Explore the best active travel destinations for biking, diving, paragliding and more—from New Zealand and Costa Rica to Nepal, Switzerland, Cancun and Tasmania
Chasing adrenaline and lasting memories, many travelers turn to active pursuits that deliver not just physical thrills but a doorway into fresh landscapes and real adventure. From pulse-quickening mountain bike descents to gripping underwater explorations, the planet has no shortage of places to test your limits and savor the taste of discovery. This piece dives into the world of active travel and highlights top spots for adventures on land, in the air, and beneath the surface.
Among the standouts: New Zealand, Costa Rica, Nepal, Switzerland, California Bay (USA), Cancun (Mexico), and Tasmania (Australia).
New Zealand confidently wears the crown as one of the world’s great arenas for extreme sports. This beautiful Pacific island is defined by its sweeping variety of landscapes—from serrated ranges to volcanic plateaus—tailor-made for getting outside.
Bungee jumping: New Zealand is widely regarded as the birthplace of modern bungee. The first commercial jump took off from the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, the country’s de facto adventure capital, which still serves up leaps from bridges, cliffs and even near waterfalls.
Paragliding: With dramatic mountains and reliable thermals, New Zealand feels made for paragliders. Queenstown and the Lake Taupo region are among the most popular launchpads.
Rafting: Rivers and creeks crisscross the country, with everything from the fast, pushy waters of the Kawarau River in Queenstown to gentler runs around Rotorua—routes suited to first-timers and seasoned rafters alike.
Mountain biking: Hundreds of kilometers of trails cut across the islands, from friendly beginner loops to technical descents for experts. Queenstown stands out for its variety—big views paired with serious gravity-fueled fun rarely disappoint.
Beyond the adrenaline, New Zealand’s natural drama turns every outing into something bigger: thundering waterfalls, ancient forests and active volcanoes create a backdrop that lingers long after the gear is packed away.
Nestled in Central America between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica blends astonishing biodiversity with a buffet of outdoor pursuits. It’s an ideal playground for rock climbing, kayaking, canyoning and zip-lining.
Rock climbing: Spots around Arenal and Monteverde are especially popular, offering routes of varying height and difficulty so both newcomers and experienced climbers can find their line.
Whitewater kayaking: Rivers spilling out of the mountains deliver excellent paddling. The Pacuare River, one of the country’s favorites, threads through lush rainforest and strings together plenty of lively rapids.
Canyoning: Rappelling down waterfalls on specialized gear is one of Costa Rica’s signature thrills and a fresh way to experience the jungle from within.
Zip-lining: Flying above the treetops is practically a rite of passage here. Long spans over the rainforest reveal sweeping views and a rare sense of scale.
And the wildlife? Expect it everywhere—monkeys, lizards, bright tropical birds and more. The blend of raw nature and high-energy activity makes Costa Rica a tempting choice for almost any kind of adventure.
In South Asia, Nepal draws thousands with its towering horizons and the pull of the Himalayas. The country’s name is almost synonymous with mountaineering and trekking—Everest foremost among its giants.
Mountaineering: With multiple eight-thousanders including Everest, Nepal is a pilgrimage for climbers. Infrastructure ranges from guide and porter support to base and high camps, making even ambitious expeditions feasible for those prepared.
Trekking: Few places compare. The trek to Everest Base Camp is the best-known route—magnetic for veteran climbers and those who want the Himalayan panorama without aiming for the summit itself.
Cultural heritage: Trails weave past Buddhist monasteries and temples, turning long days on foot into encounters with living tradition.
Natural beauty: Snow-clad peaks, green valleys and forests, and crystalline rivers and lakes give each trek its own rhythm—and a sense of scale that’s hard to shake.
From simple lodges along the trails to comfortable hotels in town, plus eateries serving local cuisine, Nepal welcomes travelers who want the mountains’ grandeur and the texture of highland culture in equal measure.
Switzerland’s reputation goes far beyond watches and postcard-perfect peaks. It’s a year-round hub for active trips—winter draws skiers and snowboarders, summer brings mountain bikers, paragliders and climbers.
Skiing in winter: High-altitude resorts deliver quality snow and well-groomed pistes. Zermatt, St. Moritz, Davos, Verbier and Andermatt offer everything from wide, confidence-boosting runs to steeper challenges for advanced skiers and riders.
Mountain biking in summer: Trails lace through grand alpine scenery. Regions like Graubünden, Valais and Vale-di-Blena offer options for all levels—from gentle rambles to hair-raising descents—making Switzerland a standout destination in Europe for two-wheeled adventure.
Paragliding: Soaring above ridgelines reveals the Alps in their full sweep. Conditions around Zermatt, Lauterbrunnen and Interlaken are particularly favorable, pairing reliable air with dramatic views.
Rock climbing: Crags across Grindelwald, Valais and Ticino attract climbers from around the world, with routes spanning beginner-friendly slabs to more technical faces.
Alongside top-notch infrastructure, the country’s pristine landscapes and sense of order add a certain calm to the excitement—an appealing combination for anyone planning an active escape.
On the U.S. West Coast, California Bay is both a cultural and economic hub and a magnet for water sports thanks to its distinctive natural setting.
Surfing: Consistent swells lure surfers from all over. From northern beaches like Mavericks and Santa Cruz to southern breaks around Los Angeles and San Diego, there are spots for every level.
Windsurfing: Steady winds—especially in San Francisco Bay—make conditions ideal. From there to the south of the state, the Pacific breeze and rolling chop set the tone.
Snorkeling and diving: Clear water and abundant marine life invite exploration. Sites such as Skjatt and La Jolla offer a window into an energetic underwater world.
Beyond the lineup, the easygoing local culture, varied dining and shopping, and coastal scenery give active travelers plenty to enjoy between sessions.
Set on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Cancun draws travelers with white-sand beaches, warm Caribbean waters and standout opportunities for diving and snorkeling. The underwater life here is rich—think colorful coral reefs and mysterious flooded caves.
Diving: Cancun and its surroundings host a range of sites where divers can spot tropical fish, rays, turtles and more. Reefs such as Costa Mujeres, Curubas and Nicupeta are particularly popular, with clear water and comfortable temperatures year-round.
Snorkeling: If you prefer to stay closer to the surface, beaches and shallow coves like Khalkumal and Punta Nizuk are prime for reef viewing and observing marine life at a relaxed pace.
Underwater caves: Nearby cenote systems—including Dos Ojos and Gran Cenote—captivate with crystal-clear water and surreal chambers formed by stalactites and stalagmites.
On land, upscale resorts, beachfront hotels and a broad choice of restaurants and shops round out the experience—easy to combine with long days in the water.
Off Australia’s southeast, Tasmania offers a world apart—national parks, reserves and wild terrain that feel purpose-built for hiking, kayaking and multi-day expeditions.
Hiking: The island is famed for its trails. The Overland Track, about 65 kilometers long, crosses the celebrated Cradle Mountain area and passes lakes, valleys and waterfalls. Other popular routes include treks at Cape River and in Freyzint National Park.
Kayaking: Coastal trips reveal secluded coves, cascades and sheltered bays. Highlights include Cole Bay, Burnai Bay and the Franklin River, known for its clear water and striking scenery.
Expeditions in parks and reserves: Protected areas such as Cradle Mountain Park, Freyzint and Brunya Park shelter unique flora and fauna, including the Tasmanian devil and a wide range of bird species—ideal for slow, attentive exploration.
With high peaks, rainforests, winding rivers and bright, sandy shores, Tasmania rewards those who value nature, quiet and the feeling of an unspoiled Australia—an atmosphere that turns a good trip into a memorable one.