Out of the ordinary adventures await clients
Several tour operators say they can easily accommodate those who dare to be something of a daredevil on at least part of their vacations. And they are equally happy to recommend destinations to host those who may have something of an adventurous streak but don’t quite live up to the daredevil label.
Renata Snidr of NARAT says mountainous Bhutan will appeal to those who enjoy high-altitude trekking in a country committed to preserving its environment. “Closed to the world till the 1970s, it is a marvellous hidden gem of an adventure destination that amounts to stepping back hundreds of years in time for many travellers,” she reports.
Among Bhutan highlights is the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, with Snidr reporting that the Buddhist retreat “is often symbolic to the country’s tourism promotion, similar to the Eiffel Tower for France.”
Bhutan is the world’s first carbon-negative country, seen as proof of its determination to preserve its natural side. But Snidr adds that adventurous sorts heading to Asia should also consider Sri Lanka. “The whole country is an adventure wrapped up in a destination,” adding that the movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was filmed in Sri Lanka. Movie creators Steven Spielberg and George Lucas “found an immediate affinity with the destination warranted for film’s adventure elements,” she adds.
Among adventure activities available in Sri Lanka are wildlife safaris in one of the national parks that are “teeming with wildlife”; and trekking in the elevated emerald, green central tea region of the country while sampling the world’s most famous teas. “Travelling there by train on one of the most scenic train journeys passes stunning waterfalls and other magnificent scenery. Sri Lanka is widely regarded as having the highest density of waterfalls in the world,” Snidr adds.
Tourists can also visit the Cultural Triangle, which has drawn UNESCO recognition and is home to the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura (north), Polonnaruwa (east), and Kandy (south).”
Other outdoor adventures include whitewater rafting; surfing in Arugam Bay, regarded as among the best surfing spots in the world; or diving, “as the country has some of the best diving available anywhere. Sri Lanka is also a premier destination for under-the-radar shipwreck diving. (Author) Arthur C. Clarke famously discovered a 1703 treasure-laden Mughal shipwreck in 1961, documenting the adventure in his books.”
Furthermore, cycling circuits are said to be exceptional in the country, “immersing one in a multitude of experiences, from seeing historic sites of various eras, to seeing geographical regions with unique fauna and flora to sampling diverse cuisine and connecting with rich cultures.”
Tourists can also choose scenic overnight backwater cruises through captivating rivers and lagoons, or stays in unique hotels, such as Heritance Kandalama built into the jungle and rock. Tea Factory Hotel set in a tea plantation, safari lodges and camps in the wildlife reserves, Vil Uyana over rice fields, or Galle Face Hotel, a storied historic hotel among many other adventurous hotel experiences.
Sally Mikhail of GMTours says the Mediterranean-fronting destinations her company offers can all combine adventure, history and culture “in one great itinerary.”
“Adventure travellers are spoiled for choice across Turkey, Morocco and Egypt – three destinations where history and adrenaline blend seamlessly. Turkey offers everything from paragliding over the turquoise coast of Ölüdeniz to hiking the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia and exploring ancient underground cities. Morocco brings its own brand of adventure with camel treks across the Sahara, rugged Atlas Mountain hikes, and the vibrant chaos of its souks. Egypt adds a powerful sense of discovery, where travelers can dive the Red Sea’s world‑class reefs, cruise the Nile, or wander through millennia‑old temples that make every moment feel like stepping into a living museum.”
Mikhail added that she can’t forget about the Mediterranean and Europe when it comes to adventure travel. For example, the landscapes and experiences offered in Greece, Portugal and Spain are just as thrilling.
“Greece invites explorers to kayak through volcanic calderas, hike dramatic island trails, and dive into crystal‑clear Aegean waters,” she told Travel Courier. “Portugal is a haven for surfers, sailors, and hikers, with dramatic cliffs, wild Atlantic waves, and scenic national parks. Spain rounds out the journey with everything from canyoning in Andalusia to trekking the Pyrenees and cycling through the vibrant countryside. In Spain the Camino de Santiago is one of Europe’s greatest long‑distance adventures, offering travelers a rare blend of physical challenge, cultural immersion, and spiritual reflection. Stretching across northern Spain. The Camino de Santiago – often called “the Camino Road – is one of Spain’s most iconic adventure experiences. It leads hikers through medieval villages, rolling vineyards, rugged mountains, and ancient pilgrimage routes that have been walked for over a thousand years. Whether guests choose the famous Camino Francés, the coastal Camino del Norte, or the Portuguese Way, each path delivers a sense of discovery that unfolds step by step. The journey is not just about reaching Santiago – it’s about the people you meet, the landscapes you cross, and the personal transformation that happens along the way.”
Meanwhile, Moira Smith, vice-president Asia for Goway, says lofty Nepal is a great choice for the adventure-seeking crowd.
“Nepal which stands as one of the world’s premier adventure destinations,” she states. “What makes Nepal so compelling for adventure tourism is the sheer range – you can trek to Everest Base Camp with experienced Sherpa guides, track one-horned rhinos in Chitwan’s jungles, and explore centuries-old temples in Kathmandu Valley, all in one trip.
Smith shares that Goway’s Active Nepal: Everest Region Trek is a perfect example.
“It’s an eight-day journey through the Khumbu region with proper acclimatization at Namche Bazaar, guided by local Sherpas who bring deep cultural knowledge alongside their mountain expertise,” she shared. “The real advantage travellers get with Goway is access to guides who’ve grown up in these communities and understand how to pace the trek, read the weather, and share stories that bring the landscape to life. Nepal works for both serious trekkers and first-timers, and that versatility is what keeps bringing people back.”
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