Best Adventure Vacations Around the World- Adventure Travel Destinations and Ideas – Wander Pulse

Looking for a bucket list adventure vacation? When it comes to vacation planning, there are two main types of trips that people tend to choose from: adventure vacations and relaxing vacations. Adventure vacations are all about exploring new places and trying new things. These types of trips often involve activities such as hiking, skiing, surfing, or rock climbing, and are typically fast-paced and physically demanding. On the other hand, relaxing vacations are focused on unwinding and taking a break from the stresses of everyday life. These types of trips might involve lounging on the beach, getting pampered at a spa, or simply taking in the natural beauty of a serene location. Ultimately, the choice between an adventure vacation and a relaxing vacation comes down to personal preferences and travel goals. While some travelers thrive on the adrenaline rush of an adventure trip, others prefer to recharge and rejuvenate with a more low-key vacation.

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Here are, in our opinion, some of the best adventure vacation destinations for your next great trip:

Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers a variety of activities for travelers. You can hike through lush rainforests, visit active volcanoes and hot springs, zip line through the cloud forest, swim beside waterfalls, and relax on beautiful beaches. The country is also known for its wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. Check out these amazing hotel options in Costa Rica.

New Zealand

New Zealand is a dream destination for adventure seekers. You can bungee jump, skydive, and go white-water rafting. The country is also famous for its stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, glaciers, and fjords, which can be explored through hiking, skiing, and scenic drives. Additionally, New Zealand is home to unique wildlife, such as kiwis and penguins, that can be observed in their natural habitat. There are so many amazing hotels to check out when you visit.

Peru

Peru offers a range of adventure activities for travelers. You can hike the challenging Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu, go sandboarding in the dunes of Huacachina, or raft down the rapids of the Urubamba River. Additionally, the Cordillera Blanca mountain range offers some of the best climbing opportunities in South America, with peaks reaching over 6,000 meters.

Iceland

Iceland is a paradise for adventure seekers. You can explore otherworldly landscapes like the glaciers and volcanic craters of Vatnajökull National Park, go hiking in the remote highlands, or go ice climbing on the Sólheimajökull Glacier. Additionally, Iceland is famous for its geothermal features, including hot springs, geysers, and lava caves, which can be explored on guided tours.

Norway

Norway is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with its rugged mountains, fjords, and coastline. You can go skiing and snowboarding in the winter, kayaking and fishing in the summer, and hiking and climbing year-round. Additionally, Norway is known for its dramatic natural phenomena like the northern lights and the midnight sun, which can be observed in certain parts of the country.

Patagonia, Chile

Patagonia is a vast region of stunning natural beauty that offers a range of adventure activities for travelers. You can trek through the Torres del Paine National Park, kayak through fjords and glaciers, and explore the vast wilderness of Tierra del Fuego, or visit the Blue Marble Caves on the western shores of General Carrera Lake. Additionally, Patagonia is home to unique wildlife, such as pumas, guanacos, and Andean condors, which can be observed in their natural habitat.

Banff National Park, Canada

Banff is one of our favorite places in the world, and it is home to so many adventure vacation destinations. It is definitely one of the best places in Canada to visit. Banff, Lake Louise, Lake Moraine, and Jasper are all within driving distance of each other and are home to some of the best skiing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and climbing in the world.

Alaska, USA

Alaska is a destination for adventure seekers, with its vast wilderness, glaciers, and rugged coastline. You can go kayaking among icebergs, hike the Denali National Park, and take a flightseeing tour over the fjords and glaciers. Additionally, Alaska is known for its wildlife, including bears, moose, and whales, which can be observed in their natural habitat.

Nepal

Nepal is a dream destination for adventure seekers, with its majestic Himalayan peaks and unique culture. You can trek to the base camp of Mount Everest, go white-water rafting in the Trishuli River, and go paragliding over the Pokhara Valley. Additionally, Nepal offers cultural experiences like visiting Buddhist monasteries and exploring the ancient city of Kathmandu.

South Africa

South Africa is a hub for adventure activities, with its diverse landscape and wildlife. You can go on a safari in the Kruger National Park, hike up Table Mountain, and cage dive with great white sharks. Additionally, South Africa offers unique experiences like bungee jumping off the Bloukrans Bridge, surfing in Jeffrey’s Bay, and visiting Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.

The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Galapagos Islands offer a range of adventure activities for travelers. You can go snorkeling with sea lions, sea turtles, and sharks, hike to the top of a volcano, and explore the unique flora and fauna of the islands. Additionally, the Galapagos Islands are home to rare wildlife, such as blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas, which can be observed in their natural habitat.

The Swiss Alps

The Swiss Alps offer a wide range of adventure activities, with its majestic peaks, glaciers, and lakes. You can go skiing and snowboarding in the winter, hiking and mountain biking in the summer, and paragliding or skydiving year-round. Additionally, the Swiss Alps offer unique experiences like taking a scenic train ride through the mountains, exploring ice caves, and visiting picturesque alpine villages.

The Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon rainforest offers a world of adventure, with its diverse wildlife, ancient tribes, and pristine wilderness. You can go on a jungle trek to spot monkeys, toucans, and sloths, go kayaking or canoeing on the rivers, and stay in a traditional eco-lodge or homestay. Additionally, the Amazon rainforest offers unique experiences like visiting indigenous communities, learning about medicinal plants, and observing pink river dolphins.

The Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Great Barrier Reef is a playground for adventure enthusiasts, with its stunning coral reefs, clear waters, and diverse marine life. You can go scuba diving or snorkeling to explore the vibrant underwater world, take a scenic flight or helicopter tour over the reef, and go sailing or sea kayaking around the islands. Additionally, the Great Barrier Reef offers unique experiences like swimming with dwarf minke whales, watching humpback whales migrate, and visiting Aboriginal cultural sites on the islands.

Yellowstone National Park, USA

Yellowstone National Park is a destination for adventure seekers, with its geysers, hot springs, and wildlife. You can go hiking and camping in the backcountry, take a guided wildlife tour to spot bears, wolves, and bison, and go kayaking or fishing on the park’s lakes and rivers. Additionally, Yellowstone offers unique experiences like watching the Old Faithful geyser erupt, visiting the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, and soaking in natural hot springs.

Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

The Kilimanjaro area offers a range of adventure activities for travelers. You can trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, go on a safari to spot the Big Five animals, and visit traditional Maasai villages to learn about the local culture. Additionally, the Kilimanjaro area offers unique experiences like walking safaris, hot air balloon rides over the Serengeti, and visiting the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Bhutan

Bhutan is a hidden gem for adventure seekers, with its stunning mountain landscapes, unique culture, and pristine wilderness. You can go trekking in the Himalayas, visit ancient Buddhist monasteries, and go on a wildlife safari to spot takins (mountain goat antelopes), snow leopards, and Himalayan black bears. Additionally, Bhutan offers unique experiences like attending a traditional archery competition, participating in a local festival, and visiting the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery, perched on a cliff 900 meters above the Paro Valley.

Georgia (the country not the state)

The country of Georgia (south of Russia) is a destination for adventure enthusiasts, with its rugged Caucasus Mountains, historic sites, and warm hospitality. You can go trekking or skiing in the mountainous regions, explore ancient cities and fortresses, and visit local wineries to taste unique Georgian wines. Additionally, Georgia offers unique experiences like attending a traditional supra feast, participating in a local folklore dance, and taking a dip in natural hot springs.

Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands offer a range of adventure activities for travelers, with its dramatic landscapes, remote villages, and abundant wildlife. You can go hiking or biking on the rugged trails, take a boat tour to spot puffins and whales, and go sea kayaking or fishing in the fjords. Additionally, the Faroe Islands offer unique experiences like visiting turf-roofed houses, attending a local sheep festival, and tasting traditional Faroese cuisine like fermented lamb and fish.

Slovenia

Slovenia is a hidden gem for adventure seekers, with its stunning alpine scenery, emerald rivers, and charming towns. You can go hiking or mountain biking in the Julian Alps, go whitewater rafting or kayaking on the Soca River, and explore underground caves and canyons. Additionally, Slovenia offers unique experiences like visiting picturesque Lake Bled, tasting local wine and cuisine, and participating in traditional festivals like Kurentovanje.

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a popular destination for adventure seekers, with their volcanic landscapes, sunny beaches, and year-round warm weather. You can go hiking or mountain biking on the rugged trails, go surfing or windsurfing on the waves, and go scuba diving or snorkeling to explore the underwater world. Additionally, the Canary Islands offer unique experiences like visiting the Teide National Park, the highest peak in Spain, tasting local wine and cheese, and attending the colorful Carnival festivals.

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan (near North Eastern China) is a destination for adventure enthusiasts, with its majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and traditional nomadic culture. You can go rafting, trekking or horseback riding in the Tien Shan mountains, go skiing or snowboarding in the winter, and explore ancient Silk Road cities and nomadic villages. Additionally, Kyrgyzstan offers unique experiences like a sleeping in a traditional yurt, eagle hunting (traditional method of hunting where the human hunter uses a trained eagle as his or her tool for capturing and killing animals such as rabbits) and tasting local cuisine like fermented mare’s milk and meat dishes.

Mongolia

Mongolia is a haven for adventure seekers, with its vast steppes, rugged mountains, and nomadic culture. You can go trekking or horseback riding in the Altai Mountains, go sandboarding or camel riding in the Gobi Desert, and visit traditional nomadic families to learn about their way of life. Additionally, Mongolia offers unique experiences like attending a local Naadam festival, watching a Mongolian throat singing performance, and tasting traditional cuisine like buuz and airag.

Oman

Oman is a great destination for adventure enthusiasts, with its stunning desert landscapes, rugged mountains, and pristine coastline. You can go dune bashing or quad biking in the Wahiba Sands, go hiking or rock climbing in the Hajar Mountains, and go snorkeling or diving to explore the colorful marine life. Additionally, Oman offers unique experiences like visiting ancient forts and souks, attending a local camel race, and tasting traditional Omani cuisine like shuwa and halwa.

Namibia

Namibia is a paradise for adventure seekers, with its stunning desert landscapes, wildlife reserves, and unique culture. You can go hiking or sandboarding in the Namib Desert, go on a wildlife safari to see elephants, lions, and rhinos, and explore the ancient rock paintings and tribal villages. Additionally, Namibia offers unique experiences like visiting the Etosha National Park, the Skeleton Coast, and the Sossusvlei sand dunes, tasting local cuisine like biltong and kapana, and attending the colorful Herero festivals.

Micronesia

Micronesia is a destination for adventure enthusiasts, with its stunning coral reefs, tropical jungles, and unique culture. You can go scuba diving or snorkeling to explore the vibrant marine life and shipwrecks, go hiking or kayaking in the lush forests, and visit the ancient ruins and traditional villages. Additionally, Micronesia offers unique experiences like attending a local cultural festival, tasting local cuisine like taro and coconut dishes, and learning about the fascinating history of the islands.

Malaysia

Malaysia is a premier destination for adventure enthusiasts, with its diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and unique cultural heritage. You can go trekking or caving in the rainforests of Borneo, visit Gunung Mulu in Borneo, go island hopping and snorkeling in the turquoise waters around Langkawi, brave the Langkawi sky bridge, and go white water rafting or bungee jumping in the highlands of Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, Malaysia offers unique experiences like visiting the ancient temples and colonial buildings, tasting local cuisine like nasi lemak and laksa, and attending the vibrant festivals like Thaipusam and Hari Raya.

Antarctica

In Antarctica, you can embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure of kayaking amidst floating icebergs and braving the freezing waters for an invigorating swim. You can also explore the continent on foot, hiking across glaciers and scaling mountain peaks, or take a scenic flight to witness the stunning views of the continent from above. For the truly daring, you can even attempt a polar plunge into the icy waters, an experience you’ll never forget.

Cambodia

In Cambodia, you can explore the ancient temples of Angkor by bike or foot, discovering hidden treasures and experiencing the rich culture and history of the Khmer civilization. For the adrenaline junkies, you can go zip-lining in the lush forests, soaring over treetops and glistening waterfalls. And for the water lovers, you can kayak or raft down the rapids of the mighty Mekong River, taking in the scenic beauty and wildlife along the way.

Colombia

In Colombia, you can embark on a thrilling trek to the Lost City, an ancient and mysterious archaeological site deep in the jungle, or hike the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains for breathtaking views. For the more daring, you can go paragliding over the vibrant city of Medellin, taking in the stunning cityscape from above. You can visit the mountains and waterfalls of the coffee growing region, or visit the lakes at Guatape. And for the water enthusiasts, you can go scuba diving or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, exploring colorful coral reefs and swimming with tropical fish.