In a post-pandemic world, people are increasingly seeking exploration and adventure. Both seasoned travelers and travel newbies are on the lookout for fresh and unexplored destinations that can offer them adrenalin-pumping experiences, or serene calmness.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to explore three exciting and emerging destinations that could help you scratch that travel itch.
The Azores, Portugal: A Place Where Nature and Adventure Collide
Nestled in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, this stunning archipelago is a real paradise for any adventurer. With its rugged volcanic landscapes, lakes with crystal-clear water, and amazing cliffs, this is one of the greatest places on Earth for people who love outdoor activities.
Many travelers focus on the adventure spots with the most Social Media exposure, but the most popular places are not necessarily the most beautiful ones. From hiking along the edge of a dormant volcano to exploring underground lava tubes, the Azores has a unique mix of adventure and beautiful nature.
It’s also a great place for scuba divers to immerse themselves in a picturesque underwater world. If you are into scuba diving, there are many organizations that offer underwater tours. You might need to book in advance, though.
Slovenia: One of Europe’s Best-Kept Secrets
Slovenia is probably one of the smallest countries in Europe, and that’s probably the reason why you haven’t heard of it. It’s a small, but remarkable spot for adventure-seeking enthusiasts to dive into a great variety of diverse outdoor and indoor experiences.
For mountain lovers, we have the Julian Alps on our doorstep in Slovenia, with excellent hiking and mountain climbing opportunities and great access to the Triglav National Park. If you want a mix of two worlds there’s also the Socha River which offers adventurous water rafting.
Finally, the Postojna Cave offers a surreal underground experience with an amazing landscape that has hidden awe-inspiring rock formations.
Oman: Arabian Tales of Desert and Mountains
Oman is an exotic and mystic land on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, combining ancient traditions and stunning landscapes. An emerging location, Oman offers adventurers a plethora of exciting experiences, such as dune bashing across the desert, camping under open star-filled skies, and exploring the local Hajar Mountains.
This country also has a coral reef, a must for divers and lovers of open waters. It’s overall a great experience for people who love adventure, and people who might want to wind down and relax in pristine pools of water, resting for the new adventures ahead.
Georgia: A Gem Nestled in The Caucasus Mountains
Once a war-torn country, now a beautiful destination that has a mix of amazing history, culture, and great opportunities for adventure. The peaks of the Caucasus Mountains provide a great playground for adventurous outdoor enthusiasts.
Adventurers who love hiking can embark on an adventure to trek the challenging Mountain Kazbek trek and visit the Svaneti region with its medieval towers. The Svaneti region is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s also a lot to do for adrenaline junkies, such as white-water rafting or paragliding over the amazing mountainous valleys and landscapes of Stepantsminda.
If you feel more like indulging in an urban adventure, Georgia’s capital Tbilisi offers a great blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. You can visit various restaurants or pubs, and enjoy a great evening with your friends and just relax.
Costa Rica: Where Biodiversity Meets Excitement
A small Central American country, Costa Rica is now synonymous with adventuristic travel. It has incredible biodiversity and the whole country is committed to the preservation of the environment.
One of the most popular activities in Costa Rica is zip-lining through the rainforest canopy, which is beautiful and exciting at the same time. You have the opportunity to soar through the treetops and get a bird eye’s view of the nature below you.
Canyoning is a must-do for those seeking a thrill in their lives. You can descend through waterfalls, and rappel down cliffs. White-water rafting is also a very popular activity in Costa Rica and is one that must be tried. The country has a variety of white-water rafting options catering to both the newbie and the most seasoned rafter.