If you’re tired of the usual sightseeing activities, why don’t you try something more extreme the next time you travel? By extreme, we’re talking about adrenaline-inducing activities outside of your comfort zone. If you’re wondering which places to indulge in these adventures, refer to this list of the best destinations for extreme travel. From horseback riding in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert to trekking the remote jungles of Myanmar, these adventures are sure to get your heart racing.
Mongolia
Mongolia is a massive, landlocked country, about six times bigger than the UK. Yet, it’s only home to three million people, which means there’s a vast enough space to explore incredible and remote places. So, if you’re looking for a destination where you can venture off the beaten path and experience extreme adventures, Mongolia is the perfect place.
One of the most adventurous ways to explore Mongolia is through horseback riding. Horse riding has been a significant part of the local culture, with most Mongolians spending their lives herding and hunting on horseback. If you want to experience the local culture while exploring the country’s vast expanse of land, you should try horseback riding. Aside from learning about the nomadic culture, your adventure allows you to see Mongolia’s stunning natural landscapes as your horse travels across valleys, mountains, and steppes.
There are numerous routes you can take when exploring Mongolia. But the horse trek across the Gobi Desert is the most extreme travel choice. As a guided expedition, you’ll explore this fascinating area with a local guide and pass along arid steppes, rocky mountains, and hauntingly silent dunes.
Panama
Panama is a playground for adventure seekers who love to explore lush jungles. Occupying over 40% of the country’s land area, the jungles of Panama are rich in wildlife and a haven of biodiversity. They are full of dazzling birds, quirky monkeys, and incredible plant species. If you want to experience an extreme adventure in nature, consider jungle trekking in Panama.
The great thing about trekking in Panama is you’ll have the opportunity to train as a jungle guide, which is ideal for extreme adventure seekers. Those who want to experience how to lead a jungle expedition should grab this opportunity. During your adventure, you will learn and develop the skills to survive a trek in Panama’s lush rainforests.
You can opt for same-day or multi-day hikes, depending on your preferences. But it’s highly recommended to go with a guide, especially if you plan to explore remote jungles. A favourite trekking destination in the country is Camino de Cruces, a cobble-stoned path linking Old Panama City to the port of Venta de Cruces. The Lost Waterfalls trail is another scenic hiking trail in the country, where you search for the lost waterfalls of Boquete by trekking through lush jungles.
Wales
Blessed with incredible natural landscapes, Wales is a hotspot for adventure activities. The country offers heaps of fun adventures, including the most extreme ones. Whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, or cycling, Wales will offer the kind of adventure you’ll never forget!
If you’re into mountain biking, head to Snowdonia, which has some of the world’s best mountain bike trails. Whether you want to go for a leisurely ride along forest trails or opt for a more exhilarating downhill ride, Snowdonia has something to offer. Caving is another fun activity you should try in Wales. There are various places you can enjoy caving in Wales, but the Brecon Beacons are the best. Your caving adventure can include walking and crawling while discovering fascinating stalactites and stalagmites.
Wales is also a paradise for surfers, home to some of the UK’s best-surfing destinations. Trefriw, next to the village of Dolgarrog in Snowdonia, was the world’s first inland surf lagoon. It’s a popular spot for surfers of all levels, from beginners to expert surfers who want to perfect their moves.
Estonia
Estonia is a small Baltic country home to several natural parks and long stretches of coastline. Famous for its stunning natural scenery and medieval architecture, Estonia is an ideal choice for travellers seeking extreme adventures. There are many exciting tours in Estonia, and booking these tours is highly recommended for those looking to explore the country and take up fun adventures. Some include fun activities like canoeing among the rivers, taking up scenic hikes, and going for bike rides.
Cycling around Kihnu island is a fun activity to try. This guided cycling tour is a fun way to enjoy sightseeing around the stunning island and visit sights like the Kihnu Museum, a lighthouse, and a church. Another fun activity to try is canoeing at Soomaa National Park. You can book guided canoe trips, where you will be with an experienced local guide. Some tours also include an overnight stay in a local guesthouse.
If you’re into hiking, head to Lahemaa National Park, a stunning park in the north of Estonia. It has scenic trails taking you to lush woodland, wetlands, and protected areas home to incredible birds and animal species.
Burma/Myanmar
Myanmar is a beguiling country in Southeast Asia famous for its majestic temples and scenic rivers. While it may not be as popular as its neighbouring countries of Vietnam or Thailand, Myanmar offers numerous things, especially for travellers seeking extreme adventures.
The best way to explore Myanmar and discover the country’s hidden gems is to go trekking. There are many great trails to trek to in the country, with some taking you to local villages, lush jungles, and fascinating rivers and lakes.
Kalaw, a sleepy hill town in Myanmar’s Shan State, is a popular destination for trekking. You can arrange a guided multi-day trek taking you through Shan hills, with the opportunity to visit a village and sleep at a local home. Your guide will talk about the local villages you will pass by, which is great if you’re looking for a more cultural experience. Lashio is another town famous for trekking, mainly because it has stunning waterfalls. Your trekking adventures in Lashio can include fun activities like mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, and more.
How many extreme travel destinations have you visited?
