Explore 10 Adventuring Trips

The United States

This may seem like a strange pick to begin the list with, but hear me out before dismissing it. The U.S. is a big, diverse place, with sufficient to offer any traveler, not to mention those looking for adventure. Regardless of what your outdoor pursuit or adrenaline inducing addiction, you will find an excellent place to pursue it within the States. Enjoy mountain climbing? Then visit Colorado where you'll find 53 peaks more than 14,000 feet for the reason that state alone. Is biking your thing? Then make the journey to Moab, Utah, the place to find some of the best trails in the world. Into kayaking? Great! What's your flavor? Whitewater? Flat water? Sea kayaking? It does not matter, you can do it all right here in the U.S., where you can find plenty of forests, deserts, mountains, and rivers to roam. If you are coming from abroad, you may be surprised, along with a little overwhelmed, with all the options. So if you feel from the U.S., perhaps you will be reminded of the magic of domestic travel too.

Ethiopia
Africa has always held a particular allure for the adventure traveler, with lots of headed to Kenya, Tanzania, or Nigeria for the classic safari experience. But there are many other fantastic destinations around the continent that are worth exploring too, most of which have a lot less tourism traffic. Take Ethiopia for instance. The country is rich in culture and history and offers plenty of options for the active traveler too. I recommend trekking the Simien Mountains, where you'll encounter packs of mountain climbing baboons en route to the medieval fortress of Gondar or result in the journey to Lake Tana, the origin of the Blue Nile. Visit the holy city of Lalibela too, where you'll be treated towards the amazing site of a number of churches carved from the rock. [Photo credit: Justin Clements via WikiMedia]

Argentina
For travelers seeking to go to extremes, it is difficult to beat Argentina. The country offers visitors plenty to determine and do while exploring an assorted number of unique landscapes. For example, visitors can go to the Iguazu Falls region to take the tropical rain forests and then travel south to Tierra del Fuego for any taste of the Antarctic. Backpackers and climbers will discover plenty to love in the incomparable Patagonia district and paddlers is going to be thrilled with the whitewater options too. The truly adventurous can test their mettle around the 22,841-foot tall Aconcaqua, the highest peak on the planet outside of the Himalaya.

Croatia
Over the past decade, Eastern Europe went from a very well kept secret to some popular destination for those seeking unique cultures, lavish history, and fantastic art. However the region has plenty to give the adventure traveler as well, with Croatia leading those as the best destination for adrenaline junkies. Travelers who want to be on the water will love sea kayaking and sailing around the Adriatic Sea, while those who would rather be under it, will like to dive the various ship wrecks which are just off the coast. Moving further inland, paddlers will discover crystal clear rivers to run, replete with lots of whitewater while trekkers and backpackers will love the mountain trails that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Visit Ucka Mountain for a hike through dense forests that eventually cave in to a spectacular view of Kvarner Bay.

New Zealand
New Zealand earned a spot on our list this past year, but it is such a great adventure destination it deserves another nod for 2011 too. For many travelers, New Zealand may be the adventure capital of the world because of its amazingly diverse terrain, which provides rise to some of the best biking, paddling, and climbing options found anywhere. It's also home to what is quite possibly the best hike in the world in the form of the Milford Track, a 33 mile trail that runs with the heart of Fiordland National Park while encompassed by some of the best scenery on the planet. The wintertime months bring great skiing and snowboarding options too, with Mount Ruapehu, an active volcano cone around the North Island, being one of the most popular destinations. [Photo credit: Wikikiwiman via WikiMedia]

India

Another large and geographically diverse country, India can lure adventure travelers having a host of options. Wish to spend some time on the beach or go diving and snorkeling? Then visit Goa for plenty of aquatic fun. Should you prefer a mountain trek? Then make the right path to the remote northern region to get into the High Himalaya, along with its quaint mountain villages and Buddhist culture. For any different kind of hike go to the famed Valley of Flowers to see more than 300 species of the colorful plants area. And for a truly unique adventure, explore the huge Thar Desert on the back of the camel.

Guyana
Often overlooked in favor of more well-known South American destinations, Guyana is a superb choice for adventure travelers seeking to escape the crowds and obtain off the beaten path. Highlights include jungle canopy around the Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve along with a visit to the 741-foot tall Kaieteur Falls, that is billed as the tallest sheer drop waterfall on the planet. But no trip to Guyana is finished without a trek through the Rupununi region within the southern part of the country. This remote and isolated wetlands area hosts a dizzying array of wildlife including giant river otters, black caiman, anteaters, jaguars, tapirs, anacondas and much more. Birdwatchers will find the place especially alluring with countless unique species on display.

Botswana
Another destination that returns from your list in 2010 is Botswana, that provides its own take on the classic safari experience. Every year, seasonal rainfalls in Angola drain in to the Okavango Delta, swelling it to three times its normal size. This conveniently occurs throughout the dry season, which means that the location draws vast numbers of animals looking for water. Visitors can take within this spectacular migration in a traditional safari vehicle obviously, but the more adventurous will want to go with a guide on foot or perhaps in a dugout canoe. Those two options get you much closer to the wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, cheetahs, and a whole lot. And when you tire of watching animals, go to the Kalahari for a wonderful trek with the desert and a cultural knowledge about the famed Bushmen that inhabit that region.

Turkey

Straddling the border between Asia and europe, Turkey has long held an allure for travelers of all. It is yet another destination having a rich culture and history, and it shows within the variety of ancient ruins and different structures that dot the landscapes. Trekkers who make their method to Turkey may be overwhelmed with the options, with the Cappadocia region to be the most popular thanks to its low amount of difficulty and unusual landscapes. Those searching for more of a challenge will want to browse the Taurus or Kackar Mountains, which offer much wilder terrain and better altitudes to contend with as well. Mountaineers will discover a variety of peaks to tackle, such as the famed Mt. Ararat, the reputed final resting host to Noah's Ark. Backpackers will love the 300+ mile long Lycian Way, which wanders across the beautiful Mediterranean coast. Sea kayaking, diving, and snorkeling within the waters of the Med will complete a very active visit.

Its northern border Pole
Obviously not a country, however the North Pole is certainly a worthy place to go for any adventure traveler, albeit one which requires deep pockets to achieve. Make no mistake, visiting the top of the world is an high-priced undertaking, but if you have the cash to get it done, there are multiple ways to get there. The simplest way to reach 90º north is by going for a cruise through the Arctic Ocean aboard an icebreaker ship. However for truly adventurous travelers, the only real acceptable way to reach the Pole is on skis. Numerous adventure travel companies offer "last degree" guided expeditions that traverse the arctic on foot before culminating in the northernmost point on the planet, a location that only a few very lucky people have the opportunity to see. [Photo credit: NOAA/Pacific Marine Environmental Lab]

That's it. Ten great destinations which will fill your travel itinerary with lots of adventure in the year ahead. Enjoy!