Best Places to visit for an Adventurous Trip

• By: NomadSam
• Jul 24, 2025

For those who seek more than just sightseeing, adventure travel offers the chance to connect with nature, push personal limits, and create stories worth telling. Whether you’re scaling mountains, diving deep into the ocean, or exploring remote terrains, these seven destinations offer the ultimate thrill for every kind of adventurer.

1. Queenstown, New Zealand – The Adventure Capital of the World

Queenstown is often referred to as the birthplace of modern adventure tourism—and for good reason. Nestled beside the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the dramatic Southern Alps, this small town packs a punch.

Top Adventures:

• Bungee Jumping from the 43-meter Kawarau Bridge—where commercial bungee jumping began.
• Jet boating at lightning speed through narrow canyons of the Shotover and Dart Rivers.
• Skydiving from up to 15,000 feet for stunning views of lakes, mountains, and valleys.
• Hiking the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

Travel Tip:

Visit between November and March for the best weather. Queenstown gets busy, so book your activities in advance.

2. Patagonia, Chile & Argentina – The Ultimate Wilderness Escape

Remote, untamed, and spectacular, Patagonia is a land where jagged mountain ranges meet ice-blue glaciers and sweeping steppes. It’s perfect for hikers, climbers, and solitude-seekers who want to disconnect.

Top Adventures:

• Trek Torres del Paine’s W or O Circuits for views of granite peaks, glacial lakes, and wildlife like guanacos and condors.
• Ice hike on the Perito Moreno Glacier near El Calafate.
• Kayak through fjords and past floating icebergs in Tierra del Fuego.
• Climb the Fitz Roy Massif, a mecca for mountaineers.

Travel Tip:

The Patagonian summer (December to March) offers long days and better weather for trekking, though conditions can still be unpredictable.

3. Moab, Utah, USA – Red Rocks and Rugged Adventures

With two iconic national parks—Arches and Canyonlands—Moab is a dream for outdoor adventurers looking for dramatic desert scenery and adrenaline-pumping activities.

Top Adventures:

• Mountain biking the Slickrock Trail, known for its challenging terrain and epic views.
• Rock climbing at Wall Street and Indian Creek, featuring world-class sandstone crack climbs.
• Canyoneering through slot canyons like Entrajo or Dragonfly.
• Off-roading with a 4×4 on Hell’s Revenge trail.

Travel Tip:

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures. Summer can be brutally hot.

4. Interlaken, Switzerland – Europe’s Alpine Thrill Zone

Located between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by the Bernese Alps, Interlaken is a scenic town with endless high-altitude adventure options.

Top Adventures:

• Paragliding over Interlaken with panoramic views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks.
• Canyoning through the Saxeten Gorge—jumping, rappelling, and sliding through waterfalls.
• Hiking and climbing routes in the Lauterbrunnen Valley, one of the most picturesque places in Switzerland.
• Skiing and snowboarding in nearby resorts like Grindelwald and Wengen during winter.

Travel Tip:

Summer (June–September) is ideal for hiking, biking, and water sports, while winter (December–March) is great for snow sports.

5. Bali, Indonesia – Surf, Volcanos, and Jungle Thrills

Bali is far more than a wellness retreat. It offers a mix of tropical adventure, marine exploration, and cultural experiences—perfect for travelers looking for variety.

Top Adventures:

• Surfing world-class waves in Uluwatu, Canggu, or Padang Padang.
• Scuba diving or snorkeling with manta rays and sunfish (mola mola) off Nusa Penida.
• Trekking Mount Batur in the early morning for a dramatic sunrise over volcanic terrain.
• White-water rafting on the Ayung or Telaga Waja Rivers.

Travel Tip:

April to October is Bali’s dry season and the best time for most outdoor activities.

6. South Africa – Safari Meets Extreme Sports

South Africa combines raw wilderness with a wide range of extreme sports. It’s one of the few places you can see the Big Five on safari and then dive with sharks the next day.

Top Adventures:

• Safari in Kruger National Park or private reserves like Sabi Sands.
• Shark cage diving with great whites in Gansbaai.
• Hiking Table Mountain or the Drakensberg for sweeping views and challenging routes.
• Bungee jumping from the Bloukrans Bridge—216 meters of free fall.

Travel Tip:

The dry season (May to September) is ideal for wildlife viewing, while Cape Town is best in the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.

7. Iceland – A Land of Natural Extremes

With geothermal activity, glaciers, waterfalls, and northern lights, Iceland feels like another planet. Adventure here is both surreal and unforgettable.

Top Adventures:

• Snorkeling in Silfra—a crack between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• Ice caving and glacier hiking in Vatnajökull National Park.
• Trekking the Laugavegur Trail, a multiday hike through volcanic valleys, lava fields, and hot springs.
• White-water rafting, ATV rides, and even volcano tours for thrill-seekers.

Travel Tip:

Visit between June and August for hiking and road trips. Winter (October–March) is best for ice cave tours and northern lights.

Final Thoughts

Adventure travel isn’t just about adrenaline—it’s about immersing yourself in unfamiliar places, pushing boundaries, and growing through experience. Whether it’s soaring over the Alps, diving into shark-infested waters, or navigating icy wilderness, these destinations offer something truly unforgettable for every thrill-seeker.

Ready to plan your next adventure?
Let me know if you’d like a downloadable itinerary, packing checklist, or tips for traveling solo to these destinations!