12 incredible destinations that active travellers will love

Mar 20 2019, 3:48 am

Does the thought of a week lying by the pool leave you cold? While a bit of R&R in the sunshine is some people’s idea of heaven, it’s not suited to everyone. For the active traveller, it’s all about keeping your eyes peeled for the next adventure that will get your blood pumping and adrenaline flowing.

So, if you’re somebody who’s in their element when tackling the nearest hiking trail or exploring the local area by bicycle, look no further than these twelve action-packed travel destinations. The Curry’s PC World Bucket List Burner even goes as far as to outline how many calories you can burn when completing a selection of exciting travel activities, some of which you can find in our list below.

The question is, which one of these destinations will you visit first?

California, USA – Hike Yosemite National Park

active destinations

Yosemite, USA. (Shutterstock)

The Golden State of California is jam-packed with activities fit for the adventurous tourist, from roller skating along Venice Beach to walking the Golden Gate Bridge.

A real must-visit, however, is the naturally spectacular Yosemite National Park, situated in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Famous for its towering, ancient sequoia trees and for being home to three of the world’s ten tallest waterfalls, the iconic National Park boasts a multitude of hiking trails suited to beginners and seasoned hikers alike. The Mist Trail is one of Yosemite’s popular hiking trails, it’s ideal for those of moderate fitness and includes the Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. 

Lace up and get exploring!

Yungas Road, Bolivia – Cycle Death Road

active destinations

Cycle Death Road, Bolivia. (Shutterstock)

Bolivia is a country of incredible diversity and magnificent landscapes, spanning from freezing snow-capped mountains to tropical Amazon lowlands.

While there are plenty of activities to get stuck into, including a visit to the largest salt flat in the world, one of the country’s greatest pulls for adrenaline junkies is the notorious Death Road.

Dubbed the world’s most dangerous road, the 64-km Yungas road – or ‘Death Road’ – winds its way down through the Andean mountain range into the rainforest below. Single tracks littered with hairpin bends and 2,000-metre sheer drops contribute to the danger factor of the route.

If you’ve got nerves of steel, this may be one for you.

Bali, Indonesia – Surf in Uluwatu

active travel

Bali, Indonesia. (Shutterstock)

The paradise island of Bali in Indonesia may have gained a reputation for its glamorous clientele and prestigious beach clubs, but there’s far more to it than cocktails and sunsets.

The surf is some of the best the world has to offer, making Bali an incredibly popular destination among expert surfers from Australia and beyond. The legendary reef break of Padang Padang beach in Uluwatu is definitely one for the bucket list if you’re an advanced surfer, while the beginner-friendly beaches in Canggu and Kuta are perfect for learning.

The swell is best during the dry season, so visit between April and September for the best surf conditions.

Nova Scotia, Canada – Sea kayak along the coast

active travel

Nova Scotia, Canada. (Shutterstock)

The rugged and diverse coastline of Nova Scotia makes it an exceptional location for kayakers. Boasting white sand beaches, undeveloped islands and multi-coloured sea cliffs, it really is a beautiful place to explore by water.

There are different routes to suit varying levels of kayaking experience. The Highlands of Northern Cape Breton is arguably one of the best kayaking spots in North America, home to seals, seabirds and even whales. Paddle past imposing cliffs featuring waterfalls and sea caves.

China – Walk the Great Wall of China

active travel

Great Wall of China. (Shutterstock)

Spanning 3,170 miles across China, very few people will take on The Great Wall of China in its entirety. In fact, if you did decide to walk the distance, it would take you a whopping ten months to complete.

There are, however, plenty of shorter sections that make for fantastic hiking routes, each boasting stunning scenery. The two-day trek from Hexi Village to Gubeikou and Panlong is a great option, heading up to Wohu Mountain on day one and along the Panlong stretch on day two. Spanning an appealingly ‘wild’ part of the wall, it’s a fantastic route for fans of country hiking. 

The French Alps – Ski in The Vallée Blanche 

active travel

Vallée Blanche. (Shutterstock)

Situated on the famous Mont Blanc range within the French Alps, ski conditions don’t get much better than in the Vallée Blanche. Not only is it home to one of the longest ski runs in the world, but it’s surrounding by breath-taking views of the surrounding mountains and wilderness.

While many experienced skiers complete the run alone, for less-established skiers it is recommended that you hire a mountain guide, as they know the routes and can advise you in bad conditions.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda – Go on a Gorilla Safari

active travel

Silverback gorilla in the forest. (Shutterstock)

Providing a rare opportunity to see the critically endangered mountain gorilla in its natural habitat, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda is a pretty special place to visit. Mountain gorillas can’t survive in captivity, so they only way to spot the majestic creatures is on safari. They can also be seen in Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

You can expect to see gorillas reasonably quickly upon starting your trek through Bwindi, thanks to the gorillas setting up home reasonably close to the entrance. 

Check out our gorilla trekking guide for all you need to know about checking this epic experience off your bucket list.

Siem Reap, Cambodia – Run a marathon at Angkor Wat

active travel

Angkor Wat marathon. (Shutterstock)

Nestled in Cambodia’s Siem Reap jungle sits the magnificent ancient city of Angkor, homing dozens of Hindu and Buddhist temples, including the largest religious building in the world, Angkor Wat.

The temple complex is so vast, that it has become the host to the annual Khmer Empire Marathon, which will next be taking place on August 4, 2019. What better way to fit some exercise in while catching the sights of one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.”

Auyuittuq National Park, Canada – Cross the Arctic Circle

active travel

Auyuittuq National Park. (Shutterstock)

Take on a one of a kind experience and cross the Arctic Circle by foot at Canada’s Auyuittuq National Park. Boasting jagged mountains, white slopes and freezing glaciers, it’s a remarkable location for extreme hiking. Unless you have extensive experience undertaking this kind of expedition, you’ll want to enlist the help of a tour company.

The hiking season starts in June at the end of the ski season, when you’ll experience the midnight sun and sightings of snow geese and arctic foxes are frequent. 

Taupo, New Zealand – White Water Raft on the Rangitikei River

active travel

White Water Rafting, Taupo, New Zealand. (Shutterstock)

In New Zealand’s mountainous landscape, there are plenty of white-water rafting options to choose from.

For the ultimate adrenaline rush, enjoy a wet and wild adventure on the white water of the Rangitikei River in the Taupo region on the North Island. The Rangitikei offers small rapids, steep gorges and plenty of fun, so strap on a life jacket and helmet, hold on tight and enjoy the passing scenery as you navigate the wild waters by raft.

Andes Mountains, Peru – Trek to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

active travel

Inca Trail, Peru. (Shutterstock)

Sitting high in the Andes Mountains, is Peru’s ancient lost city of Machu Picchu. Constructed from large blocks of dry stone, the mysterious ruins attract thousands of tourists each year.

Though there are alternative hiking routes and means of getting to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail has become one of the most iconic treks in the world. Over four days, pass through the mountains, the Amazonian cloud forest and past other historic ruins.

Here’s our guide to Machu Picchu for everything you need to know about making it happen.

Rishikesh, India – Practice yoga and meditation

active travel

Yoga in Rishikesh. (Shutterstock)

If you’re somebody who relishes the benefits of yoga and meditation, there’s no better place to practice than in India. Offering a relaxing alternative to the high-octane activities on our list, yoga does wonders for the mind, as well as the body.

Rishikesh is known as the ‘yoga capital of the world’ and is home to many gurus, sages and saints. This makes it the ultimate destination for yoga-enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in Indian culture and learn more about yoga’s roots, the art of meditation, and spirituality.

While you’re planning a trip, check out our ten tips for a smooth and rewarding first trip to India.

From kicking up some fresh powder on a world-class ski slope to catching a wave in one of the globe’s best surfing spots, there are so many ways to keep fit while scratching your itch for travel. With so many fantastic experiences to choose from, hopefully, this list has provided you with some inspiration to get your next adventure fix from.

Mapped Global CorrespondentMapped Global Correspondent

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