There are currently 195 countries in the world, and very few people have seen them all.
If you’re a fan of outdoor excursions, you’ve probably realized there are too many to choose from. There are many countries where you could spend years going on adventures, and still not see everything.
Sometimes it’s hard to decide what you want to do, so it’s helpful to know what some of the best choices are. In this guide, we’ll cover seven of the most unforgettable outdoor excursions the world has to offer.
For some great travel ideas to put on the list, keep reading.
1. Climb to Machu Picchu – Peru
Machu Picchu is a world-famous Incan Citadel. It’s located in the Andes and is one of the most popular sites in the world among outdoor adventurers.
It’s possible to take a bus up there, so if you want an easier trip, that’s your best option. For those who are up for it, however, you can trek there from Cusco along the ancient Inca Trail. Not only does this present a challenge for adventurers, but it’s also full of rivers, mountain vistas, and Inca ruins.
This is one of the most scenic adventures you can go on and a great way to get in touch with nature. As a bonus, you’ll also be able to see the llamas that reside in the protected area of the sanctuary.
2. Swim the Great Barrier Reef – Australia
Spectacular wildlife is one of the most appealing things to nature enthusiasts, and the Great Barrier Reef is one of the best places in the world to see a huge variety of aquatic life.
Throughout the reef, you’ll find hundreds of different species of coral and over a thousand species of fish. Unfortunately, global warming and coral bleaching have negatively impacted the Great Barrier Reef and continue to erode it. This means that the longer you wait to see it, the less of a spectacle it will be.
3. Climb Mount Fuji – Japan
When it comes to climbing mountains, the biggest adventure around is Mount Everest. For most people, however, the physical challenge is far too demanding. Fortunately, there are others that are far more accessible for the average adventurer.
There aren’t many travel destinations as iconic as Mount Fuji. It’s the tallest mountain in Japan and is surrounded by beautiful lakes and villages. From the top, you’ll have a great view of things like Lake Kawaguchi and the Park Hyatt Tokyo.
The official climbing season runs from July to mid-September. During this time, the roads and designated trails are clear of snow, making it the most practical time to climb.
4. Road Trip Through America’s National Parks – USA
If you want to go on a single trip that’s packed full of outdoor adventures, this is a great way to do it. There are plenty of national parks across the US, such as Denali in Alaska, Shenandoah in Virginia, and Zion in Utah.
One of the best things about this type of trip is you can plan it to fit whatever you want to see. You can decide how long you’ll be on the road trip, how far it will go, and what national parks you’ll visit, so whether it’s for a week or a month, you can do exactly what you want to.
5. Sleep Under the Northern Lights – Finland
The Northern Lights (also known as the aurora borealis) are widely considered one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in the world. Solar wind causes disturbances in the magnetosphere, resulting in swirling light displays that can appear in a range of colors.
There aren’t many locations in the world where the Northern Lights are visible, with Finland providing some of the best views. It’s worth noting that conditions such as the weather and the time of year can play a factor in terms of visibility, but Lapland is one of the most reliable locations.
You can go on a tour, sleep in an igloo, or even take a mobile Aurora Bubble Sled towed by a snowmobile. Note that the best views are generally seen between December and March.
6. Sand Surf in the Sahara – Morocco
The Sahara Desert is covered in colossal dunes that have naturally formed over the years. Even though they’re not man-made, they serve very well for adventure activities. You can rent a sandboard (which is somewhat similar to a snowboard or wakeboard) and ride down the dunes, or opt for a surfboard instead.
You’ll find this in Morocco with great weather and incredible views. There are also various other activities to take part in there such as quad biking and camel riding.
7. Hiking Mount Elbert – USA
The Rocky Mountains are one of the most famous mountain ranges in the world, and Mount Elbert is the highest peak among them. As far as nature treks go, this is one of the best you’ll find in the US.
It’s relatively easy to climb compared to other mountains in Colorado, making it accessible even to hikers who don’t have much experience. There are plenty of campsites around, and it can be done as a single-day or two-day trip, depending on how you want to approach it. May to October is generally considered the best time to hike Mount Elbert as it provides the best weather.
Enjoying Outdoor Excursions
Outdoor excursions can be a lot of fun, and there are plenty of things to see all over the world. Different people have different tastes, so depending on whether you want to relax in nature, see remarkable wildlife, or take part in some thrilling activities, there’s something out there for everyone.
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