Best adventure travel destinations

With a whole world to explore, picking the best adventure travel destination is no easy task. Let us try and give you a head start...

Jetting off in search of adventure? Then you need to think very carefully about where you want to go. Sure, you can find adventure in any corner of the globe. But in some countries, you won’t have to search it out, because it comes as standard.

Choosing the best destination for you

Different countries are good for different activities. So if you want a specific adventure, like skydiving or water skiing, take a look at our article on Popular Adventure Travel Activities. It gives you the top three countries for each of the most popular adventure travel activities. So you can have the best possible adventure.

But if you want adventure in every form, take a look at the countries we’ve highlighted below. They’ve been pegged as the best adventure travel destinations because they offer such a fantastic range of activities. So if you want to do a little bit of everything - these are the places to do it!

South Africa - the adventurer's dream

Few countries in the world have such great adventure potential as South Africa. It’s got stunning coastlines that are just perfect for water sports and rich mountainous terrain that’s perfect for everything from trekking to climbing. So it’s hardly surprising that South Africa is one of the best adventure travel destinations in the world.

It’s here that you’ll find the highest commercial abseil in the entire world. Table Mountain is where you’ll find it and the views are simply incredible. It’s not for the lighthearted though and at 112 metres high, you’ll have to steel yourself to go over the edge of this cliff. The same applies to the Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump. Again, it’s the world highest commercial jump and it promises an exhilarating 216 metre drop.

And there’s plenty more where that came from. So if you find yourself with a taste for great heights and stunning views, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy. Rock climbing is one such pass time. The Western Cape is the most popular place to do it but if you want a little variety there are even more opportunities further afield. Or perhaps you’d prefer a bout of hang gliding or a sky dive. Whatever you fancy, you’ll find it here.

You’ll be equally spoilt for choice in the water. Surfing, sailing, water skiing and scuba diving are all popular activities along the coast. And the weather is perfect for these wet and wild activities. Or you could try something a little more adventurous and take to the rapids for a spot of white water rafting. The opportunities are endless.

Australia - the home of adventure

The first thing you’ll notice about Australia is that it’s absolutely huge and for the adventure traveller that’s a massive bonus. It means that the countries terrain is extremely varied, so there’s unlimited potential for adventure.

Let’s start in the obvious place - the Great Barrier Reef! Scuba diving is an absolute must while you’re here and an unforgettable experience too. There are loads of scuba schools to choose from, so you don’t have to be an experienced diver to give it a go.

From one landmark to another, Ayers Rock offers some fantastic adventure opportunities - with rock climbing at the top of the list. You’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view and a certain satisfaction in your accomplishment when you reach the top.

On to the Blue Mountain and you can choose to go up or to go down. Climbing and caving are both popular activities here. And because it’s so close to Sydney, you can probably give them both a go. Or if want a more urban adventure, you could climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Back to the coast now and onto some of the fantastic water sports available here. Obviously, you have to try surfing - no trip to Australia would be complete without it. But why not try your hand at some of the other fantastic activities available. Windsurfing, jet skiing, kayaking and speed boating are all popular with travellers. Or if you’re moving inland, try white water rafting. The North Johnstone is an excellent choice and promises a truly hair-raising experience.

New Zealand - the adventure playground

This island paradise is home to stunning views and a deliciously varied terrain. Which is pretty surprising considering that the total land area is only 103470 miles - that’s about the same size as the British Isles! Still it’s got mountains, volcanoes, fast-flowing rivers and beautiful coastlines, so your adventure couldn’t be better placed.

For a truly unique adventure, head for the Waitomo Caves. You could try caving thing, where you’ll get the opportunity to see underground caverns lit up by thousands of glowworms. But there’s more - abseiling, rock climbing and waterfall jumping are all on offer here. And best of all, you can have a go at blackwater rafting where you’ll speed down underground rivers aboard the inner tube of a truck tyre!

Of course, the usual white water rafting is also available in New Zealand and beginners will find the rapids around Rotorua are ideal. The coast offers some fantastic opportunities too. Surfing, water skiing and sea kayaking are just a few of the activities you could try. And scuba diving is an absolute must. Try the Poor Knights Islands, which was rated among the top 10 diving sites in the world by Jacques Cousteau.

So where will your next adventure take you? One thing’s for sure, if it’s any of these three destinations, you’ll love every minute!

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