More people are opting for active holidays instead of the usual sightseeing trip. Instead of spending time in museums or hotels, travelers now want to hike mountain trails, dive in clear oceans, climb remote peaks, explore sandy deserts and watch wildlife in its natural environment. This shift in travel towards outdoor and nature-based travel is occurring on every continent.
There have been good reasons for this change. Spending time outdoors helps you reduce stress, stay healthier and get some experiences that you’ll remember long after your trip is over. Whether it is a solo hike through a national park or a family kayaking adventure along a coastal trail, active travel makes a lasting impression.
Not all countries have the same quality of outdoor experience, however. Some destinations have a remarkable combination of dramatic landscapes, diverse ecosystems and well-developed trail systems and travel infrastructure. These are the best countries in the world for outdoor adventures – places where the scenery, the activities and the conditions all come together to create something unforgettable.
This guide covers more than a dozen of the world’s top adventure travel destinations, from the fjords of Norway, to the dunes of the UAE, to the jungles of Indonesia to the glaciers of Iceland. For each destination, you will find information about the main activities, the landscapes and the best time to visit.
Best Countries In The World For Outdoor Adventures
1. New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the greatest outdoor adventure holidays destinations on the planet. The country crams an extraordinary variety of landscapes into a relatively small area – volcanic peaks, glaciers, fjords, rainforests and golden beaches all exist within a driving distance of each other.
Hikers come to the South Island’s Fiordland National Park and the famed Milford Track, regarded as one of the world’s greatest walks. On the North Island, Tongariro Alpine Crossing is an example of a dramatic volcanic landscape found in no other part of the Southern Hemisphere. Adventure sports such as bungee jumping, skydiving, white water rafting and jet boating are readily available and well regulated.
The optimal time to visit for outdoor activities is during November-April (the Southern Hemisphere summer and autumn). New Zealand is suitable for hikers, nature photographers, thrill-seekers and families. For official trail and park information visit: Tourism New Zealand.
2. Canada
Canada is characterized by wilderness. With the Rocky Mountains of the west, the boreal forests of the interior, the Arctic tundra of the north, and the coastline of the Atlantic in the east, it has outdoor experiences few countries can rival. National parks like Banff, Jasper and Algonquin are world-class hiking destinations of the highest caliber, and visitors come from all continents.
Wildlife encounters are a big draw – grizzly bears, moose, wolves and orcas can all be seen in the natural setting. In the winter the Canadian Rockies become a place to ski, snowshoe and climb the ice. Sea kayaking in British Columbia and canoe tripping in Ontario are more meditative ways of connecting with nature in a quieter way.
Canada is ideal at any time of the year, but summer (June to August) is the most popular time for hiking and wildlife tours. It is as suitable for adventurous families, solo travelers and wildlife enthusiasts as it is. Learn about trail and park information from Parks Canada.
3. Switzerland
Switzerland is one of the premier mountain adventure travel destinations of Europe. The Swiss Alps provide some of the most dramatic terrain on earth with peaks over 4,000 meters and valleys populated by pristine lakes and traditional alpine villages. The country’s hiking trail network covers more than 65,000 kilometers and is one of the most walkable European countries.
Summer sees hikers on routes such as the Via Alpina; winter turns the landscape into one of the best ski resorts in the world with top resorts such as Zermatt and Verbier to the elite skiers. Mountain biking, paragliding, rock climbing and glacier trekking are also popular during the warmer months.
Switzerland is best visited from June to September (for the hikes) or from December to March (for the ski resorts). It suits couples, solo hikers and families wishing to find a safe and well-organized outdoor environment. For route planning and destination information, visit Switzerland Tourism.
4. Nepal
Nepal is the spiritual homeland of mountain adventure travel. Home to eight of the ten highest peaks in the world (including Mount Everest), it is a paradise for climbers and trekkers from all over the world. The Himalayan trails are not only physically challenging here but also rich in culture, as they pass through Buddhist monasteries, traditional hill villages, and terraced farmland.
The Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit and Langtang Valley Trek are some of the most celebrated hiking destinations in the world. Beyond trekking, Nepal offers white-water rafting on rivers in the Himalayas, paragliding over the town of Pokhara, jungle safaris in Chitwan National Park, and mountain biking through ancient valleys.
The best seasons to go trekking are October to November and March to May as skies are most clear during these times and trails are most accessible. Nepal has a strong appeal to serious trekkers and climbers, yoga travelers and people who wish to have authentic experiences of cultural adventure.
5. Australia
Australia is one of the most diverse countries in the world, in terms of outdoor experience. From the ancient red rocks of the Outback to the coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef, the country encompasses most every type of landscape and ecosystem imaginable. It is a place where you can surf in the morning, take a hike in the eucalyptus forest in the afternoon, and stargaze in one of the darkest skies on earth in the evening.
The Great Barrier Reef is a world-famous diving and snorkeling spot, attracting marine life enthusiasts from the entire world. The Northern Territory’s Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a very special place for a very special experience. The Overland Track in Tasmania is one of the great multi-day hikes in the Southern hemisphere.
Australia can be visited at any time of the year, with the best time dependent on the region. The north is best visited in the dry season (May to October), and the south is more suited for summer visitors (December to February). It is a good fit for divers, surfers, wildlife lovers and long-distance hikers.
6. Norway
Norway is an out-of-the-ordinary, beautiful nature travel destination. The Norwegian fjords – deep glacier-carved waterways with towering cliffs on either side – are among the most dramatic landscapes on earth. The country’s dramatic coastline, mountain plateaus and Arctic wilderness make it one of the most compelling adventure tourism destinations in Europe.
Hiking in Norway varies from easy lakeside walks to challenging mountain walks on the Jotunheimen plateau. Trolltunga, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and the Besseggen Ridge are all bucket-list level trails and attract visitors from all over the world. In the winter, Norway becomes a mecca for dog sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing as well as northern lights experiences above the Arctic Circle.
The best time for hiking is June to September, while the winter activities are best experienced from November to March. Norway is suitable for solo adventurers, couples and family with older children. For destination planning, visit Visit Norway.
7. United States
The United States has one of the largest and most diverse systems of national parks and protected areas of wilderness in the world. From the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone to the granite walls of Yosemite, the red rock canyons of Utah to the rain forests of the Pacific Northwest, the country has outdoor activities around the world in one location.
Hiking, rock climbing, river rafting, kayaking, surfing, skiing, and wildlife watching are all available in different states and at different times of the year. The Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail are long distance trekking experiences that take months to do. Desert hiking in the American Southwest, especially around Moab and the Grand Canyon is a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience.
The United States can be visited at any time of the year, with the best season being totally dependent on the region being visited. It is suitable for all types of outdoor travelers ranging from casual day-hikers and experienced mountaineers to endurance athletes.
8. Iceland
Iceland is a land of fire, ice and fantastic natural power. Volcanic landscapes, active geysers, lava fields, glaciers and waterfalls all occur in a compact island which is easy to navigate by road. One of the Northern Hemisphere’s most visually dramatic nature travel destinations, the country’s unique geology makes it one of the world’s most dramatic places.
Glacier hiking on Vatnajokull, Europe’s largest glacier is one of Iceland’s signature experiences. Snorkeling and diving in Silfra – a rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates – is like no other place on earth. Whale watching off the coast of Husavik, horseback riding through lava plains and exploring lava tube caves are some other popular outdoor activities.
Iceland is a destination that is available year-round. Summer (June to August) provides almost continuous daylight and ideal conditions for hiking and winter (November to February) is the best time of year to see the northern lights. It is an attraction to photographers, geology enthusiasts, winter sports fans and nature explorers.
9. South Africa
South Africa is a combination of wildlife adventure and dramatic landscapes that few countries can match. The country has some of the most celebrated national parks in Africa including Kruger National Park, where the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros – can be seen in their natural habitat.
Beyond the safaris, South Africa has some great hiking in the Drakensberg Mountain range, some great surfing and shark cage diving on the Western Cape coastline, and some great cycling in the Winelands around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The Garden Route, which stretches along the southern coast, is one of the world’s great scenic drives, abounds with walking trails, nature reserves and coastal experiences.
The best time to visit for the wildlife viewing is in the dry season of May to September when the animals congregate at water sources. South Africa is suitable for all experience levels of wildlife enthusiasts, hikers, surfers and adventure seekers. For travel planning visit South Africa Tourism.
10. Chile
Chile is one of the most geographically diverse countries on earth. Stretching almost 4,300 kilometers from north to south it includes the driest desert in the world, some of the most dramatic Patagonian wilderness anywhere, active volcanoes, ancient forests and thousands of kilometers of Pacific coastline.
Torres del Paine National Park in the Chilean Patagonia is one of the world’s premier hiking destinations boasting multi-day hiking trails through a landscape of jagged granite towers, turquoise lakes, and massive glaciers. In the Atacama Desert in the north, visitors can explore geysers, salt flats and star gazing sites at some of the highest altitude observatories on earth.
Skiing in the Andes near Santiago, white water kayaking in rivers of the Chilean Lake District, and horse riding through the grasslands of Patagonia are some of the many outdoor options in the country. Chile is best visited between October and April. It is suitable for trekkers, climbers, kayakers and those in search of remote unspoiled wilderness.
11. Indonesia
Indonesia is a chain of over 17,000 islands, which means there is an incredible variety of outdoor experiences on tropical landscapes. The country is littered with volcanic mountains, ancient rainforests, coral reefs and remote highland cultures, which makes it one of the best among adventure tourism destinations in Southeast Asia.
Bali has surfing, jungle trekking and cycling in rice terraces. Komodo is well known for diving with the Manta Rays and seeing the Komodo Dragons in the wild. The jungles of Borneo and Sumatra have orangutan trekking in protected conservation areas. Climbing Mount Rinjani in Lombok or Mount Semeru in Java are challenging yet rewarding experiences climbing a volcano.
The dry season April to October is generally the best season for outdoor activities in most of Indonesia. It is suitable for divers, surfers, trekkers and nature lovers seeking tropical adventures.
12. Thailand
Thailand may be the most famous country for its temples and beaches, but Thailand is also a serious outdoor adventure destination. The country’s national parks, limestone mountains, jungle rivers, and coral islands provide a wide variety of outdoor activities that the world travelers will know and enjoy.
Rock climbing around Railay Beach in Krabi is world class with hundreds of sport routes on dramatic limestone cliffs rising above the Andaman Sea. Elephant conservation trekking in Chiang Mai, cave exploration in Chiang Rai Province, jungle zip-lining and sea kayaking through the mangrove forests are all popular pursuits. Diving and snorkeling on the Similan Islands and Koh Tao provide excellent underwater experiences.
The best time to visit depends on the region – the west coast is best from November to April, the east coast from June to September. Thailand is for solo adventurers, backpackers, couples and travelers who are seeking a mix of outdoor activity and cultural exploration.
13. United Arab Emirates
The UAE might not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking of outdoor adventure, but it does have a unique set of experiences that are difficult to find elsewhere. Set between the Arabian Gulf and the Hajar Mountains, the geography of the country provides opportunities for both desert and coast adventures within short distances from each other.
Desert dune bashing and safari experiences in the Arabian Desert are among the most iconic outdoor experiences in the UAE. Experienced adventurers also trek and rock scramble in the rugged Hajar Mountains, which provide challenging terrain and panoramic views across the Emirates and into Oman. The mountain trails in the area around Ras Al Khaimah and Hatta are becoming popular with serious hikers.
Along the east coast of the UAE, the emirate of Fujairah has calmer waters and a quieter environment perfect for snorkeling, diving and swimming. The coral reefs here are some of the most accessible in the country and watersports facilities can be widely found. Travelers who are looking for outdoor activities to do on the east coast of the UAE often enjoy relaxing experiences at the beach in Fujairah, where peaceful beach stays like Sandy Beach Hotel and Resort allow visitors access to snorkeling, swimming and calm coastal scenery.
The best time to visit the UAE for outdoor activities is from October to April, when the temperature is cooler and the weather is comfortable to explore the desert and the mountains. The UAE is ideal for adventure seekers who want to do something unexpected or for those who want to combine city visits and outdoor escapes. For information about the destination, visit Visit Dubai.
14. Peru
Peru is a country of incredible diversity, ranging from the Amazon rainforest in the east to the Andes mountains in the centre of the country and the Pacific coast in the west. It is one of the best adventure destinations in the world for people who want to join the combination of natural landscapes with deep cultural history.
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous trekking trails in the world and is a combination of Andean Mountain scenery, ancient ruins and cloud forest ecosystems. One of the deepest canyons on earth, the Colca Canyon, is for multi-day trekking and spotting Andean condors in flight. The Amazon Basin near Iquitos offers jungle lodge experiences, wildlife observation and exploration on the rivers in one of the most biodiverse regions of the earth.
Peru is best visited for highland trekking from May to September, the dry season. It is suitable for trekkers, history lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and adventurous people with great interest in natural and cultural heritage.
15. Kenya
Kenya is the core of African safari travel and one of the most iconic nature travel destinations on earth. Home to the Masai Mara National Reserve, there is some of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles in the world, including the annual wildebeest migration – one of the greatest natural events in the world.
Beyond safaris, Kenya has hiking on Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak, as well as trekking through the Great Rift Valley and exploring the flamingo-lined shores of Lake Nakuru. Camel treks in the north, mountain biking in the highlands and sea diving on the Kenyan coast near Watamu provide additional outdoor variety.
The best time to go on safari is in the dry seasons: January to March and July to October. Kenya is suitable for wildlife lovers, photographers and adventure travelers seeking a traditional outdoor African experience.
Tips for Planning an Outdoor Adventure Holiday
Planning an outdoor adventure trip is more preparation than a typical holiday. Here are some practical considerations before you travel.
Choose the Right Season
Weather is the number one most important factor in outdoor travel. A trail that is magical in the spring may be dangerous or inaccessible in winter. Research the climate of the destination carefully, and plan around the seasons that are most suitable for your activities of choice. Shoulder seasons – spring and autumn in most regions – are often good weather with less crowds.
Pack Properly
The right equipment can make or break an outdoor experience. Invest in quality footwear appropriate for your terrain, pack layers to deal with changing temperatures and (regardless of the forecast) always carry rain protection. For longer treks a good backpack, water purification and navigation tools are necessary.
Respect Nature and Local Guidelines
Many of the world’s most visited natural areas are being stressed by tourism. Stick to marked trails, leave No Trace and respect local wildlife and culture. Check whether permits are required in advance – popular routes in Nepal, Patagonia and New Zealand all have regulated access systems.
Prioritize Safety
Always tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Check local weather forecasts daily when in remote areas. Travel with proper insurance that covers medical evacuation in case of necessity. For such technical activities as mountaineering or cave diving, always work with certified local guides.
Conclusion
The best countries in the world for outdoor adventures have a few things in common – diverse and spectacular natural landscapes, a range of physical activities, and an infrastructure that supports outdoor travelers of varying experience levels.
From the glaciers of Iceland and the fjords of Norway to the rainforests of Indonesia to the desert dunes of the UAE, the world is full of outdoor adventure experiences to be had on every continent and at every level of intensity. Whether you are looking for a gentle walk along the coast, a multi-day trek through the mountains, or a deep-sea diving adventure, there is a place to go for your desired experience.
The most important thing is to ensure the destination suits your interests, physical capability and travel style. A country that is ideal for the technical mountaineer may not be the right place for a family seeking experiences with wildlife. Use this guide as a starting point, do your research about each destination and select the outdoor adventure holiday that is right for the experience you are seeking. Adventure travel is one of the most satisfying ways to see the world. The landscapes, the physical challenge and the sense of discovery make the memory of them unique and unlike any normal holiday. Choose wisely, prepare well and go explore.
