Megan Bryant is a passionate writer and traveler who has combined her two loves to help others fulfill their traveling dreams. When she isn’t writing, she’s usually curled up with her 3 Dachshunds and a good book or planning her next adventure—wherever that may be.
Vacations mean something different to everyone as some people prefer relaxing on the beach, while others enjoy a sense of adventure, taking part in activities like hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Some people even take it one step further and get their adrenaline pumping through extreme sports like skydiving, paragliding, and whitewater rafting.
If you’re the adventurous type, you won’t want to miss these 14 vacation destinations, which are guaranteed to make your getaway one to remember.
Antarctica
It’s probably never crossed your mind that Antarctica can be a vacation destination. And for most people, it wouldn’t be. But for some, this untouched piece of wilderness is the perfect location for adventure. I mean, not everyone can say they’ve been to the South Pole now, can they?
Antarctica has some of the world’s most incredible wildlife, as well as polar activities like ice climbing, mountaineering, and snowboarding. However, while visiting one of the coldest places on Earth, you can also kayak through the glaciers and cruise along the Antarctic Peninsula before settling down to see the star of the show, the Aurora Australis—also known as the Southern Lights.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for being one of the top destinations for world-class surfing. But don’t worry; there are waves suitable for all skill types if you’re just starting out. Beyond the oceans, however, are even more adventurous activities like zip-lining, white-water rafting, hiking, canopy tours, and diving. You can even go on a hike up the country’s active volcanoes to explore lava fields and witness volcanic activity (safely, of course).
Fiji
Fiji really gives you the best of both worlds—relaxing on the beach as well as opportunities for adventure. For those who hate nothing more than lounging around in the sun, Fiji, with its surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, zip-lining, quad biking, and hiking opportunities, will be sure to keep you entertained.
India
Although many people visit India to see one of the seven wonders of the world—the Taj Mahal—the most populous country in the world actually offers plenty of adventure. And when I say plenty, I mean a lot. In India, travelers can trek, mountaineer, rock climb, and white-water raft in the Himalayas, ride camels and dune bash in the Thar Desert, and scuba dive in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
You can also paraglide and hang glide in Bir Billing, set off on a biking expedition down the Leh-Ladakh circuit, go caving in Meghalaya, and even ski and snowboard in Gulmarg and Kashmir. See, I wasn’t lying when I said there is plenty of adventure now, was I?
Nepal
Nepal is most famously known as an outdoor adventure location thanks to Mount Everest. Hundreds of people risk their lives summiting the world’s tallest mountain every year, but if you aren’t at that level—or you don’t want to potentially die—then there are other smaller peaks and treks in the area for aspiring mountaineers to practice on.
Aside from being the most popular mountaineering destination, Nepal also has white-water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, paragliding, bungee jumping, and zip-lining experiences dotted throughout the country.
New Zealand
New Zealand has a stunning natural landscape, and with that comes a whole range of adventurous activities that you won’t even make a dent in. New Zealand has thrilling outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, bungee jumping, skydiving, white-water rafting, surfing, mountain biking, and zip-lining.
But there are also peaceful hiking opportunities on some of the world’s best hiking trails, known as the “Great Walks.” Even in the cities, there is plenty of adventure, as the town of Queenstown is known as the adventure sports capital of the world, as it offers experiences like bungee jumping, jet boating, skydiving, and paragliding.
And finally, we can’t leave out the fact that New Zealand was the filming location for the famous “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies meaning visitors can immerse themselves in all things Lord of the Rings.
Peru
Many tourists flock to Peru to experience Machu Picchu—another of the world’s seven wonders—and although this is a fantastic adventure, Peru has a lot more to offer. Aside from the Inca Trail, Peru has numerous other hiking and trekking opportunities in places like the Andes Mountains and the Amazon Rainforest.
In the Huacachina desert, adventurers can indulge in sandboarding and dune bugging, while the rivers throughout the country provide excellent opportunities for white-water rafting.
Canyoning, paragliding, surfing, and mountain biking are other popular activities in Peru, so you really will be spoilt for choice from the minute you arrive.
Slovenia
Slovenia is often overlooked as a vacation destination. But if you love adventure, then there really is no better place to visit. Slovenia offers a wide range of outdoor activities for all levels of adventurers, as you can get involved with white-water rafting and kayaking on the Soca River to paragliding over the scenic countryside.
Caving in Slovenia’s intricate cave systems, skiing, and snowboarding in the Julian Alps, paddleboarding Lake Bohinj, and trekking the Slovenian Mountain Trail are just some of the other activities you can enjoy while visiting this underrated central European country.
South Africa
South Africa has it all, and adventure lovers can jam-pack their itinerary with so many interesting—and adrenaline-pumping—activities. Whether you set off on a safari through the Kruger National Park, surf the waves at Jeffrey’s Bay, hike up Table Mountain, or skydive from a plane over Cape Town, South Africa has something for all adventure levels making it one of the best places to vacation if relaxing isn’t on your agenda.
Switzerland
Many people visit Switzerland during the winter months to ski and snowboard in the country’s world-class ski resorts like Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Verbier. But even during summer, adventurers can take part in various outdoor activities.
Some of those activities include hiking and mountain biking on Switzerland’s well-marked trails, as well as paragliding, hang gliding, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and canyoning.
Uganda
Mountain gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, and safaris are three of the most popular outdoor adventure activities in Uganda, drawing in thousands of travelers each and every year. But even if animal spotting isn’t your thing, Uganda has a plethora of experiences for adventure enthusiasts to enjoy.
For example, one of the best white-water rafting experiences can be hand in Uganda as Jinja, a town in the south, is home to the source of the River Nile. You can also kayak and tube in Jinja, or hike, horseback ride, or bungee jump if you’d prefer.
United States of America
Even your own backyard is one of the world’s best vacation destinations for adventure lovers, and it can thank its diverse landscapes, National Parks, and, surprisingly, its cities for that. The USA is home to 63 National Parks, all of which come with their own set of activities like hiking, camping, rock climbing, and white water rafting.
But throughout the US, you can also find impeccable snowboarding, skiing, surfing, and canyoning opportunities, as well as bungee jumping and sky-diving adventures for those in search of adrenaline.
Vietnam
Vietnam is very well-known for its diverse landscapes—including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay—its rice terraces, and its scenic motorbike route, Hai Van Pass. But what most people don’t know is that Vietnam is also an amazing location for adventure.
Vietnam is home to 300 limestone caves, with one of them, Phong Nha, being the largest cave in the world—a major bucket list moment for spelunkers. However, the caves aren’t Vietnam’s only draw. Visitors to Vietnam can also partake in watersports like surfing, kayaking, kiteboarding, and snorkeling or see wildlife up close in the Cuc Phuong National Park.
Zambia
Zambia is a top bucket list location for wildlife lovers as travelers can set off on walking safaris, canoeing safaris, river safaris, and regular safaris. But this African country also immerses its visitors in adventurous activities like white-water rafting, bungee jumping, zip-lining, quad biking, gorge swinging, and abseiling, putting Zambia up there on adventurer’s bucket lists too.
8 Most Unique Places To Kayak In The US- Stunning Beauty
Looking for a unique and thrilling way to explore the natural beauty of the United States? Look no further! From the bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico to the rugged beauty of the Apostle Islands in Wisconsin, there’s something for every adventure seeker.
The 10 Most Beautiful Hikes In The US- Discovering America
This article highlights the most beautiful hikes in the US from California to Maine. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there’s a trail on this list that will leave you awe-inspired. So, put on your hiking boots and get ready to explore the diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes of America’s most beautiful hiking destinations.
10 National Parks To Skip If You Have Young Children
This article is a must-read if you’re planning a national park trip with young children! Don’t get stuck in rugged terrain, limited water access, or super-long hiking distances with your kiddos! Learn about the challenges and potential dangers of visiting these parks with young children and plan your trip accordingly for a safe and enjoyable experience.