Are you an adventure enthusiast? Adventure and extreme travel involve a variety of activities to engage in thrilling and high-risk activities. It is often in remote or some challenging environment.
This type of travel is best for nature enthusiasts and those seeking to push their limits. It includes everything from rock climbing to extreme sports, trekking to remote places, and exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Travelers that are engaged in these activities experience nature. It helps them to test their physical and mental limits. They also explore places less frequented by tourists.
Types of Adventure Travel
1. Outdoor Adventure
- Trekking and Hiking:
Best Places To Visit:
- Everest Base Camp (Nepal)
- Inca Trail (Peru)
- Torres del Paine (Chile)
- Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (China)
- The Dolomites (Italy)
- Banff National Park (Canada)
- The Appalachian Trail (USA)
- The Camino de Santiago (Spain)
- Mont Blanc (France/Italy/Switzerland)
- Grand Canyon (USA)
- Trek to Machu Picchu (Peru)
- Laugavegur Trail (Iceland)
- Annapurna Circuit (Nepal)
- Mount Rinjani (Indonesia)
- Multi-day Trek:
Best Places To Visit:
- Everest Base Camp Trek (Nepal)
- Inca Trail (Peru)
- Annapurna Circuit (Nepal)
- Torres del Paine W Trek (Chile)
- Laugavegur Trail (Iceland)
- The Overland Track (Australia)
- The Haute Route (Switzerland/France)
- The Camino de Santiago (Spain)
- Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
- Picos de Europa (Spain)
- The Drakensberg Grand Traverse (South Africa)
- Zion National Park (USA)
- The Dingle Way (Ireland)
- Tatra Mountains (Poland/Slovakia)
- Great Wall of China Trek (China)
- Wildlife Safari:
Best Places To Visit:
- Maasai Mara (Kenya)
- Serengeti National Park (Tanzania)
- Kruger National Park (South Africa)
- Chobe National Park (Botswana)
- Okavango Delta (Botswana)
- Yellowstone National Park (USA)
- Ranthambhore National Park (India)
- Kaziranga National Park (India)
- Etosha National Park (Namibia)
- Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe)
- Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania)
- Borneo Rainforest (Malaysia/Indonesia)
- Blyde River Canyon (South Africa)
- Addo Elephant Park (South Africa)
- Zambezi River (Zimbabwe/Mozambique)
- Canoeing/Kayaking:
Best Places To Visit:
- Halong Bay (Vietnam)
- Lake Moraine (Canada)
- The Everglades (USA)
- Ganges River (India)
- Fiordland National Park (New Zealand)
- Zambezi River (Zimbabwe/Mozambique)
- Kayangan Lake (Philippines)
- Cano Cristales River (Colombia)
- Killarney Provincial Park (Canada)
- The Amazon River (Brazil)
- The Blue River (Jamaica)
- Jökulsá River (Iceland)
- Lake Tahoe (USA)
- Río Futaleufú (Chile)
- Bowron Lake Provincial Park (Canada)
2. Extreme Sports
- Skydiving:
Best Places To Visit:
- Interlaken (Switzerland)
- Dubai (UAE)
- Taupo (New Zealand)
- Perris Valley (California, USA)
- Queenstown (New Zealand)
- Mount Everest (Nepal)
- Skydive Moab (Utah, USA)
- The Great Barrier Reef (Australia)
- Hawaii (USA)
- Dune of Pilat (France)
- Nimbin (Australia)
- Abel Tasman (New Zealand)
- The Palm Jumeirah (Dubai, UAE)
- Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe)
- Lake Wanaka (New Zealand)
- Bungee Jumping:
Best Places To Visit:
- Nevis Bungy (New Zealand)
- Bloukrans Bridge (South Africa)
- Macau Tower (China)
- Kawarau Bridge (New Zealand)
- Victoria Falls Bridge (Zambia/Zimbabwe)
- The Last Resort (Nepal)
- Verzasca Dam (Switzerland)
- Perrine Bridge (USA)
- Chico Bungee Jump (Brazil)
- Iguaçu Falls (Brazil/Argentina)
- Niagara Falls (Canada/USA)
- Bungee Jumping in Rishikesh (India)
- Ticino (Switzerland)
- Cairns (Australia)
- Giza Pyramids (Egypt)
- Paragliding:
Best Places To Visit:
- Interlaken (Switzerland)
- Bir Billing (India)
- Fethiye (Turkey)
- Torrey Pines (USA)
- Chamonix (France)
- Cape Town (South Africa)
- Pokhara (Nepal)
- Val d’Isère (France)
- Queenstown (New Zealand)
- Dune du Pilat (France)
- Cave Diving:
Best Places To Visit:
- The Blue Hole (Belize)
- Cenote Dos Ojos (México)
- Cenote The Pit (Mexico)
- Waitomo Caves (New Zealand)
- Silfra Fissure (Iceland)
- Devil’s Cave (Florida, USA)
- Cenote Angelita (Mexico)
- Blue Grotto (Italy)
- Eagle’s Nest (Florida, USA)
- Cueva de las Sardinas (México)
3. Mountain Adventures
- Mountaineering:
Best Places To Visit:
- Mount Everest (Nepal)
- Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
- Matterhorn (Switzerland/Italy)
- Mount Denali (Alaska, USA)
- Mount Elbrus (Russia)
- Mount McKinley (USA)
- Annapurna Circuit (Nepal)
- Mount Fuji (Japan)
- Mont Blanc (France/Italy/Switzerland)
- Mount Vinson (Antarctica)
- Rock Climbing:
Best Places To Visit:
- Yosemite Valley (California, USA)
- El Capitán (California, USA)
- Kalymnos Island (Greece)
- Fitz Roy (Argentina)
- Rocklands (South Africa)
- Squamish (Canada)
- Joshua Tree National Park (California, USA)
- Wadi Rum (Jordan)
- Pinnacles National Park (California, USA)
- The Dolomites (Italy)
- Ice Climbing:
Best Places To Visit:
- Ouray Ice Park (Colorado, USA)
- Cogne (Italy)
- Helmcken Falls (Canada)
- Rjukan (Norway)
- Banff National Park (Canada)
- Kandersteg (Switzerland)
- Skaftafell (Iceland)
- Jotunheimen (Norway)
- Mount Washington (New Hampshire, USA)
- Valley of the Ten Peaks (Canada)
4. Water Adventures
- Surfing:
Best Places To Visit:
- Pipeline (Oahu, Hawaii, USA)
- Uluwatu (Bali, Indonesia)
- Jeffrey’s Bay (South Africa)
- Teahupo’o (Tahiti, French Polynesia)
- Hossegor (France)
- Mavericks (California, USA)
- Bondi Beach (Sydney, Australia)
- J-Bay (South Africa)
- Canggu (Bali, Indonesia)
- Fistral Beach (Cornwall, UK)
- Scuba Diving:
Best Places To Visit:
- Great Barrier Reef (Australia)
- Blue Hole (Belize)
- Raja Ampat (Indonesia)
- Galápagos Islands (Ecuador)
- Cozumel (Mexico)
- Red Sea (Egypt/Sudan)
- Palau (Micronesia)
- Maldives
- Similan Islands (Thailand)
- The Yongala (Australia)
- White-water Rafting:
Best Places To Visit:
- Futaleufú River (Chile)
- Zambezi River (Zimbabwe/Zambia)
- Colorado River (Grand Canyon, USA)
- Chulilla (Spain)
- Tully River (Australia)
- Mekong River (Laos)
- Bhote Koshi River (Nepal)
- Kicking Horse River (Canada)
- Ottawa River (Canada)
- Ganges River (India)
Planning an Adventure and Extreme Trip
1. Physical Preparation
The first step for planning an adventure is to know your fitness level. The fitness level depends on the activity, the more the hard activity the more fitness is required.
- For trekking and mountaineering: Endurance and stamina.
- For extreme sports: Strength, agility, and flexibility.
Many travelers also train themselves for months in advance for adventure activities like scuba diving, rock climbing, or marathon running.
2. Choosing the Right Destination
Ensure that the destination you are choosing offers the type of adventure you want to explore such as climbing, diving, trekking, etc. For safety check for the safety records of those areas, and availability of guides, and equipment.
Research about the weather patterns and the best time of year for your chosen adventure (e.g., summer for trekking, winter for skiing).
3. Safety and Precaution
For safety and precaution it is essential to opt for travel insurance for high-risk activities like mountain climbing, diving, bungee jumping). Make sure your insurance should cover medical emergencies, equipment loss, evacuation, and trip cancellations.
Moreover, invest in specialized equipment such as climbing shoes, tents, sleeping bags, and helmets, depending on the activity.
Popular Adventure and Extreme Travel Destinations
1. Trekking and Hiking Destinations
Himalayas: Trekking to Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit for experienced trekkers.
Best Places To Visit:
- Everest Base Camp (Nepal)
- Leh-Ladakh (India)
- Manali (India)
- Shimla (India)
- Rishikesh (India)
- Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Bhutan)
- Nainital (India)
- Bhutan’s Punakha Valley
- Mount Kanchenjunga (India/Nepal Border)
- Sikkim (India)
Patagonia: Torres del Paine for rugged landscapes and remote trekking.
Best Places To Visit:
- Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)
- Perito Moreno Glacier (Argentina)
- Fitz Roy (Argentina)
- Ushuaia (Argentina)
- El Calafate (Argentina)
- Tierra del Fuego National Park (Argentina)
- Lago Argentino (Argentina)
- Navarino Island (Chile)
- Los Glaciares National Park (Argentina)
- Pumalín Park (Chile)
Swiss Alps: A range of hiking trails for various difficulty levels.
Best Places To Visit:
- Zermatt (Matterhorn Mountain)
- Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe)
- Interlaken
- Grindelwald
- Lucerne and Lake Lucerne
- Lauterbrunnen Valley
- Montreux (Lake Geneva)
- St. Moritz
- Bernina Express (Scenic Train Route)
- Gornergrat Railway (Zermatt)
The Dolomites (Italy): Hiking through dramatic mountain peaks and valleys.
Best Places To Visit:
- Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Tre Cime di Lavaredo
- Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)
- Val Gardena
- Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)
- Sella Pass
- Marmolada Glacier
- Lake Misurina
- San Martino di Castrozza
- Puez-Odle Nature Park
2. Extreme Sports Locations
New Zealand: A hotspot for bungee jumping, skydiving, and white-water rafting.
Best Places To Visit:
- Milford Sound (South Island)
- Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park (South Island)
- Queenstown (South Island)
- Rotorua (North Island)
- Tongariro National Park (North Island)
- Fiordland National Park (South Island)
- Bay of Islands (North Island)
- Wellington (North Island)
- Abel Tasman National Park (South Island)
- Waitomo Caves (North Island)
Switzerland: Known for skydiving over the Alps, paragliding, and mountaineering.
Best Places To Visit:
- Lake Geneva (Lac Léman)
- Lake Zurich (Zürichsee)
- Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee)
- Lake Thun (Thunersee)
- Lake Maggiore
- Lake Neuchâtel (Lac de Neuchâtel)
- Lake Biel (Bielersee)
- Lake Walensee
- Lake Sils
- Lake Constanze (Bodensee)
Hawaii: Surfing paradise with legendary waves.
Best Places To Visit:
- Waikiki Beach (Oahu)
- North Shore (Oahu)
- Pipeline (Oahu)
- Sunset Beach (Oahu)
- Honolua Bay (Maui)
- Jaws (Peahi, Maui)
- Kailua Beach (Oahu)
- Kona (Big Island)
- Canoes (Oahu)
- Kauai’s Hanalei Bay (Kauai)
Australia: Great Barrier Reef for scuba diving and surfing at Gold Coast.
Best Places To Visit:
- Whitsunday Islands
- Cairns
- Port Douglas
- Green Island
- Fitzroy Island
- Heron Island
- Lady Elliot Island
- Low Isles
- Ribbon Reefs
- Lizard Island
3. Diving and Water Adventures
Maldives: A favourite for coral reefs.
Best Places To Visit:
- Malé (Capital City)
- Hulhumalé Island
- Ari Atoll
- Baa Atoll (Hanifaru Bay)
- South Malé Atoll (Fihalhohi Island)
- Vaavu Atoll (Alimatha Island)
- Addu Atoll (Gan Island)
- Thulusdhoo Island
- Laamu Atoll (Six Senses Laamu Resort)
- Manta Point (North Ari Atoll)
Bali, Indonesia: A favorite for surfers and divers alike.
Best Places To Visit:
- Uluwatu Temple
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Ubud)
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces
- Tanah Lot Temple
- Mount Batur
- Seminyak Beach
- Besakih Temple (Mother Temple)
- Nusa Dua Beach
- Jimbaran Bay
- Kuta Beach
Philippines: Stunning underwater biodiversity at Tubbataha Reefs and Apo Island.
Best Places To Visit:
- Palawan (El Nido and Coron)
- Boracay Island
- Chocolate Hills (Bohol)
- Taal Volcano (Tagaytay)
- Vigan (Ilocos Sur)
- Banaue Rice Terraces (Ifugao)
- Siargao Island
- Mayon Volcano (Albay)
- Puerto Princesa Underground River (Palawan)
- Donsol (Sorsogon
Fiji: World-class diving spots with vibrant reefs.
Best Places To Visit:
- Mamanuca Islands
- Yasawa Islands
- Coral Coast
- Denarau Island
- Nadi
- Savusavu
- Taveuni Island (Garden Island)
- Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park
- Suva
- Lomaiviti Islands
4. Desert and Arctic Adventures
Wadi Rum (Jordan): Trekking through red sand deserts and rock formations.
Best Places To Visit:
- Lawrence’s Spring
- Jebel Rum
- The Seven Pillars of Wisdom
- Khazali Canyon
- Um Frouth Rock Bridge
- Jebel Um Adaami
- Al-Maghara Mountain
- The Red Desert
- Wadi Rum Village
- Abu Khashaba Canyon
Sahara Desert (Africa): Camel trekking and overnight camping.
Best Places To Visit:
- Merzouga (Morocco)
- Zagora (Morocco)
- Erg Chebbi Dunes (Morocco)
- Tamanrasset (Algeria)
- Chinguetti (Mauritania)
- Djanet (Algeria)
- Tozeur (Tunisia)
- M’Hamid El Ghizlane (Morocco)
- Ghat (Libya)
- Timimoun (Algeria)
Antarctica: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the frozen wilderness.
Best Places To Visit:
- Ross Island
- South Pole
- Lemaire Channel
- Deception Island
- Antarctic Peninsula
- McMurdo Sound
- Port Lockroy
- Mount Erebus
- Elephant Island
- Paradise Bay