25 Adventure Travel Ideas We’re Excited About, According to T+L Travel Advisors

Adventure travel doesn’t have to mean roughing it—or repeating the same bucket-list trips everyone else is chasing. Our expert travel advisors are seeing a shift toward adventures that feel more immersive, more intentional, and often more remote, without sacrificing comfort. Think heli-safaris over volcanic terrain, luxury trains crossing high-altitude plains, wildlife encounters that prioritize access and ethics, and multi-day hikes paired with top-tier lodges and exceptional food.

These are trips designed for travelers who want to be active, curious, and deeply connected to place. Drawing on firsthand experience and what their most adventurous clients are booking now, our trusted advisors share the destinations and journeys they’re excited about—from the jungles of India and the rainforests of British Columbia, to the polar extremes of Antarctica.

The Americas

“Nimmo Bay, in the heart of British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest, offers tailored experiences like boat safaris, hiking, kayaking, and floating saunas — plus unique wellness treatments.” — Lucy Williams, SmartFlyer (Lucy Williams)

“Crossing the Peruvian Andean plains by luxury train. Start from Cuzco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, and end at Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world.” — Allie Almario, Premier Tours (Allie Almario)

“Fernando de Noronha is a Brazilian archipelago that offers stunning hiking trails with breathtaking coastal views, untouched beaches, and a rich marine ecosystem. The surfing is also world-class.” — Emmanuel Burgio, Blue Parallel (Emmanuel Burgio)

Asia

“The jungles of central India offer thrilling safaris. Each park offers something unique, from the Royal Bengal tigers in Bandhavgarh, to the teak forests of Pench National Park, which inspired The Jungle Book.” — Carole Cambata, Greaves Tours (Carole Cambata)

“Malaysian Borneo is raw, remote, and packed with wildlife. Trek through the Danum Valley rainforest, cruise the Kinabatangan River, and spot orangutans and pygmy elephants. Unwind in an overwater bungalow and watch sea turtles glide beneath you.” — Mary Cropper, Black Tomato (Mary Cropper)

“WildChina GUDAO is reviving ancient trails across China, transforming forgotten trade and pilgrimage routes into immersive, multi-day hiking experiences. The trail connects tea merchants, monks, and caravans.” — Mei Zhang, WildChina (Mei Zhang)

“India has several species of leopards that adventure seekers can plan a trip around, including the magnificent snow leopards in Leh, or the Indian leopards in Jawai.” — Viji Krishna, Rothschild Safaris (Viji Krishna)

“The Druk Path Trek in Bhutan goes through pristine forests, alpine meadows, and ancient monasteries. You’ll move between the valleys of Paro and Thimphu, and end the day at luxurious lodges like Aman and Six Senses.” — Tyler Branco, Luxefarer (Tyler Branco)

Africa

“Spend time with gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. You’re allowed up to four hours with the primates.” — Kent Redding, Africa Adventure Consultants (Kent Redding)

“Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo is home to the endangered western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees, along with forest elephants and around 440 bird species.” — Nina Patel, Vacations That Matter (Nina Patel)

“Instead of sitting in a van all day, I recommend a walking or helicopter safari. In northern Kenya, helicopters are a great way to explore volcanoes, remote swimming spots, and incredible mountains.” — Shaun Stanley, Stanley Safaris (Shaun Stanley)

“Masoala National Park in Madagascar is a biodiverse rainforest accessible solely by boat, and home to species like the red-ruffed lemur, white-fronted lemur, and helmet vanga.” — Susan Neva, Alluring Africa (Susan Neva)

Middle East and North Africa

“It’s again possible to visit the Siwa Oasis in Egypt’s Western Desert, a land of temples, tombs and fortresses that once drew explorers including Alexander the Great. It offers natural springs and luxe eco-lodges like the Adrere Amellal.” — Samantha Gordon, Red Savannah (Samantha Gordon)

“Aqaba, Jordan, on the Red Sea, is one of the world’s most underrated dive sites. The reef is pristine, uncrowded, and easy to access. It’s perfect for both scuba divers and snorkelers.” — Cathleen Richards, Jordan Allure Tours (Cathleen Richards)

“Walking the Lycian Trail in Turkey is a great adventure. Start at the town of Fethiye and you’ll find many adventures like paragliding, sailing and river rafting.” — Engin Kadaster, Turkey At Its Best (Engin Kadaster)

Europe

“The Dolomites in Italy offer endless outdoor activities—hiking, biking, climbing, skiing—with options to suit every fitness level and appetite for adventure. The food and wine are also exceptional.” — Andrea Grisdale, IC Bellagio (Andrea Grisdale)

“A bike tour is a great way to stay active while exploring, especially harder-to-reach places like Piedmont in Northern Italy and the Cotswolds in England.” — John A. Skelton, John Skelton Travels (John A. Skelton)

“In the Azores, islands like Pico and Faial offer a rare mix of nature and refined adventure, from hiking volcanic landscapes, to whale watching and tasting wines grown on lava fields.” — Danilo Cerqueira, TempoVip DMC Portugal, Spain & Morocco (Danilo Cerqueira)

“Peneda-Gerês National Park in northern Portugal has rugged mountains, dense forests, and hidden waterfalls. It’s perfect for hiking, wild swimming, and exploring villages untouched by time.” — Nina Aquino and Pablo Argüelles, Bravo Luxury Travel (Nina Aquino and Pablo Argüelles)

“Norway is a natural playground with adventures like cruises in Lysefjord, canyoning in Valldal, kayaking in the southern archipelagos, and mountain biking in Sunnmøre.” — Torunn Tronsvang, Up Norway (Torunn Tronsvang)

Australia

“Tasmania has fabulous hiking, biking, and fly fishing. Stay in beautiful hotels like Saffire Freycinet with views of the Hazard Mountains, and go oyster tasting in a bay paired with Champagne.” — Betsy Donley, Camelback Odyssey Travel (Betsy Donley)

“Aroona is an expedition yacht that operates in the far reaches of the Great Barrier Reef, allowing guests to dive in untouched coral gardens, go spear fishing, or kite surf in turquoise lagoons.” — Drew Kluska, The Tailor (Drew Kluska)

Polar Regions

“There are few greater adventures than traversing the Drake Passage to Antarctica, taking a helicopter over the glaciers, or being the first to step foot somewhere.” — Amie O’Brien, VLX Travel (Amie O’Brien)

“Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot is a luxury icebreaker that takes travelers to remote areas like North America’s St. Lawrence River in the deep winter, the Weddell Sea in Antarctica, and the North Pole.” — Tesa Totengco, Travels with Tesa (Tesa Totengco)

Other

“Clients are building entire trips around marathons and athletic events. Whether it’s Tokyo, London, or Berlin, many runners are planning trips around these personal milestones and bringing their family and friends along.” — Kristin Chambers, D.A.Luxury Travel + TravelLustre (Kristin Chambers)