There are so many amazing adventure destinations around the world and to ignite your wanderlust we have put together a list of some of the most thrilling places to visit and activities you can do.
Some destinations are world famous whilst others might be places you haven’t heard about before. If you are looking for the ultimate thrill of your life, want to do something extreme, there are so many epic trips available.
Check out our guide to the most adventurous travel experiences around the world and start adding them to your bucket list today!
1. Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru
Not much compares to seeing the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in real life. This is one of the dream adventure trips of a lifetime and something which will stay with you forever. There are lots of treks and tours to Machu Picchu where you can climb the Inca Trail to the summit, some last 3 days but others are over a week in duration.
2. Jetboat at the Iguazu Falls, South America
The Iguazu waterfalls are located on the Iguazu River on the border of the Argentine province of Misiones and the Brazilian state of Paraná. They are the largest and most impressive waterfalls in the world, even more than the more famous Niagara Falls. Photos really don’t do this location justice, you really need to visit to see it with your own eyes. And if you really want to maximise your experience, book a jetboat tour to get as close as possible to falls.
3. Stay the Night at Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Nepal is easily in the top 10 adventure places to visit in the world and mainly due to the majestic Mount Everest which is the highest mountain above sea level on earth! Climbing Mount Everest really is limited to the most fit and advanced level of climbers.
An option for people with an interest in climbing, but without the experience is to visit Mount Everest Base Camp. Even just having Everest in name might sound daunting, but the trek to Everest Base Camp is easier than you might think if you have a good level of fitness and train before.
3. Bungee Jump in Queenstown, New Zealand
Not many places in the world compare to New Zealand – this country is probably the adventure capital of the world.
From throwing yourself out of a plane, skiing / snowboarding some of the best slopes in the world, flying down a river on a speed boat to dropping from some of the highest bungee jumps on the planet.
Although you can book activities throughout the country, Queenstown is the place to go. From here you can book so many thrilling adventures including the world’s highest cliff jump.
4. Walk the Great Wall, China
Travel to Beijing and walk the Great Wall. Don’t just visit this tourist section and get a photo, challenge yourself and join a tour to walk, climb and trek one of the most spectacular human made creations in the world. There are day trips and longer options including charity challenges. Please don’t think this is as easy as it sounds.
5. Climb Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
A trip for the adventurous, scale the highest peak on the African continent and see spectacular views across for miles around. Booking a Mount Kilimanjaro tour should be on the bucket list for any adventure traveler. This is the ultimate adventure!
6. Ride a Helicopter over the Grand Canyon, USA
Get awestruck by the largest canyon in the world, the sheer scale of the Grand Canyon from a helicopter trip is breathtaking. This is not for the feint hearted but this experience will provide you with memories to last a lifetime.
7. Scuba Dive at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Australia has so many adventure activities and one of the best highlights has to be seeing the Great Barrier Reef. There are lots of ways to see the world’s largest coral reef, you could join a glass bottom boat tour, go swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the best places to go diving in the world, expect to see amazing marine life, and occasionally the odd shark.
9. Climb a Volcano, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the best places to travel for adventure seekers. This country is spectacular with nature, wildlife and endless adventures and eco tourism activities.
If you would like to do something totally different then there are currently 6 active volcanoes in Costa Rica and a further 61 which are dormant. You can join guided tours to get close to the peaks and see hot lava flowing. This is thrilling!
You will also get to discover more of Costa Rica which is a really spectacular country in terms of biodiversity and landscapes.
10. Go Diving with Sharks in South Africa
On the southern coast of South Africa there is the opportunity, if you are brave enough, to go diving with sharks! You can get close the magnificent great white sharks in a safe cage environment. Diving with sharks in South Africa is not for the feint hearted but this experience is organised and very safe. This really is a once in a lifetime exhilarating experience.
11. Motorbike the Coast of Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations in South East Asia and it has a really spectacular coastline. Lots of local and international travel operators offer motorbike tours where you can travel up or down the spectacular coast.
12. Skiing in Canada
A list of adventure destinations wouldn’t be complete without including Canada in the list. There are some of the most impressive ski resorts and slopes in the world located here. Popular ski resorts we recommend include Whistler Blackcomb, Mont Tremblant, Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, Big White and Mount Norquay.
13. Safari in South Africa
Going on a wildlife safari really is a bucket list adventure you need to tick off and there are so many countries you could visit in Africa with Kenya, Tanzania and Namibia some of the most popular. But South Africa really stands out mainly due to being home to the world famous Kruger National Park. Highlights include seeing wildlife like elephants, rhinos and lions.
14. Bike the Death Road, Bolivia
Bolivia is an amazing destination for travellers and there are lots of things you can do here including going off the beaten track to see the stunning Atacama desert.
If you are looking to scare the life out of yourself, and feel comfortable riding a bike, then booking a trip on the ‘death road’ is for you. Researching mountain-bike La Paz’s infamous Death Road on the internet before booking isn’t recommended, you will likely withdraw.
This is a terrifying experience. Lots of local tour operators offer trips here, just remember where your brakes are!
15. Surfing in Hawaii, USA
Hawaii is a world famous surfing destination due to the huge waves. Whether you are a complete beginner, or a pro, there are so many places you can surf here all year round. Oahu is one of the best locations to surf but other places include Maui, Kauai and Hawaii Island.
16. See Mountain Gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda
Sitting in silence on the cold ground of a Ugandan forest for 60 minutes might be one of life’s greatest privileges. There are fewer than 900 mountain gorillas in existence, and gorilla trekking provides a rare opportunity to observe the everyday interactions of these gentle, mysterious primates.
17. Trans-Siberian Railway
The Trans–Siberian Railway is a network of railways connecting Western Russia to the Russian Far East. It is the longest railway line in the world, with a length of over 9,289 kilometres, starting from the capital Moscow, the largest city in Europe, and ending at Vladivostok, on the Pacific Ocean.
Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine we don’t recommend this trip at the moment.
18. Skydive in Dubai
Skydiving is one of the most thrilling sports you can do and there are so many incredible destinations you can try it. Dubai has one of the most impressive skylines in the world and diving here gets you closer to the Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building.
19. Hot Air Balloon Ride, Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia is located in central Turkey and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Cappadocia is famous for it’s cave hotels, rock formations and Bronze Age homes carved into valley walls.
Around AD 600, Christians dug into the Anatolian plateau’s soft volcanic rock and built underground homes, churches and monasteries. Today, you can see this incredible landscape from the sky on a hot air balloon ride.
Okay this isn’t the most thrilling or scary experience on our list, but if you are scared of heights it’s best you avoid.
20. Whitewater Rafting Zambezi River, Zimbabwe
Whitewater Rafting is something that really will get your pulse racing and the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe is one of the best places on the planet to go. Starting by the majestic Victoria Falls the river has 23 rapids within a 15-mile (24 km) stretch of water. One thing that adds to the thrill of this epic trip is the chance to see hippos and crocodiles!
21. Sand Surf the Sahara Desert
Experience some of the most spectacular and dramatic landscapes on the planet by visiting the Sahara Desert – one of the most unique places in the world. You can visit the Sahara from countries like Egypt, Algeria, Chad and Algeria — but Morocco is the best choice for most international tourists.
From Marrakech, you can easily book a Sahara desert tour which will bring you around the Sahara region and allow you to stay in the dunes for a night. There is even the option to go sand surfing or quad biking!
22. Spot Jaguars in the Pantanal, Brazil
The Pantanal is one of the hidden gems of the world. This the world’s largest tropical wetland and home to some of the most exotic animals in the world. The Pantanal is best seen from the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, but it also extends into Mato Grosso and into Bolivia and Paraguay. This is one of the best places to see jaguars in the wild
23. Sea-kayak with Orcas, Canada
Seeing orca whales in real life is something special and a once in a lifetime experience and Canada is one of the best locations to go. There are various tours available but kayaking close to these animals in exhilarating when you see how big they are in real life!
24. Husky Sledge in Scandinavia
Looking for a different type of adventure? Book a dog sledding holiday in Sweden, Finland or Norway. Most trips last 1 day to 2 weeks and are best joined from November – May. There are so many amazing wilderness expeditions where you will get to go off the beaten track and stay in remote cabins.
25. Get Awestruck at Torres del Paine, Chile
The Torres del Paine is a National Park in Patagonia famous for striking mountains, bright blue icebergs and glaciers. The scenery is out of this world and you can also see rare wildlife like guanacos. This location is remote but it is well worth visiting if you enjoy outdoor adventures.
26. Experience Antarctica
Antarctica is somewhere very unique and unlike anywhere else on our list. This is the southernmost continent in the world, with extreme conditions largely covered with ice and mainly uninhibited. You can book cruises to Antarctica with most trips departing from Argentina. You will get to see some of the most striking landscapes and rich wildlife, like penguins and bears.
27. Delve Deep into the Amazon, South America
The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most special places in the world and also one of the most threatened. This is the largest rainforest on the planet and one of the most important biological locations home to thousands of plant and animal species. This is one of the top places to see in Brazil.
The Amazon’s forest and freshwater systems are facing huge problems, mainly due to deforestation, farming and climate change. By visiting the Amazon you will get to learn more about conservation efforts and you might get to see some stunning animals like jaguars, eagles, pink river dolphins, sloths, black spider monkeys and frogs.
28. Outback Adventure in Australia
The Australian Outback is remote, vast, sparsely populated and the perfect destination for an amazing adventure. You can visit the Outback independently or go with a tour company, maybe the structured route is best if you have watched any horror films about being stranded in the Outback. The Outback might seem a long way from anywhere, well it is, but it is well worth seeing Ayers Rocks on any Australian itinerary.
29. Bear Watching, Canada
Looking to get close to some of the most fearful yet beautiful creatures on the planet? Plan a trip to Canada to see bears up close. Bears are located across Canada in rural areas of British Columbia, Québec and New Brunswick and the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. The best time to visit is from April to October when black and brown bears come out of hibernation.
30. Hike the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand
The Tongariro Crossing is one of the greatest walks in New Zealand and the world. This route is a challenge where you will get to hike across a volcanic landscape which looks like a different world. The route is 19.4 km long and takes between six and eight hours to complete. Lots of local travel operators offer organised trips with experienced guides.
31. Off-road 4×4 Fraser Island, Queensland, Australia
Fraser Island is the ultimate off the beaten track destination away from city life. Expect beautiful beaches, lakes, sand dunes, streams and lots of wild dingos. Riding a four-wheel vehicle around the island is a great experience.
32. Boat the Mekong, Laos
Laos is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and still relatively untouched by globalisation and mass tourism. Riding a boat down the famous Mekong river is an epic experience with really stunning scenery along the way. Seeing Luang Prabang is one of the highlights, this scenic town is full of culture, temples and colonial villas. There is the option to book a slow boat, or speedboats and luxury cruises.
33. Road Trip Route 66, USA
Route 66 is one of the most famous road trips in the world and starts in Chicago and ends at the Santa Monica pier in California. You’ll pass some awesome destinations and tourist locations as well as some odd ones. One of the highlights is staying in historical motels along the way route for the authentic American experience. This journeys is best done with friends due to the long distances involved.
34. Rhino Safari in Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal
The Chitwan National Park is one of the best wildlife destinations in Asia and you can see so many different animals here including rhinos, elephants, monkeys, crocodiles, peacocks and birds. You can do a tour of the park with a local guide and there are lots of adventure activities available to book including canoeing.
35. Climb Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is one of the most stunning cities in the world located on the southern coast of South Africa with Table Mountain looming high over the city. You can choose between more than 350 routes to the top of Table Mountain and there are options for beginners and experienced climbers.
Climbing Table Mountain is really is something you need to do if visiting South Africa and the views from the top are incredible.
36. Swim Through Mexico’s Cenotes
Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is home to a wealth of natural pools and cenotes (surface connections to subterranean water bodies) which are open to tourists to go swimming. Dos Ojos and Gran Cenote are two of the best destinations to check out. Floating in these natural sinkholes is amazing, and if you would like to enhance the experience you can also go diving through some of the more complex underground cave systems.
37. Explore the Son Doong Cave, Vietnam
Son Doong is the largest cave in the world, based on volume and was only discovered recently. It is located right in the heart of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in the Quang Binh province of Vietnam. Guided tours are now offered allowing tourists a glimpse into this huge complex.
38. Go in Search of Mayan Ruins, Guatemala
There are so many ancient Mayan ruins located throughout Central America and Tikal in Guatemala is one of the best destinations. Located deep in the rainforest of northern Guatemala, this UNESCO World Heritage site was an important city in the Maya civilisation from 200 to 900 A.D.
39. See the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, sometimes referred to as the Aurora Borealis is a natural light display in the Earth’s sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude northern countries.
The sky literally lights up and is something really special to see. There are so many places you can see the Northern Lights including Tromso, Norway, Swedish Lapland, Reykjavik, Iceland, Yukon, Canada, Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland and Ilulissat, Greenland.
You can even sleep under the Northern Lights, some accommodation are located outside with clear roofs, both the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and mobile Aurora Bubble Sled are recommended.
40. Explore the Golden Circle, Iceland
Iceland is one of the best outdoor adventure playgrounds in the world and there are so many locations to visit. The Golden Circle should be part of any Iceland travel itinerary and consists of three stunning locations : Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Geothermal Area, and Gullfoss waterfall. Don’t leave the country before visiting these places.
41. Island-hop, Indonesia
Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world consisting of five major islands and about 30 smaller groups. There are total number of 17,508 islands of which about 6000 are inhabited with the most famous being Bali. Island hopping Indonesia is amazing, think white sandy beaches, clear oceans and lots of world class places to stay.
42. Tiger Safari, India
Around 80 per cent of the world’s tigers are in India and this country is doing incredible work preserving tigers. Seeing these beautiful creatures up close is a really special experience.
There are lots of places you can get close to tigers including the Ranthambore National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Jim Corbett National Park, Satpura National Park, Pench National Park and the Bandipur National Park.
43. Swim with Whale Sharks in the Maldives
Looking to visit paradise and do something thrilling yet scary? Plan a trip to the Maldives and swim with whale sharks. The waters around the Maldives are crystal clear and whale shares frequent this area all year-round. You could even combine the experience and stay one of the amazing resorts in the Maldives.
44. Journey Across the Silk Road
The Silk Road is a 4000 mile route across the Asian continent that historically is one of the world’s oldest and most important trade routes in the world. This road has had a huge such a massive influence on the civilisations of the west. In ancient times along the Silk Road from China to Rome took two years but now short routes are available from a few days or longer.
45. Hotsprings at the Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
North America has some spectacular national parks and Yellowstone is one of the most highly rated. This park is around 3,500-sq miles of wilderness in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho too. Yellowstone features dramatic canyons, alpine rivers and lush forests.
In Yellowstone top things to do include seeing hot springs, kayaking, guided wildlife tours, hiking, water rafting and wildlife spotting – this park is home to hundreds of animals including bears, wolves, bison, elk and antelope.
46. Sleep Outside in Wadi Rum, Jordan
Plan a trip to Jordan to see Petra and Wadi Rum and go on a desert safari. You can stay in some incredible accommodation here far different to your average hotel. Options include camping and outdoor pods – sleeping under the stars in the desert can be a really special experience. You really get to feel the magic of the great outdoors and see an amazing night sky lit up with stars.
47. Boat Ride in Niagara Falls, Canada
Niagara Falls is probably the most famous waterfalls in the world and somewhere you must visit once in your life. Booking a boat trip to get close to the waterfalls is a bucket list adventure you need to tick off.
If you are looking to get your pulse racing even more you could book to ride the 2,200-foot MistRider opened in Ontario in the summer of 2016. This zip line starts from the top of the Niagara Gorge and ends at the bottom, reaching a speed of more than 40 miles per hour.
48. Snowmobile & See Polar Bears in Norway
Norway is one of the few countries in the world where you can see wild polar bears. The Svalbard Archipelago, situated in the Arctic Ocean north of mainland Norway, is one of the best locations to visit as in the winter months, this is where polar bears hunt for seals on the frozen sea. This really is an unforgettable experience to see polar bears. Travelling by snowmobile is also thrilling.
48. Enter the Thrihnukagigur Volcano, Iceland
Looking for a totally daring and unique experience? Journey towards the center of the earth at the Thrihnukagigur volcano located near Reykjavík in Iceland. This dormant volcano was discovered in 1974 by cave explorer Árni B Stefánsson and is now a tourist hotspot.
You can book tours to go deep inside the Thrihnukagigur volcano which is a daunting yet awe-inspiring experience, it last erupted 4000 years ago but just the thought of it erupting again is terrifying.
49. Wildlife Spotting in the Galapagos
See the island which influenced Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and plan a trip to the Galapagos. Located off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos is one of the more remote places to visit on our list but this is such a unique location. Benefits include getting to see animals like giant tortoises.
50. Walk the Camino de Santiago, Spain
The Camino de Santiago, known in English as the Way of St. James, is a network of pilgrims’ ways or pilgrimages leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain, where tradition holds that the remains of the saint are buried.
There we have it, the greatest world adventures that you really need to add to your bucket list. Hopefully this article has ignited your wanderlust and will help you find inspiration to book your next trip!
