5 Luxurious Outdoor Adventures: Dream Trips Blending Nature and Comfort
Experience breathtaking outdoor destinations without sacrificing modern comforts. These five curated trips showcase natural wonders alongside luxurious amenities, perfect for adventurers seeking both excitement and relaxation.
(Check out our other dream trips for movie, music, food and art lovers.)
Rocky Mountains, Canada
Embark on a scenic two-day train journey through the stunning Canadian Rockies, all visible by daylight. Marvel at dazzling canyons, inspiring rivers, verdant valleys, and glittering glacial lakes from the comfort of your seat. North America's premier rail adventure rivals Switzerland's Glacier Express. Starting from Vancouver, witness British Columbia's mountains transition into the Rockies at Jasper and Banff. Learn more at www.rockymountaineer.com.
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
The American Southwest boasts iconic landscapes, but this gem just 90 minutes east of Las Vegas often flies under the radar. Valley of Fire State Park, famous as the filming location where Captain Kirk meets his end in Star Trek Generations, features vivid red rock formations rising dramatically from the desert. Enjoy short, rewarding hikes to serene canyon overlooks, offering a profound sense of solitude amid the surreal terrain.
Coastal Wales
Since its opening in 2012, the All Wales Coast Path has invited hikers to explore nearly 1,000 miles of rugged cliffs, sandy bays, hidden coves, and historic seaside castles. Tackle it in sections, with Pembrokeshire's dramatic coastline stealing the show—don't miss Barafundle Bay and St. David's highlights. Reward your efforts with cozy evenings in heritage homes or even castles.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
At 3,656 meters in Bolivia's Altiplano, the world's largest salt flat defies belief with its blinding white expanse, intense blue skies, colorful lagoons, pink flamingos, cacti, hot springs, and geysers. Spanning 10 billion tons of salt near the Andes, this otherworldly site evokes a surreal painting. Stay in upscale salt hotels like those from the Tayka Hoteles chain, featuring solar-powered hot water and plush bedding.
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, Australia
Elevate your glamping experience at Sal Salis in Western Australia's Cape Range National Park, once named Lonely Planet's top glamping spot. From luxury tents, spot red kangaroos on dunes and humpback whales offshore. Dive with whale sharks and manta rays, hike vibrant gorges for black-footed rock wallabies, camel trek on white sands, or stargaze under the Milky Way.
These five destinations deliver sand, salt, sea, and mountains at their most spectacular—leaving you refreshed and inspired.
Originally published and updated in 2012.
