The Top Emerging Adventure Travel Destinations This Year

Adventure travel is growing by leaps and bounds this year, and especially so for these destinations that are emerging as top contenders attracting travelers to experience their unique natural landscapes and all the incredible adventures they offer. 

Whether it be an expedition cruise to the famed seventh continent or an island-hopping escape in the South Pacific, these destinations offer adventure lovers some of the most amazing experiences on the planet, with rich biodiversity, stunning natural landscapes and, of course, opportunities for your next great adventure.

Fiji

Tourism Fiji new brand campaign (Photo Credit: Tourism Fiji)

While Fiji might come as a surprising adventure travel destination, consider the amazing island and ocean experiences it offers: jungle hikes, whitewater rafting, biking, skydiving, scuba diving, surfing! The multifaceted islands of Fiji offer so much for travelers to do and see, beyond the Instagram-worthy sunsets and serene white-sand beaches. 

There are also some really special experiences that travelers can have in the islands, like snorkeling with beautiful manta rays, or diving in the aptly named “soft coral capital of the world,” for its breathtaking coral reef systems. Adventure lovers who want a real challenge can take the World’s Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji, which was made famous by the Amazon Prime TV series. 

The industry is taking notice this year: Fiji is the destination host for the World Surf League Pro event, and it’ll be the host of the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s AdventureNEXT 2024 conference. 

“Fiji is often thought of for its pristine beaches and swaying coconut palms, but it’s also a hidden gem for adventure,” said Brent Hill, CEO of Tourism Fiji. “Adventure in Fiji is underrated, yet incredibly well catered for and we have a long history of adventure offerings with exceptional operators.” 

“Beyond the beaches, we have amazing rivers, jungle treks, and stunning highlands, perfect for jet boat safaris, whitewater rafting, quad biking, e-biking, trekking, and even skydiving,” Hill continued. “What truly sets Fiji apart is the seamless accessibility of these incredible marine activities right alongside beautiful hinterland experiences, creating a diverse and well-rounded adventure destination.”

Mongolia

A Mongolian ger, the traditional home of the nomadic people of Mongolia. (Photo Credit: Remote Lands)

The countries of Central Asia are just beginning to receive newfound admiration, and Mongolia in particular has a lot to offer the adventurous traveler. It’s home to part of the Silk Road, the Gobi Desert, harsh mountain peaks and wide-open steppes where the locals have preserved their nomadic way of life for centuries, leaving much of the country’s land largely undeveloped.

What could be more adventurous than that? 

Travelers taking Remote Lands’ The North Gobi Steppe: Sand Dunes, Camels, and Gers itinerary will immerse themselves in the nomadic lifestyle of the locals, and encounter animals such as wolves, deer, Siberian ibex and more. 

“Mongolia is a massive country, with many different interesting areas, including the Gobi Desert and endless steppes as well as lush green areas,” said Catherine Heald, Co-founder and CEO of Remote Lands.

“The traditional culture has been nomadic and many of the population are still herders who move from place to place with their animals, every few months or so,” Heald explains. “They live in gers, which each day, they dismantle and reassemble in each new place. Seeing this culture is fascinating, and [staying] in a ger camp such as Three Camel Lodge in the Gobi Desert is a wonderful way to participate.”

The trip allows travelers to get off-the-grid and enjoy experiences like riding a camel, experience the wondrous beauty of the Zorgol Hairhan Mountains and explore the capital of Ulaanbaatar, but no matter how you choose to visit the country, you’ll find yourself leaving with a new perspective on the world around you.

Antarctica

Travelers on a Red Savannah Antarctica expedition with Silversea view Adelie penguins. (Photo Credit: Silversea)

Ah, the esteemed and mysterious seventh continent. This glacial, uninhabited continent might not come as a surprise that it’s highly rated among adventure travelers, because just traveling to the destination is often an adventure in and of itself! 

Whether you book a tour or an expedition cruise, adventurers will love all the winter activities to experience in the white world, such as sea kayaking, Zodiac tours, ice hiking, snowshoeing, abseiling down a frozen cliff, take a polar plunge in frigid waters and even camp out on the ice for an evening. 

Yet there are some experiences that are special just for Antarctica: visiting penguin colonies, for example, and some of the world’s most remote settlements, such as Port Lockroy, which was once a whaling station, British military base and later research center, and is now a museum boasting a flock of gentoo penguins and the world’s southernmost post office. 

Tour operator Red Savannah offers a 10-night Antarctic Expedition offering nine landing sites, including Aitcho and South Shetlands Islands, the Tabarin Peninsula, Paradise Bay, Paulet Island and more. 

“Adventure travelers are attracted to Antarctica primarily for its unique, raw, untamed wilderness – it’s truly the world’s final frontier, and there is nowhere else like it on earth,” explains Sarah-Leigh Shenton, Marketing Director at Red Savannah. “Virtually untouched by man, the landscapes and ice are shaped by nature, with relentless winds and subzero temperatures.” 

“Visitors always comment on the silence – as vast as the landscapes – broken only by the sound of calving glaciers, lone seabirds or whales breaching the ocean’s surface,” continued Shenton. “There’s a sense of accomplishment too – it’s a challenge to get there and there are substantial bragging rights associated with crossing Drake’s Passage in the wake of legendary explorers such as Amundsen and Shackleton…”

Patagonia

Patagonia is a rugged, beautiful land. (Photo Credit: Explora / Extraordinary Journeys)

Patagonia has been receiving more attention as an adventure travel destination in recent years, especially so at Torres del Paine National Park in the south. 

Yet Extraordinary Journeys’ Emma Fritz, Head of Sales & Product Development for South America, says that northern Patagonia is just as fascinating for the discerning adventure traveler. 

“Unlike the expansive Southern Patagonia with barely a human footprint outside of tourism, the Aysén Region of Northern Chilean Patagonia has a longstanding ranching history, and the human and cultural impact only adds to its landscapes: think tiny towns, small houses set against vast mountain backdrops, and sheep and cows along drives,” said Fritz. 

It’s home to incredible adventure travel experiences, like kayaking through the Marble Caves, but it’s also home to horseback riding, road tripping, fishing, rafting, biking, rock climbing and the new Patagonia National Park, which was created in 2018 and is home to great wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. 

Travelers taking the tour operator’s luxury Chile Tour: Patagonia Explorer will visit the most stunning of Patagonian landscapes at Patagonia National Park and Torres del Paine National Park on the 12-day journey.

Greenland

The colorful capital city of Nuuk, Greenland. (Photo Credit: Mathias / AdobeStock)

Remote, sparsely populated Greenland is becoming an enticing expedition cruise port of call. Home to one of the northernmost cultures in the world, this Arctic island is home to some incredible experiences for culture and adventure lovers. 

Travelers heading to Greenland on an expedition cruise will be able to enjoy kayaking tours to Ilulissat Icefjord, boat into the long Nuup Kangerlua Fjord, learn about Inuit traditions and ways of life at Qaqortoq or Nuuk and discover the beauty of this cold world. 

Viking Cruises offers several ocean itineraries visiting Greenland, but will offer several new Arctic expedition voyages featuring ports of call in Greenland beginning in 2025. All of them either begin or end in Nuuk, Greenland, offering the adventure traveler an opportunity to extend their stay for a few days in the fascinating and colorful capital city. 

“The polar regions have always inspired intrepid explorers and for many, visiting Antarctica and the Arctic are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities,” said a Viking spokesperson. “Our guests are curious travelers who are eager to explore more of the world with us, including these unique and beautiful destinations, in comfort.”

“While our ocean fleet already calls on ports in Greenland, beginning in 2025, we are looking forward to introducing even more guests to Greenland with new, immersive Arctic expedition voyages. Designed for discovery, the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris allow our guests the opportunity to explore the culture and natural beauty of this remote part of the world in ‘the Viking way.’”

Bhutan

View from a Valley View Room’s terrace at COMO Uma Punakha in Bhutan. (Photo Credit: COMO Uma Punahka)

Bhutan, consistently considered the happiest country in the world, is a remarkable kingdom. It’s home to the recently opened Trans-Bhutan Trail, a well-known trail that entices adventure travelers to hike across the Himalayas. 

COMO Bhutan offers two properties 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, along with opportunities to take tours to the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery, trek the Druk Path, explore the capital city of Thimphu and more. 

“Due to its famed Himalayan landmarks and picturesque natural landscape, Bhutan has become a well-known paradise for adventure travelers,” said James Low, General Manager of COMO Bhutan. “The region provides visitors with thrilling activities such as mountain biking, hiking, camping, white water rafting, and even archery (the country’s national sport).” 

“Bhutan is a destination that offers visitors not just a holiday but a journey…” Low continued. “It is a Kingdom that believes that development is not measured against GDP but on the principles GNH (Gross National Happiness), where culture, heritage, kindness, care for its citizens, and all living creatures take precedence.”

Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro hovers over the savannah in Tanzania. (Photo Credit: Geographic Expeditions)

Tanzania is a fascinating country. Home to Africa’s largest game reserve, it promises some incredible safari opportunities for viewing animals such as elephants, chimpanzees and even the elusive leopard or two, but its southern region is less popular than other safari destinations across southern Africa. 

Tour operator Geographic Expeditions offers a comprehensive visit to Southern Tanzania, with chimpanzee tracking in the rainforest and a hike along Lake Tanganyika in Mahale Mountains National Park, a visit to UNESCO-designated Nyerere National Park, as well as game drives in Katavi National Park and Ruaha National Park. 

“Travelers can experience Africa as it existed a century ago on our Southern Tanzania’s Wildest Frontier itinerary,” said Brady Bindstadt, CEO of GeoEx. “Exploring the most remote parks in the country’s southern region, the vast Tanzanian landscape is truly a patchwork of superlatives as the continent’s largest game reserve, having the most voluminous populations of elephant and wild hog, few habituated chimpanzees and the longest and deepest freshwater lake. 

“With fewer visitors in Tanzania’s southern land than its celebrated northern counterparts, GeoEx’s itinerary emerges in honoring the nature of the country that is meant to be seen: its genuine, vital and ‘on its own terms’ essence.” 

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