Whether it’s a trek to the highlands, a mountain bike challenge through an undiscovered country, an expedition to the majestic Serengeti or a boat ride through icebergs, an adventure trip has the power to improve your physical and mental health.
Adventure travel is breaking booking records around the world, with a number of interesting destinations emerging as clear rivals to traditional hotspots.
These are the 7 trendiest destinations in 2024, according to travel experts on different sides of the world.
Greenland
This remote country has proven to be a true paradise for adventurers and nature photographers alike.
Some of the most popular activities to do in Greenland include sailing and kayaking in the Ilulissat Icefjord and the long Nuup Kangerlua Fjord, paddling past beautiful blue icebergs, hiking in remote cold mountains and going dog sledding in winter.
Given the challenges this area presents, most activities must be organized and carried out with a guide.
“The polar regions have always inspired intrepid explorers and for many, visiting Antarctica and the Arctic is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said a Viking spokesperson.
Bhutan
Located in the Himalayas, this Buddhist kingdom is known for its ancient monasteries, historic forts and diverse landscapes.
The recently restored Trans-Bhutan Route attracts visitors who want it experience the mythical Himalayas first hand. By participating in this unique walk you will be contributing to the preservation of some of the world’s best preserved cultures in the world’s only carbon negative country.
Other great activities this country offers include paragliding, rock climbing, archery, hot air ballooning and river rafting. Excursions to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and Thimphu town are also popular.
“Due to its famous Himalayan sights and picturesque natural landscape, Bhutan has become a renowned paradise for adventurous travellers… The region offers visitors exciting activities such as mountain biking, trekking, camping, white water rafting and even archery.says James Low, Managing Director of COMO Bhutan.
Mongolia
Mongolia’s nomadic population and pristine remoteness have always captured the attention of adventurous travelers.
Once you leave the growing capital of Ulaanbaatar, you will find yourself in a completely different world where wild nature takes control.
Some of the craziest adventures you can do here include horseback riding with eagle hunters (an activity Mongolians have been doing for the past 6,000 years), self-drive tours to explore some of the 110,000 km of beautiful roads, camel rides through the Gobi Desert, mountain bike expeditions through the Khangai Mountains, and if you’re lucky, you might come into contact with some nomadic people along the way.
About this rather interesting culture, Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of Remote Lands, says: “They live in gers, which they dismantle every day and reassemble in each new place. It’s fascinating to see this culture, and [staying] at a ger camp like Three Camel Lodge in the Gobi Desert is a wonderful way to participate.”
Antarctica
Antarctica is on the bucket list of most adventurous minds in the world. Having the opportunity to kayak through huge icebergs and spend a night under the stars is the dream of many travelers around the world.
Most visitors find enjoyment in outdoor activities such as penguin watching, zodiac tours, diving under sea ice, snowshoeing, abseiling, taking a dip in sub-zero water and whale watching, as well as visiting the most remote museum in the world in Port Lockroy.
Reaching this destination is an adventure in itself. Most come here via special tours or cruise expeditions. The difficult access makes it a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most visitors.
Speaking about the feelings many travelers experience, Sarah-Leigh Shenton, Marketing Director at Red Savannah, says: “There’s also a sense of achievement – it’s a challenge to get there and there are significant bragging rights associated with crossing Drake’s Passage in the wake of legendary explorers like Amundsen and Shackleton.”
Tanzania
Africa is full of amazing jungles and deserts, but one of the most spectacular countries is Tanzania.
The proof is that Every year, 75,000 adventurous travelers climb the beautiful Mount Kilimanjaro. This natural wonder is an inspiration for anyone interested in mountain climbing.
But let’s say it. Most of us come here to see the incredible wild African animals!
Selous Game Reserve alone is home to 120,000 elephants, 160,000 buffalo, 2,000 rhinos, hundreds of bird species and large groups of hippos and crocodiles.
“Exploring the most remote parks in the southern region of the country, the vast Tanzanian landscape is truly a patchwork of superlatives as the continent’s largest game reserve, with the most extensive populations of elephants and wild boar, few chimpanzees and the longest and deepest freshwater lake. ,” says Brady Bindstadt, CEO of GeoEx.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a natural gem located between Chile and Argentina. Places like the Perito Moreno Glacier, Torres Del Paine National Park and Mount Fitz Roy are internationally recognized for their stunning beauty and mysterious ambiance.
The Argentinian side is filled with arid steppes and grasslands, while the Chilean side features spectacular glacial fjords and magical rainforests. Other natural wonders you can see here include snow-capped mountains, pristine rivers and majestic volcanoes.
Patagonia boasts one of the most Instagrammable walks on the planet, the W-Trek that passes through French Valley and Gray Lake.
Kayaking around the glaciers in Gray Lake, horseback riding, road tripping, fishing and biking are also popular activities among adventure seekers.
About the Aysén region in Northern Chilean Patagonia, travel expert Emma Fritz says: “This region has a long history of ranching, and the human and cultural impact only adds to the landscapes: think small towns, small houses against vast mountain backdrops, and sheep and cows lining driveways.”
Fiji
Fiji has always been considered a beach destination, ideal for long walks and sampling cocktails against a paradise backdrop.
Surprisingly, travelers have flocked to Fiji in recent years for its adventure offerings.
The most sought after adventure activities include rock climbing, skydiving, snorkeling with manta rays, diving in the ‘soft coral capital of the world’ and jungle walks.
Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park, which features a Jurassic Park-themed Sleeping Giant Zipline, has also become increasingly popular.
Real adventurers can also participate in the The world’s toughest race: Eco-Challenge Fiji, who became very famous thanks to an Amazon Prime TV series.
“As well as the beaches, we have great rivers, jungle treks and beautiful highlands, perfect for jet boat safaris, whitewater rafting, quad biking, e-biking, hiking and even skydiving,” said Brent Hill, CEO of Tourism Fiji.
