GoAbroad

Adventure Travel

What better way to add a serious helping of adventure to your life than by going abroad? Sure, you can find adventure at home, but the best adventure tours will exist far outside your comfort zone. Surfing at Bondi Beach? Ziplining through the rainforest canopy in Costa Rica? Hiking to Everest Base Camp? The ideal adventure will leave you smarter, more fulfilled, more worldly, and (of course) wanting more. Here’s everything you need to know to have the adventure of a lifetime abroad!

This Month’s Recommended Adventure Programs

mini adventure with Maximo Nivel
4.693210 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

MAXIMO NIVEL logo
Volunteer Adventure—2 weeks in Latin America

The Volunteer Adventure program combines 1 week of volunteering with 6 days of travel and exploration in Guatemala. This is an excellent option if you are interested in learning more about international volunteering and you want to ensure you visit the...

seamester
4.67120 reviews

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea logo
Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to pro...

IVHQ - AT
4.692174 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ] logo
World's #1 Affordable Volunteer Programs Trusted By 140,000+

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally fro...

Peru
4.45154 reviews

Gapforce

Gapforce logo
South America Explorer with Gapforce

Visit two of South America’s most iconic countries—Peru and Ecuador—and discover the lost lands of the Incas! Start your adventure in South America with intensive Spanish lessons, then step up the adventure with an epic trek across the Andes to Machu P...

Pacific Discovery
4.51295 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Pacific Discovery logo
New Zealand & Fiji Summer Program | Pacific Discovery

This program for individuals ages 17-22 has just the right balance of adventure and environmental service in New Zealand, followed by the laid-back island living in Fiji. In New Zealand, we'll mountain bike in Rotorua, raft over the world's highest com...

traveller bathing an elephant at an ethical sanctuary
4.9449 reviews

Global Work & Travel

Global Work & Travel logo
Ultimate Thailand & Vietnam: 29 days in South East Asia

Taking a sabbatical? Summer holidays coming up? A month off work? Or maybe you just need some Asian persuasion. Turn four weeks of annual leave into the adventure of a lifetime.Spend an unforgettable month experiencing the very best of Thailand and Vie...

How to Adventure Travel Abroad

Overview

What is adventure travel?

Adventure travel is a type of meaningful travel that revolves around exploration, whether that be the adrenaline-junkie type (like bungee jumping and hang-gliding) or the slower, more intentional type (like homestays and cultural immersion).

Typically speaking, adventure tourism activities include a physically challenging element, cultural exchange, and/or the opportunity to get up close and personal with Mother Nature herself.

Getting Started

How to go on an adventure

Believe it or not, it’s actually not that difficult to go on an adventure tour. You just have to know where to want to go and when, and the rest will fall into place! Here’s how to find the best adventure travel for you:

  • Figure out what you want to do. Before you peruse adventure travel companies, decide what you want to do on your adventure—because there’s a lot of possibilities! Whether it’s an extended hiking trip, water sports, cultural heritage tours, or a spiritual retreat at an ecolodge, it’s important to set goals and intentions for your adventure.
  • Pick a destination. There are tons of destination options for many kinds of adventure tourism activities. For other kinds, like seeing glow worms or the Northern Lights, your options will be a bit more limited. Once you know what you want to do, you can choose your destination based on the best or safest location to do that activity, or you can throw caution to the wind and go wherever the wind blows you!
  • When do you want to go? Are you looking for summer adventures or winter wonders? Don’t forget that the seasons are different depending on what hemisphere you’re headed to, and that adventure activities get considerably more expensive during tourist seasons.
  • Solo or group travel? Maybe you want to pursue adventure in solitude, or maybe you’ll feel better having a group to share the experience with. Either way, going alone or with other people will shape your adventure travel experience, so it’s important to decide what the right choice is for you.
  • Apply for your program. After you’ve figured out all of the above, it’s time to start finding the perfect program for you! Of course, you can plan and take your trip without the help of adventure travel companies. However, if you’re a first-time traveler, or your intended destination is completely unfamiliar to you, it may be a good idea to go on an adventure through an organization that has experience in the activities you’re looking for. You don’t want to get in over your head, or have your trip ruined due to circumstances you may not have known to prepare for.

Locations

Where are the best places for adventure?

If you’re wondering where to go on an adventure, spin the globe and point! In other words, you can find adventure literally anywhere. However, if you really want an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life, it’s not a bad idea to push yourself as far out of your comfort zone as reasonably possible.

That could mean going somewhere where you don’t speak the language, confronting one of your phobias, or trying your hand at something you never thought you would. But if you really want names, some of the most renowned countries in the world for fun, reputable adventures include New Zealand, Australia, Costa Rica, Peru, Thailand, Kenya, and South Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is adventure travel?

Adventure travel is meaningful travel that takes you out into the world for active, hands-on experiences. Popular types of adventure travel include scuba diving, hiking, eco-tours, and white-water rafting.

What are the best adventure trips?

This depends on your goals and preferences. However, some of the most iconic adventure trips include trekking in New Zealand, surfing in Australia, cooking classes in Italy, and going on safari in South Africa.

How can I go on adventures abroad?

To go on an adventure trip, you need to think about where you want to go, what you want to do, and what your budget is. Once you've set some goals for yourself, it'll be easier to find and apply to adventure travel programs.

Latest Program Reviews

My Cultural Tourism Experience

August 12, 2026by: Alina Bolongaitis - American Samoa

Program: Student Cultural Experience Program – Discover Foakaidhoo

5

I had the best experience in this beautiful small iland. It has so much of cultural beauties and activities. People are so warm and friendly. My one week stay was simply amazing! I strongly recommend this island and their programs for student travelers. But this would be more fun if you go as a group of 10 to 20 or more.

Beach Swing

I had the absolute time of my life

August 06, 2026by: Georgie Kyle - South Africa

Program: Warriors Gap Year Experiences

5

Warriors Academy has been one of the greatest adventures of my life. Through exciting outdoor challenges and unforgettable experiences, I’ve developed valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, resilience, and adventure activities. Every day has pushed me to grow beyond my comfort zone while doing what I love most. The incredible people, the breathtaking experiences, and the constant opportunities to learn have made my time at Warriors Academy the time of my life.

Had so much fun with Putney Student Travel this summer!

August 04, 2026by: serena gerson - United States

Program: Greece & Italy Middle School: History, Islands & Culture

5

I had so much fun at Putney on my Greece and Italy trip. My leaders were well-educated and made the experience so much fun. The students that were with me were kind and inclusive and I came home with so many new friends. Overall, I loved my experience with Putney and am planning to come back next year.

Excelente experiencia

July 23, 2026by: Teddy Bermúdez - Costa Rica

Program: Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

5

Hola. Yo soy el papá de Isabella Bermúdez. Ella quedó encantada con la experiencia que tuvo durante la semana del campamento de verano en Manuel Antonio. Me dijo que la mamá anfitriona fue excelente. Las actividades y la puntualidad no puede ser mejor. Gracias

My trip

July 22, 2026by: Nate Bradley - United States

Program: Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

5

I had an amazing time in Costa Rica. It is a beautiful country and Maximo Nivel enabled me to see all of it at its peak. I also racked up community service hours while having a great time with my friends. Would recommend to anyone.

Amazing

July 22, 2026by: Harlowe Schneider - France

Program: Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

5

I had a wonderful 2 weeks at the summer camp. I enjoyed discovering new cultures through the host families. The volunteer part was also rewarding seeing communities and helping them in Quépos and San Jose. The activities didn’t leave any time for boredom. I loved exploring Costa Rica’s beautiful nature with a bunch of visits. We did surfing, cooking classes, scuba diving and a lot more great activities! The group was also the perfect size with between 20-14 campers and was great for a warm atmosphere. I made friends I definitely have to visit. The staff was also professional and friendly. Would recommend to any teenager who likes travelling and meeting people! Loved it.

A unique experience

July 21, 2026by: Brooke Bennett - United States

Program: Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

5

I enjoyed a deep immersion in the the culture and history of Costa Rica. The counselors were very knowledgeable and helpful. I especially enjoyed Zip-lining in San Jose and and hiking with Rainmaker. I highly recommend coming with a friend as I think it greatly improves your overall experience.

Great experience

July 21, 2026by: Ben Blaxk - United States

Program: Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

5

Very fun and eye opening experience, with lots of great immersion and opportunity to make new friends. The program felt very smooth and was fun day to day with new things to learn and experience as the days goes on.

A trip i’ll never forget!!

July 20, 2026by: Brooke Schneider - France

Program: Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

5

During these two weeks, i made so many new friends and new memories i will cherish forever. I really enjoyed spending time with them and experiencing new things together. The counselors were always there to make sure we were okay and were very supportive. I will miss Nico and Rosa a lot as well as all the friends i have made these past two weeks. Time went by too fast and i wish it lasted a little longer. The hardest part of this trip was saying goodbye. I’m very thankful for everyone who made these two weeks what they were and everything we experienced together will stay with me for a long time. Costa Rica will always have a special place in my heart and i hope our paths will cross again someday. Thank you for everything.

Best week ever!

July 20, 2026by: Kathleen Gayle - Costa Rica

Program: Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

5

I had an amazing time at camp. I got to try so many new things, like surfing and scuba diving, which I had never done before.I made friends from different places. The instructors were awesomethey were really fun, supportive, and made every activity even better. It was such a great experience, and I’m really glad I was part of it

I had so much fun!

July 20, 2026by: Cambelle Fawell - United States

Program: Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

5

The trip was very fun, I felt really immersed in the culture. I learned a lot and made a lot of friends, and counselors were really fun. Taking the spanish classes taught me a lot and I feel like the experience was even better because we were with locals.

Best time ever

July 20, 2026by: Mary Marley - United States

Program: Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

5

I made so many new friends and I was very immerse in the culture there I had the best time ever. I love this game so much even if it has a few bumps the smooth bumps outweigh the bad bumps. Nico is the best.

Thanks for helping with our flight

Great experience

July 19, 2026by: Alejandro Romainville - Peru

Program: Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

5

This summer camp was honestly one of the best experiences of my life. I came here expecting to have a good time, but I left with so much more than that. I met incredible people from different parts of the world, made friendships I’ll never forget, and created memories that I’ll carry with me forever. Every day was filled with fun activities, new experiences, and moments that pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. The staff and counselors were amazing, always supportive, welcoming, and genuinely dedicated to making sure everyone had an unforgettable experience. What made this camp truly special wasn’t just the activities, it was the atmosphere. It felt like one big family where everyone looked out for each other, laughed together, and made every moment count. The two weeks went by way too fast, and saying goodbye was much harder than I ever imagined. I’m incredibly grateful for everything this camp gave me. It helped me grow, meet amazing people, and create memories I’ll treasure for the rest of my life. I would recommend this experience to anyone without hesitation, and if I had the chance, I would come back in a heartbeat. Thank you for an unforgettable summer.

Fantastic experience for a first time solo traveller

July 17, 2026by: Michelle Betty - United Kingdom

Program: Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

5

My 17 year old daughter joined this camp from the UK. It was the first time she had travelled on her own. I was extremely pleased with how she was looked after right from arriving at the airport to when she left to come home. She has made some great friends and had some wonderful experiences. I would thoroughly recommend for a teenager wanting to experience travel and volunteering.

Great opportunity and wonderful experience

July 15, 2026by: Dirk Nielsen - Canada

Program: Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

5

My 16 year old daughter was part of this program and had a wonderful time. A great balance of good food, great adventure and a nice safe environment for travel and exploration. Nico the guide was very helpful and a great communicator. This was a great program.

the best experience

July 14, 2026by: Lucy Betty - United Kingdom

Program: Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

5

My experience was honestly unforgettable and one of the best experiences I have ever had. From the moment I arrived, I felt welcomed by both the staff and the other people on the programme. The activities and trips were definitely some of the highlights of the camp. Every day felt different and exciting, and I had the opportunity to experience a new culture, explore amazing places and try things that I probably wouldn’t have done at home. The programme was well organised, and the staff were supportive, approachable and always made sure everyone felt safe while still allowing us to have fun and be independent. One of my favourite parts was meeting people from different places and creating friendships and memories that I will never forget. The experience helped me become more confident, independent and open-minded. I learned so much about the local culture, but I also learned a lot about myself. Overall, I would definitely recommend to any teenager who loves travelling, meeting new people and experiencing new things. It was an incredible experience filled with fun, adventure and unforgettable memories, and I would happily do it all over again.

Unforgettable Experience

July 12, 2026by: Maya Blumin - Canada

Program: Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

5

**Unforgettable Experience** This Costa Rican summer camp was an unforgettable adventure filled with exciting activities and amazing memories. The counsellors were caring, supportive, and always made everyone feel welcome. I’d highly recommend this camp!

I had a good trip

July 12, 2026by: Timmy Wood - United States

Program: Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

5

I had a great time meeting new people and going and doing fun activities and volunteering. I liked eating the costa rican food and practicing my spanish. I would recommend this program to my friends and i will tell people about jt

I made some good memories

July 12, 2026by: Oliver Cisneros - United States

Program: Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

5

it was good there were a lot of long bus rides but also a lot of good memories made such as playing soccer with the kids or talking to the local girls at paddle ball. The kids were really nice and so were the instructors

The best 2 weeks.

July 12, 2026by: Giana Rive - United States

Program: Summer Camp in Costa Rica - Spanish Camp!

5

This summer, I joined a summer program in Costa Rica. It was a very fun and exciting experience. I met many new people from different countries, and we became good friends. Everyone was kind and friendly, so I felt welcome from the first day. The program had many interesting activities. We learned about the culture, practiced our language skills, and worked together on different projects. We also visited beautiful places like beaches, forests, and small towns. Costa Rica has amazing nature, and I loved seeing the animals and plants. One of my favorite parts was spending time outside because the weather was warm and the views were beautiful. The teachers and staff were very helpful. They always answered our questions and made sure everyone felt comfortable and safe. I learned many new things from the people around me. This program helped me become more confident and independent. I improved my communication skills and learned how to work with people from different backgrounds. I also made memories that I will never forget. I think this summer program is a great choice for students. It is a wonderful way to learn, make new friends, and enjoy the beautiful country of Costa Rica. I would recommend it to anyone

Latest Interviews

Lilas Hampe

Lilas Hampe

RealStep

Alumni

I was inspired to go abroad by the idea of experiencing something completely different from my everyday routine. The thought of waking up just steps a...

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Olivia Haan 2018

Olivia Haan 2018

Travel For Teens

Alumni

I have been abroad a few times now but I was very drawn to China based on its history and culture. I have been to Thailand before but wanted to explor...

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Carmen Ruiz Ricca

Carmen Ruiz Ricca

Worldwide Friends Iceland

Alumni

I have always loved travelling around, so when I came across this program I thought it was such a great way to get to know this thrilling country. 

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Savannah Petrelli

Savannah Petrelli

Travel For Teens

Alumni

Ever since I was young, I had an urge to travel. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to travel in their lifetime. Being able to see an...

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Rachel Lyon

Rachel Lyon

The Real Uganda

Alumni

My passion to work with children in childcare and my desire to travel whilst also volunteering

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Daan de Kraay

Daan de Kraay

Nullarbor Traveller

Alumni

I wanted to see the world and explore to see how Australia looked. I've heard many many stories about this country and they were all true!

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Kimberley Maessen

Kimberley Maessen

Nullarbor Traveller

Alumni

I always enjoyed traveling and exploring new countries, which was also the main reason for choosing to study tourism.

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Blake Powel

Blake Powel

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Alumni

I love to travel and, specifically traveling abroad, as a way to broaden my cultural awareness. As I am usually traveling with friends or family, I wa...

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Ashley Allen

Ashley Allen

Travel For Teens

Alumni

Ultimately my love for adventure, cultural exploration, and stories. I wanted to experience life abroad before I went to university that would allow m...

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Michaela Rubenstein

Michaela Rubenstein

University Studies Abroad Consortium

Alumni

My parents really pushed me to go abroad because they knew it would make me a well-rounded individual and they regretted not doing it themselves. I al...

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Ivanya Johnson

Ivanya Johnson

Broadreach

Alumni

My Mom found Broadreach for me; she knew that I loved adventure, meeting new people, and learning more about the world we live in. Each year I choose ...

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Dallas Fawson

Dallas Fawson

Discover Corps

Alumni

This contrast can be seen in the beautiful church facade in San Andrés Xecul; though it is a Catholic church, it was constructed by Mayan slaves, and ...

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Matthew Ambrogi

Matthew Ambrogi

Where There Be Dragons

Alumni

First off, it wasn't an easy decision. But, for me, it was something I had to do. I was in my freshman year of college, working so hard everyday for a...

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Natalie Craun

Natalie Craun

Global Leadership Adventures

Alumni

I wanted to discover what life was like in a developing country, step outside of my comfort zone, and sharpen my social and leadership skills.

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Sydney Harned 2014

Sydney Harned 2014

Broadreach

Alumni

I’d always had a hunch that I wanted to go on to get my Divemaster certification, and after diving the past two summers with broadreach I knew that Sc...

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Sydney Harned 2011

Sydney Harned 2011

Broadreach

Alumni

I’d always been interested in traveling abroad, especially to study marine science. I thought it would be a great experience for me to learn more abou...

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Sally Short

Sally Short

Tropical Research and Conservation Centre

Alumni

I love to Travel and I love to dive, The UK is too cold!!!

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