Venturing out of your comfort zone to explore exhilarating places and immerse yourself in various cultures may be the best form of education. From checking out exotic species in the Galapagos Islands to elephant trekking in Chiang Mai, these places offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences that could shape your perspective of the world.

Adventure junkies might feel overwhelmed about places to visit on your next holiday. Whether you want to challenge your physical or mental strength, these action-packed adventure travel destinations got it all.

Elephant Trekking in Thailand

Northern Thailand’s city of Chiang Mai is a fast flight from the bright-lights town of Bangkok. At Chiang Mai, you can hire a tuk-tuk to carry you around the city before taking you to the elephant camp. Sample the delicious local foods like the famed banana coconut pudding and fish curry.

The tuk-tuk ride around the city is optional but going on an elephant trek is an absolute must. The rider sits on the elephant’s head, while you sit on a seat strapped across its back. The animal can cross streams and carefully drop you off.

Get Wild in Alaska

Alaska is one of the adventure travel destinations that genuinely excels in water sports. The US state offers numerous amazing experiences, such as zip-lining, glacier hiking, and heli-skiing. Alaska packs some of the most fabulous whitewater rafting on earth, with class five and six rapids.

Also, you can kayak through glacier-carved fjords and fields of the iceberg. There’s wildlife tours of the Arctic circle, snowmobile tours, catamaran cruises of Alaskan fjords and dips in the hot springs.

Dip Yourself in Iceland’s Blue Lagoon

Iceland is one massive volcanic island and Blue Lagoon is the world’s largest saltwater geothermal pool. This Iceland’s pool hovers around 100 degrees and completely renews every 40 hours.

This provides an excellent opportunity to regenerate your skin and soul. If steaming yourself isn’t your thing, check-in at a nearby spa for a rejuvenating massage.

Discover a Lost Species in the Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands are the best bid for outdoor adventure travel and animal lovers. To this day, the Islands are one of the most environmentally protected regions in the world.

Galapagos’ five islands are covered with beaches, saltwater lagoons, forests, bays, lava fields, rare birds and animals. From blue-footed boobies to sunbathing Galapagos sea lions, this place is truly one of the few enchanting adventure travel destinations.

Want to see flamingos, iguanas, reef sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles in the desiccating heat of the equator? The Island has it all. You can also snorkel around the Devil’s Crown, an inactive collapsed volcanic cone, to see the numerous underwater wildlife.

Skydive in New Zealand

New Zealand is a heaven on earth for those who like seeing impressive sceneries. From brilliant turquoise coast waters to soaring snow-capped lake-filled mountains, this place is a jewel.

There are lots of sky diving operations throughout this beautiful nation. Several places offer you tandem jumps such as heart-pounding 12,000 feet off the ground. Tapou Bay, for example, is one good location to visit for such scenes.

Climb a Rock in Taos, New Mexico

Taos is one of America’s most-toured rock climbing destinations. This winter skiing region has surfaces and ascents suitable for all levels of skill. This spectacular scenery has competent rock climbing guides to hone the skills of experienced climbers and help beginners scale granite cliffs.

Introductory skills include climbing communication, basic knots, rappel and belay techniques, movement on rocks, and safety procedures. Better yet, lunch is included and classes are conducted daily.

Climb Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

There are many reasons to include Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro on your adventure travel destinations bucket list. Although this trekking summit could be losing snow, it still manages to tick most (if not all) those wow-factor boxes.

Standing at a staggering 5,895m, it’s the monolith poking out of the African plains. To succeed in climbing the mountain, your body will need to acclimatize. And that will take days. As such you want to choose a more extended holiday to climb the mountain.

Explore Machu Picchu, Peru- The Legendary UNESCO World Heritage Site

With the highest point (Inca Trail) sitting at over 13,800 feet, this legendary site deserves a visit. Machu Picchu hosts 500-year old ruins, structures, and temples.

Explore the ruins of the Sacred Valley, and experience heart-pounding hikes through foggy forests. Incas, the lost city, offers various archaeological gems to explore. Such gems include Huayna Picchu, a pyramid-shaped mountain, and the photogenic Temple of the Three Widows

Visit the Lost City of Petra, Jordan

Jordan has a ton of things to see and do. No wonder thrill-seekers and celebs, including Kalie Kloss and Ellie Goulding, visited the region in recent years. You can explore the lost city’s sandy desert by a camel or on sand buggies.

Do It All in India

India is one of the few adventure travel destinations that packs lots of incredible scenes. It offers bold adventures, almost any type of region can provide.

Whether you’re navigating a new culture, trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas, or checking the safaris, this tiger country has much to offer. Speaking of tigers, India is home to 70% of the world’s wild tigers.

Explore the Gujarat and Rajasthan deserts, the snow-peaks of the north, and the lush, tropical jungles of Madhya Pradesh. You can also find adventure on the beaches and backwaters of Kerala.

Bike Through France’s Wine Country

If you’re not into hardcore adventure travel destinations, then this place deserves a spot in your “to visit list.” This gentle adventure includes numerous best-in-class vino and outstanding cuisine.

Ride your bike through the Chablis district farmland and lush forests, charming villages, and picturesque lakes. All in the while, explore the vineyards, and centuries-old wine-making traditions.

Add These Places to Your List of Adventure Travel Destinations

A vacation filled with fascinating adventure travel destinations will send you home with very rare experiences under your belt. However, to meet such a desire, you need to visit adrenaline-filled, action-oriented places with loads of fun. Add some of the places from this guide to create the best exploration.

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