Category: Adventure Travel Activities

The sport of kayaking can take on many different forms, but the one thing that is a constant is that this truly unique boating sport can provide for some thrilling adventures in some of the world’s most gorgeous waterways and oceans.

Kayaking in its most basic form employs the use of a sleek boat that is powered by a two-bladed paddle. The kayak has origins that go back centuries, to when Eskimos and northern native American tribes used them as fishing boats designed to deftly navigate the frigid water of the northern Atlantic and Pacific ocean. However, kayaking as a sport has come a long way since those days, and the kayak itself has become one of the most versatile boats ever invented, as it is used for everything from leisurely paddles around scenic ponds and lakes, to navigating furious rapids and whitewater.

Whitewater kayaking offers fans the chance to take on some of the fastest and most exciting rivers in a more personal and individual way than traditional rafting allows. Instead of relying on a guide and a team of paddlers, it’s just you and the river as you find your way through raging cataracts and sudden plunges with the precision control that kayaking allows. The solitude of kayaking also allows you to truly enjoy the spectacular scenery that goes along with the world’s best rapids and whitewater rivers. Kayaking enthusiasts the world over revel in the splendor of navigating the technical rapids of the Rio Grande on the border of the United States and Mexico, or taking in the beauty of Victoria Falls after a long trip down the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe.

Another popular kayaking destination is Alaska, which offers not only pristine, clear rivers but also the peaceful beauty of ocean kayaking on the Kenai Fjords. While less high-impact than whitewater kayakinf watching the sun rise over the snow capped mountains as you push off shore in the morning, nor the peace that settles over the world as it sets over the Pacific and brings the lush Alaskan wilderness gently into night. Ocean kayaking, whether you set out on a day-trip or a week long expedition, offers adventurers the chance to see the world from a perspective few else ever have.

As the sport grows in popularity, it seems that every year there are new places being explored by kayaking enthusiasts. Kayaking trips can take you as far away as the other side of the world or as close as the nearest major river to your home. No matter what kind of kayaking adventure you choose to embark on, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Surfing allows its participants to take on Mother Nature, while at the same time working with her and using the naturally occurring process of ocean waves to create a sport bent on fun, creativity and the thrill of riding the perfect wave. While it can take some time to learn, for accomplished surfers there is nothing better than catching a good wave and riding it all the way in. There’s something unique about the relationship between fans of surfing and the ocean as well. In order to become proficient at surfing, you have to understand the ocean and how waves work. You have to be able to feel the wave in order to ride it, and the experience of learning to understand this concept and the ocean itself is just as much a part of the incredible sport of surfing as riding the wave.

Surfing can seem deceptively simple to many, but actually requires great skill. Balance, agility and a necessary fearlessness all come into play in surfing, as it takes a lot to go out and actually be able to harness the power of an entity as big as the ocean. However, there are all sorts of places located all over the world where those interested can go to learn, just as there are more difficult beaches for accomplished surfers who are looking for a step up to a bigger challenge. One of the best locations for accomplished surfers and beginners alike to learn is Hawaii. While Hawaii boasts some of the best big-wave surfing in the world, it is also home to beaches with smaller waves, where many adventurous travelers go to learn the sport before moving on to bigger challenges.

Another great part about surfing is its emphasis on beach culture, as most of the most popular surfing locations in the world are in tropical regions many would consider to be paradise. Surfing allows you to travel to fabulous locations to experience the sport in a different way, as every new setting and every new wave offers a new challenge.

Surfing is extremely popular in Mexico, which offers miles of pristine beaches and great waves for all experience levels. Costa Rica is also a surfing mecca, and while not as well-known or popular a surfing destination as Hawaii, Mexico, it still offers a great chance for enthusiasts to surf in an un-crowded area, free from the relatively crowded waters of more heavily traveled locations. Australia is another big destination for surfing, and is home to some of the biggest and most difficult waves in the world.

Many people feel that the thrill of surfing is incomparable to any other in the world, and that is why its fans are often so dedicated to the sport. There is something special about being able to handle the chaotic fury of a crashing wave, and to be able to use it to engage in a sport that, at its best, resembles a graceful art form. At the same time, it is challenging and often dangerous, which adds to the excitement for many people, and truly makes it one of the most rewarding adventure sports ever practiced.

Whether sleeping out under the stars on a deserted, darkened beach or snug in a tent on the side of a snowy mountain, camping offers some of the most rewarding outdoor adventures one could ever experience. Camping out in the wilderness, whether for just one night or for several weeks is an incredible way to leave the constant struggles of everyday life behind and relax in nature with little or no schedule to follow. Camping reminds us where we come from, and gives us time to think and meditate on our natural surroundings. It can help to clear the mind, and many find it very reassuring, as too often we get caught up in our daily lives and forget to take pleasure in the beauty that is all around us.

The best part about camping is that it really doesn’t require any special skills or training. The simplest camping expeditions can involve a sleeping bag and tent, while a more complex trip might involve a Recreational Vehicle.

To be able to experience these awe-inspiring natural wonders through hiking them is at the same time uplifting as it is humbling. The challenge of pushing yourself to conquer the seemingly unconquerable is a feeling like no other, whether you’re hiking the lower Himalayas in Nepal or the Appalachian Trail in the United States. Hiking is one of the most natural and age-old ways to see the world, but advances in the sport in terms of equipment and modern transportation have made it possible these days to hike all sorts of different locations. You can go hiking anywhere, through any terrain, any ecosystem or any biome in the world. If you want to see it, one of the best ways to experience it on a personal level is to hike it.

There are all kinds of popular hiking destinations. Many choose the endurance-challenging Australian desert which offers breathtaking scenery in a harsh and unforgiving terrain. Still others prefer something a little less taxing, and go on excursions through the mountains or lowlands of North America, such as the temperate rainforests of British Columbia or the timeless red-rock mountains of the Colorado Rockies. There are hiking adventures available for all levels of experience, and many outfitters can help you plan for a trip or even lead you on guided hiking tours. The possibilities are endless, and the personal rewards some of the greatest one can achieve in a lifetime.

So if you’re considering planning a hiking adventure, know that there are few things you can do that will provide more memories or excitement, and don’t forget the words of John Muir, because you might just discover even more than you set out to find.

As outdoors enthusiasts know, few sports are as exhilarating as skiing and snowboarding. Whether you’re experiencing the thrill of racing down the side of a mountain through crystal clean powder snow, or taking a leisurely cross-country expedition through the backwoods to enjoy some winter scenery, skiing and snowboarding can be a wonderful way to take in the beauty of nature, while also using it in a creative way for an exciting and challenging workout.

While skiing and snowboarding is often seen as a sport mainly practiced in cold-weather countries around the world, most people are surprised to learn that you can actually find mountains all over the world that offer some of the best and most technical challenges for skiers and snowboarders in locations you wouldn’t expect.

When it comes to downhill skiing and snowboarding, there are of course the traditional favorite locations. The European Alps, especially those in Switzerland, Germany and Italy have long been one of the premier skiing and snowboarding destinations in the world. The Alps offer lots of incredible mountains and resorts, many geared towards a variety of different skill levels. Whether you’re looking to learn the basics of snowboarding or looking you’re an expert skier looking for a new challenge, the Alps have it all. There are opportunities for all sorts of adventure skiing and snowboarding as well, including wooded glades trails, huge bowls in the upper reaches of the mountains for backcountry skiing and riding, and even opportunities for helicopter skiing for the true professionals.

There are also lots of opportunities to go to less visited locations which can be extremely exciting, since you’ll be able to enjoy a new side of skiing and snowboarding in a seclusion you won’t find at the more famous resort areas and destinations. South America, especially Chile, offers incredible skiing and snowboarding, while New Zealand is slowly working its way onto the map as having some of the best mountains and trails in the world. The best part about these locations is that during the summer in the northern hemisphere, it is winter in the southern hemisphere, which means you can find a great destination for skiing or snowboarding all year long!

For cross-country skiers, there are all kinds of great places to go, including Scandinavia, where the sport has its roots. There’s nothing like trekking across the icy quiet of the winter landscape in Norway or Sweden, where many cross country skiers find true peace. Many people also choose to travel to all sorts of locations across the United States and Canada, as well as other regions of Russia and Europe during the winter months for some of the best cross country skiing trails in the world.

Skiing and snowboarding, in addition to be an extremely physically beneficial and aerobic exercise, offers thrills unlike any other sport, and whether you’re curious about trying it for the first time or looking for the next big challenge, there are gorgeous locations around the world for beginners and experts alike to have a great time and enjoy the sense of freedom skiing and snowboarding inspire.

Every year, people travel the world to experience all kinds of adventure deep-sea fishing in all kinds of different locations. Mexico is incredibly famous for some of its incredible, turquoise waters and the wide selection of fishing available on both coasts. Deep-sea fishing is extremely popular in Mexico, as there are all kinds of opportunities to go after Dorado, Yellowfin Tuna, Grouper and more. However, Mexico also boasts one of the world’s best destinations for sport fishing and the prize of all prizes when it comes to big-game fish: Marlin. Marlin and sailfish are the primary quarry of most of the world’s sport fishermen, and present the sport’s biggest challenge. They are incredibly strong, and can take up to three hours to reel in after setting the hook! Marlin represent the apex of what sport fishing can be about: a test of skill, endurance, and one of the greatest thrills out there for all kinds of outdoors-oriented travelers.

Another incredibly popular fishing event takes place in the Florida Keys. Every winter, fans of saltwater fly fishing, a subculture of the sport that grows in size every year, take to the keys to go after the sleek and elusive Bonefish, which may be one of the most difficult challenges to the modern fisherman. Fishing in the keys takes advantage of the miles and miles of saltwater flats where the water seldom gets deeper than six feet. The water in this region is crystal clear, and allows anglers to actually spot Bonefish in the water and sight-cast for them. This adds a whole new element to the challenge of fishing, because instead of blindly tossing your bait into the water and waiting for a bite, you have to actively seek out and lure the fish into striking. The flip side is however that just as you can see the fish, the fish can see you, and the clear water makes it easier for fish to spot an imitation lure! Fishing for Bonefish requires the utmost delicacy, precision and skill, and provides one of the most exciting and rewarding fishing experiences available in any location.

Another great fishing destination is Alaska, where every year thousands of fly fishermen flock to take a shot at catching a few of one of the most legendary prize fish in the world, the Alaskan Salmon. In addition to the challenge salmon present to the fisherman, Alaska is one of the most scenic and majestic fishing locations in the world. Virgin forests, crisp clean air and snow covered mountaintops in the distance are just a few of the perks of fishing in this thrilling location.

For the thrill of a lifetime, go after some of the best big-game and small-game fish across the globe in all kinds of incredible adventure fishing locations! Fishing is a sport that anyone can take part in, and can range from low-key, day-long outings to week-long expeditions in some of the world’s most popular fishing destinations for some of the sport’s most elusive prey.

A fishing expedition can be fun for everyone, because there are so many different options that you can customize to your party. Families might more enjoy the relaxed boating that goes along with deep-sea fishing, while expert fishermen might more enjoy the challenge of guided expeditions for Bonefish or Salmon. No matter where you decide to travel or what kind of fish you decide to pursue, a good fishing trip can end up being one of the most exciting and memorable experiences of your life.

Some may say that it’s a small world, but there is still plenty to see in it! Sightseeing is one of the most popular pastimes of travelers from all over the planet, and it’s almost impossible to run out of options for it, because there is always something else amazing to see!

No matter where you’re planning your next vacation or what you plan to do while you’re on it, everyone ends up working in a little time for sightseeing. Sightseeing is one of the best ways to really get a handle for local cultures, geography and history, and ultimately it can help put your travel experience in perspective.

One of the most popular types of sightseeing destinations for travelers are a region’s natural attractions. Places like National Parks, mountain ranges and all sorts of other natural phenomenon are great places for sightseeing, and are often some of the most impressive. South America is host to some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the world, as adventure travelers from all over flock to the Andes mountains, the glaciers of Chile and the Amazon River and pristine beaches of Brazil every year to experience them in all their glory. North America has its share of natural beauty as well, including the majestic Grand Canyon and the splendor of the untouched Alaskan wilderness.

Sightseeing is also a huge draw in Africa, as travelers come from all over the world to experience the untouched majesty of the African plains. Many sightseeing tours can be arranged that will take you through wildlife preserves, where travelers can see lions, wildebeests, zebra and all kinds of other exotic animals. And of course, the splendor of sightseeing in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro could not be any more impressive.

Another popular mode of sightseeing for travelers is historic locations, of which there are plenty around the world. Southeast Asia is home to all kinds of great sightseeing opportunities. One of the most popular is to visit ancient temples set back in the jungle, such as Angkor Watt in Cambodia, which is a huge Buddhist Monastery surrounded by thick jungle and far from civilization. Europe is a historian’s dream, as just about every country boasts incredible old architecture and historic structures that can be traced back for centuries, many to the beginning of modern civilization as we now know it. From Big Ben in London and The Eiffel Tower of Paris, to the Coliseum of Rome and the Acropolis in Greece, there are all kinds of great sightseeing adventures waiting for you in Europe!

There is plenty to see out there, and all you have to do to experience it is to pick a destination for sightseeing and go! There is lots of information available from a variety of different sources. Many countries have Tourism departments which can assist you, or you can just pick up a guide book on a country and go at it yourself. Sightseeing is the best way to understand the local culture and flavors of a new area, as full immersion is really the best way to turn an ordinary vacation into a real adventure.

Exploring century old sunken shipwrecks. Floating through schools of hundreds of tiny neon colored fish. Gazing at brilliant multi-colored coral reefs, covered in exotic plant life and surreal creatures. Diving provides all of this and more for adventure travelers who want to explore what actually lies below the surface of the ocean. You’ll find creatures unlike any you’ve ever seen before, and you’ll be astounded by the beautiful scenery of the incredible underwater landscape.

Most diving is centered around the exploration of natural underwater structures known as coral reefs. These reefs are home to a unique ecosystem that attracts marine life of all sizes, from microscopic plankton to large barracuda and sharks. The many fish and creatures you encounter while diving hang around the reef because they depend on its existence to survive, and observing the delicate balance of life between the reef’s inhabitants makes their beauty that much more astounding.

Diving, also known as SCUBA Diving, is one of the most popular sports in the world, as people all over the world have strapped on oxygen tanks and taken to the ocean to learn more about the many different environments and creatures that inhabit our planet. Diving allows you to go places that one hundred years ago humans could only fantasize about by allowing you to stay underwater for extended periods of time and dive to incredible depths. While it does require training and certification in many areas of the world, there are many diving programs that beginners can take to learn the sport that include actual diving into the process, and getting acquainted with diving is just as fun as taking part in it. Plus, these types of introductory programs take place in some of the best diving locations in the world, so you can learn in paradise!

Other diving expeditions can explore underwater structures like sunken ships, which can be eerie and spooky. As coral collects on the sunken ship over the years, they too turn into reefs, and can offer some very interesting diving. Still more exciting is night diving. Many creatures come out at night on the reefs, and it adds a whole new element to the fun.

Most of the coral reefs in the world are found in tropical locations, so many diving hotspots are in warmer locations throughout the world. The Caribbean Ocean lays claim to some of the most fascinating diving locations in the world, as there are reefs all over to explore. There is also world-class diving around the coast of India, where regulations on diving are much more relaxed, and divers don’t have to be trained as thoroughly to be able to go on an expedition. Australia and its Great Barrier Reef is one of the most well-known locations to dive, and surrounding areas in Indonesia and Fiji offer unique underwater scenery as well, and are a little off the beaten path for a special experience.

Diving is an experience unlike any other, and it will amaze any traveler in search of a special adventure. Explore a whole new world and join the legions of followers of this incredible sport!

If you’ve never seen or experienced what goes on just under the surface of the ocean, snorkeling will absolutely amaze you. There is a dazzling new world down there, full of huge schools of brightly colored fish, beautiful coral reefs and fascinating marine creatures, and snorkeling literally puts you right in the middle of it all.

The sport itself is easy to get the hang of, but once you do, the possibilities for adventure in different exotic locations is endless. All snorkeling requires is a mask, a breathing tube and some flippers, and you’re ready to go. Anyone can learn on their own, but there are also snorkeling schools and introductory expeditions you can sign up for all over the world to help get the hang of it. And once most people do get the hang of it, they’re hooked for good.

Snorkeling mainly takes place on coral reefs around the world. As coral builds up over centuries over the ocean floor in shallow water around the world, it eventually forms what is called a reef. The reef supports an ecosystem unlike any other on the earth. Colorful fish come here in search of food, and often hide among the many different varieties of neon and brightly colored corals. There are all kinds of crustaceans like shrimp, crabs and lobsters scurrying across the ocean floor past exotic sponges and anemones. Reefs even attract larger species like sea turtles, bigger fish and even sharks. The biodiversity of the reef is staggering, and you are unlikely to experience the sheer variety of nature in one place through any other sport.

Snorkeling allows you to visit another world, and although most people don’t realize it, most coral reefs are within just a few feet of the shoreline in exotic coastal locations around the world! Anyone can explore these fantastic natural wonders with little or no experience.

Another great aspect of snorkeling is that it can take you to some of the world’s most relaxing and beautiful locations. Some of the best snorkeling in the world can be found in the Caribbean Ocean, especially on gorgeous tropical islands like St. Marten, Turks and Caicos, and off the coast of Mexico. The South-Pacific also offers incredible snorkeling opportunities, as Australia is home to one of the largest reefs in the world, The Great Barrier Reef, while more secluded islands like Fiji offer world-class snorkeling in a less populated environment.

Snorkeling offers you the chance to travel to paradise and experience a world you may never have known existed. It is sure to change your perspective on nature and the importance of the ocean as one of our greatest natural resources, as well as keep you coming back for more!

Mountain biking can mean different things to different riders, but generally it refers to riding specially built bicycles designed to take on more than just the open paved road. Mountain bikes use special sturdy frame designs, wide tires with lots of traction, and even specially designed shocks to take on anything their riders subject them to, from riding across sun-hardened deserts and through long forested trails, to down mountainsides or steep dirt tracks that lead to huge, perilous jumps. Mountain biking is great exercise whether you go out for a day ride or take part in several-day extended rides, and as an endurance sport that you can do pretty much anywhere you choose, you’ll never get bored or run out of options.

Generally, mountain biking is broken down into two forms, Downhill and Cross Country. Downhill is fast-paced and adrenaline-filled, as riders zoom down steep inclines at top speeds. Downhill mountain biking usually requires a few modifications on the bikes used, as they are not meant for peddling uphill, but instead for control and to manage often rough and rugged downhill courses at high speeds. Downhill courses can be particularly demanding, and requires strong riders with good reactions and experience in the sport. However, once you reach this level, downhill riding provides an incredible rush, as you can navigate even the steepest courses, hitting jumps and riding off small cliffs, allowing nothing to stand in your way.

One of the most famous locations for downhill mountain biking is on Vancouver’s North Shore in British Columbia, Canada. Bikers have been developing the area since the sport first started, and it is filled with many dirt jumps and hits, and even elevated wooden platforms, some no more that two inches wide that weave above the primary courses. For any serious downhill mountain biking fan, the North Shore is a Mecca.

Cross Country mountain biking focuses more on the endurance of the rider than their ability to handle the high-impact intensity of downhill riding. Cross country riding can occur just about everywhere, as riders often design their own extended trips on every continent, some lasting days and some even weeks. The great part about cross country riding is that you can explore some incredible locations, as its focus is more on touring. There are some beautiful places in the world to plan expeditions, including Moab State Park in Utah. Moab riders will experience gorgeous expansive views of the desert and navigate stone structures and plateaus that constantly rise and fall, offering technical challenges to the rider along the way. Many view Moab as one of the best regions for cross country mountain biking in the world.

There are also plenty of popular mountain biking hotspots in Africa, South America, Australia, and plenty of other countries. For a great physical challenge that at the same time offers incredible travel experiences, no adventure sport compares to mountain biking.

For those of you who have always dreamed of experiencing self-controlled flight, paragliding is sure to be an incredible thrill. This remarkable sport combines elements of parachuting and hang gliding to create an unbelievable way to harness powers of nature like wind and air pressure to soar over mountainous ridges and long sloping valleys, all the while controlling the direction and speed of your flight.

Paragliding is built around the parasail or chute, which allows you to take advantage of simple phenomenon regarding air and wind patterns to experience long sessions of controlled flight. The two basic kinds of paragliding are called “Ridge Soaring” and “Thermal Gliding”. Ridge soaring usually requires a mountainous area, as it relies on using the updrafts of wind over ridges and other natural obstructions to lift the glider into the air. The glider then navigates the air current as they slowly glide down the ridge to their next take-off point. Thermal Soaring works by allowing gliders to use rising hot drafts of air to lift them into the atmosphere, usually caused by the sun heating up boulders or other structures below the take off point of the glider.

Paragliding is truly a breathtaking experience, and it can be practiced in many exotic locations across the world. All it really requires is terrain where mountains and ridges are plentiful, so there are many paragliding hotspots in destinations such as India, Germany, lots of locations across South America. And since it does require practice and training, there are all sorts of travel programs for paragliding enthusiasts that specialize in everything from lessons on the basics of flight to helping you organize trips to some of the world’s premier locations. Paragliding has a dedicated following around the world, and joining the community of gliders is a huge part of the sport itself.

Paragliding is a feeling like no other. Imagine being able to stand on the edge of a cliff or ridge that falls away far below you and actually be able to simply step off and take flight! And while it does take a fair level of practice to master, the reward of experience is incredible, as many paragliding experts are able to stay in the air for hours at a time using nothing but the power of the wind.

The mystery of flight has puzzled humans for centuries, and it is something that every human dreams about. Paragliding is able to deliver that experience to adventure sports enthusiasts, and it allows us to achieve that dream!