Everyone travels differently. Some enjoy the staycation, sleeping in and lounging by the pool all day. Some travel to eat, others to experience places of historical importance. Some admire ancient architectural wonders, while others lay on a beach soaking in the sun. And then there’s adventure travel, the kind that gets your heart racing, your energy rising and brings pure, unadulterated elation.
Adventure travel is great, for it plunges one in the throes of risky and edgy activities; moments that shake up a routine. It takes travellers out of their comfort zone and gives them the taste of the fear factor. Fear and nervousness before embarking on a cliff jump or a zip-line are common, however, it’s just that travellers value the experience and the feeling of coming out unscathed and better for it on the other side.
So here are some destinations around the world that are popular as adventure travel escapes. They’ve got a myriad of daring activities to be part of, escapades that will leave one equal part shook and satisfied…
Belize
The gorgeous, coastal Central American country Belize is home to some of the most thrilling adventures out there. The most popular spot visited by adventure seekers is the massive Belize Barrier Reef, home to rich marine life where the scuba diving and snorkelling experiences are like no other. The Actun Tunichil Muknal and Barton Creek Caves are beyond mesmerising and the natural trails in Belize’s nature reserves and waterfalls offer some of the most awe-inspiring hiking routes. Belize’s Caribbean blue waters are also perfect for canoeing and kayaking and adrenaline junkies can opt for zip-lining or rappelling down waterfalls.
Iceland
Mystical and magical, Iceland is heaven for the adventure traveller. It boasts of a landscape that is dotted with sweeping mountains, roaring waterfalls, glaciers, geysers and of course, northern lights! Known as the Land of Fire & Ice, Iceland is perfect for glacier climbing, while the rivers ensure epic white water rafting experiences! Needless to say, the many trails covering the length and breadth of the country are a hiker’s wonderland. One thing that should be on your list is exploring glacier caves and lava caves, followed by a dip in geothermal pools.
South Africa
Located on the southern most tip of the African continent, South Africa is full of to breath-taking beaches, soaring cliffs, verdant forests, lush wine lands and extraordinary safaris. While an inland safari at Kruger National Park cannot be missed, for some serious adrenaline pumping action, bungee jump off the Bloukrans Bridge. South Africa is also teeming with spots to go kayaking and snorkelling; and zip-lining over the Koekedouw river, overlooking the mountains and farms of the town of Ceres is bliss. Also, abseiling down Table Mountain has to be at the top of your list!
Cambodia
Home to several ornate temples and stunning ruins of ancient cities, the Southeast Asian country of Cambodia seems like an oddball on this list. But the many dirt bike tours through small villages and ruins allow for a truly adventurous experience. There are also many hotspots for activities like zip-lining, canyoning, canoeing, rock climbing, hiking and kayaking. All in all, Cambodia offers an array of terrains, hills, thick forests and crystal clear lakes and beaches, along with rich history and culture that will leave a lasting impression.
New Zealand
Do a quick Google search for adventure travel destinations and New Zealand is the most popular search result. It’s true, the country serves up some seriously extreme sports for adrenaline junkies to enjoy! Take a leap of faith in one of the many bungee jumping spots, go jet boating to quench that need for speed, experience exhilaration first hand while rafting across New Zealand’s fast-flowing rivers and go canyoning to leap off waterfalls, scale rocks and take in the lush greenery all around. Then there’s skydiving – the perfect way to take in all of New Zealand’s beauty while descending from thousands of feet above!