There are those who like to travel in style, staying in resorts with all inclusive packages. And then there are those who travel for the adventure of it all, paying homage to the explorers who sailed blindly into the great unknown. For the adventure travelers who still want to explore the lesser known parts of the world, get out of the resorts and major tourist destinations, and truly see the hidden gems that the world has to offer, this vacation spots should be at the top of your Places to Go list. Forget The Marriot or The Four Seasons, these destinations are meant to shake up your world view and put you in touch with unrivaled beauty and experiences that can’t be had anywhere else in the world. Pack your backpack, book your ticket, and head out to these top 5 vacation destinations for the adventurousMBA type!
1. Belize: Ancient Ruins, Rainforest, and Coral Reefs Belize isn’t exactly off the beaten path, but while this tiny country does receive a considerable about of visitors each year, Belize has lots of tapped beauty laying just off the beaten path. In Belize you can explore lesser knew ancient Mayan sites, long forgotten deep in the jungle. River exploration by kayak, canoe, or slow boat is an exciting way to penetrate deep in the dense jungles of this bio-rich country. And the coral reef just off the coast is the second largest in the world. Belize is truly an adventure travelers dream for tropical exploration.
2. Kamchatka, Russia: Kayaking at the Edge of the World Kamchatka is one of the most remote regions of Russia, and the entire world. There are roads, and no people in the expanse of wilderness. In order to explore this corner of the world, get dropped off by a helicopter and begin your hike at the base of the Karimsky Volcano. As you cross this Siberian wonderland, your only company will be the 25,000 brown bears that call this place home. Once you reach the Zhupanova River, hop into a kayak and make your way to the Bering Sea, where you will be picked up and taken back to civilization. Talk about getting away from it all!
3. Burma/Myanmar: An Unexplored Region Due to its political isolation from the majority of the world, Burma, or Myanmar, is still a bit of a mystery to most of the world. Ancient ruins and pagodas dot the country side, and stilted villages emerge out of the mist. What’s the best way to get around all these ancient ruins and stilted villages? By riding in a horse drawn cart, just like the locals. It’s not the fastest or the smoothest ride, but it sure it memorable.
4. Zimbabwe and Zambia: Victoria Falls and Zambezi River Visit one of the world’s most iconic locations, Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls offers visitors a chance to explore by hiking, kayaking, or white water rafting the Zambezi River. The Zambezi River is considered one of the best places in the world for whitewater kayaking, with some of the most challenging rapids and falls to navigate. It’s all about getting wet in this corner of Africa.
5. Greenland: Your Own Private Icebergs Greenland is one of the least densely populated pieces of land on the planet with only 56,000 people even though it is the largest country in North America. Where else in the world can you sit on the shore and watch giant icebergs gently float by. Greenland is quickly becoming one of the hottest locations for adventure travelers thanks to the sparseness of people, leaving the majority of the country free and clear. Explore Greenland for some true peace and quiet.
Ali Asjad is a content strategist based in Stockholm, Sweden. He helps companies in Sup Costa Rica be more successful and visible online. Circle him on Google+ to further the conversation.
