Bucket List Bonanza: 2023's Top 10 Hotspots for Adventure Travelers
Bucket List Bonanza: 2023's Top 10 Hotspots for Adventure Travelers - Off the Beaten Path paradises
For intrepid travelers seeking virgin territory far from the madding crowds, 2023 offers a wealth of off-the-beaten-path destinations that promise once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you prefer plunging into remote jungles, sailing to secluded islands, or trekking across vast deserts, opportunities abound to explore places well beyond the average tourist's radar.
One prime spot to consider is Suriname, an exotic South American nation nearly 80% covered by rainforest. Its endless maze of rivers winds through dense canopy teeming with exotic birds, monkeys, sloths, and jaguars. Base yourself in Paramaribo, the colorful colonial capital on the Suriname River, then book a multi-day boat trip deep into the interior jungle. Be prepared to rough it in rustic lodges with generator power and bucket showers as you encounter indigenous tribes who still practice traditional ways of life.
For a Robinson Crusoe experience, sail to the remote atolls of Tuvalu, one of the world's tiniest and least visited nations. With a population under 12,000 scattered across nine coral islands, Tuvalu offers pristine beaches, spectacular snorkeling, and a fascinating Polynesian culture untouched by mass tourism. Don't expect flashy resorts though - prepare for basic guesthouses, island hopping on local boats, and dining on freshly caught seafood under the stars.
In Tanzania, forgo the popular northern safari circuit and head south to the Selous Game Reserve, Africa's largest wildlife sanctuary. Its 43,000 square miles contain relatively few lodges and roads, allowing an authentic safari experience far from crowds. Spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, wild dogs and over 400 bird species on walking safaris, boat cruises, and 4x4 game drives through vast wilderness. At night, drift off to the sounds of the African bush under canvas.
For a challenging trek combining stunning mountain scenery with ancient cultures, take on the "Kungsleden" trail through northern Sweden's Lapland region. This 110-mile route winds through the jagged Kebnekaise massif with frequent views of reindeer, elk, and eagles. Hike from rustic mountain cabin to cabin, getting a taste of the indigenous Sami culture through visits to reindeer herders and handicraft makers. With Sweden's "freedom to roam" laws, wild camp almost anywhere along the trail.
Bucket List Bonanza: 2023's Top 10 Hotspots for Adventure Travelers - Wildlife Encounters in Exotic Locales
For those who crave once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters, 2023 offers boundless opportunities to get up close and personal with exotic creatures in their natural habitats. This goes far beyond typical African safaris - intrepid travelers can swim with whale sharks in the Philippines, track jaguars through the Amazon rainforest, and observe polar bears in the Arctic tundra. The key is knowing where to go and researching sustainable tour operators.
One prime destination is Madagascar, which feels like journeying back to the age of dinosaurs. Over 90% of its wildlife exists nowhere else on earth, including lemurs bounding through the treetops and cute carnivorous fossa. The island's northern Tsingy de Bemaraha reserve offers guided hikes through limestone labyrinths in search of rare birds and the endangered Perrier's sifaka lemur. In Berenty Reserve farther south, you’ll practically trip over troupes of ring-tailed lemurs who have no fear of humans. Just be sure to go with ethical tour operators who respect these endangered primates.
For close encounters with the planet's largest fish, head to Cebu Island or Donsol in the Philippines between November and May to snorkel alongside whale sharks. These gentle filter-feeding giants migrate here to feast on plankton, providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to swim near them. Just be sure to go with responsible outfitters who follow strict interaction guidelines to not disturb these threatened creatures. The experience of quietly drifting alongside a 30-foot shark in crystal blue waters is unforgettable.
Adventurous souls looking to track one of the Americas' great apex predators should consider an Amazon tour in search of wild jaguars. Brazil's Mamirauá Reserve and Guyana's Rewa Eco-Lodge offer guided river trips and forest hikes where experienced naturalist guides can teach you how to spot jaguar tracks and signs. With luck and patience, you may thrill to observe one of these elusive big cats in the wild - just be sure to go with operators who pledge not to disturb or interact with them.
For a truly bucket-list wildlife experience, few adventures compare with a summer voyage to the Arctic. Expedition cruises to Svalbard, northern Norway and Greenland offer prime opportunities to observe polar bears, walruses, whales, and seabirds amidst dramatic glacial scenery. Safari Zodiacs bring you within viewing range but a safe distance, while naturalist guides explain the animals' behaviors. For the lucky few, the ultimate sighting is a mother polar bear with cubs just emerging from their den. This once-in-a-lifetime experience supports Arctic research while delivering unforgettable encounters.
Bucket List Bonanza: 2023's Top 10 Hotspots for Adventure Travelers - Island Hopping for Thrills and Chills
For adventure travelers craving tropical thrills, Asia-Pacific offers endless opportunities for island hopping voyages that deliver adrenaline rushes amidst picture-perfect paradise. From surfing world-class breaks to diving unspoiled coral reefs, this region serves up nonstop aquatic action across thousands of islands dotted amid the world's largest ocean. Forget cramming onto crowded package tours - go DIY style for maximum flexibility using regional budget airlines and ferries. You'll journey at your own pace while mingling with friendly locals rather than herded tour groups.
One prime destination is Indonesia, whose 17,000 islands offer endless combinations for DIY island-hopping. Base yourself in freewheeling Bali, then make side trips to neighboring islands like Nusa Lembongan for spectacular diving and snorkeling. The coral gardens and shipwrecks here host sea turtles, manta rays, and reef sharks while topside cliffs provide Instagram-worthy vistas. Continue east to the Gili Islands near Lombok to chill in beachside bungalows between snorkel seshes spotting sea turtles and bumphead parrotfish. Experienced surfers can ride the waves at Lembongan, Lombok and Sumbawa's west coast beaches when conditions permit while beginners take lessons in Kuta.
For less crowded, off-the-beaten-path island hopping, head north to Raja Ampat in Indonesia's West Papua province. Its jungle-clad islands host pristine beaches, traditional villages, and the world's richest biodiversity with over 1500 species of fish. Drift dive among giant manta rays and pygmy seahorses, then spend nights stargazing from a rustic overwater cabin. Nearby, the Banda Islands epitomize spice island allure, dotted with colonial ruins and groves of the world's most expensive spice: nutmeg.
Bucket List Bonanza: 2023's Top 10 Hotspots for Adventure Travelers - Scaling New Heights on Epic Treks
For those who really want to earn their views, strap on your hiking boots and head for the heights on one of the world’s most epic mountain treks. Sure, riding a gondola to the top of the Alps or Rockies is nice, but true alpine aficionados know that the most breathtaking vistas come after days of determined slogging up switchback trails. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching a hard-won summit makes it all worthwhile.
One of the planet’s premier high-altitude challenges is tackling the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Over 26 rugged miles, this quadriceps-tormenting route ascends nearly 8,000 vertical feet through cloud forest and high Andean passes surrounded by snow-capped peaks. You’ll hike alongside steep agricultural terraces built by the ancient Incas while soaking up epic views of the Urubamba River valley far below. For history buffs, a highlight is exploring ruins like Winay Wayna along the trail before arriving at the lost city of Machu Picchu itself. Going with an ethical operator like SAS Travel Peru ensures fair worker wages and sustainable practices.
In Nepal’s Himalaya, brave souls can embark on the legendary Annapurna Circuit, a 10- to 20-day trekking odyssey that hits altitudes over 17,000 feet while circumnavigating the Annapurna massif. Following ancient cliffside trading routes, each day brings staggering new vistas of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and other iconic summits. It’s an amazing way to experience village life in the world’s highest inhabited region while spotting exotic birds like the Himalayan monal pheasant. Local guides can detour to view glacial lakes like Tilicho, billed as the highest spot on earth where you can spend a night.
For a heightened challenge combining mountain scenery with wilderness immersion, take on the Alpine Pass Route through Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland. This demanding 95-mile trail links together seven alpine passes between 11,000 to 13,000 feet, with overnight stops in remote mountain huts. Trekking through flower-strewn pastures with bells ringing on grazing cows and goats, it’s the quintessential Swiss Alpine experience. A major reward comes on day five when the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau giants finally emerge through the clouds after the long slog up to Grosse Scheidegg pass. Just be ready for sore knees on the seemingly endless descents.