For some, holidays are for relaxing and reclining on a lounger by the pool for two weeks, but for many people the prospect of travelling to a new place and exploring the bountiful sights is what dreams are made of.
From trekking mountains to jumping out of planes, sightseeing by helicopter and white-water rafting, cruising to the ends of the world, hiking through rainforests and discovering remains of ancient civilisations and so much more, injecting some adventure into your life is a sure-fire way to feel it’s been fully lived. And there are countless ways in which you can enjoy an adrenaline-fuelled, adventurous trip whether you prefer to do so solo, with friends, as a couple or with family.
The world is full of wondrous places that are ready and waiting to be explored however you prefer to do this, so fasten your seatbelts as we round up 11 countries across the globe that are perfect for an adventure-filled holiday.
Costa Rica
It won’t come as a surprise to see Costa Rica on this list as the Central American country is well known for its diverse landscape and natural wonders. From jungle to ocean to volcano, the ‘jewel of Central America’ has a lot to see, and its abundance of wildlife is what really sets it apart.
Spot jaguars, toucans, sloths, tree frogs and more as you zipline through a forest or trek the jungle. The country’s Pacific coast is where you’ll find some of the ultimate surfing experiences, while Costa Rica is at the forefront of eco-tourism.
UK
The natural landscape of the UK makes it a perfect place to base yourself for your adventure holiday if you don’t fancy travelling too far from home (providing you live in the UK, of course!). Goliaths like Ben Nevis in Scotland and Snowdon in Wales provides keen hikers and climbers with a great mix of terrain for varying abilities, while the National Parks that are dotted throughout offer trekking, horse riding, ambitious cycling routes, kayaking, wild camping and the like.
Walkers can take part in planned routes such as the South Downs Way with Mickledore, a walking holiday stretching 100 miles from Winchester to Eastbourne, while the coastline provides many an opportunity for adventurous activities such as coasteering, sailing and surfing.
Argentina
From buzzing Buenos Aires to the ‘end of the world’ at Ushuaia and many a mountain, ice field and luscious lake in between, Argentina offers an impressive selection of landscapes to explore. Trekking, horse riding, skiing and more, the wonderful South American nation has so much to offer, and the wilds of Patagonia are sure to please. Climbers will surely be keen to try and reach the summit of Aconcagua, the highest mountain on the continent, while the southern tip of the country provides a starting point for Antarctic adventures.
New Zealand
Lakes, volcanoes, fjords, craggy coastlines, exploring the seriously stunning landscapes that make up New Zealand can be done in a number of ways, but why not use the opportunity to inject some adventure into the proceedings? For more gentle exploration try hiking – the country is home to some of the best long-distance walking trails in the world, after all – but if you want to get your heart pumping you could partake in a spot of kayaking, enjoy a bungee jump, take a helicopter ride or head underground and go caving.
Nepal
Mountaineers of the world will no doubt have Nepal’s behemoth in their sights as the pilgrimage to the top of the world’s highest mountain that is Everest will surely be on any mountain lover or keen trekker’s list. Nestled in the Himalayas mountain range, Mount Everest isn’t all there is to accomplish here, of course, as Nepal is home to eight of the world’s 8000m peaks, while the blend of landscapes, from terraced farmland to rich forest to colossal peaks, is sure to leave any visitor in awe.
Norway
Famed for its attention-grabbing terrain including deep fjords, grand mountains, and sprawling glaciers, the northern European country of Norway proves to be perfect for a holiday filled with adventure. The mountains make for an ideal spot to hike and bike on in the warmer months and ski or snowboard down in the colder months and the northern part of the country will wow as the wilderness provides some exceptional experiences.
Head inside the Arctic Circle and be outnumbered by polar bears, enjoy dog sledding tours and whale watching and hopefully you’ll spot the northern lights dancing across the night sky to really top off your trip.
South Africa
The country, at the southern tip of the African continent, offers a bit of everything, so if you have adventure running through your veins then book a trip to this wondrous country today. From top cycling routes around Cape Town to world-class safaris in and around Kruger National Park (Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is certainly worth checking out) and hiking trails, rock-climbing sites, whale-watching, diving and more you won’t be disappointed with the myriad ways to explore and learn about this beautiful nation.
Brazil
If there’s a country that does anything bigger and better than the rest, it has to be South America’s biggest country, Brazil. From Rio de Janeiro’s famous colourful carnival to the mighty Amazon rainforest and river, and Iguazu – the world’s largest waterfall system – to the wetlands of Pantanal, expect your experiences here to be supersized. Enjoy an expedition into the heart of the Amazon and delight in canoeing, kayaking and trekking your way to discovering some of the flora and fauna that live here.
USA
Encompassing a vast area and filled with just about every terrain imaginable, the 50 states that make up the USA certainly have a lot to offer for the adventurous traveller. Climbers and trekkers will surely be drawn to the rugged mountain peaks of the Rockies, skiers will be in heaven in Colorado, the Grand Canyon offers breath-taking sights and plenty of opportunity for adventure, and Alaska’s wilderness will leave you in awe. There are forests, wide-open plains, Pacific Coast surfing, rafting opportunities galore in great rivers, deserts, the volcanoes of Hawaii and so very much more to enjoy here.
Australia
From underwater adventures at the Great Barrier Reef, water sports and surfing, boating, scuba diving and more along the bountiful coastline to exploration of the vast landscape inland, Australia is worthy of a mention on this list for sure. Cyclists should traverse the Great Ocean Road, while Ayres Rock is not to be missed, why not take a helicopter ride at sunset for an unforgettable experience? The spectacular coastline runs for 30,000 miles so the opportunities here feel endless and plenty of adventure awaits in the Outback. What are you waiting for?
Canada
With exploration opportunities aplenty, Canada is sure to impress any type of adventure traveller. Vast stretches of land are covered in forest just begging to be explored, while the Rockies in the west are prime for skiing, hiking, mountain biking and the like. Nova scotia in the east provides water-based activities in great supply from whale watching to sailing to fishing, and the north Manitoba town of Churchill is great for polar bear spotting.
