All trips have their value, but the best ones are those that make you feel more alive than ever before — and for that, there’s nothing better than heading out into the great outdoors and going on an adventure.
There’s no shortage of exciting destinations and activities that await the adventurous-minded traveler, and there’s usually an option for all budgets. Budget-focused travelers will find the slow and steady wild camping experience meets their needs, while people look for true adventure will more than find what they’re looking for by going on a backcountry skiing or rock climbing getaway.
Need some inspiration for your next trip? We’ve got you covered. In this post, we’ll run through some of the best adventure vacations that money can buy.
Take a Hike
There doesn’t need to be an adrenaline component for a getaway to be adventurous. Nature’s playground is inherently exciting and adventurous, so even a hiking vacation can provide what you’re looking for.
These types of trips have you slowly walking through nature, from one small town to the next. Europe is particularly recommended for these types of trips, with Norway, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy famous for their multiday hiking options. You’ll spend your days walking, and your evenings enjoying the serene charm of the small villages you pass — it’s a pretty idyllic life, we must say.
Surf’s Up
Surfing is one of those activities that you’ll dislike at first, but quickly come to love. And once you have been bitten by the surfing bug, you’ll have a whole host of destinations just waiting to be discovered. What’s great about surfing holidays is that they offer relaxation and excitement; you’ll spend a fair amount of time in the water, but you’ll also spend more than a few hours simply lying on the beach. It’s one of the few adventure vacations where you’ll return home more relaxed than when you left.
You’ll find great surfing spots on all continents. Costa Rica and Portugal are perennial favorites, while Sri Lanka has recently emerged as a top-spot for surfing enthusiasts, offering consistent waves and budget prices.
Backcountry Skiing
Is it any wonder that backcountry skiing trips are a hit? They offer all the awesomeness of a regular skiing trip, but with none of the drawbacks — such as having to share the slopes with ten thousand other people. It’s an exciting way to explore the mountains, and the fact that you’re skiing on fresh powder rather than groomed trails makes it all the more enjoyable. Plus, once you’ve gotten the hang of backcountry skiing, you’ll be able to embark on trips that are even more adventurous, such as a heli-skiing adventure in Northern BC, Patagonia, or Chamonix, which are three of the leading heli-skiing destinations on the planet. The downside? After you’ve had this kind of skiing experience, you won’t want to go back to the standard ski resort experience.
Bicycle Touring
Life can be pretty wonderful when you’re on two wheels, and even more so when you’re slowly winding your way through a picturesque landscape. What’s nice about bicycle touring is that you can’t make it as calm or adventurous as you want. You can trek your way through mountains if you like, but you’ll also likely be just as happy meandering through gorgeous valleys. This is also an activity that you can do just about anywhere and still expect to have a good time. Even a bicycle trip in your own state can be pretty amazing. If you’re looking for the best of the best, though, then look at planning a trip to Sardinia, Chile, Ireland, or Japan. Those destinations were made for exploring on bicycle.
Horseback Riding
A horseback riding trip offers more than adventure. It’s a chance to connect with our collective past. Indeed, after a few days on horseback exploring Arizona, Wyoming, or the Oregon coast, it won’t be all that surprising if you’re dreaming of living in a world without cars and airplanes. In any case, a horseback riding trip offers a chance to truly disconnect and take a bit of a break from normality for a few days.
Wild Camping
Wild camping is the perfect example of how outdoor adventure vacations don’t need to be expensive. After all, all you really need is a tent! Some countries are more wild-camping-friendly than others. Italy, France, and Germany are all great places to spend a few days camping among the trees and the stars, and we also recommend Scotland, which is one of the world’s most pro-wild camping countries.
