10 Adventure Travel Ideas for the Bucket List

For intrepid travelers, there’s no better way to experience a new place than to get your boots dirty, your hair wet and your muscles sore.

Every place on earth has it’s share of adventurous backdrops, whether it’s mountain biking, hiking, camping and diving. Here are 10 adventure travel ideas around the world to consider before you kick the can.

Zion Narrows

zion narrows

The crown jewel of Zion National Park is southern Utah is no doubt the Zion Narrows. This awe inspiring natural formation of steep canyon walls carved into sandstone walls is the result of centuries of water erosion. In some places the walls stretch 2,000 feet high and narrow to 20 feet. To hike through the narrows you’ll be wading about ankle deep through the Virgin River. You can do this hike in one long day or camp at one of 12 designated campsites within the canyon.

Photo credit: Wikimedia

Tahoe Rim Trail

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For single track mountain bike hounds, few places compare to the Tahoe Rim Trail. This 165-mile trail has been heralded by the International Mountain Bicycling Association and many others as among the most sublime riding area in the country. A 22-mile stretch from Tahoe Meadows to Spooner Summit received exceptional designated for its epic single-track and jaw dropping views of beautiful Lake Tahoe.

Photo credit: Wikimedia

Galapagos Islands

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The Galapagos Islands are famous for its pristine wildlife and unique species that inspired Charles Darwin to craft the theory of evolution. Today, the Galapagos off the coast of Ecuador is a premier destination for adventure travelers. A great way to reach the Galapagos is through any number of small cruise ship operators. You can get up close and personal through zodiak boats and even scuba diving. The best time to visit is between January and April.

Photo credit: Flickr

Sayulita

Sayulita beach

Adventure for the whole family in a sleepy fishing village can be found at Sayulita, Mexico just 35 miles north of Puerto Vallarta. Here you can find great surfing, sport fishing and diving among the warm waters of the Pacific. And if you just want to lounge in a hammock, they have plenty of great spots for that too. Leave your troubles behind at Sayulita. Try Villa Amor with their cute villas overlooking the bay.

Photo credit: Flickr

Rogue River

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In southern Oregon, the forests just beckon for adventure. After the hunting season and the winter snow has melted, the next best thing to do is go white water rafting. The Rogue River has become a premier destination for white water hounds for its quick flowing rapids and its beautiful scenery. Base your trip out of Grants Pass and choose from any number of certified tour operators. You can either take a mild float or a roaring rapid you won’t soon forget.

Photo credit: Flickr

Kruger National Park

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An African safari is one of those trips that just about everybody wants to do during their lifetime. But where to go? One of the best places to experience the most wildlife is at Kruger National Park in South Africa. Home to more than 500 bird species, 100 reptile and nearly 150 mammals, Kruger has become the country’s flagship national park with several reputable tour operators to choose from.

Photo credit: Wikimedia

Bali

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Picture postcard backdrops in a tropical paradise. That’s what most people think of when they imagine Bali. For those inclined for relaxing, Bali can certainly abide. For the adventurous, Bali is also a hot spot for some of the most amazing surfing and diving in the world.

Photo credit: Flickr

Thailand jungle trek

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A long-time backpackers destination, Thailand still delivers some of the best adventures in southeast Asia. You can either head south to the islands or travel north to the jungle. Here you can meet up with any number of guides for jungle trek, either by elephant or just walking. This historic region is home to Buddhist shrines and a tribal culture going back centuries.

Photo credit: Wikimedia

Cuba diving

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Now that Cuba is open to US travelers, an entire island of adventure has also become accessible. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean, which means it also has the longest stretch of coastline. For scuba divers, this offers up a world of possibility. Diving Cuba has become a reality with tour groups now starting to offer diving packages from Havana.

Photo credit: Pixabay

Iceland

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Once a forgotten continent in the hinter regions of the Atlantic, Iceland has become an adventure travelling mecca in recent years. Filled with unique geological features, glaciers and rich mineral deposits, Iceland has all sorts of possibilities for intr
epid travelers. If you visit in the winter time you can experience the winter lights, stay in an ice cave and explore geothermal geysers.

Photo credit: Flickr

Featured photo credit (above): Wikimedia