Most people associate Dubai with luxurious hotels and towering skyscrapers; however, this desert metropolis also boasts some of the world's most thrilling adventure activities.
Experience Jules Verne-esque adventure when you visit Iceland's Thrihnukagigur volcano for an exclusive descent into its magma chambers - complete with glow of bruise purples and yellow sulphur hues!
1. Iceland
Iceland is a perfect adventure playground, featuring volcanic eruptions and glaciers which have created breathtaking landscapes. Each year it attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit this stunning island nation offering activities suitable for every traveler's taste.
Rent a car and explore Iceland independently, or arrange a tour through one of the numerous local operators. One popular route is known as the Golden Circle which connects Thingvellir National Park, Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall - for an added thrill add ice cave and glacier hiking to your itinerary!
Reykjavik boasts an active arts scene. Here, visitors can admire outdoor sculptures like Jon Gunnar Arnason's Solfar - an outdoor Viking ship-shaped sculpture - and Thufa (The Tussock) by Olof Nordal, or take a stroll to discover lesser-known treasures, like Eggin i Gledivik by Sigurdur Gudmundsson which includes 34 bird species that nest throughout the city. In addition to outdoor art installations, Reykjavik features several museums like Iceland National Gallery and Reykjavik Art Museums for further enrichment of outdoor arts experiences and observation of outdoor art pieces.
2. Australia
Australia offers adventure travelers plenty to keep them occupied, from bungee jumping and kayaking to exploring its many wildlife species - from tree-hugging koalas to Australia's iconic kangaroos! Australia makes for the ideal travel destination.
Revel in Australia's stunning coast waters and swim in coral gardens filled with tropical fish. Or go deep-sea diving at Ningaloo Reef Marine Park where whale sharks may appear between April and June and rare turtle species hatch between May and September - or take advantage of Australia's coast with diving tours that allow access to deep-water dive sites for even deeper experience!
Northern Kimberley region in Australia offers naturalists an idyllic paradise, boasting dramatic gorges, waterfalls, bucolic creeks and ancient rock formations. Here you'll also be able to witness beehive-shaped towers rising out of the sea like puzzle pieces along a wild coastline; plus take part in cultural experiences with local guides who share Dreamtime stories about creation myths and moralities through Dreamtime stories of Creation Myths & Moralities from Aboriginal Peoples of Dreamtime stories with you!
3. Japan
Japan offers something for every type of traveller. Visit a Studio Ghibli Museum in West Tokyo or explore the futuristic world of anime at TeamLab Planets; each surface is an immersive digital screen displaying flower, animal and scenery scenes to transport you to another "planet."
Japan stands out with its dedication to innovation and creativity, particularly urban design. One such structure is the Tokyo Sky Tree; an engineering feat inspired by ancient pagodas with an absorption core designed to withstand heavy shaking. Also check out Kyushu National Museum or Omotesando neighborhood for examples of Japan's dedication to creativity.
Japan is famed for the preservation of historic villages like Hida Folk Village and Shirakawago. Explore how people lived in Japan's past by exploring one of these historic hamlets or hike Mount Koya, considered the holiest site of Shingon Buddhism with over 100 monasteries and temples located here.
4. California
The Big Apple offers many thrilling experiences for adventure-seekers seeking thrills. Mountain bikers flock to Moab for beginner-friendly to "holy sh*t, I might die" terrain, while rafters take on Utah's Canyonlands river rapids or California's Rio Futaleufu for whitewater rafting thrills.
California is an irresistibly vibrant cultural experience, thanks to its multiethnic population and unique history of American pioneers who made an indelible mark in cities such as San Francisco. Additionally, cultural adventurers love exploring Spanish colonial missions in Santa Barbara and San Diego that dot the Pacific coastline.
Antarctica is another popular traveler destination, drawing thousands to this epic voyage every year. Powerful yet dangerous, Antarctica promises an experience unlike any other. You'll witness seals and penguins roaming ice floes while marveling at breathtaking icebergs crashing against glacial scenery.
5. Costa Rica
Arenal, Costa Rica's miniature country of natural wonders, boasts towering volcanoes and verdant mountains covered with lush forests. Adrenaline-seekers will find paradise here; where lava flows from Arenal Volcano have created hiking trails like 1968 Trail (winding over hanging bridges above forest canopy), kayaking/rafting at Lake Arenal is popular while La Fortuna boasts naturally heated hot springs (check out Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges), while Cartago hosts Basilica Our Lady of Angels as well as Santiago Apostol Church Ruins.
Along the Caribbean coast are coconut-fringed beaches and coastal rainforests intermixed with flourishing coral reefs, creating an extraordinary tourism economy. Visitors can snorkel the ocean, go horseback riding on beautiful beaches or spot sea turtle nesting at Tortuguero National Park; otherwise travelers can explore villages known for artisan crafts or take cooking classes to learn traditional recipes from traditional villages; while museums in San Jose display priceless pre-Columbian treasures.
6. South Africa
South Africa is the ideal adventure travel destination, boasting stunning natural beauty, unforgettable adventure experiences and incredible biodiversity.
Cape Town is a city rich with cultures and natural wonders. Admire iconic landmarks like Table Mountain and Cape of Good Hope before exploring vibrant neighborhoods like Bo-Kaap or Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Travel to South Africa's Cape Winelands for an easy day trip and experience majestic mountain scenery, historical battlefields and award-winning wines! You won't be disappointed!
Kruger National Park offers spectacular Big 5 game viewing, while Drakensberg Region provides spectacular mountain hiking paths and incredible waterfalls. KwaZulu-Natal on South Africa's southern coast provides world-class wilderness adventures while maintaining strong Zulu culture pride.
7. Iceland & Norway
Iceland and Norway provide adventure travelers with endless activities for outdoor explorations, such as dog sledding, rafting, diving, hiking, snowshoeing tours and viewing the northern lights - to name but a few! Glaciers have helped shape both countries' landscapes to produce epic scenery like lava fields and black sand beaches that await discovery!
Both countries boast incredible natural wonders such as geysers, waterfalls and volcanic craters; Iceland is particularly well known for its hot springs such as the iconic Blue Lagoon which provides relaxing soaks in milky blue waters.
Svalbard is an incredible wilderness and one of the premier spots for viewing the northern lights. Discover this Arctic archipelago and discover its charming fishing villages, captivating mountain vistas, and picturesque bays. Admire its magnificent Arctic Cathedral or browse its Polar Museum; then learn about life for Longyearbyen residents by touring Longyearbyen itself!
Make the journey unforgettable: visit Iceland during winter! Between late August and mid-April, Iceland falls within the aurora belt, making it easier to see this natural phenomenon. Tour the Golden Circle or Thingvellir National Park where Eurasian and American tectonic plates separate, as well as Gullfoss Waterfall during this period.
8. New Zealand
New Zealand is an essential travel destination for adventure travelers due to its abundance of activities. Its wild landscapes provide ideal environments for hiking, river rafting and kayaking while its cities and towns boast cultural events, food offerings and outdoor pursuits.
Waitomo Caves provide an incredible sight, featuring millions of Arachnocampa Luminosa glow worms illuminated by natural lighting in one of the world's most spectacular cave systems. Additionally, jet boats or white water rafting trips are offered on Waiau Uwha River for thrilling outdoor experiences.
Tiritiri Matangi Island, just a short ferry ride away from Auckland, is home to one of the world's most successful conservation projects: native Kiwi, Takahe, Tui Bellbirds and Fantails that thrive free and unhindered by human development.
Queenstown on New Zealand's South Island is widely considered the adventure capital of the world, offering something exciting for everyone. Challenge yourself with skydiving or bungy jumping, take things easy skiing, river rafting or hiking or visit one of many boutique vineyards on Waiheke Island for those interested in wine tasting!
