27 Adventure Holiday Ideas
Every adventurer craves new experiences like diverse locales, different beliefs, unique thrills, offbeat paths and unfamiliar cultures.
Here, we take a look at 27 of the best adventure holidays from around the world. We have included everything from New Zealand’s bungee jumping spots and the spiritual calling of India to the creepy catacombs of Paris and the majestic beauty of the Pyramids of Egypt. So, dive right in and add some exciting new items to your bucket list.
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Bungee Jumping, The Nevis, Queenstown, New Zealand
One of the most popular bungee jumping destinations in the world, The Nevis, is located at 134 metres above the sea level in Queenstown, New Zealand. The glass platform gives you a full view of the jumpers as they plunge down for the most exhilarating seconds in their lives.
The kiwis know a thing or two about jumping from heights with New Zealand being the birthplace of organised commercial bungee jumping. Nevis is the highest jumping spot in the country and perfect for your adrenaline-pumped lifetime memory.
River Rafting, Grand Canyon, US
Feel the rush of the wild Colorado River by signing up for river rafting through the Grand Canyon. Enjoy the serenity of the mighty river as well as moments of raw thrill, making lifelong friendships with everyone in the rafting group.
To get the full experience, it’s better to take the 18-day tour of the entire area. But if you don’t want to spend too much time, then you can opt for smaller packages ranging from one to three days.
Paragliding, Mont Blanc, France
Everyone dreams of flying at least once in their lives, and there aren’t many better spots to soar through open skies than Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe. Located in France, Mont Blanc is a must-visit destination for any avid paragliding enthusiast or thrill seeker.
Even though it takes around five to seven hours to reach the summit, the eventual gliding experience is more than worth it. With the snowy mountains unfurling before your eyes, paragliding down Mont Blanc is sure to change your worldview.
Skydiving, Empuriabrava, Spain
Free fall from the skies at the incredible Empuriabrava Aerodrome located in Catalonia, Spain. Holding the record of conducting the highest number of skydives in Europe since 1988, Empuriabrava hosts an average of 100,000 skydives each year. You can find dedicated instructors to teach you the intricacies of parachute jumping.
Rock Climbing, Glendalough, Ireland
Regarded by many as the best rock-climbing destination in Ireland, Glendalough is situated at the head of a valley of two rivers. The clean and steep Twin Buttress attracts the most attention among rock-climbing crowd. The climb is a thrilling experience that requires a good amount of dexterity and dare.
Hot Air Ballooning, Loire Valley, France
One of the most popular hot air balloon destinations in Europe, the Loire Valley in France offers breathtaking views of human architecture together with the splendour of nature.
Boasting of more than 800 castles and other buildings, you will get a bird’s eye view of the numerous wineries and sunflower fields dotting the landscape. Words fall short of the magical experience.
African Animal Safari, Masai Mara, Kenya
Well known for big cats, Masai Mara in Kenya is one of the top choices for African animal safaris. The BBC shoots its famous ‘Big Cat Diaries’ television show here, as numerous lions, cheetahs and other cats can be found roaming in the area.
Stay for more than three days, and to see everything Masai Mara has to offer. This includes large varieties of wildlife, ranging from zebras, crocodiles and elephants to cape buffaloes, black rhinoceros and more than 450 species of birds.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
This is the island that inspired Charles Darwin to hypothesise his theory of evolution. As such, the Galapagos Islands are a must-visit for any nature enthusiast with scientific leanings. There is a wide variety of unique flora and fauna on the island.
Polar Bear Watching, Kaktovik, US
One of the best places to watch polar bears in their natural habitat is Kaktovik, located in US Alaskan territory. Generally, two options are available for the enthusiastic adventurers for observing these mammoth beasts.
You can take a boat ride through the waters that offer a closer look at the bears while keeping you at a safe distance. Another option is to watch them at dusk when they come out near villages to scavenge on whale carcasses.
Whale Watching, Husavik, Iceland
What distinguishes Husavik in Iceland from the rest of the whale-watching spots across the world is the large number of whale species you come across as you surf the surrounding waters.
From the smallest minke whale to bigger sperm whales and the large blue whale, Husavik gives you an opportunity to see these grand yet fragile creatures.
While in Husavik, keep an eye out for the humpback whale. It makes a grand appearance by jumping above water, letting you shoot some unforgettable pictures.
Black Forest, Germany
The Black Forest is the biggest natural park in Germany, and is also home to the biggest waterfall in the country. Plummeting from a height of 163 metres, the waterfall is illuminated in the night, giving it a fairytale look.
The region boasts of numerous hiking trails that take you deep into the fascinating dense forests. A large number of spas are also located in the area.
The Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites in Italy is blessed with incredible limestone towers, rich forests and numerous rivers. A simple stroll through the area will expose you to a variety of natural landscapes.
The most popular trekking route is the ‘Iron Way’, which was used by the military during World War I. For a history buff, this trail is something not to be missed.
Douro River Valley, Portugal
It’s one of the oldest wine regions, not just in Portugal but in the whole world and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001. Walk along the terraced vineyards and sprawling mountains for a reminder on how civilisations can harmoniously coexist with their natural surroundings.
The best way to experience Douro River Valley is a guided walk. You can also choose to enjoy the scenery on yachts available nearby.
The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
One of the most visited places in Ireland, the huge, magnificent cliffs are simply awe-inspiring. The cliffs extend over eight kilometres along the Atlantic.
A walk along the cliffs will give you stunning views of the Maum Turk mountains and Aran Islands, plus the thousands of seabirds that have made the cliffs their home. Walking further will take you to the Burren National Park, home to many species of rare flowers.
Backwaters of Kerala, India
Called ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala in India is one of the most naturally gifted places in the world. Its scenic backwaters are legendary and a must-visit for any nature lovers.
Famous among them are the backwaters of Alleppey. As your boat sails through the curving waters, you can catch a glimpse of beautiful paddy fields, coconut plantations and much more. Moreover, the people in Kerala are warm and extremely hospitable.
Caldera de Taburiente National Park, Spain
The most famous feature of the park is the Caldera volcano, which is over 2 million years old. The views of the region are unparalleled. The Caldera is an 8-mile depression formed from a collapsing volcano. The surrounding regions have numerous waterfalls, freshwater springs, and interesting rock formations.
Thailand
Another country that’s consistently at the top spot of a spiritual traveller’s list is Thailand. There are many meditation retreats in the country that offer spiritual teachings. Meditate to the soothing Buddhist temple chants when you visit Wat Pho temple, one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Thailand.
Varanasi, India
If you’re looking for a spiritual adventure, then Varanasi is the place for you. This is one of the oldest continually inhabited places in the world, and the customs and traditions reflect an ancient past, kept alive by the millions of believers in the region.
The city has a very nonchalant outlook towards death, so you may find dead bodies being burned in plain sight while hundreds walk by. The unique experience of life and death that Varanasi provides makes one question the meaning of life itself, encouraging you to seek a higher truth.
Bodh Gaya, India
This is the place Siddhartha Gautama got enlightened and became known as the Buddha. And undisputedly, it’s a major spiritual attraction for people the world over. The region houses many Buddhist communities, both Indian and foreign.
So if you are looking to drown yourself in the wisdom of the Buddha, a visit to Bodh Gaya should definitely be on your list. Staying with the monks opens up an alternate, more relaxed, stress-free way of life.
Bali, Indonesia
An island located in Indonesia, this abode of natural beauty is a favourite destination for those looking for a serene, spiritual retreat. Bali is home to thousands of temples. And some of them are stunning to look at, leaving us to marvel at the seamless integration of human architecture and nature.
Paris Catacombs, France
The catacombs of Paris are the largest in Europe and house thousands of bones and skulls, stretching over 200 miles under the ground of the city. There have been reports of people getting lost for several days in the confusing maze of the underground networks.
The Paris catacombs are an ideal spot for exploratory adventures. Just make sure that you stay by the side of your guide. Beware as the catacombs are extremely intriguing and have an alluring effect on those who dare venture inside.
Skull Chapel, Czermna, Poland
How about a church made from human bones? The Skull Chapel in Poland is exactly that. The main chapel of the Church is made up of thousands of bones, estimated to be taken from about 3,000 human skeletal remains.
A very popular tourist spot amongst those looking to experience something out of the ordinary, the remains of an additional 21,000 people exist below the church in a crypt. And going down that crypt require boatloads of courage.
Torture Museum, Amsterdam, Holland
See the torture devices used by the European law enforcers till just a few centuries ago. Regularly securing a place amongst the ‘world’s most weird museum’ list by many publications, you’ll find multiple instruments of torture like the Iron Maiden, Skull Crusher and numerous creations of the demented mind in the various small torture rooms.
Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, CA
This one is straight up from the movies – a haunted house. The mansion was built by a woman who apparently had contact with the spirits. Visitors often find themselves at a loss in the various maze-like secret passageways. Some keen tourists even speak of observing ghosts lurking around the house.
Machu Pichu, Peru
Representing the pinnacle of the Inca Civilisation that once spread throughout Peru, Machu Pichu is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was also selected as one of the seven new wonders of the world in an Internet poll conducted in 2007. Machu Pichu is located atop a mountain range with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt
Nothing says ‘ancient’ more than the legendary pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Its magnificent size and the scandalous history associated with the Pharaohs make it one of the most visited ancient structures in the world.
The vast deserts surrounding the Pyramids add a deep, philosophical character to it, making us ponder on the actual range of wisdom of the ancients.
Petra, Jordan
One of the most celebrated remains in the world, Petra is famous for its rock-cut architecture. It is also the melting pot of Greek and Middle Eastern Civilisations and is therefore highly valued by historians and archaeologists. The intricate rock carvings of Petra have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985.
If you are itching to get on a plane to experience these places, remember to take travel insurance to protect yourself and accompanying members from any unfortunate events. At Navigator Travel Insurance, we take every measure possible to ensure that you have a safe journey.
To know more about our services and how we can help you make your trip overseas more secure, call us on 0161 973 6435 or get in touch for more information.
