Petrina Darrah
Posted: February 21, 2023
Looking for a travel experience that gets your adrenaline pumping and immerses you in stunning natural landscapes? Look no further than adventure travel. Whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, skiing, or wildlife watching, there’s an adventure travel destination out there that’s perfect for you. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top adventure travel destinations around the world.
Moab is a small town in Utah that’s become a mecca for outdoor adventurers. The town is located near two of the most iconic US national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. The rugged desert landscape around Moab provides the perfect backdrop for activities like rock climbing, mountain biking, and canyoneering. The area’s sandstone cliffs offer hundreds of routes for climbers of all abilities, while the nearby La Sal Mountains provide a cooler retreat for hikers and mountain bikers. For a truly unique adventure, try canyoneering in the nearby canyons, rappelling down waterfalls and scrambling over boulders.
Located on New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown is known for its stunning alpine scenery and adventure activities. In winter, skiing and snowboarding are the main drawcards, with the nearby ski resorts of Coronet Peak and The Remarkables providing plenty of options for all levels of skiers. In summer, the focus shifts to activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, and jet boating. If you’re looking for a more peaceful way to enjoy the scenery, hiking or cycling around the shores of Lake Wakatipu is a great option.
Patagonia is a vast region of wilderness and natural beauty that spans southern Chile and Argentina. With its rugged mountains, glaciers, and fjords, Patagonia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular adventure activities in Patagonia include trekking, mountaineering, and kayaking. The Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is a highlight, with its granite peaks, turquoise lakes, and glaciers. The park’s “W” trek is a popular multi-day hike that takes in some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region. If you’re more into water-based adventures, kayaking in the fjords of Patagonia is a must-do activity.
Thailand’s northern city of Chiang Mai is surrounded by lush jungle and mountains, providing plenty of opportunities for adventure. Hiking is a popular activity, with the Doi Inthanon National Park providing some of the best trails in the region. The park is home to Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon, as well as waterfalls, rice terraces, and hill tribe villages. For a bird’s-eye view of the landscape, ziplining is a thrilling way to see the jungle canopy. White-water rafting is also a popular activity, with the Mae Taeng River providing plenty of rapids to navigate.
Kruger National Park is one of South Africa’s premier safari destinations, offering the chance to see some of the continent’s most iconic wildlife up close. The park is home to the “Big Five” animals: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. Game drives are the main activity in the park, with experienced guides leading visitors on safari through the park’s savannahs and forests. Walking safaris are also a popular option, allowing visitors to get closer to the smaller creatures that call the park home
Banff National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an adventure in a pristine alpine environment. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a year-round outdoor playground that offers a range of activities to suit all levels of adventure-seekers. In winter, the park is a haven for skiers and snowboarders, with three major ski resorts to choose from. In summer, the focus shifts to hiking, mountain biking, and water sports, such as rafting and kayaking. The park’s turquoise lakes, glaciers, and soaring peaks provide a stunning backdrop for any activity. The town of Banff itself is also a charming mountain town, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to keep visitors entertained after a day of outdoor adventure.
The Lofoten Islands in Norway are a unique adventure travel destination, offering stunning natural beauty and a range of activities to explore it. The islands are situated above the Arctic Circle, providing a truly unique landscape of jagged peaks, deep fjords, and sandy beaches. Hiking is a popular activity on the islands, with a range of trails that take you through the rugged terrain, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The islands are also home to some of the world’s best surfing spots, with swells that are perfect for experienced surfers. In winter, the Northern Lights can often be seen dancing in the sky, providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Kayaking, fishing, and wildlife watching are also popular activities in the region, with sea eagles, puffins, and seals among the creatures that can be spotted. The islands are also famous for their traditional fishing villages, providing a glimpse into Norway’s rich cultural heritage.
By Petrina Darrah
Discover the rich and diverse flavours of Nepal's traditional cuisine, from momos to dal bhat, and learn how to experience it while volunteering in Pokhara with GVI.
Petrina Darrah
Posted: May 21, 2023
