Adventure is seeing a huge expansion this year, especially for those destinations that are emerging as the most sensible competitors, enticing travelers to revel in their unique herbaceous landscapes and all the incredible adventures they offer.
Whether it’s an expedition cruise to the famous seventh continent or an island-hopping getaway in the South Pacific, those destinations offer adventure seekers some of the most amazing experiences on the planet, with biodiversity, stunning natural landscapes, and of course, opportunities for your next great adventure.
The new Tourism Fiji logo crusade (Photo credit: Tourism Fiji)
While Fiji can be an unexpected adventure destination, think of the incredible island and ocean reports it offers: jungle hikes, rafting, biking, skydiving, scuba diving, and surfing. Fiji’s multifaceted islands offer plenty to do and see for visitors. beyond Instagram-worthy sunsets and serene white-sand beaches.
There are also some really special experiences that travelers can have on the islands, such as snorkeling with beautiful manta rays or diving in the aptly named “Soft Coral Capital of the World,” for its stunning coral reef systems. Adventure seekers Those in need of a real challenge can take part in the world’s toughest race: Eco-Challenge Fiji, highlighted through the Amazon Prime TV series.
It’s taking note this year: Fiji is the host destination for the World Surf League Pro event and will host the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s AdventureNEXT 2024 conference.
“Fiji is known for its pristine beaches and swaying coconut palms, but it is also a hidden gem for adventure,” said Brent Hill, chief executive of Tourism Fiji. “The adventure in Fiji is underrated, but it’s incredibly well supported and we have a long history. “of adventure offers with leading operators.
“Beyond the beaches, we have amazing rivers, jungle hikes and amazing highlands that are ideal for speedboat safaris, rafting, quad biking, e-bikes, trekking and even skydiving,” Hill continued. “What sets Fiji apart is the seamless accessibility to those incredible marine activities, as well as the enchanting inland experiences, creating a varied and well-rounded adventure destination. “
A Mongolian yurt, the classic home of Mongolia’s nomadic peoples. (Photo credit: Remote Lands)
The countries of Central Asia are beginning to attract new admiration, and Mongolia in particular has much to offer the adventurous traveler. It is home to components of the Silk Road, the Gobi Desert, rugged mountain peaks and vast steppes where locals have preserved their nomadic way of life for centuries, leaving much of the country’s land untapped.
What could be more adventurous than that?
Travelers heading to the steppe of the northern Gobi: sand dunes, camels, and Gers from remote lands will immerse themselves in the nomadic lifestyle of the locals and encounter animals such as wolves, deer, Siberian mountain goats, and much more.
“Mongolia is a huge country, with many attractive areas, including the Gobi Desert and the steppes, as well as lush green spaces,” said Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of Remote Lands.
“Traditional agriculture is nomadic and a large part of the population is still herders who move from one position to another with their animals, both of them, for a few months,” says Heald. “They live in yurts that they dismantle and reassemble. ” Both one and one and both days in a new position. Experiencing this culture is fascinating, and staying at a yurt camp like Three Camel Lodge in the Gobi Desert is a glorious way to be a part of it. “
Vacations allow travelers to disconnect from the grid and enjoy experiences such as camel riding, exploring the glorious beauty of the Zorgol Hairhan Mountains, and exploring the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, but no matter how you decide to make a stopover in the country, find yourself leaving with a new attitude in the world around you.
Travelers on an expedition to the red savannah in Antarctica with Silversea practice with Adélie penguins. (Photo credit: Silversea)
Ah, the esteemed and mysterious seventh continent. This glacial, uninhabited continent is perhaps not surprising that it is very popular with adventurous travelers, as the undeniable act of reaching your destination is an adventure in itself.
Whether you book an excursion or an expedition cruise, adventurers will love all the winter activities in the white world, such as sea kayaking, Zodiac excursions, ice hiking, snowshoeing, rappelling off an icy cliff, polar diving in frigid waters. even camping on the ice for one night.
Still, there are some reports that are unique to Antarctica: visits to penguin colonies, for example, and some of the world’s most remote colonies, such as Port Lockroy, which was once a whaling station, a British Army base, and then a study center, and is now a museum housing a flock of gentoo penguins and the world’s southernmost post office.
Tour operator Red Savannah offers a 10-night Antarctic expedition that includes landing sites, plus Aitcho and South Shetlands Islands, Tabarin Peninsula, Paradise Bay, Paulet Island, and more.
“Adventurous travelers are drawn to Antarctica primarily because of its unique, raw, and untamed nature; in fact, it’s the world’s last frontier and there’s nowhere else on earth,” says Sarah-Leigh Shenton, Chief Marketing Officer at Red Savannah. Landscapes and ice, untouched by man, take shape through nature, with relentless winds and sub-zero temperatures. ”
“Visitors comment on the silence, as vast as the landscapes, disturbed only by the sound of disintegrating glaciers, solitary seabirds, or whales crossing the ocean’s surface,” Shenton continued. “There’s also a sense of accomplishment — it’s challenging to pull it off. “and there are plenty of bragging rights associated with traversing the Drake Passage following mythical explorers like Amundsen and Shackleton. . . »
Patagonia is wild and terrestrial. (Photo credit: Explore/Extraordinary Travels)
Patagonia has gained more attention as an adventure destination in recent years, especially in Torres del Paine National Park in the south.
Still, Emma Fritz of Extraordinary Journeys, head of sales and product development for South America, says northern Patagonia is equally desirable for the discerning adventurous traveler.
“Unlike the vast southern Patagonia, with a slight human footprint outside of tourism, the Aysén region in Chile’s northern Patagonia has a long history of cattle ranching, and the human and cultural impact only adds to its landscapes: think small villages, small subsidized houses across vast mountains, ensembles, and sheep and cows along the sidewalks. ” Fritz said.
It is the ideal place for amazing adventure experiences, such as kayaking in the marble caves, but also horseback riding, road trips, fishing, rafting, cycling, rock climbing and the new Patagonian National Park, established in 2018 and home to the best wildlife viewing. and photography opportunities.
Travelers on the Chile tour operator’s luxury tour: Patagonia Explorer will stop in the beautiful Patagonian landscapes of Patagonia National Park and Torres del Paine National Park on a 12-day trip.
The capital of Nuuk, Greenland. (Photo credit: Mathias/AdobeStock)
Isolated and sparsely populated, Greenland is becoming an attractive port of call for expedition cruises. Home to one of the world’s northernmost cultures, this Arctic island is home to reports for culture and adventure lovers.
Travelers heading to Greenland for an expedition cruise can take kayak trips to the frozen Ilulissat Fjord, cruise the long Nuup Kangerlua Fjord, learn about Inuit life traditions and tactics in Qaqortoq or Nuuk, and revel in the allure of this bloodless world.
Viking will offer several ocean itineraries to visit Greenland, but will offer several new Arctic expedition trips with stops in Greenland starting in 2025. They all start or end in Nuuk, Greenland, giving the adventurous traveler the opportunity to end their stay for a few days. in the desirable and colorful capital.
“The polar regions have encouraged intrepid explorers and, for many, visiting Antarctica and the Arctic are exclusive opportunities,” a Viking spokesperson said. “Our visitors are curious travelers who want to explore more of the world with us, adding those unique and charming destinations, in comfort. “
“With our ocean fleet already calling at Greenland’s ports from 2025, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors to Greenland with new immersive expedition voyages in the Arctic. Designed for discovery, the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will offer our guests the opportunity to explore the culture and good herbal views of this remote component of the world in the “Viking style”.
View from the terrace of one bedroom with perspectives of the COMO Uma Punakha valley in Bhutan. (Photo credit: COMO Uma Punakha)
Bhutan, which remains the happiest country in the world, is an extraordinary kingdom. It is home to the recently opened Trans-Bhutan Trail, a well-known trail that inspires adventurous travelers to hike in the Himalayas.
COMO Bhutan offers two houses offering multi-day adventure itineraries within the kingdom at COMO Uma Paro and COMO Uma Punakha. Guests of either retreat can enjoy a variety of wellness experiences, as well as the opportunity to visit the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, hike the Druk Trail, explore the capital Timphu, and much more.
“Due to its outstanding Himalayan monuments and picturesque herbaceous landscape, Bhutan is a well-known paradise for adventurous travelers,” said James Low, Director General of COMO Bhutan. “The domain offers visitors interesting activities such as mountain biking, hiking, camping and rafting. and even archery (the country’s national sport). ”
“Bhutan is a destination that offers visitors only a vacation but a trip. . . continues. ” It is a kingdom that believes that progress is measured through GDP but through the principles of GNH (Gross National Happiness), where culture, heritage, kindness, care for its citizens and all living beings have priority. “
Mount Kilimanjaro dominates the savannah of Tanzania. (Photo credit: Geographical Expeditions)
Tanzania is a desirable country. Home to Africa’s largest game reserve, it promises safari opportunities to spot animals such as elephants, chimpanzees, and even an elusive leopard or two, but its southern region is less popular than other safari destinations in southern Africa.
Tour operator Geographic Expeditions offers a comprehensive tour of southern Tanzania, adding chimpanzee tracking in the rainforest and along Lake Tanganyika in Mahale Mountains National Park, a stopover in Nyerere National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as safaris in Katavi National Park and Ruaha National Park.
“Travelers can delight in Africa as it existed a century ago in our direction from Tanzania’s wildest border to southern Tanzania,” said Brady Bindstadt, CEO of GeoEx. “When exploring the most remote parks in the southern region of the country, Tanzania’s vast landscape is in fact a patchwork of superlatives as the continent’s largest game reserve, home to the largest populations of elephants and wild pigs, few habituated chimpanzees, and the longest, inland freshwater lake.
“With fewer locations in southern Tanzania than in its northern counterparts, GeoEx’s itinerary emerges by honouring the nature of the country that must be seen: its authentic, vital essence and ‘on its own terms’.
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Lacey Pfalz is a freelance associate editor at TravelPulse. When she’s not writing about travel, she can be found restless. . .
CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC
CEO of Zenbiz Travel, LLC