It is a widely accepted fact that tourism is currently experiencing a significant amount of transformation. One of the most prominent changes taking place in the sector is adventure tourism. Adventure travel is the latest big thing in the tourism industry. As technology advances, the global media, the increasing ubiquity of smartphones, and cheap air travel are making more and more people eager to travel. There is a distinct desire for adventure and exploration, with growing concerns for the environment. One option that is conspicuously becoming more popular worldwide is that of adventure travel. Instead of the traditional guidebooks and escorted tours, travelers want something different out of their travel experiences. They want to experience authentic encounters with the landscape, cultures, and wildlife firsthand.
Adventure travel, in simple terms, entails travel with an element of risk or excitement that is taken in order to increase the thrill and desire to travel among tourists and satisfy their desires. People also take part in all these activities because they provide an adrenaline rush and a sense of accomplishment after surviving the dangers that come with adventure sports. This style of travel has become increasingly popular, as people seek active and engaging vacations. To make it onto our list, every spot must provide a myriad of activity options, whether you want to go hiking, trekking, climbing, mountain biking, surfing, or diving. Facilities for complete beginners and families with children are also available in every location. Security is, of course, another significant priority. It is critical that travelers carefully research each destination to ensure that they are adequately prepared. A trip of a lifetime must be, above all, a safe one.
Patagonia, Chile and Argentina
Explorations in the wilderness of southernmost South America are a great way to experience the essence of adventure. Patagonia is famous for its vast, unblemished natural beauty. Nestled in southern Chile and Argentina, these two countries share this paradise. The long chain of glacial mountains in Argentina breaks into vast forests and the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, while in Chile it crumbles into a series of natural fjords that give way to fjords and the Pacific Ocean. Together, this area is home to a variety of iconic wildlife like condors and guanacos. The most famous part of Patagonia for adventurers is the area around Parque Nacional Torres del Paine just over the border from Argentina in Chile. Soft-packed roads will take you to viewpoints and gardens of windswept lenga trees, and you are likely to spot many guanacos and possibly a ñandu.
Desert to mountain and grassland to forest, the diverse landscape is not just visually exquisite but also home to a wide range of wildlife. The rare South Andean deer can be spotted on a tough uphill trek. In the autumn months, foxglove decorates the valley, with bright orange and yellow hues providing a stunningly vivid contrast with the snow-capped mountains and clear blue sky. At just a hike and short drive from the lakes, go on lookouts and a driving circuit through the park. Los Glaciers National Park is the perfect world of ice filling up; you will be face to face with Moreno Glacier or stay at a hacienda to rest your weary legs and await the next day’s adventure. The landscape is simply breathtaking. The region is home to a variety of animals, including a herd of fallow deer and, of course, the elusive South Andean deer. Extinct in almost all of their native Andean mountain ranges, they still cling to survival in Torres del Paine. The nature of Patagonia is also one of the main attractions, being home to many beautiful birds and many great mammal species. Did you know? Patagonia is named after mysterious stories of shipwrecks and giants which date from the 1500s. Gauchos in the campo will offer you the best meat off the barbecue. Since the late 1800s, the staple meat has been lamb.
Many have expressed interest in extreme travel destinations. Travel to such areas needs to be conducted responsibly, with an emphasis placed on conservation activities and close attention to the environment. Patagonia is such a place. Due to the intense tourist growth in Torres del Paine over the last few years, new, tougher restrictions on trekking and climbing in the region have been introduced. Clothing and equipment lists must be submitted in advance of your arrival. Operating outside the rules is forbidden and likely to result in deportation. A wide-brimmed hat, windproof, waterproof hat to cover ears, or beanie for extra warmth, day pack to fit your refreshments out on the trail, expedition backpack to carry all your gear including clothing for the trek, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, wide mouth gear for your water, and for a thermos of hot drinks! It can also help as a bombproof mug, drinking socks made from wicking materials, not cotton. Liner socks also help prevent blisters. During the W Trek in Torres del Paine and on all of the trails that we walk, we take all our rubbish from the park. This includes biodegradable food, plastic bags, wrappings, and any other garbage. Visitors should take their trash to refugios or campsites, which have staff and facilities dedicated to the job. Visitors can also burn trash such as paper and cardboard in the refugio fires.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand, is renowned by many as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World,’ and once you visit, you’ll understand why. Named the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, no trip to Queenstown is complete without a heart-stopping leap out of a cable car. Hundreds of adrenaline-pumping activities await thrill-seekers, including skydiving above the mountains, jet boating through ravines, and whitewater rafting in rugged canyons. A swing above ancient river canyons is still on the list, and the original bungee jump still runs as well! This charming alpine town is situated on the beautiful Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the Rocky Mountains on both sides, hence “Queenstown Bay” as it’s known.
The stunning natural landscape can be appreciated in numerous ways, including the area’s famous hiking trails, from the Routeburn to Milford Sound. In the winter, Queenstown attracts a different type of thrill-seeker, as it’s the center of the Southern Hemisphere’s ski industry with four ski fields nearby. You don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to appreciate Queenstown’s unique charm, though. The area has emerged as both a foodie and wine destination, and the birthplace of the bungee jump offers some splendid takes on New Zealand’s world-class traditional wines. The Taste of Wakatipu Food and Wine Festival, held on Queenstown Bay, is a popular event!
Be sure to book your adventures with a reputable operator, as local safety procedures and guidelines ensure a secure and enjoyable experience. Queenstown can be a tightly packed tourist mecca, but it’s also a small lakefront town in the heart of a region that offers plenty of peace and beauty. Even the most upcoming adventure town has sophisticated boutiques, galleries, and restaurants offering unique, memorable experiences. The heart of town is the ultimate place to relax or party, if your heart desires, after an adrenaline-filled day.
Iceland
Iceland will charm adventure travelers with its unique landscapes shaped by volcanoes and glaciers. The Golden Circle is a 300-kilometer tourist route that many visitors enjoy, which has stops at Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss waterfall, and the famous Haukadalur Geothermal Area, which includes the highly active Geysir Hot Spring Area and Strokkur Geyser. The most famous and frequently visited of all these attractions is Strokkur Geyser, which erupts every five to seven minutes, making it a can’t-miss stop on the Golden Circle. The Blue Lagoon, which is located in a lava field in Grindavik on the Reykjanes Peninsula’s southwestern tip, is another well-known stop in this region.
The lagoon water, which is heated by underground lava flows to 37-39 degrees Celsius, is rich in minerals such as silica and sulfur. The area is well-known for its many stunning waterfalls. Iceland is also an area rich in folklore and home to a unique sheep breed. Incidentally, there are many affordable flights available, so it is worth taking at least three to four days to explore the outstanding landscapes of the islands. However, it is worth preparing for rapidly changing weather conditions, which can lead to changes—even if travel was planned—once on-site. Most rentals and guest houses in Iceland are clean and comfortable, adding to the experience of an Iceland vacation. The Landbrotalaug pool and the Borgarfjordur Glacier give you a sense of all the activities. The Northern Lights can often be seen after sunset in winter. If you don’t mind the hustle and bustle, visit the popular Gullfoss Waterfalls early in the morning. The Hotel Geysir is a great place to spend the night. You can reach Thingvellir National Park in time for the RIFT Festival, which is held in July, after a 50-minute drive to the Silfra Fissure.
Nepal
For adventurers fascinated by mountain trekking, Nepal is a must-visit destination. The mighty Himalayas beckon with a heady cocktail of stunningly diverse landscapes, making the country the favored destination of mountaineers, monks, and trekkers. Iconic trekking trails here include the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit. One of the cultural pearls in this kingdom of the mountains is the Mustang Trail. Trek along wide-open spaces with ancient cities at the end of each day, and explore monasteries, caves, and other scenic spots in the region. It’s a living museum to admire here, and between the Hindu temples and the festivals, you can witness an ancient local culture that continues to thrive. Culture is entangled with the roots of the mountains here, at every picturesque stupa you pass along the trek, and at every unique religious festival. The Tihar Festival awaits those visiting in November, while the vibrant colors of the Holi Festival will be on full display in March. For any adventure traveler keen to scale some of the world’s biggest mountains in the world’s tallest continent, a trek to Base Camp Everest is an absolute must. However, a key consideration is altitude sickness, and travelers planning to trek in Nepal must ensure that both trekking plans and personal climbing itineraries for a proper acclimatization period are established and adhered to. Also, a TIMS card and national park entry permit are required for most treks. For white-water rafting, trekking in the rainforest, and even paragliding, the Himalayas offer plenty of exciting alternatives once the walking is over. After working up an appetite with all those trekking distances, Nepal surprises with its tasty cuisine, from spicy street food to elegant palaces. Elegant tea houses offer a great place to relax and chat with locals over a dish of traditional dal bhat. Even in the middle of these mighty landscapes, Nepali service culture and hospitality are truly world-class. Traversing the remote mountains and forests of Nepal also often means perpendicular ascents and descents. Be sure to break in new trekking boots and bring something to offer locals, as well when entering local monasteries, whether it’s tea or rice as a sign of respect. Nepal is a very spiritual country, so always dress to respect the beauty of its monasteries, and cover up if entering them. Don’t eat or offer left-handed items, especially when entering a monastery.
Costa Rica
With both the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, acres of pristine, protected rainforest, six volcanoes, and jaw-dropping adventure activities like zip-lining, rappelling, canyoning, and horseback riding, Costa Rica is a total stomping ground for adrenaline junkies. You can’t forget about the surf either, with both coasts boasting some of the best waves on the planet. Combining wildlife spotting with heart-pumping thrills and world-class beaches at the end of every day, this Pura Vida paradise is an obvious choice for adrenaline junkies. Incredible biodiversity, adventure sports, jungle, soul-stirring rainforests, and coastlines surrounded by both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Zip line from coast to coast. Trek through a rainforest in the Manuel Antonio National Park. Raft the exhilarating Pacuare River. Also active in tourism is a commitment to ecotourism or conservation. Experts take you out into the wild for low-level horseback rides through the rainforest, rise to howler monkeys on Corcovado, meet the Boruca indigenous people, or kayak up the mangroves. For authentic experiences, ask a local host for tips on the best areas to understand Costa Rican culture. Follow any rules regarding the environment and animals. Be responsible and don’t harass or feed wild animals. Here are two favorite places: Arenal – This perfectly symmetrical volcano may not be the highest in Costa Rica, but it is certainly the most popular. Monteverde – Towering within a cloud forest. In addition to the eco-tours of the Monteverde Reserve, there are canopy tours, horseback riding, volunteer programs, hotels, restaurants, museums, art galleries, and quaint shops. Local customs to know are the words “solo” or “only” to describe the distance or the texture of the road: “It’s only 12 km to the reserve, and just 6 km of dirt roads. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.” Customers say, “We’ll see” to indicate that they don’t know the answer but they’ll look into it.
South Africa
South Africa offers a mix of adventure, wildlife, and a variety of rich cultures that make it a “must visit” on the continent. It is a place of striking beauty with mountainous highlands, steep cliffs, ridges, waterfalls, and unspoiled coastlines that mix with wild stretches of beach, lagoons, indigenous forests, and rolling green hills. For the adrenaline junkies, one can bungee jump from the world’s highest commercial bungee jump bridge, expect plunging in excess of 216 meters, shark cage diving, skydiving, paragliding, zip lining along the cliff faces, and so much more. Or you could slip into the Blue Flag waters of one of the two respected coastlines or deserted golden beaches, very popular in summer for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and exploring shipwrecks. Cape Town offers history with a modern twist, scenic mountains, and sea views, Robben Island, world-class shopping, contemporary dining, and exciting adventure activities. The Addo Elephant National Park and the Tsitsikamma and Knysna coastlines are a wildlife lover’s paradise. The Garden Route forms a natural extension of the huge national parks, lies on the coast, and boasts dramatically varied landscapes. The highest and slowest routes and passes drive a scenic coastal road with stopovers for water sports, elephant experiences, Monkeyland, Buffelsbaai, Nature’s Valley kayaking or lagoon swimming, Wilderness scenery and markets, and great beach areas can make for exciting adventures with overnight stops of a day or two. Safety: Whether you are seeking the urban lifestyle or untamed wilderness, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Avoid walking in dark alleyways with expensive equipment and do not buy from your window with the car doors open or while armed. Rural areas are safe; interact with the locals but avoid confrontation. Sanitary and Health: South Africa is the most industrialized country on the continent and definitely the cleanest in terms of sanitation. Tropical diseases like malaria and yellow fever do not exist in many of the provinces, and visitors are not required to have vaccinations, except travelers from high-risk areas. Riovonia carries risks of malaria, but it is rare unless coming from other high-risk areas. The drinking water from the tap in South Africa is safe and free from pollution. Local Cooking: Most safari bush lodges and river lodges serve international cuisine, and much of the food is organic, with excellent wineries and African meals served.
Norway
Geographically, practically every place in Norway focuses on the great outdoors. However, it’s the fjords that are the real draw when visiting here – try saying Geirangerfjord without sounding breathless. The Lofoten Islands conjure more dramatic landscapes and are a fisherman’s dream. Kayaking around the fjords here is a must, as is free-diving with orcas in the winter. Climbing outings and the west coastline boulders are worth exploring, if time allows. Elsewhere in the parks, visitors are treated to waterfalls, glacier-topped mountains, and Sami culture. In the distant north, close to Tromsø, the Urals are reputedly the best place in Europe to view the Northern Lights and, come summer, to hike and mountain bike. Wherever you go, bear in mind that Norway is immensely proud of its natural environment – do likewise. In recent years, the country’s Ministry for Climate and Environment has placed a strong emphasis on sustainable tourism to ensure the preservation of the Norwegian wilderness for future generations.
Norway experiences all four seasons (although some parts can be very cold in winter). The west coast gets the most rainfall, so in summer, the fells and fjords are at their lushest – though it’s also peak season. Winter sees the north draped in snow, turning the highlands into paradise for cross-country skiers and snowshoers, while the south stays relatively mild. Coastal summers are very warm – in July, temperatures can top 25°C in the south and can be as hot as the mid-30s in the north. Bring a thick waterproof jacket and a sunhat, as rain and shine are never far apart in Norway.
Peru
No surprise here. The Inca Trail to ancient Machu Picchu draws iconic adventures every year—including thousands of thrill-seekers during the month of July alone. The high Andean trail experience is reason enough to visit this part of the world, but opportunities for adventure travel in Peru continue to expand well beyond the Inca ruins. Travelers can cater this mountainous circuit to include plenty of other Incan remains, such as the remote Vilcabamba region, or indulge in the post-trek tradition of hot springs and chill New Age vibes in the village of Aguas Calientes down below. Smack in the middle of the country, the hub of Cusco is worth a day—or three—of relaxed roadside nostalgia between trails. Don’t miss the rafting, the chocolate-making, the Amazon exploration, or the alkali salts of Maras.
Seasoned adventurers know the golden rule is to leave indigenous cultures and their habitats untampered with. But in travel circles, Peruvian peoples and traditions remain an object to behold. Visitors should consider approaching this kind of cultural melodrama with a bit more humility. Bring your curiosity; no one says you can’t learn to dance from a local family. But we should also watch our impact on our new neighbors. Before touching down on the tarmac in Cusco, it’s best to be adequately prepared for Peru’s culture shock and a couple of Latin American travel precautions. Rain vs. snow season aside, prime trek weather pretty much spans a super long, high-altitude summer of dry, sunny days. This time frame is often cut down to late April through late September to avoid trekkers and overrun campsites. The “shoulder” months of April and October by all descriptions are generally rainier, though when the downpours finally arrive also depends to an extent on the weather phenomenon. Bring gear for an even wider range of temperatures, from the snowy high Andean mountain passes to the virtually Amazonian day-condensing steambaths in the forests.
Alaska, USA
The largest state of the USA is a paradise for adventure travelers. Its pristine wilderness is a haven for wild animals, including bears, moose, and humpback whales, while the incredibly stunning national parks built in the state showcase different landscapes, from rugged mountains and glistening fjords to enormous tundras and wooded valleys. For an outdoorsy haven unlike any other, Alaska is the place to be. Popular activities include glacier trekking, dog sledding, ziplining, and bear watching in national parks.
Long before explorers arrived on these shores in the 18th century, Alaska had been home to numerous indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Their unique cultures have shaped the state’s character and, today, many are delighted to share their heritage and traditions with visitors. By visiting Alaska’s cultural centers and taking a traditional tour with a local guide, you will not only enjoy an authentic cultural experience, but you can also receive local tips on the best things to see and do during your stay. Visitors are urged to respect the locals’ customs and to ask for their consent before taking their pictures or video footage. It is essential to bear in mind that indigenous peoples are not actors; they are genuine characters with real-life concerns.
Alaska has a population density unlike any other region in the world. This is part of what makes this state an outdoor experience to remember. It is one of the few places on Earth where, despite decades of exploration, you can still head out to a glacier to feel like an early explorer. If they do, they are likely to return with an excellent adventurous tale and a few extra freckles brought about by the sun hammering down on your face and plying their turns under the aurora borealis in the moonlight. Some beloved Alaska adventures may take tour-goers on a journey using the modes of transport mentioned above. The route is weather dependent. It is a wise idea to bring sunglasses, sunblock, and insect repellent. Visitors must handle wildlife with the utmost respect and admiration. These animals are not as domesticated as their house-friendly relatives and must be approached with extreme caution. Meanwhile, watch the tundra and the woods, and perhaps catch a glimpse of a wild critter! To avoid malicious encounters with wildlife while exploring the pristine fjords and vast stretches of pristine forest, visitors must adhere to all of the guidelines. Camping, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities also pose no threat to the countryside if conducted with the trail preservation park’s protection in mind.
Australia
Australia is home to many unique and diverse natural landscapes that make it the ideal destination for adventure travel. It boasts tropical rainforests, barren deserts, dry steppes, green plains of Western Australia, and jagged coastlines. You can snorkel and dive in the Great Barrier Reef, walk the unique wonders in the Outback, escape to the unique landscape of Kangaroo Island, or surf in Byron Bay. Australia literally has something for any adventure lover. The rich history and nature of the land also make it the ideal place to learn more about Aboriginal culture, which is Australia’s ancient origin, and meet some of the friendliest people in the world. Home to four magnificent falls, Kakadu National Park is the largest in Australia and has unique wildlife, over 2000 plant species, and several sacred Aboriginal sites. Coober Pedy: this quirky underground town not only gets up to 50 degrees, but it’s a place where many of the locals actually live in underground dugouts! The termite mound, with over 8 billion termites, shows how this has earned its place as one of the greatest wonders of the world! Cycling is the best way to see Australia! The land down under is a huge continent that showcases its global significance through its diverse landscapes. While the seasons and temperatures largely vary around the country, Australians generally enjoy a cool, dry winter in the Outback from June to September. Summer is hot almost everywhere. The best way to get the most out of your adventure down under is to sign up for a 2, 6, or even 26-day adventure tour. These tours include specialized guides, travel, all camping equipment, and generally all your food as well!