Top 5 International Destinations for Adventure Travel

Top 5 International Destinations for Adventure Travel

When beach vacations leave you void of vigor it may be because you haven’t experienced the adrenaline rush you crave. A thirst for true wanderlust can only be quenched by experiencing the most extreme landscapes. Actualization of the natural high can be found in the most ridged mountains, towering waterfalls, and picturesque seas.

So where exactly are the places that will leave you breathless and your friends back home jealous? Here are some of the best adventure destinations in the entire world:

New Zealand

Avatar, Lord of the Rings, and Pete’s Dragon have something in common. They were all filmed in the out-of-this-world landscape of New Zealand. Experience the steep shorelines of Fjordland or one New Zealand’s 12 other national parks. Sleep in rooftop tents while traversing the North Island in a Land Rover Defender from Trekker Adventures or tour the jagged cliffs and lofty waterfalls of Milford Sound from the vantage point of a kayak.

Dolomites, Italy

Italy is known for its incredible architecture and culture, but also has an international treasure in the Dolomite Mountain Range in its Northeastern region. The range is composed of towering pale limestone. The lists of hikes available are endless and range from novice to advance. The chances for an incredible photo opportunity are infinite; take a pic of one of the uncommon peak formations or find a lake to capture the reflection of the towers in the sky.

Iceland

This island country is true to its name with the presence of glaciers, but also offers much more. The island is still volcanically active and is home to lava fields, mountains, and over 10,000 waterfalls. Rent a car for a self-guided tour or hire a guide to explore some of the hidden gems. The Ring Road is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the country and has plenty to see while circling the island. For a classic photo opp, visit the wreckage of the Sólheimasandur plane crash.

Banff, Alberta Canada

Just an hour and half west of Calgary lays Canada’s crown jewel of their national park system. Banff is over 2,500 square miles of beautiful mountains, glaciers, and coniferous forest filled landscape. For the best scenic drive on the continent, take Ice Fields Parkway through the park. Be sure to stop throughout for beautiful hikes and to dive deeper in exploration. Lake Moraine in the 10 peaks valley is a must see and one of the most instagrammed locations in the park.

Faroe Islands, Denmark

In the Atlantic Ocean midway between Iceland, Norway, and Scotland there is a small island chain that will take your breath away. The eight-island chain is an autonomous country within the kingdom of Denmark. The islands have rolling meadow-covered hills that meet cragged and vertical cliffs over the ocean. The easiest way to conquer the main island is by car with a plethora of stops for the incredible ocean views. The most famous photo opportunity in the island country can be found where Mulafossur waterfall plummets directly into the ocean. If you need a model to add to the depth of your photo feel free to add one of the roaming sheep.

Machu Picchu, Peru

In the heights of the Andes outside of Cusco lay rest to a 15th century Inca citadel. The ruins were a local secret until 1911 and have been restored for exploration. Machu Picchu’s perch high in the Andes gives way to its nickname the sunrise kingdom. For the most rewarding trek to the top relive the traditional journey on the Inca Trail. The trip is four grueling days but makes the destination ever so worth it. While you are in the Cusco area, portion-time to visit the incredible rainbow-colored Vinicunca Mountain.

The true adventure seeker won’t settle for mediocre destinations—but will thrive exploring the unknown. The adrenaline rush can sure take over when experiencing these breathtaking landscapes! Choose one of these destinations and your friends will sure to be jealous of your wanderlust escapades.