Seeking some adventure on your next trip? We’ve rounded up and ranked 25 of the best adventures from our travels across 55+ countries, including exciting road trips, scenic hikes and unique outdoor excursions.
These are all experiences we’ve personally done, loved, and would recommend in a heartbeat.
Each photo was taken by us during our travels, and every adventure links to a travel guide or itinerary to help you plan your trip.
We hope these ideas spark some inspiration for your next adventure!
Our 25 Best Adventures Around the World Ranked
25. Driving through the Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands is one of the best places in the world for a road trip, with its otherworldly landscapes, rich heritage, friendly locals, and endless scenic routes.
As you wind through the remote northern region, you’ll pass rugged mountains, wild beaches, medieval castles, quiet villages, green meadows and shimmering lochs.
With dramatic landscapes and a strong sense of culture, this road trip feels like a real adventure.
Check out our two Scotland road trip itineraries:
24. Tobogganning down the Great Wall of China
Toboggan down the Great Wall of China?! Yes, you heard correctly. On the Mutianyu section of the wall, you can ride a toboggan slide on your way back down. Now that is a cool way to experience one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
See our ultimate 10 day China itinerary.
23. Exploring Oaxaca's countryside
Driving through Oaxaca’s countryside reveals a side of Mexico that feels deeply rooted and visually spectacular.
The landscape shifts from agave-covered hills to dusty backroads dotted with small mezcalerias. Pull over for a tasting and see how it's ancestrally made in clay pots.
We loved stopping in colourful artisan villages along the way to shop for handwoven rugs, pottery and richly dyed textiles.
One of the most striking sights is Hierve el Agua, a surreal cliffside formation where mineral-rich springs have created the illusion of a frozen waterfall. Soak in the natural infinity pools at the top while taking in the view - it’s one of only two petrified waterfalls in the world.
Plan your trip to Oaxaca: 5 Day Oaxaca Itinerary
22. Ferry hopping through the free-spirited Gulf Islands on Canada's west coast
The Gulf Islands may be small and remote, but each one has its own character, making them some of the most charming places to explore on Canada’s west coast.
From bohemian Salt Spring to artsy Gabriola and laidback Pender, every island feels like a creative hub filled with unexpected treasures. Part of the adventure is getting to know each island’s personality.
Ferry hop with your rental car and explore forested backroads that lead to hidden beaches, artist studios, wineries and quirky honour-system farm stands selling everything from local honey to handmade soap.
Explore our Gulf Islands travel guides:
21. Riding Europe's highest gondola to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise
This isn’t your average gondola ride. Departing from Zermatt, Switzerland, you’ll ascend to 3,883 metres, soaring over rugged alpine peaks and glaciers to the top of Klein Matterhorn.
The station is perched so dramatically on Klein Matterhorn, it feels like Dr. Evil’s secret lair or a James Bond hideout.
Step onto the panoramic viewing platform for sweeping views of the Alps, including the iconic Matterhorn. Inside, wander through a glowing ice palace carved into the glacier and glide down an ice slide.
Want to keep going? Take the new Matterhorn Alpine Crossing gondola into Italy and enjoy an espresso with a view of the Italian Alps.
If you're skiing, take one of the longest ski runs in Europe from Glacier Matterhorn Paradise back down to Zermatt.
Check out our Zermatt guides:
20. Disconnecting and camping in British Columbia's remote outdoors
One of the best ways to experience Canada's natural beauty is by camping. It's a favourite pastime for many Canadians, offering a chance to connect with nature and spend quality time with family and friends.
BC is one of the most scenic places to camp, with ocean views, alpine peaks, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls all within reach. Lighting a campfire, cooking hot dogs and s’mores, stargazing and waking up to the sound of birds are all a part of the fun.
You can camp with the comfort of your car nearby or head out on a multi-day hike and pitch your tent deep in the mountains.
There are many beautiful spots to camp at in BC. Check out Discover Camping for camping spots and reservations.
For car camping by the ocean, we love Porteau Cove and Hornby Island.
For camping along a multi-day trek, our favourites are Garibaldi Lake and Elfin Lakes.
19. Road tripping through the Canadian Rockies
Driving through the Canadian Rockies is one of the most breathtaking road trips you can take. Picture winding mountain passes, turquoise glacier-fed lakes, and stretches of wilderness that feel completely untouched.
This road trip is a childhood favourite of mine - and it's still just as magical today. Start on the west coast in Vancouver and make your way to Banff, a lively mountain town in the heart of the Rockies.
Along the way, you’ll pass through BC’s wine country, stumble upon a heritage ghost town, stop at waterfalls, and see wildlife and unreal views of jagged peaks.
See our Vancouver to Banff Road Trip Itinerary.
18. Driving through the remote High Atlas Mountains to tiny Berber villages
The High Atlas Mountains offer some of the most stunning landscapes in North Africa, with sweeping valleys and snow-capped peaks.
This region is home to the Berbers, an Indigenous group known for its rich traditions in textiles, pottery, and craftsmanship.
We ventured off the beaten path by car and followed a route to Tacheddirt, Morocco’s highest village, encountering only one other vehicle during the entire three-hour journey.
Along the way, we passed tiny Berber villages, roadside cafes and picturesque scenes of shepherds and locals going about their day. Sipping tea at cafes perched above 2,000m elevation was incredibly peaceful.
See our 7 Day Morocco itinerary, which includes the route to Tacheddirt.
17. Hiking to secluded beaches in the Seychelles
Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles can’t be reached by car - you have to hike or boat your way in. Trails wind through lush jungle, granite boulders, and even shallow ocean water, leading to quiet coves that feel far from the world.
On Mahe Island, the trail to Anse Major rewards you with turquoise water and white sand, tucked into the island’s wild northwest coast.
Over on La Digue, a guided hike to Anse Marron and Anse Pierrot takes you through coastal forest, tide-dependent rock crossings, and waist-deep water. You’ll pass natural swimming holes protected by granite and end at the island’s most iconic beach, Anse Source d’Argent.
These hikes feel like secret passages to paradise.
Read our 5 day Seychelles itinerary.
16. Hiking the remarkable Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
Named the top alternative trek to Machu Picchu by National Geographic, the Salkantay Trek is a less crowded (and more challenging) option than the Inca Trail.
The 5-day journey to Machu Picchu is one of the toughest treks we’ve done, but also one of the most rewarding.
It takes you past the bright blue waters of Humantay Lake, up through snowcapped peaks to Salkantay Pass at 4,600m, and down into a lush cloud forest before reaching the iconic Incan ruins.
We loved staying in glass domes, small Andean huts and jungle domes along the trail.
See our Salkantay Trekking guide.
15. Snorkelling with wild whales & dolphins in Reunion Island
We almost had the opportunity to swim with a humpback whale and her baby, but unfortunately they were scared off by an aggressive boat rented by tourists nearby.
See full list of fun things to do in Reunion Island.
14. Hiking through Zhangjiajie to see the floating mountains of China that inspired the movie Avatar
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located in the northwest of Hunan and is home to thousands of quartzite sandstone towers created over millions of years by erosion.
It’s no surprise the floating “Hallelujah mountains” from the movie Avatar were inspired by this natural wonder. The park is large with a variety of excellent hikes you can do to explore.
See our Zhangjiajie hiking itinerary, which takes you to the best areas of the park.
13. Taking the Gornergrat Railway for iconic Matterhorn views
For one of the best views of the Matterhorn, hop on the Gornergrat Bahn from Zermatt. In just 30 minutes, this scenic cogwheel train climbs to 3,100 metres, where you're surrounded by snow-covered peaks and dramatic glaciers.
The Matterhorn steals the show, perfectly framed - and if you hike or bike one of the nearby trails, you’ll catch its reflection in a still alpine lake.
You don’t need to break a sweat to enjoy it, though. Step off the train and grab a coffee on the restaurant terrace while soaking in the view.
See our Zermatt travel guide.
12. Riding a helicopter through the volcanic landscapes of Reunion Island
Tucked in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, Reunion Island is technically part of France - but feels like another planet. Think jungle-covered peaks, deep gorges, and one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
A helicopter tour here doesn’t just fly over the island - it takes you through it.
You’ll weave between volcanic ridges, glide past towering waterfalls, and soar through otherworldly cirques carved into the landscape.
If the weather’s on your side, you might even fly over Piton de la Fournaise, the island’s smouldering volcano. With flight options ranging from 25 to 55 minutes, this is one of the most thrilling and immersive helicopter rides you can take anywhere in the world.
Start planning your trip to Reunion Island.
11. Hiking to Panorama Ridge to see a massive glacial lake surrounded by stratovolcanoes and glaciers
The view atop Panorama Ridge is one of the most impressive in the world. It's the best vantage point of Garibaldi Lake, a massive turquoise-coloured glacial lake surrounded by towering mountains, stratovolcanoes and glaciers.
When we arrived at the top, it was one of those moments where we couldn't believe what we were seeing.
The multi-day hike starts in Garibaldi Provincial Park (about halfway between Squamish and Whistler) and requires camping overnight in a tent. One of the best perks is that you can camp right beside Garibaldi Lake!
- Distance: 32 km roundtrip
- Elevation gain: 1,483m
- Highest elevation: 2,133 m
- Time: 2-3 days
See our Panorama Ridge hiking & camping guide for everything you need to know.
10. 4x4ing through the Wadi Rum Desert
Wadi Rum is a protected desert in southern Jordan also known as the "Valley of the Moon".
Going on a 4x4 tour through the desert is a blast! On your tour, you sit in the back of an old Toyota pickup truck as it zooms through the desert and sandstone mountains. We had an option for a 30 minute camel ride along the way and also stopped for a few breaks to take in the desert's majestic beauty.
🥔 🔎 Fun Fact: the Wadi Rum has been used as a movie set for Star Wars, Lawrence of Arabia, Prometheus and The Martian.
Read our review of Abraham Tours, which includes this Wadi Rum excursion.
9. Boating through Indonesia's remote islands to see Komodo Dragons
Boating through Indonesia's islands to see Komodo Dragons is an awe-inspiring experience. Not only do you get to see these ancient beasts up close, you also get to swim with manta rays and see spectacular sunsets, pink beaches and astonishing islands.
See our Komodo boat trip guide for the best islands to visit and what spots you should skip.
8. 4x4ing to Kel-Suu in the Tian Shan Mountains
One of the most extraordinary places to visit is Kel-Suu, an alpine lake that sits on the Kyrgyzstan/China border zone. The 4x4 drive to the remote region is spectacular with the Tian Shan mountains as your backdrop.
Because this area sits on the border zone, you will need a special border permit to visit. If you hire a tour group they do all of the permit work for you. You just need to have your passport ready at the border crossing.
Stay the night at a yurt camp and rent horses to visit the lake. Go in the morning to get the best light.
See our 10-day Kyrgyzstan itinerary, which includes the 4x4 adventure to Kel-Suu.
7. Camping in the sand dunes in Oman
Oman is one of the Middle East’s best-kept adventure secrets - where you can drive from dramatic mountain passes to endless sand dunes and the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea in just a few days.
One of the most memorable experiences is camping in the desert, either at a luxury tented camp or in the wild dunes with a rooftop tent and local guide.
Spend the night under a sky full of stars, surrounded by rolling sand dunes that stretch to the horizon. The heat and remoteness make it feel like another world.
After the desert, cool off in one of Oman’s natural oases - called wadis - where you can swim in clear, turquoise water tucked between rocky cliffs. It’s the perfect contrast to the dry desert heat, and one of the best ways to experience Oman’s wild beauty.
See our Oman road trip itinerary that includes camping spots.
6. Stargazing in the Atacama Desert, the driest non-polar place on Earth
When you touch down on the barren landscape of the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, it feels like you've landed on Mars. In fact, NASA actually tests their rovers here!
If you love star gazing or have a fascination with space, you will be enthralled with this region known as the driest non-polar place on the planet.
Its arid conditions and altitude make it arguably the best place in the world to see the night sky. You can also tour the Paranal Observatory, which is home to the Very Large Telescope (VLT).
See our Chile itinerary, which includes a stop in the Atacama Desert.
5. Exploring the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard
Just a three-hour flight from Oslo, Svalbard feels like the edge of the world - but it’s surprisingly easy to get to.
You’ll find cozy hotels, restaurants, and even a brewery in Longyearbyen, the main town. But step outside and you're in raw Arctic wilderness: tundra, towering glaciers, icy fjords, and more polar bears than people.
In summer, the sun never sets, casting an otherworldly glow over everything. Hike across the Arctic tundra, cruise past glaciers to the world’s northernmost town, and keep your eyes peeled for belugas, puffins, and maybe even a polar bear.
Then, heat up in a sauna and jump straight into the Arctic Ocean. It’s wild, surreal, and easier to explore than you'd expect.
See our 5 Day Svalbard Itinerary.
4. Hiking through Patagonia to see the famous Torres Del Paine
Hiking in Patagonia is a bucket list item for many. After a long journey to the southern tip of South America, you'll be rewarded with its striking natural beauty. It's one of the most photogenic places in the world with its massive glaciers, icebergs, jagged peaks and turquoise glacial lakes.
Doing the multi-day W Trek through Torres Del Paine National Park is one of the best ways to see the extraordinary landscape and the famous three Towers of Paine. On your hike, you can either choose to camp or stay in lodges along the way.
Sorting out the W Trek was one of the most challenging bookings we have made to date since availability is limited and there are different route options. You could have a tour group organize it for you, but it will come at a hefty price.
See our self-guided W Trek guide, which includes the best route and what your itinerary would look like.
3. Freedom camping through New Zealand's North & South Islands
Campervanning through New Zealand's North and South Islands is such an exciting adventure. There are many gorgeous sights and fun things to do along the way, such as visiting Hobbiton, seeing glowworm caves, swimming in glacial lakes and hiking in active volcanic areas.
One of the best parts of campervanning through the island is that you can camp for free on DOC land with a self-contained camper. We found some insanely beautiful camping spots!
See our New Zealand campervan itinerary for amazing road trip stops and campervan rules that you should know.
2. Horse trekking to Song Kol Lake, an alpine lake over 3,000m elevation
Kyrgyzstan is an off-the-beaten-path travel destination that is worth visiting for its striking natural beauty and friendly locals. Since 70% of the country is above 3,000m elevation, it's a great destination for the adventurers out there.
One of the most remarkable things to do is a 3-day horse trek to Song Kol Lake. The alpine lake sits at 3,016m elevation and is surrounded by mountains and pastures where nomads graze their livestock and live in yurts. If you're an experienced rider, you can even gallop through the alpine down to the lake!
See our Kyrgyzstan itinerary, which includes the 3-day horse trek to Song Kol Lake.
1. Hiking to the summit of Gokyo Ri to see an expansive view of the world's highest peaks
If you want to go on a serious hiking adventure, there is no better way to do it than by hiking in Nepal.
Went went on a 10-day trek through the Himalayas to the summit of Gokyo Ri at 5,460m elevation. It led us to 360 degree views of the highest mountains in the world including Mount Everest. It's truly one of the best views in the world.
The Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo Ri trek is an alternative to the popular Everest Basecamp trek, so you will see fewer hikers on the trail. What makes it such an incredible experience is the memories you make along the way meeting locals, walking through Himalayan villages and staying in teahouses.
See our Gokyo Ri trekking guide including an itinerary and what you should know before you go.
We hope you enjoyed these amazing destinations and ideas for adventure!
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