Top 10 Adventure Travel Experiences for 2014
For adrenaline junkies seeking unforgettable thrills, discover our expert-curated selection of the top adventure travel destinations for 2014, backed by trusted operators and real-world itineraries.
Mountain Biking, Avoriaz, France
Avoriaz, one of 12 interconnected resorts in France's Portes du Soleil region, offers over 650km of mountain bike trails—from gentle paths to extreme descents—across the French Alps, including Les Gets and Morzine. Summer sees 25 ski lifts open exclusively for bikers. The end-of-June Pass'Portes du Soleil festival draws 4,000 riders for a thrilling 75km mostly downhill race. Gondolas close to bikers in September to make way for skiers.
The Rustine School (www.rustine.fr) provides professional instruction for children and adults, including bikes and full-face helmets.
Two-wheeling through the green valleys of the Portes du Soleil in France. Image by Ilan Shacham / Flickr / Getty Images.
Sailing, Cape Horn, Chile
Dientes de Navarino Mountains in Chile by Dimitry B. CC BY 2.0.
Experience tall-ship sailing on the notoriously challenging Auckland-to-Falklands route around Cape Horn—one of the world's roughest sea passages, covering 5,400 nautical miles amid massive waves. Expect hands-on deck work and rigging climbs. Prior crewing experience required for Classic Sailing's Cape Horn voyage (www.classicsailing.co.uk), with shorter trips available for beginners.
Ice Marathon, Antarctica
Antarctica's Lemaire channel at first light. Image by Ralf Hettler / E+ / Getty Images.
Stand out with the annual Ice Marathon in Antarctica's -20°C extremes (wind chill dropping it further). No prior cold-weather running needed, but strict gear guidelines are essential for safety in this penguin-free wilderness. The 2014 event was scheduled for November 19-23, weather permitting (www.icemarathon.com).
Swimming, Sporades Isles, Greece
Boating in the Sporades by Anca Pandrea. CC BY 2.0.
Island-hop the Aegean Sea's Sporades archipelago—Europe's largest marine park—via daily 5km swims amid dolphins, seals, and turquoise waters. Luggage travels by support boat. SwimTrek (www.swimtrek.com) offers June/July trips with stroke analysis for technique improvement.
Climbing Mount Baker on Snowboard or Skis, Washington, USA
Climbing the upper slopes of Mount Baker in Washington State. Image by Cliff Leight / Aurora / Getty Images.
Ascend 3,285m Mount Baker via skis or splitboards for panoramic Alpine views, then descend in style. Glacial terrain demands intermediate touring/riding skills. American Alpine Institute (www.alpineinstitute.com) runs guided three-day trips in May/June.
Kayaking, Kamchatka, Russia
Sea kayakers float past Karaginsky Island in Kamchatka. Image by John Borthwick / Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images.
This 160km helicopter-drop expedition crosses bear-filled Siberian taiga to kayak the Zhupanova River to the Bering Sea. Multi-day river/ocean paddling experience required. Natural Habitat Expeditions, in partnership with WWF (www.nathab.com).
Rock Climbing, Yangshuo, China
Rock climbing in Yangshuo by Maria Ly. CC BY-SA 2.0.
Yangshuo's limestone karsts offer Asia's best climbing concentration, easily accessible from town. Well-bolted routes mix with virgin lines. Optimal March-May/September-December; November climbing festival. Insight Adventures (www.insight-adventures.com).
Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Dominican Republic
Cabarete beach in the Dominican Republic. Image by SOBERKA Richard / hemis.fr / Getty Images.
Explore 500km of uncrowded North Atlantic swells, rivers, reefs, and coves on the DR's northern coast. Waterways Travel (www.waterwaystravel.com) tours year-round; May-September ideal for small waves.
Whitewater Rafting, Mosquito Coast, Honduras
Team of whitewater rafters navigate the rapids in Rio Cangrejal, Honduras. Image by Devon Stephens / E+ / Getty Images.
Raft the remote Rio Platano through Miskito jungle, spotting otters, macaws, and big cats; explore ritual caves and wild camp. Epic Tomato (epictomato.com) week-long trips end at a private coastal retreat.
Travel by Horse and Cart, Myanmar/Burma
Temples and horse carts in Bagan by calflier001. CC BY 2.0.
Authentically explore ancient Ava ruins and Bagan's temples via horse cart—a local favorite. Sheltered, scenic rides. All Points East (allpointseast.com) Myanmar tours include bikes, trains, rickshaws, and river cruises.
Plan an unforgettable year of travel with Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2014—your ultimate guide to the best places to go right now.
