Description:

We believe, adventure travel, may take many forms, and adventures can be discovered in every part of the globe, regardless of how you slice it. However, certain places have a minor advantage in the adrenaline industry due to a combination of natural resources and tourism attractions. With this in mind, we analysed statistics from U.S. News & World Report to determine which countries were the best for explorers, as well as making a few recommendations of our own. If you enjoy scuba diving and hiking to spa treatments and resting on the beach, here are the 15 best nations for adventure travel.

Australia

With more than 30,000 kilometres of magnificent coastline—most especially in the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef—Down Under is brimming with adventure opportunities. Bonus: Because Australia"s population-to-land ratio is so low (it"s one of the least crowded countries on the planet), you"ll feel as though you have enormous areas of the country to yourself.

Argentina

The tops of mountain peaks are covered in snow. Turquoise lakes are those that are blue in colour. There"s a lot of wild tundra, treeless areas, and ice fields. If you"re seeking for a country with a seemingly infinite cycle of landscapes, Argentina might be your best bet. The South American country is also perfect for family vacations, and Traveler"s top experts can help you arrange a trip that is appropriate for people of all ages.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is only 19,730 sq miles in size (roughly the same as West Virginia), but protected jungle covers a quarter of the country. While you"re not hot-air sky rocketing above, zip lining across, or climbing in that particular jungle, simply point in any direction to locate a new adventure in a new environment.

New Zealand

Within New Zealand"s California-sized borders, almost every terrain can be found (though it has 34 million fewer people than the Golden State). New Zealand"s Traveler office says that the nation has every adventure you can think of—and then some—and we tend to believe them.

Portugal

Portugal has grown into a destination for, well, explorers. It was formerly the starting place for adventurers such as Magellan and Columbus, who sails from its western coasts. While the mainland offers plenty of outdoor activities, don"t neglect the Azores: The nine islands, which are located about 850 miles off the coast of Portugal, are home to some of the world"s best whale watching, as well as Portugal"s tallest mountain and multiple volcanoes and crater lakes.

Thailand

Thailand"s vibrant metropolises, distinctive street food culture, and blissed-out ancient landmarks have long drawn gap year travellers and backpacker, but it is now attracting visitors of all ages. Whether you stay close to the metropolis or beach hop to a group of jungle-covered islands off the coast, Thailand is as beautiful as it is crammed with opportunities for adventure at every turn.

Greece

There"s more to Greece than whitewashed houses, serene beaches, and spectacular sunsets—though there are also plenty of those, too. Greece is more than whitewashed buildings, peaceful beaches, and magnificent sunsets, with over 6,000 islands and islets and an 8,500-mile coastline. Are you seeking for a method to get away from the people on an island? Try Naxos (Greece"s northernmost island), which attracts professional mountain bikers, or Thassos (Greece"s northernmost island), which is a windsurfer"s paradise.

Italy

Few areas on the earth have as broad a variety of natural grandeur as Italy, which includes craggy peaks, green hills, and gorgeous coasts. Driving through Tuscany"s winding, cyprus-lined alleys, passing through rolling green hills and golden fields strewn with sunflowers, is unlike anything else. The Dolomites are among the world"s most beautiful mountains, and San Pellegrino Pass is one of the best spots to go rock climbing, skiing, or simply marvel at them.