The Best Adventure Destinations For Outdoor Enthusiasts

Some holidays are about resting, others are about feeling alive. For those who’d rather be hiking a ridge than sitting by a pool, the world has no shortage of wild, open places that keep you moving.

Adventure travel encourages curious travellers to step outside the everyday and see what’s out there. From misty mountains close to home to vast wilderness on the other side of the world, there’s always something waiting for the next curious soul.

Here are five destinations that outdoor enthusiasts return to time and again, each offering unique experiences and unforgettable adventures.

North Wales

North Wales packs a lot into a small area. You’ve got mountains, lakes, beaches, and forests all within a short drive of each other. The peaks of Snowdonia, or Eryri, pull in walkers year-round, with trails ranging from gentle climbs to tough scrambles.

Down by the coast, there’s kayaking, sea swimming, and long walks where the land meets the Irish Sea. The region also happens to be perfect for pet friendly holidays, so that dogs can join the adventure too.

Places like Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula have quiet coves and long, open paths that never feel crowded. After a day outdoors, a local pub and a hot meal round things off nicely. You don’t have to travel far to feel a world away, and that’s part of North Wales’ charm; it promises adventure that feels easy, familiar, and right on your doorstep!

New Zealand

Few countries live and breathe the outdoors like New Zealand. Everything feels close to nature, from the peaks of the South Island to the beaches and forests up north. Queenstown has earned its reputation for thrill-seekers, but it’s the variety that makes the country special.

One morning, you could be walking through misty valleys, and by evening, you’re sitting beside a lake watching the light fade over snowy peaks. Travellers are drawn to the way of life here: easygoing, open, and welcoming.

The trails are well-kept, the roads scenic, and the air especially clear. Whether it’s kayaking through Milford Sound or cycling quiet rural tracks, it’s the kind of place that reminds you how simple adventure can be.

South Africa

South Africa offers a mix of experiences that suit every kind of explorer. You can explore a South Africa safari one week and surf along the coast the next. The wildlife is what draws most people first, especially seeing elephants or lions up close.

Beyond that, the country has endless options for hiking, diving, and climbing. Table Mountain towers above Cape Town and offers a great climb with ocean views at every turn. Inland, the Drakensberg Mountains offer long trails and vast, open plateaus.

What makes South Africa stand out is the sense of scale, especially its open roads and wide skies. It’s a place for travellers who like to mix moments of calm with bursts of excitement, and who don’t mind a little dust on their boots!

Canada

Canada’s wilderness never really ends. It’s a country that promises long drives, big views, and the feeling of being far from anywhere. The Rocky Mountains are the main draw, but it’s the quieter corners that also have a profound effect on travellers.

Canoeing on still lakes, spotting bears from a distance, or pitching a tent beside a river where you won’t see another soul all day. For those who prefer a bit of comfort, the small lodges scattered through Alberta and British Columbia make great bases for hiking or cycling.

In autumn, the forests turn every shade of gold and red, and the air smells of pine. What’s refreshing about Canada is the lack of fuss. No queues, no rush, just space. You set your own pace and find your own path, which is really what outdoor adventure is about in the end.

Chile

Chile stretches so far from north to south that it feels like several countries in one. At the top, the Atacama Desert glows under a cloudless sky, where salt flats and volcanoes create an almost lunar setting.

Down south, Patagonia is a complete contrast, complete with green valleys, icy winds, and sharp mountain peaks. Torres del Paine National Park is often the goal, but the journey there is part of the adventure.

Travellers can stay in simple refuges along the trails or comfortable lodges that still feel wild and remote. Chile’s appeal lies in its variety: desert one week, glaciers the next. For those seeking truly breathtaking views and otherworldly landscapes, Chile is the place for you.

Where Will You Explore Next?

Outdoor travel isn’t about ticking boxes or collecting photos. It’s about finding places that make you feel small, grateful, and alive. Whether that’s hiking the trails of North Wales, paddling through Canada’s lakes, or watching the sun rise over the African plains, adventure looks different for everyone.

We hope this article has inspired your next getaway. Be sure to check out some of the destinations mentioned above for a truly unforgettable outdoor adventure, one that will stick with you for a lifetime!

Featured image by Frederik Rosar on Unsplash