Top 10 Destinations for Adventurous Women

According to the U.S. Travel Association, one of the biggest trends in the travel industry in recent years is
adventure travel destinations. The concept of an adventurous getaway is not just men. Women can find plenty of adventurous destinations providing both thrills and memories that last a lifetime. If you are not one for relaxing on the beach or enjoying an afternoon of shopping and an evening of fine dining, you’re in luck.

An adventure-packed vacation takes a little more planning than your typical getaway, but you will have more than enough experiences to share with your friends when you get back.

1. Galapagos Islands

Looking to get closer to nature? The Galapagos Islands is the perfect destination. The islands, located by the equator in the Pacific Ocean near Ecuador, is home to hundreds of species of rare birds, seagoing lizards and some of the most stunningly beautiful and rare species of flora and fauna in the world.

Swim, snorkel and dive or take a minute to relax on the beach between adventures. It’s easy to see why this has been named one of the best adventure destinations in the world.

2. Namibia

Nothing says adventure like a safari. Namibia offers a wide range of animals in their natural habitat. Over the last decade, an effort has been made to keep animals in natural surroundings. Natural barricades have been created to keep you safe as you work your way through some of the most stunning parts of Namibia. Relax before your adventure in natural springs before exploring active volcanoes and climbing snow capped mountains.

The people of Namibia are just as welcoming to adventure seeking women as they are to their male counterparts. Namibia has plenty of campgrounds where the truly independent woman can camp and become one with nature.

3. New Zealand

Looking for a bungee jumping experience in a land of stunning beauty? New Zealand is the destination for you. Quench your thirst for adventure with mountain treks, paddling, canoeing, swimming, mountain climbing and biking. You can’t have a New Zealand adventure without cave rafting. The twists and turns will keep you on your toes the entire time. The only light you’ll find in the caves comes from the glow worms.

Need a moment to relax? Take a hot air balloon ride over Queensland and take in the sights of this majestic land and maybe spot a few new spots you’d like to explore.

4. Switzerland

Best known as a snow sports haven, Switzerland will keep the most avid thrill-seeker happy. Aside from the usual draws of snowboarding and skiing, those looking for adventure can do a little ice climbing, tobogganing, ice diving or dog sledding.

The adventurous woman can find more than enough adrenaline charging activities to keep busy no matter what time of year it is in Switzerland. Summer adventures include hiking, fishing, biking, hang gliding, Nordic walking, cliff diving, mountaineering and even gold panning. For a little extra adventure, visit local medieval castles.

5. Colorado Ski Vacation

Aspen, Breckenridge, Telluride, Keystone, Vail and Winter Park are among the ski destinations in Colorado sure to impress any woman looking for adventure. Some of the mountains in Colorado are considered to be some of the most challenging in the world.

In the off season, enjoy hiking, biking and camping in the same areas that welcome skiers from October through March. Take a little downtime with spas and other activities at some of Colorado’s top-rated resorts.

6. Machu Pichu

Do a little exploring in the mysterious ruins found in Machu Pichu, located in the Cusco Region of Peru in South America. Go trekking in the Andes right through the Nazca lines in Peru. Hike along the Inca Trail and enjoy an impressive view that spans 24 miles.

Even the most experienced adventurers may want to consider hiring a guide for some of the more challenging locations found here. It’s hard not to find a spectacular view from just about any vantage point in Machu Pichu.

7. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

This California park features some of the largest tress in the world along with dramatic canyons and towering presence of Mount Whitney, the highest peak directly within the United States.

Backpacking, hiking and camping can be enjoyed during the warmer mouths. Winter adventurers can go skiing, sledding and snowboarding. The terrain is some of the most beautiful and challenging you will find anywhere in the U.S.

8. Australia

Australia’s varied terrain is a dream come true for the adventurous woman. Water sports reign supreme in the land down under from swimming and surfing to white water rafting and kayaking. How about some scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef.

Venture away from the coast and there is still plenty of adventure to be found in Australia’s famed Outback. When you are not hiking, camping or biking, climb the Harbor Bridge in Sydney. Add a little whale watching to your adventure agenda from July through October.

9. Croatia

Croatia’s terrain ranges from flat plains to sprawling highlands and low mountains. How about a little adventure racing or maybe some horseback riding? If you still need more adventure in Croatia, there is always hunting, fishing, spelunking and white water rafting. Experienced guides are available, but if you are a do-it-yourself kind of girl, you will still find plenty to do here.

Enjoy some camping in one of the country’s eight national parks and witness the country’s native animals in any of the ten nature parks scattered throughout Croatia. Hiking enthusiasts will find several unique mountain ranges ready to present a challenge to the adventurous woman.

10. Grand Canyon National Park

Start with a helicopter tour high above this Arizona treasure to get an idea of the adventures awaiting you down below. Once you are back on land, enjoy calm water rafting along the canyon’s historic 277 miles of river.

Take a mule ride to reach area campgrounds or enjoy some horseback riding along the many trails scattered throughout the canyon area. The adventurous woman will not be disappointed with a visit to the Grand Canyon.

Sol Hudson the author of the “Top 10 destinations for adventurous women” is a frequent contributor to a variety of publications including USA News Brief, a news and informational publication that publishes news and how-to information on a variety of topics.