The 9 Best Destinations for Adventure Seekers Page

Many of us have been cooped up for a lot longer than we would like. The wheels of travel are back to turning, and there are millions of us setting our sights on new horizons. Whether it’s your dream destination, a friends bucket list, or the ideal family adventure, you’re sure to find at least one experience here that will float your proverbial boat.

Puns aside, you can look forward to a wide variety of unique holiday ideas. The 9 destinations showcased below all have two things in common; the exciting allure of adventure, and the irresistible beauty of unique environments.

Galapagos Islands

The diverse ecology of the Galapagos Islands is protected and cared for like few other places on Earth. In order to preserve the fragile ecosystem, visitors to the archipelago have limitations on the time they can spend on each island. This lack of human influence has led to the Galapagos Islands being one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.

There are nearly 30 species of sharks in the waters around the islands, including hammerheads, whale sharks, reef sharks, and tiger sharks. The area has its own species named the Galapagos shark. Snorkelling and diving tours are frequent attractions. There are 18 main islands to explore, with flora and fauna galore.

The Garden Route

2 weeks in South Africa’s 190-mile strip of coastal territory is a jaw-dropping example of natural beauty. The lush vegetation and bountiful bodies of water are filled with all sorts of sights and sounds. There are a number of highly sought-after activities in the area, including mountain biking, canoeing, and bungee jumping.

The Bloukrans Bridge is the world’s highest bungee jump. At 709 feet, the jump is a dose of pure adrenaline. The jump has been accident-free since its inception all the way back in 1997. Whale-watching is another popular activity, drawing crowds during the mating season from May to December.

The Great Barrier Reef

Australia’s coastline is unique for its prominent coral reefs. As the largest reef system in the world, the Great Barrier Reef, one of the natural wonders of the world, is over 1,400 miles long and is home to an eclectic variety of species. 

Scuba diving is easily the main drawcard for the Great Barrier Reef. Many endangered or vulnerable species call the reef their home, and the diversity on display is truly astonishing. From birds and dolphins to crocodiles and sharks, the Great Barrier Reef is nature’s melting pot; a treasure worthy of our respect and admiration.

Las Vegas

If you’re looking for more of an urban-type adventure, Las Vegas certainly fits the bill. Also known as The Strip, Vegas is Nevada’s jewel of the desert. A sprawling mass of entertainment venues, theaters and 5-star locations make up the city many call, ‘The Entertainment Capital of the World’. 

Regardless of whether or not you’re into roulette, there are plenty of adventurous entertainment options in the city. The Stratosphere, Vegas’ tallest tower, offers controlled jumps from the top of the building. There is a multitude of outdoor activities in and around the city such as trails, dirt rides, dune buggies, river rafting, and much more.

Machu Picchu

Peru’s most remote areas have been described as mythical, transporting visitors to a world suspended in time. The ruins of Machu Picchu is Peru’s most familiar icon of ancient Inca civilization. It’s a 15th-century citadel located high up in the Urubamba Province, above what is known as Peru’s Sacred Valley.

Getting to Machu Picchu can be tough and is slowly being restored so that visitors can gain a better understanding of what the city was like. In 2007, the internet voted it one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site all the way back in the early ’80s and remains one of the most sought-after destinations in South America. 

Mount Everest

Standing at the very highest peak of the Himalayan mountains is an achievement few of us have experienced.  That hasn’t stopped thousands of serious climbers who make it their mission to reach the top of Mount Everest. Very few people can say they’ve conquered Everest, one of the seven summits, and, despite decades of work on extensive safety measures, it remains one of the most dangerous climbing routes known to man.

Mount Everest also plays host to a number of extreme sports, such as BASE jumping, paragliding, skiing, and snowboarding. If a 29,000-foot ascent sounds a bit too ambitious for you, Mount Kilimanjaro is also a major climbing destination. It’s the highest mountain in Africa and remains a worthy alternative to the tough challenge of Everest.

The Northern Lights

The awe-inspiring sight of the Northern Lights needs to be seen to be believed. Trekking through the glaciers of Iceland makes for the perfect atmosphere, and the snow-white environment makes the otherworldly lights of the night sky all the more prominent. 

The Northern Lights, otherwise known as aurora borealis, draw thousands of tourists to Iceland every year. Not all holidaymakers get to witness the spectacle though, as the Lights can only truly be appreciated under the correct conditions, with ideal solar activity at the right time of the year. 

Walking safaris

The Big Five are a lot bigger than you might think, especially if you haven’t had the privilege of being in close proximity to any of them. If you want to experience the thrill of being out in nature, in and amongst some of the world’s most magnificent animals, Zimbabwe’s walking safaris are the perfect holiday.

Along the Zambezi River, thousands of elephants and buffalo graze out in the open. Without the protection of a vehicle, it’s an entirely different experience. Tour guides have to be well-trained. Luckily, Zimbabwe boasts some of the best outdoor guides in the world. If you’re interested, popular itineraries can also be customised to suit your schedule and budget.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Skiing down the slopes of the Alps is on many a bucket list. However, with so many locations and resorts to choose from, it’s certainly not as easy to find a good spot as one might think. According to numerous polls and lists around the web, Zermatt is one of the best destinations for casual and serious skiers alike.

Surrounded by the tallest peaks of the Alps, like Mont Blanc, Zermatt has over 200 miles of ski runs spread across four expansive areas. There are more than 50 lifts that will take you to over 100 different run routes. The village of Zermatt lies in the shadow of the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most famous mountain peak.