If you’re craving more than just a beach break and want to dive into something that gets your heart rate up or your boots muddy, you’re in good company.
Adventure travel is all about going a bit further, staying a little longer, and immersing yourself in places that challenge and excite.
Whether it’s exploring dense jungles, remote glaciers, or mountain peaks, these five destinations offer something unforgettable for your next big trip.
Iceland: Fire, Ice, and Unforgettable Landscapes
Iceland continues to be a favourite for travellers who like their adventure raw and untamed. Driving the Ring Road takes you through an ever-changing backdrop of black sand beaches, glacial lagoons, volcanic fields, and waterfalls that seem to appear out of nowhere.
For the more active traveller, glacier hiking in Vatnajökull, snorkelling between tectonic plates at Silfra, and lava caving in the west offer experiences that are truly one-of-a-kind. Don’t skip the highlands, either; multi-day hikes in Landmannalaugar reward you with geothermal rivers and colourful rhyolite peaks that feel almost otherworldly.
Adventure here is as much about the landscape as it is about what you do in it. And the good news? You don’t have to rush; take it slow and soak in the silence.
Borneo: Rainforests and Rare Wildlife
For a trip that feels like stepping into another world, Borneo is hard to beat. The Malaysian part of the island, especially Sabah and Sarawak, is home to some of the oldest rainforests on the planet, and some of the rarest species. Think orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys, not to mention hundreds of colourful birds and butterflies.
The real highlight here is the chance to explore the jungle on foot or by boat with a local guide. Kinabatangan River is a good place to start, offering river safaris that bring you close to the wildlife, while Danum Valley is ideal for deeper treks through the forest.
If you want to go beyond just seeing animals and actually learn about conservation and habitat protection, look for fantastic Borneo wildlife tours that support local efforts. You’ll see these incredible creatures up close and contribute to their protection.
Courchevel: Snow, Speed and Alpine Scenery
If mountains are more your kind of adventure, Courchevel continues to be one of the top choices for skiers and snowboarders looking for a top-tier alpine experience.
Part of the vast Three Valleys in France, it offers over 600km of slopes, ranging from open blues for confident beginners to high-speed reds and blacks for more seasoned riders.
What sets Courchevel apart is how well it balances adrenaline and downtime. You can start your day carving down powdery pistes and spend the late afternoon soaking up the views from a quiet ridge or gliding through peaceful forest runs.
Staying in luxury Courchevel ski chalets also means you’ve got all the comfort and privacy you need after a day on the slopes, ideal if you’re travelling with friends or family who want a mix of action and rest.
Patagonia: Hiking Through the Edge of the World
If remote and rugged are what you’re after, Patagonia deserves a spot at the top of your travel list.
The Argentine and Chilean sides each have something special to offer, with jagged peaks, windswept plains, and icy lakes that shift colour depending on the light.
Hiking is the way to see this region properly. In Chile’s Torres del Paine, the W Trek is a multi-day trail that takes you through forests, alongside glaciers, and up to some seriously dramatic viewpoints. In Argentina, Los Glaciares National Park offers day hikes from El Chaltén with epic views of Mount Fitz Roy.
There’s a purity to Patagonia’s wilderness that’s hard to describe until you’ve been there. It’s not about checking off sights; it’s about spending time outdoors and being reminded how small we are in the best possible way.
Oman: Desert Adventures and Hidden Wadis
For something different, Oman offers a more off-the-radar kind of adventure. This Middle Eastern country combines desert landscapes, mountain canyons, and a long, untouched coastline, perfect for travellers who want to get beyond the usual tourist track.
Start with a drive through the Hajar Mountains, stopping to hike through villages like Misfat Al Abriyeen, where mud-brick houses cling to the cliffs. Then make your way to the Wahiba Sands for sandboarding or a night under the stars in a Bedouin-style camp.
Inland, Wadi Shab is a must-do: it’s a short hike followed by swimming through turquoise pools to reach a hidden cave waterfall.
The adventure here is slow and thoughtful; you’re not rushing from place to place but really taking in the textures of the landscape, the quiet and the history.
Which Adventure Will You Embark on Next?
Choosing your next adventure doesn’t have to be about going further or faster; it’s about finding the experiences that speak to you. Whether it’s a Borneo wildlife tour, time spent hiking among Patagonia’s peaks, or carving fresh lines before breakfast in Courchevel, there’s an adventure out there for every traveller.
