8 Adventure Travel Destinations for 2012

January 09, 2012 ||
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Havasupai Reservation - Hike to Havasu Falls

Adventure travel can make a trip infinitely more memorable than just sitting poolside for seven days straight. I’m not against relaxing vacations where all we do is eat, drink and sleep, but our favorite type of vacation involves some form of adventure.

Here are a few suggestions for exciting adventure trips in 2012:

Tasmania – Adventure Sports

You can either fly or sail to the island of Tasmania from the mainland of Australia. Once you are there, it’s a wilderness lover’s dream. This small island possesses magnificent lakes, mountains, gorgeous beaches, fast flowing rivers, waterfalls and more.

Adventure activities include caving, mountain biking, diving, surfing, climbing, zip-lining and whitewater rafting.

Bingalong Bay Tasmania

Flickr photo by K a z o

Morocco – Camel Trekking

Hitch a ride on a camel across the Sahara Desert and explore the magnificent views all the way from Marrakech to Zagora or Merzouga. Sleep under the stars in a nomad-tented camp for the experience of a lifetime. Make sure you wake early to climb a dune in time to catch an awe-inspiring sunrise.

Camels

Flickr photo by VisualStandpoint

Yellowstone in Winter

We visited Yellowstone in June, along with thousands of other people. Why not experience the geysers and wildlife with snow on the ground, once the crowds have dispersed?

With only a few species hibernating, most of the large mammal population endures the winter by staying active. You can tour Yellowstone by snowmobile, dogsled or via your own two legs on cross-country skis.

Yellowstone Geyser

Havasu Falls, Arizona

Havasu Falls in the Grand Canyon will quench your thirst for adventure during all four seasons. Adventure-seekers will find the 10-mile hike to the Havasupai campground challenging and rewarding. You will be further rewarded with gorgeous blue-green waterfalls and more hiking trails to explore.

Keep in mind the time of year you are visiting. July to early September is monsoon season, so be aware of your surroundings. Getting caught in a flash flood is probably not the type of adventure you are looking to experience.

Havasu Falls, Arizona - Navajo Falls Waterfall

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands has been at the top of our bucket list for years! Sail, kayak, snorkel and camp your way through the Galapagos while photographing unique wildlife.

If you are looking for a tour company who focuses on responsible and eco-friendly travel while providing adventure, then ROW Adventures is a great company to research for your trip to these islands.

Sally Lightfood Crab - Floreana - Cormorant Point - Galapagos Islands - Ecuador

Flickr photo by David Berkowitz

Antarctica – Adventure Cruise

Hang with penguins on a trip to the last untamed place on earth. Cruise the “White Continent” while viewing the greatest concentration of sea mammals in the world, giant icebergs, and endless glaciers.

Lemaire Channel, Antarctica

Flickr photo by Liam Q

South Africa – White Shark Cage Diving

One of the most talked about excursions from Cape Town, South Africa is white shark cage diving. Swimming in a cage surrounded by fish food, blood and a huge great white shark is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.

Great White Shark Cage Diving

Flickr photo by hermanusbackpackers

Cuba – Culture

With multiple opportunities for homestays and cultural tours in Cuba, learning about the Cuban culture is easy to do.

For Americans wanting to travel to Cuba from the United States, you can legally do so by signing up for an authorized program that offers people to people tours. These tours include visiting historic sites, mingling with the locals and even visiting orphanages.

Couple in Window - Trinidad - Cuba

Flickr photo by Adam Jones, Ph.D.

Your adventure is waiting…

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