampshire Park. 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.
Yellowstone National Park, USA
There are endless opportunities for adventure in wild mountain ranges, misty rainforest and vast deserts. Even destinations that have millions of tourists visiting each year still have some wonderfully unexplored corners. Iceland’s unique geography makes this island nation a dream for adventure travelers.
Hike dramatic, red sandstone canyons and swim in the pristine water of the Issyk Kul high alpine lake. Ride through a desert landscape beneath enormous open skies and watch the sunrise over the tallest dunes in the world. You'll cycle along the Skeleton Coast, the world's largest shipping graveyard and join a safari, keeping your eyes peeled for lions, elephants and rhinos. Visit thousands of breeding Cape Fur Seals in their enormous reserve and stand on the highest point in the country - Spitzkoppe Mountain.
- But alongside its coastal and cultural attractions, Cuba offers a tonne of exhilarating adventure experiences.
- Albania, in my humble opinion, is one of the most underrated countries in Europe.
- You can also book these activities from Kathmandu, the capital city.
- 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.
- It’s wild, raw, and unforgettable, perfect if you’re after a trip that’s anything but ordinary.
Best Adventures in North America
Participants rise early to saddle up, spending happy hours loping through a mosaic of salt lakes and spinifex, dunes systems and coolibah trees. Camp is established and billies boiled before sunset, after which stories are shared around an open fire. The mention of lions typically evokes the plains of Africa — the prides of the Great Rift Valley, the songs of Elton John.
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. 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.
Cross crevasses and snow bridges en route to the top of Ecuador’s most famous peak at a towering 5897m. You'll trek through rainforests and past snowcapped peaks, sleep in traditional haciendas set on ecological reserves and in remote mountain refuges, spotting condors soaring high above along the way. Climb one of the few non-technical peaks in Nepal and explore the mighty Himalayas away from the crowds. Trek through the Langtang Valley, close to the Tibetan border, dodging yaks and bedding down in remote teahouses along the way. You'll get up close to towering peaks and tumbling glaciers with panoramic views of Mt Shishapangma (8,027m) and Mt Gangchempo (6,387m) before setting off by torchlight as you navigate the tight ridge to the top.
Here’s a quick rundown on some of my favorite spots and adventure destinations. 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. Playa Venao and Santa Catalina are great beaches on the Pacific coast for surfing – perfect if you are backpacking Panama.