Seeking some adventure on your next trip? We’ve rounded up and ranked 25 of the best adventures from our travels across 58 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 destination 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 to explore by car. With dramatic mountains, wild beaches, shimmering lochs and medieval castles, the landscape feels rugged and almost otherworldly.
Add in its rich history, deep-rooted culture, and the warmth of the people you meet along the way, and it becomes a road trip unlike any other.
As you drive through the remote northern region, you'll pass quiet villages, sheep-dotted meadows and winding single-track roads that lead to places that feel completely off the map.
We loved hiking to hidden swimming holes for a refreshing dip and taking trails that opened up to sweeping views with no one else around.
Check out our two Scotland road trip itineraries:
24. Tobogganing 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 has its own distinct 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, that 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 in 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. Driving through the remote High Atlas Mountains to tiny Berber villages
The High Atlas Mountains in Morocco offer some of the most stunning landscapes in North Africa. 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.
18. 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, come across wildlife and see unreal views of jagged peaks.
See our Vancouver to Banff Road Trip Itinerary.
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.
These hikes feel like secret passages to paradise. 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.
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 on Reunion Island
Located in the Indian Ocean between Madagascar and Mauritius, Reunion Island is a French territory known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and thriving marine life.
It’s one of the few places in the world where you can snorkel respectfully alongside wild dolphins and humpback whales - no feeding or chasing, just quiet observation in their natural habitat.
We were ecstatic to swim with 11 wild dolphins! 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 our full list of fun things to do on Reunion Island.
14. Hiking through Zhangjiajie to see the 'floating mountains' that inspired Avatar
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, located in northwest Hunan, is home to thousands of towering quartzite sandstone pillars shaped by millions of years of erosion.
It’s no surprise this otherworldly landscape inspired the floating “Hallelujah Mountains” in the movie Avatar. We were blown away!
The park is vast, with a range of excellent hikes that take you through its most spectacular viewpoints.
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 Gornergrat Station at 3,089 metres, where you're surrounded by the snow-covered Alps and dramatic glaciers. I actually gasped when the Matterhorn first peeked out from the clouds.
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
With jungle-covered peaks, deep gorges, and one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Reunion is made for a helicopter tour.
This isn’t just a flyover, it’s a flight through the island. 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 - 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 ringed by stratovolcanoes
The view from Panorama Ridge is easily one of the most impressive in the world. From the top, you get the best vantage point of Garibaldi Lake - a massive, turquoise glacial lake framed by towering mountains, stratovolcanoes, and glaciers.
When we reached the summit, it was one of those rare moments where we couldn't believe what we were seeing.
The hike starts in Garibaldi Provincial Park, about halfway between Squamish and Whistler, and is typically done as a multi-day trek. 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
See our Panorama Ridge hiking & camping guide for everything you need to know.
10. 4x4ing through the Wadi Rum Desert
Wadi Rum, also known as the "Valley of the Moon," is a protected desert in southern Jordan with towering sandstone mountains and endless red dunes.
Exploring it by 4x4 is a total thrill. You’ll ride in the back of an old Toyota pickup as it rips through the desert, weaving between massive rock formations and wide-open stretches of sand.
Along the way, you can take a camel ride and channel Lawrence of Arabia energy as you cross the desert by hoof.
🥔 🔎 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
Exploring Indonesia’s remote islands by boat to see Komodo Dragons in the wild is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Along the way, you’ll swim with graceful manta rays, relax on pink-sand beaches, and watch spectacular sunsets over dramatic island landscapes. It’s such a fun journey through one of the most unique corners of the world.
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 we’ve visited is Kel-Suu, a striking alpine lake hidden deep within the border zone between Kyrgyzstan and China.
Getting there is an adventure in itself - the rugged 4x4 journey takes you through vast, empty valleys framed by the dramatic peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains.
Because the area lies within the restricted border zone, a special permit is required to enter. If you hire a local tour company, they’ll arrange all the paperwork - you’ll just need your passport for the two checkpoints.
With no towns nearby or light pollution, the region feels incredibly remote. Staying overnight in a yurt camp beneath the stars was a highlight for us - the stargazing out there is some of the best we’ve ever seen.
Rent horses from the camp to ride out to the lake and take in its raw, untouched beauty.
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 - a place 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, whether at a luxury tented camp or out in the wild dunes with a rooftop tent.
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 desert heat and one of the best ways to experience Oman’s wild beauty.
See our Oman road trip itinerary, including amazing camping spots.
6. Stargazing in the Atacama, the world's driest desert
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 has tested 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 to the iconic Torres del Paine in Patagonia
Hiking in Patagonia is a bucket list adventure for many - and for good reason.
After the long journey to the southern tip of South America, you’re rewarded with some of the most photogenic landscapes on the planet: massive glaciers, floating icebergs, jagged peaks, and turquoise glacial lakes.
One of the best ways to experience its raw beauty is by trekking the famous W Route through Torres del Paine National Park.
The multi-day hike takes you through the park’s extraordinary scenery, including the iconic three Towers of Paine. Along the way, you can choose to camp or stay in cozy lodges known as refugios.
The W Trek was one of the most complicated trips we've planned - availability is limited, and the different routes and accommodation options can be confusing.
Tour companies can organize everything for you, but at a premium price. We planned it ourselves, and our detailed guide walks you through how to do it too
See our self-guided W Trek guide, which includes the best route and what your itinerary would look like.
3. Campervanning & freedom camping through New Zealand
It’s no surprise this one ranks near the top of our list - campervanning through New Zealand’s North and South Islands is one of the most fun and freeing ways to explore the country’s incredible landscapes.
From swimming in glacial lakes and hiking active volcanic zones to visiting glowworm caves and stopping by the real-life Hobbiton, there’s no shortage of jaw-dropping sights and memorable stops along the way.
One of the best parts? With a self-contained camper, you can camp for free on DOC (Department of Conservation) land.
We found some of the most beautiful, wild camping spots we’ve ever stayed at - waking up to mountain views, lakes, and peaceful, empty roads.
It’s the ultimate road trip for those who want the freedom to roam.
See our New Zealand campervan itinerary for amazing road trip stops and campervan rules that you should know.
2. Horse trekking to Song Kul, Kyrgyzstan's alpine lake
Coming in near the top of our list, horse trekking to Song Kul Lake is one of the most memorable adventures we’ve done.
Kyrgyzstan may fly under the radar for many travellers, but its raw natural beauty and warm, welcoming locals make it an incredible destination for those seeking something truly special.
With 70% of the country sitting above 3,000 metres, Kyrgyzstan is a haven for adventurers - and riding horseback through its vast alpine landscape feels like moving through a dreamscape.
The 3-day trek to Song Kul Lake takes you to a high altitude over 3,000 metres, surrounded by mountains and open pastures where nomadic families graze their livestock and live in yurts.
If you’re an experienced rider, you can even gallop across the alpine plains down to the lake - an exhilarating way to take in the freedom and wild beauty of this remarkable place.
See our Kyrgyzstan itinerary, which includes the 3-day horse trek to Song Kol Lake.
1. Hiking to Gokyo Ri for panoramic views of the world’s highest peaks
Taking the top spot on our list, this was hands down one of the most rewarding adventures we’ve ever done. If you’re looking for a true hiking challenge paired with once-in-a-lifetime views, trekking in Nepal is hard to beat.
We spent 10 days walking through the Himalayas to reach the summit of Gokyo Ri at 5,357 metres.
Standing at the top, surrounded by 360-degree views of the world’s tallest mountains, including Mount Everest, felt absolutely surreal. It’s easily one of the best viewpoints on Earth.
The Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo Ri trek is also a quieter alternative to the busier Everest Base Camp route, so you’ll share the trail with fewer hikers while still soaking in the region’s incredible scenery.
But what really makes this trek unforgettable isn’t just reaching the summit, it’s the journey itself - meeting locals, walking through peaceful Himalayan villages, and staying in family-run teahouses along the way.
See our Gokyo Ri trekking guide including the itinerary and what you should know before you go.
We hope you enjoyed these amazing adventures around the world!
Looking for more trip inspiration? Don't miss our other posts:
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- 41 unique cultural experiences to inspire your next trip 🎨 ⛩️
- 32 outstanding gastronomic experiences around the world 🍕🍷
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