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EXPLORING THE WORLD’S ADVENTURE HOTSPOTS

Written by Menswear Style in Travel on the 11th September 2024

Adventure travel is one of the most popular ways to embrace the best bits of a new destination. Whether it’s the natural landscapes making up the perfect terrain for incredible active escapes to unfold, or cultural heritage that’s allowed a destination to become synonymous with active escapes, the world is becoming more and more abundant with hotspots for this kind of travel. Here are five top picks of the world’s best adventure hotspots.

Morocco

The northwest African gem of Morocco is a diverse adventure hotspot due to its range of varied landscapes and vibrant cultural hubs. Home to parts of the Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, and bustling cities ideal for adventures to unfold, adrenaline-seekers should look no further than a trip here. The Sahara Desert is a must-visit for adventurers. Expanding over 3.6 million square miles and throughout 10 countries, the dry landscape is renowned for its vast sand dunes and surreal scenes at sunrise and sunset. Embrace an early wake-up and enjoy camel rides at sunrise for the perfect view of the orange hue melting over the desert land. Spend nights in traditional desert camps for mesmerising stargazing up at some of the most untouched, unpolluted night skies. You’re likely to even see unworldly celestial phenomena like the Milky Way and shooting stars. Similar to snowboarding, glide down the sand hills on exhilarating sandboards and research the array of 4x4 off-road expeditions through the dry land, rocky terrains, and historic trade routes. Let the adrenaline run wild by quad biking through the lands and notice the most secluded points of the desert that bigger vehicles can’t reach. The highest peak of the Atlas Mountains extends across central Morocco, which stands over 13,000 feet high. Climb popular routes in the High Atlas region and in the winter months, experience serene ski resorts and breathtaking routes.

Borneo

Embrace exhilarating trips with Adventure Alternative, on the third-largest island in the world. Borneo is renowned for its incredible biodiversity of wildlife and ecosystems. The landscape is divided between three countries and is a paradise for adventure seekers. Discover the wealth of wildlife on the island, including the infamous community of orangutans. The Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary in the Malaysian-owned landscape of Borneo was initially created to rehabilitate orphaned and abandoned orangutans and gradually reintroduce the animals to the wild. Learn about the conservation importance of the communities and capture the orangutans in their natural settings for viewing platforms. Embark on a safari on the Kinabatangan River, where you can relax aboard a sailboat from the town of Sandakan. Spot the rich wildlife homes in the surrounding floodplains, like pygmy elephants, which are often seen. Boat tours are intertwined with forest walks during the day and unforgettable lodge accommodations in the middle of the dense forest land. Explore the flora and spot the least common creatures within the greenery. The sounds of the jungle alone are sure to be the perfect soundtrack for adventure-seeking.

The Caribbean

Though mainly so loved for its serene isolation and beach settings, the Caribbean archipelago is equally a hotspot for adventurous trips to unfold. Hike around the freshwater lakes of Dominica and explore the surrounding underwater world abundant with kaleidoscopic coral and shipwrecks. The Dominican island is also home to the world’s second-largest boiling lake, surrounded by volcanic landscapes. Hike through the Trois Pitons National Park to see it. Windsurf and kiteboard in the crystal waters of Aruba and learn the ancient past of underground caves. Roatan is an inevitable adventure playground, including both water and on-land activities. Home to a 2-and-a-half-mile zipline, ‘fly’ from the jungle trees straight to the soft beach sands. As it even goes across a lagoon, the sights from the bird’s-eye view are sure to be an unbelievable spectacle for those who dare. Try the sky swing at West Bay Beach, where tourists are suspended 50 meters over the beach for incredible coastal views. Explore the world’s first underwater park, Mayatlantis, and see the scenic museum below the sea surface before then paddleboarding around coves. There are a wealth of best things to do in Roatan, so be sure to plan well to get as much ticked off as possible!

Patagonia

At the Southern tip of South America, the alpine landscape of Patagonia is split between Argentina and Chile. Offering some of the most breathtaking and challenging adventures on earth, the region is a must-visit for expert adventurers prepared to be tested in the most adrenaline-fulfilling conditions. Visit Los Glaciares National Park, home to the famous Moreno Glacier and dramatic Mount Fitz Roy peaks. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its pristine lakes that are surrounded by astonishing mountains. Join one of the luxury Argentine Patagonia tours for guidance on the perfect route in the desolate wilderness. Hike the mountains and later rest your legs on horseback journeys through the dramatically incredible terrains. Ensure to prepare for wintery settings and wrap up warm to make for the most comfortable adventure possible.

Antarctica

The southernmost continent on the planet, Antarctica, is a setting like no other. Cruise the waters that make up 98% of the landscape and see how diverse animals find home on ice. Aboard a zodiac cruise. With these vessels being small enough to reach the most isolated coves cut into icebergs, get up close to vast penguin colonies and whales in their natural habitat. Spend a night either camping under the constellations or the midnight sun (depending on the season). The ice can provide a surprisingly restful night's sleep and certainly an unforgettable one! Summit peaks in extreme conditions and marvel at the alpine views across the lands. The landscape has only been touched by a handful of travellers, so become one of a historic bunch of the most daring people in the world.

Summary

Adventure travel is fast becoming one of the most loved ways to see the world. Return home feeling accomplished and more fulfilled than any other trip by challenging yourself amid surreal conditions and landscapes.