6 Best Adventure Vacations Around the World

From cage diving with sharks to jumping out of a plane, these thrilling experiences will break you out of your comfort zone.

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Adventure trips offer an exhilarating way to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of fun activities. From hiking scenic trails in national parks to kayaking through pristine waterways, there’s no shortage of thrilling experiences. Camping under the stars, rock climbing, and zip-lining through treetops can add a sense of adventure to your getaway. For water enthusiasts, surfing and scuba diving provide opportunities to explore vibrant marine life. In winter, skiing and snowboarding take center stage, while culinary classes and photography tours offer a unique blend of culture and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-timer, these diverse activities ensure an unforgettable trip filled with excitement and new experiences. Embrace the thrill of adventure travel and create lasting memories that will inspire future explorations!

Paragliding Over Italy's Apennine Mountains

The village of Castelluccio, in Italy's Umbria region, sits about three hours from Rome. Perched high on a grassy hill, it's known for providing stunning views over the Piano Grande, a valley that comes to life with thousands of tiny red, white, and purple flowers every spring (there's even a festival that celebrates the superbloom every summer). It's the perfect place to soak up fresh mountain air while indulging in the region's notable pecorino cheese.

It's also a paraglider's dream. At 8,123 feet in the air, Monte Vettore is the typical jumping-off point for a 20-minute tandem glide with Fly The Appenines. (If you're hungry for more air time, you can also sign up for longer 90-minute cross-country flights.) Piano Grande's year-round mild weather makes it ideal for this activity, so even if you show up after the flowers have faded, you'll still be in for a treat. Once you're back on the ground, there's still the rest of Umbria to explore by foot, car, or even on horseback.

Heli-skiing in the Alps

It's no secret that the Alps are home to world-class skiing. But for those who want exclusive access to untouched powder and secluded wilderness, there's nothing like a heli-skiing trip to make you feel like the mountains are your own private playground. At the northern edge of Piedmont, Val Formazza offers all the isolation you'll need.

The protected valley is surrounded by three majestic peaks: Ofenhorn, Blinnenhorn, and Basòdino. And because it's so high up (the highest landing spot available is around 10,500 feet), snow falls by the feet every year. To access all that unspoiled backcountry, Heli-Guides maintains a fleet of Airbus AS 350 helicopters, and the menu of options — from easy day trips to full-week packages — means travelers can spend as much (or as little) time in the valley as they like.

Of course, some prior skiing experience is needed, but you don't have to be a pro. Guides choose from a wide range of landing spots, meaning they can customize the trip to match your exact level of ability. And one thing's for sure: wherever you choose to land, the views aren't likely to disappoint.

Diving With Great Whites in South Australia

Off the coast of Port Lincoln in South Australia, the Neptune Islands are home to Australia's largest colony of long-nose fur seals. And while those cuties are worth a visit themselves, what interests thrill-seekers are their top predator: the great white shark.

Little is known about the migration habits of great white sharks, which is what makes this site so exciting for adventure travelers. Thanks to a mingling of cold and warm currents merging from the Indian and Southern Oceans, the islands offer an incredible diversity of wildlife, hence the appeal for bloodthirsty sharks.

Humans aren't on the menu, of course. Companies like Calypso Star Charters keep you safe inside a steel cage or what's known as an "aqua sub" (essentially a reverse aquarium, where the fish are outside the glass). You'll be free to marvel at these 19-foot-long beasts as they swim within arm's reach.

Hiking From Hut to Hut in the Colorado Backcountry

Little-known fact: Colorado is home to more huts and yurts than any other state in the U.S. And that's not by accident. Back in the '80s, members of the 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army decided to recreate the huts they'd encountered while on duty in the Alps. And so the10th Mountain hub system was born.

Today, the network of 38 huts spread across a 350-mile route gives travelers a chance to connect with the Colorado wilderness. Just don't come expecting turn-down service. The huts are rustic — you'll have snowmelt for water, a bare bed, and basic cooking utensils, and that's about it. But for all the austerity, the huts have a zen-like appeal (and they're very affordable). Some are close to popular trails, while others are miles (and we do mean miles) from civilization.

Best of all, you can go any season. Just be prepared to sweat. In winter, it could be six or seven miles of cross-country skiing to get from one hut to the next. (Intermediate skiing skills are required.) And in the summer, it's the same distance for hiking and mountain biking — just without the snow. However you do it, make sure at least one person in your group has wilderness experience, not to mention avalanche safety training for winter visits. As the website states: "Route finding may be the most important skill you'll need."

Hiking Around Red-hot Lava in Hawaii

Each day, hundreds of people show up to Hawaii Volcanoes and National Park to witness the plumes of gas and steam; by night, the phenomenon is even more spectacular, as you'll see red-orange lava glowing from inside the rim of the caldera. The sight is enough to make you realize the sheer geological power of Hawaii's subterranean stirrings. And the trip is entirely family-friendly: On a 12-hour guided tour with Hawaii Forest And Travel you'll embark on a hike around the park, go romping through a dark lava tube, and enjoy views of the flowing lava from several key vantage points. Nature doesn't get any more thrilling.

Snorkeling in Belize

Belize's Great Blue Hole is not only one of the most mysterious — and beautiful — sites on Earth, it's also a must-visit destination for divers. Venturing all the way down is recommended for experienced divers only. But that doesn't mean the rest of us can't go exploring, too.

Snorkeling is a fun, beginner-friendly way to glimpse life below the surface. On Belize's largest island, Ambergris Caye, an area called Tres Coco is a wonderful place to start. Here, snorkelers benefit from large brain and elkhorn coral in waters that only about four to eight feet deep. You'll see not only tropical fish like yellowtail snapper and rainbow parrotfish, but also conch, banded shrimp, sea urchin, and stingrays.

A few miles off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye, you'll find Hol Chan Marine Reserve, another excellent destination for underwater thrills. The protected reserve is teeming with wildlife, including a sandy-bottom area that's become a gathering place for nurse sharks, hence the name: Shark Alley. Don't worry, though. Despite the sharks' intimidating appearance and rows of serrated teeth, they're harmless to humans, and will only respond aggressively if provoked.