Top 5: Adventurous destinations of the next decade

Published on: Thursday, April 20, 2017
Top 5: Adventurous destinations of the next decade - Sand boarding

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Some you may have heard of, some you may not, but these destinations are set to take off over the next few years – get there now before the crowds descend.

1. Azores, Portugal

The introduction of low-cost flights from Ryanair and Easyjet is set to put the Azores firmly on the tourist map. This cluster of nine volcanic islands, set about 1,500km (900 miles) west of Portugal and 4,000km (2,500 miles) east of New York, offers a subtropical climate, numerous hot springs, vividly coloured lakes and incredible diving. Excursions include whale and dolphin watching, and hiking and surfing are also popular, making it ideal for the outdoor adventure enthusiast.

Best of all? The Azores are widely considered to be one of the 20 greenest destinations on earth, they are a model of sustainable tourism, with only about 5% of land urbanized and most of the islands running on renewable energy. Visit now, before an influx of visitors invariably alters the authentic, sedate way of life of the local inhabitants.

 

2. Ras al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

Recently garnering attention as the location for Brad Pitt’s new film War Machine, the UAE’s northernmost Emirate offers a low-key, outdoors oriented escape only 45 minutes drive from Dubai International Airport. Although you’ll find some big name resorts offering palatial splendour, it’s on a more relaxed scale than Dubai. You’ll also discover the best beaches in the Emirates, and a desert region with rugged mountainous landscapes – outdoor activities include quad biking, sand boarding and dune riding, plus the longest zipline in the UAE.

As befits a land that’s over 7,000 years old, there’s culture too – such as the 16th century hilltop Dhayah Fort and the ruins of a medieval palace at Sheba’s Palace. The National Museum of Ras al-Khaimah, set in a former palace, offers a comprehensive oversight of the region’s history.

 

3. Bolivia

Until now primarily a backpacker’s haven and overlooked by visitors in favour of its more popular neighbours, Bolivia’s government is pouring investment in tourism, with the aim of attracting the mid- and luxury travel market. UNESCO awarded La Paz “wonder city” status in 2015, and the same year saw a 40% increase in visitors. For now, you’ll escape the hordes but can enjoy upgraded infrastructure along with the incredible diversity and untouched wilderness that the country is famous for.

Travel from the heights of the Andes Mountains to the Amazon basin, encountering over 30 indigenous peoples along the way – South America’s largest percentage. Another highlight is Lake Titicaca, a sacred lake on the border of Peru that is famous for its still, deep blue waters. Before you go, check out the Bolivia Travel Guide.

 

4. Mongolia

The Mongolian government are keen to more than double the amount of tourists to a million a year by 2020 but even if this happens, it will hardly be noticeable – vast and remote, the most sparsely populated country in the world is one that remains virtually untouched by modern life, making it an alluring destination for the adventurous traveller.

The rapidly growing capital, Ulaanbataar, is a fascinating mix of modern and traditional, where you’ll see high-rise buildings and modern cars alongside horsemen and cattle. Venture further afield, however, and experience the warm and genuine hospitality of the nomadic people, alongside grasslands, mountains, lakes and desert and a truly starting array of wildlife (such as snow leopards, gazelles and wild camels).

Do you know that Tavan Bogd National Park is one of the best places for back country walking in Mongolia? To see the list of top attractions and activities, visit the informative Mongolia Travel Guide.

 

5. The Philippines

Consisting of over 7,000 islands (although the vast majority of the population lives on just 11 of them), the Philippines offers a mix of everything: from buzzing cities with uniquely Spanish-Filipino architecture set alongside modern malls to beach resorts with white sand beaches and lively nightlife scenes. You’ll also find Robinson Crusoe-style deserted white sand beaches teeming with coral reefs, lush emerald jungle and mountains, plus volcanoes, many of them active.

Those that aren’t content to just flop onto a beach towel can find plenty of adrenalin-inducing activities – diving and surfing are probably the activities the country is most famous for, but you can also engage in zip-lining, spelunking, rafting, trekking… as well as kayaking, rafting and kiteboarding – plenty to keep the most adventurous traveller content.