12 Destinations in the World for an Unforgettable Adventure
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If flop-and-drop vacations that involve doing as little as possible don’t cut it for you, then you need somewhere made for adventure. Whether you prefer marine life to land-based wildlife or waterfalls to the wilderness, these destinations should inspire your next intrepid trip.
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What’s your dream adventure spot where the selfies are worth the mosquito bites? Pick your poison:
This is a swiper quiz, swipe right for yes, swipe left for no.
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Costa Rica, Central America
With around 25% of its landmass covered by jungle, Costa Rica is known for ecological and wildlife tours. It also has breathtaking beaches in the Caribbean and Pacific oceans. As well as a collection of species to see and beaches to discover, Costa Rica is abundant in rivers, lagoons, and waterfalls.
Read also: Visa-Free Caribbean Destinations
Plitviče Lakes National Park, Croatia
Deep in the heart of Croatia lies one of the best-kept secrets in Europe – Plitviče Lakes National Park. Adventure is what it’s about at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a hike to explore on foot, or book boat trips to see the cascading waterfalls and a series of terraced lakes.
Read also: Amazing European Natural Wonders
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef stretches over 1,400 miles (or 2,300 kilometers) and is off the Queensland coast. It’s the world’s biggest coral reef network, and snorkeling or scuba diving here is incredible. Taking a boat trip is the best way to see the reef, and skimming over the surface of the waters of the Coral Sea is equally unforgettable. The reef is also dotted with more than 100 tropical islands.
Read also: Most Beautiful Places on Earth
Sri Lanka, South Asia
The teardrop-shaped island, formerly known as Ceylon, is famous for tea plantations, surf beaches, spicy food, and safaris. Climbing, abseiling, and hiking are also deservedly popular. If you fancy a full-on safari, creatures to see here include sloth bears, jackals, wild boars, leopards, sambar deer, elephants, and even marsh mugger crocodiles. After all that action, you can unwind on the beach before tucking into a fabulous Asian feast.
Read also: Top Tropical Destinations
Queenstown, New Zealand
The entire country of New Zealand is ideal for intrepid types, but if it’s an adrenaline rush you seek, head to Queenstown. Located in the South Island, this small town among the Southern Alps is known as the Adventure Capital of the World. The setting by Lake Wakatipu is very picturesque, and things to try here include bungee jumping, jet-boating, and winter sports.
Read also: Most Beautiful Countries in the World
Yellowstone National Park, USA
Whether you want to hike, kayak, ride horseback, or head out wildlife watching in one of the national parks, Yellowstone provides the perfect playground for adventurers. Species to spot include bison, elk, wolves, coyotes, prairie dogs, eagles, and even grizzly bears. The park’s geothermal landscapes, not least the famous Old Faithful Geyser, also attract attention.
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Read also: USA National Parks
Iceland, Europe
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Iceland is unlike anywhere else on the planet and, without a doubt, a worthy bucket list destination. It’s ideal for any lover of outdoor adventures, and the landscape offers volcanic peaks, tumbling waterfalls, slow-moving glaciers, and geothermal zones. Beaches with black, or even multicolored, sand are also dotted along the coastline.
Read also: Unique Places To Visit in Europe
Cappadocia, Turkey
Taking a hot air balloon ride is the only way to appreciate Cappadocia’s unique landscape in central Turkey truly. Towering cones of rock dot this semi-arid region, and you can also see churches and Bronze Age homes carved into the rock faces. Photographing the many hot air balloons floating over the area is also a popular pastime.
Read also: Charming Small Towns Across the World
South Africa, Africa
Whether your idea of adventure involves taking a safari or discovering the beaches and vineyards of the Garden Route, South Africa has plenty of adventures in store. You can also take a cable car up Table Mountain or visit where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island. Seeing the Big Five and other native creatures in their natural habitat is something you’ll never forget.
Read also: Visa-Free Country for Americans
Mount Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Even if you don’t intend to conquer the summit, a trek to Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal is still a bucket list experience. While the altitude is challenging, the walk isn’t too tough, involving minimal steep ascents. Treks take 15 days or more, and hikers are rewarded with jaw-dropping Himalayan panoramas.
Read also: Iconic Places in the World
Alaska, USA
Alaska is the number one US destination for anyone who wants to venture into the icy wilderness. This vast state is the most sparsely populated in America and is known as an incredible outdoor playground. Alaska offers lakes, glaciers, rivers, over 33,000 miles of coastline, and more than its fair share of volcanoes. The state is also known for an abundance of wildlife, including bears.
Read also: American Wild Spots
Machu Picchu, Peru
If you can handle the altitude, the multi-day trek to the Lost City of the Incas is a once-in-a-lifetime must. Shrouded in mist and legend, the vast site dates from the 15th century, and no one knows why it was abandoned. Getting there is all part of the adventure, of course, and the natural hot springs at nearby Aguas Calientes are a welcome surprise to tired travelers.
Read also: Visa-Free South American Countries
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