Editor’s note: This article is part of our Meaningful Travel Forecast series and official travel report for 2019. ☆ Adventure travel isn’t only for the bungee jumping, zip-lining, crocodile-hunter risk takers of the world. Perhaps you consider yourself too tame to even consider adventure travel. Think again! While the agenda’s are primarily more outdoorsy and nature-oriented, that doesn’t mean everything is an adrenaline rush (however, you can certainly find heart-pounding thrills if that’s your thing). Simply exploring a country where English isn’t the primary language can be an all out adventure in itself!
Read the GoAbroad Official Report on the 10 Best Places to Travel for Adventure in 2019
Here at GoAbroad, our Meaningful Travel Forecast helps travelers explore some of the best places for adventure travel in 2019. More countries are jumping head first into the adventure travel field, where travelers like YOU are demanding purposeful, ethical travel to enrich their minds, conserve resources, and provide a healthy dose of fun. We’ve tapped our network of adventurers, travelers, program leaders, and international educators to bring you this forecast. So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive into the best adventure travel destinations in 2019!
The best adventure travel destinations in 2019
1. Australia
Doesn’t adventure just seem to be calling your name when you think of Australia? That’s why it tops our list as one of the best places to travel for adventure while getting down with the animals, backpacking across the country, surfing in the ocean, climbing mountains, AND exploring a rainforest. Aussies revel in their adrenaline fueled country and share this enthusiasm with visitors from around the globe. Where else can you expect to find a dolphin, crocodile, tasmanian devil, and kangaroo all living peacefully (or not so peacefully) together? GoAbroad team member Hannah Sorila predicts Australia will be #1 because of its “incredible natural beauty that travelers can’t help but be drawn to.”
- GoAbroad’s Program Pick: MojoSurf
- Traveler’s Program Pick: Welcome to Travel
2. New Zealand
Just a skip, hop, and a jump across from Australia, you will find further adventure to be had in New Zealand. Known as the birthplace of bungee jumping for a reason, New Zealand commands you to get outside of your comfort zone and experience all it has to offer. Skydiving, rafting, and eco-tours are just the beginning of a long list of adventure awaiting those who visit Kiwis. Plus, if you have more time on your hands, checking both Australia AND New Zealand off your bucket list can easily be done.
- GoAbroad’s Program Pick: Stray New Zealand
- Traveler’s Program Pick: Pure Exploration
3. Costa Rica
A popular tourist destination for years, Costa Rica is not shying away from the adventure it so magnificently does well. Find yourself exploring a cave, extreme hiking, or whitewater rafting...all of which make this small but fun country one of the most adventurous places to travel. You may have also heard of conservation and volunteer efforts to sustain wildlife such as sea-turtles. These efforts are worth the time and make Costa Rica another great option for a get-away adventure.
- GoAbroad's Program Pick: Outward Bound Costa Rica
- Traveler’s Program Pick: GVI
4. Thailand
Dubbed “The Land of Smiles” for a reason, Thailand has been promising visitors adventure and white sandy beaches for quite some time. A trip to Thailand is more than fast paced, heart throbbing adventure. It’s sipping on a mango shake, slurping down noodles, shopping at local markets, and watching the scooters zoom by. Of course, the adventures are endless too. While you may find the language barrier a bit intimidating, for those brave enough, it can add another aspect to the adventure. Just don’t (or do!) get lost while navigating Thailand.
- GoAbroad’s Program Pick: Asia Internship Program
- Traveler’s Program Pick: Loop Abroad
5. South Africa
Many of the countries on this list bring out the spirit for adventure with unique animals and nature, and South Africa is no different. While some may go for the boisterous city nightlife, others will find their thrills trekking national parks, snorkeling, or joining an eco-tour. There is a lot to be said for the pure beauty of this country. Plus, your wallet will thank you, as many thrill seekers find South Africa to be an affordable country to visit.
- Traveler’s Program Pick: Cheetah Experience
“Travelers want the right combination of remote and accessible places for adventure travel—and all of these predictions for adventure travel in 2019 capture exactly that.” Noah Peden, Return Peace Corps Volunteer
6. Cuba
Not-so-very-long-ago cut off from the U.S, Cuba is now open for business and ready for those tourism dollars. An ideal place to immerse yourself in a culture different from your own, Cuba is one of this year's most adventurous places to travel. Just remember...visitors to Cuba should be prepared to travel with an open-mind. Of course, that is the whole idea of adventure travel, so why not take Cuba for a spin while scuba diving, cycling through the city, or climbing Pico Turquino.
- Traveler’s Program Pick: Discover Corps
7. Argentina
Imagine taking tango lessons in Argentina of all places? Surrounded by color and offering limitless adventure, Argentia is another country offering some of the best adventure travel destinations. Nature lovers excitedly exclaim how easy it is to fall in love with the sights - from snow mountains to the waterfalls and rainforests to the spicy culture and food. Argentina is heaven on earth for those who can’t spend another second in a stuffy classroom or office.
- Traveler’s Program Pick: The Experiment in International Living
8. Nepal
Do mountains inspire awe, reverence, and a deep desire to explore? If so, a trip to Nepal may be just the ticket. Why you may ask? The Himalayas of course! Words can’t do it justice, so you are just going to have to experience it for yourself. Even if hiking the mountains isn’t your thing, you will still get lost in the magnificent sights. And if you find yourself wanting a break from Mount Everest’s views (unlikely), consider signing up for a birdwatching, ecology, or cooking session! “People love bikes and mountains,” so long-term traveler Chris Foley believes Nepal will be a mainstay on our best adventure travel destinations list next year.
- Traveler’s Program Pick: Authentic Volunteers
9. India
While you may not be soul searching like Julia Roberts does in Eat Pray Love, it’s understandable to desire adventure out of a country with so much to see and do! India stands out to many as a top destination for adventure travel for a reason. Where else can you find people, markets, and curry galore? While the options are endless, backpacking through cities and hiking to Buddhist monasteries may provide a deeper meaning for those searching for more than a quick adventure.
- Traveler’s Program Pick: The Tarzan Way
10. Cambodia
Made popular by Tomb Raider and a great top off to our list, we’ve saved one of the best! Cambodia isn’t always thought of with more well-known Asian countries hogging our attention, however, Cambodia deserves its place on our list of best places for adventure travel. Not only does it have all of the aforementioned activities (backpacking, hiking, snorkeling, eco-tours, etc.) it’s quite affordable! Not to mention that it borders some other pretty cool and adventurous places that you could definitely check out (cough*Thailand*cough*Vietnam)—perfect for high-energy regional exploration.
- Traveler’s Program Pick: Globalteer
It might not be on the top 10 list, but Colombia feels like Thailand 20 years ago. It is very trendy for adventure travelers thanks to its new reputation as a safe and peaceful place. Keep your eye on its growth in 2019!—Troy Peden, GoAbroad Founder
Next steps to book programs in the most adventurous places to travel
Here are handful of resources to get you started on your very own journey to heart-pumpin’ international travel. 2019 could be YOUR year to find adventure travel programs—and we can help make it happen! Get free program recommendations that match your travel goals, or use MyGoAbroad to bookmark and compare program options with confidence.
Still hungry for more? Bookmark these bad boys:
Travel Abroad Inspiration
- 8 Reasons to Sign Up for Adventure Programs Abroad
- 10 Totally Fresh Types of Adventures for Your Future Travels
- The Best Ways to Adventure Travel This Year
Program Selection Advice
- The Best Adventure Travel Companies
- How to Find & Book Adventure Travel Abroad Programs
- Short & Sweet (and Well-Paid) Summer Jobs Abroad
Affording Trips to the Most Adventurous Places to Travel
- How to Fund a Trip Abroad
- Tips to Plan a Trip When You’re Short on Time—And Cash
- 7 Kickass Travel Abroad Scholarships
[Get Matched with 5 Adventure Travel Programs for FREE]
Participate in adventure travel programs this year!
Swing on by the best places for adventure travel this year.
With so many countries defying gravity with their adventure programs, it’s no wonder choosing one can be so time-consuming. But have no fear, that’s why we’re here (rhyme intended). While we can’t make the decision for you, we can help you narrow it down.
While our list isn’t exhaustive, it certainly includes some of the best places to travel for adventure in 2019 as predicted by experts in adventure travel. We’re confident that these 10 destinations will continue to provide awesome, meaningful trips for those willing to up the travel ante this year. Whether you are ready to pack your bags immediately or need to build up some leave time at that job of yours (#adulting), adventure travel is here to stay!
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