According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, an estimated 1.51 billion people take vacations each year. More than 65 percent of global travelers seek adventure, such as surfing, skydiving, and hiking. The journey brings adrenaline and spectacular landscapes together and leads to the adventure’s final stop.

However, now, many people desire unique and memorable experiences that go beyond the normal boundaries of ordinary tourism. There is plenty in the world guaranteed to take you to the limit, make you stretch your boundaries, and leave lasting memories. Discover 15 epic getaways that will quench your thirst for adventure.

Hiking the Inca Trail, Peru

Discover Machu Picchu, the awe-inspiring Inca citadel in the cloud forests of Peru, as you trek the 26-mile Inca Trail. It’s a must-do undertaking on the adventure junkie bucket list, and this welcomes over 25,000 visitors every year.

Conventional wisdom says that hiking will take about four days to complete the trail, and you’ll generally cover around 6 miles daily. Guests are treated to a new adventure, from sweeping views to blisters that make walking worth it.

Scuba Diving in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Go to the world’s most extensive coral reef system, where the marine life is vibrant. It’s a diver’s paradise — with over 1430 miles of reefs. The Great Barrier Reef has dolphins, turtles, sharks, and more than 1,500 fish species, not to mention other marine creatures.

The reef itself is visible from outer space and is made up of 2,900 individual reefs. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bungee Jumping in Queenstown, New Zealand

Register a bungee jump, and you’ll be off the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, an adrenaline heaven set in the picturesque. It launched in 1987 and was the world’s first commercial bungee site, with jumps back then.

The Kawarau Bridge Bungy is a 141-foot drop above the scenic Kawarau River. The memories last a lifetime, but the jump could take seconds.

Safari in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Safari is one of Africa’s most formidable across its most heralded national parks, the Serengeti. Nearly 1.5 million wildebeest, 250,000 zebras, and 400,000 gazelles will be roaming the plains with one another in search of greener pastures.  

Visit in July-October, and you’ll get a front-row seat to nature’s most incredible show. Africa’s “Big Five” is found at the park, engulfing lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo, making the park a requirement for wildlife enthusiasts.

Rafting in Grand Canyon National Park, USA

Rafting through the Grand Canyon allows you to experience one of nature’s greatest wonders from a new perspective. The 75 miles of whitewater rapids and stunning scenery on the Colorado River’s nearly 300 miles through the canyon can’t be beat.

There are many tour options, from day trips to multi-day expeditions, so this trip can be arranged to suit any adventurer. Other activities include hiking to ancient Ancestral Puebloan sites, swimming, and seeing wildlife.

Trekking to Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Everest Base Camp can be called the ultimate adventure for an experienced hiker who wishes to push his buttons to the fullest. This 75-mile round-trip trek will take you through the breathtaking Khumbu Valley, along Sherpa villages, and finally to the world’s highest mountain base.

The trek takes roughly 12 days and starts in Lukla. While most people may not be able to reach the summit of Mount Everest, this trek guarantees a once-in-a-lifetime experience of this majestic mountain up close.

Surfing in Bali, Indonesia

Bali offers world-class surf breaks and beautiful beaches that a surfer would have never imagined. There are surfable waves all year round. It doesn’t matter if you’re a veteran surfer or just beginning; you’ll find tons of surf in this tropical playground.

Surf lessons for beginners have also been included. After a day on the water, relax surrounded by Balinese temples, traditional dancing, and fabulous cuisine. You won’t ever want to leave this island oasis.

Skydiving in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Go skydiving above the beautiful city of Dubai and take your love for adrenaline to new heights. Freefall 13,000 feet from towering skyscrapers and vast desert landscapes.

Various jump options, including tandem and solo, make this an adventure that will take your breath away.

Surfing in Hawaii, USA

Watch world-class surfers in Hawaii, the home of surfing. About 9 to 10 million tourists visit Hawaii each year. Top surf spots are Waikiki Beach, Honolua Bay, and the Northern shore of Oahu.

Regarding swells, Oahu’s North Shore is iconic, with its repeated pull of surfers worldwide. For seasoned surfers, it’s both a challenge and a thrill — with waves that can reach 50 feet.

See the Northern Lights in Tromso, Norway

Find yourself in one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis, Tromso, Norway. This Arctic city is one of the prime places to see the dancing lights in the sky. The peak viewing period for the lights is between 6pm and 2 am when the sky is darkest.

Visitors can also enjoy dog sledding and snowmobiling, some of which are available at the beauty of the Northern Lights. You will never forget this winter adventure, as you will be mesmerized.

Rock Climbing in Yosemite, USA

The towering granite cliffs of Yosemite National Park are scaled. In 1890, it was designated as the U.S.’s third national park. It’s a climbers’ mecca with popular routes like El Capitan and Half Dome.

The dramatic landscapes and challenging climbs draw tourists from all corners of the earth. About 3.3 million tourists visited in 2021.

Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey

Hot air balloon above a world of fairy chimneys and cave dwellings in Cappadocia’s ‘otherworldly’ location. The view from above of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is unrivaled. In 2023, over 583,000 passengers hopped into the hot air balloon tours.

Hot air ballooning at sunrise is the best time of day if you love watching the sky and landscape beneath you change color in the morning. You will not believe your eyes when you have this experience.

Fall in Love at The Taj Mahal, India

Before getting to India, the iconic Taj Mahal should be at the top of every traveler’s must-see list. One of the world’s most beautiful and romantic monuments was built in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife as a mausoleum.

Experience the glory of its white marble side at sunrise or sunset as the sun glows over it. Filled with intricate details and the history of this wonder of the world, you will be in awe.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Stand 19,341 feet high, conquer Africa’s tallest peak, and reach the world’s top. Every year, more than 30,000 climbers climb Mount Kilimanjaro. About 65 percent of climbers reach the summit.

However, this climb is an unforgettable adventure, given that each ecosystem (rainforest, arctic desert, etc.) is diverse. The best times to climb are January to March and June to October.

Visit The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

Experience the ancient wonders of the world. Time travel back to the Pyramids of Giza. The huge ones have stood for over 4,500 years and enthrall visitors with their engineering competence and mysteries. They were built as the tombs of the Pharaohs in Egypt.

Now, you can ride a camel around the pyramids or enter the hieroglyphs and chambers. It’s an awe-inspiring experience that connects you to ancient history.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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