Adventure Travel

The essence of adventure travel is challenging yourself to find excitement everywhere it lurks. Sand-boarding down dunes, camel trekking through deserts and dog sledding over icy tundra are surely adrenaline-worthy activities. Here’s the Squire’s short list of his favorites. Just don’t forget your backpack and camera— oh, and leave your fears behind.

Chile

Why not backpack the stunning steppes, grasslands, and deserts of Chile? In the north, the Atacama Desert is visited by countless tourists each year for its adrenaline-packed outdoor activities. Try sand-boarding down sun scorched dunes, floating on translucent blue lagoons, and horseback riding by gushing geysers at sunset. The Atacama, known as the driest place on Earth, boasted itself as the hypothetical parched surface of Mars in the TV series Space Odyssey: Voyage to the Planets. For an otherworldly experience beyond the screen, Chile’s ALMA (the largest astronomical project ever) allows you to embark on an astronomer led stargazing adventure in the town of San Pedro de Atacama for a dazzling night under the stars. (That will surely beat your bedroom ceiling’s glow-in-the-dark celestial stickers.)

Morocco

Dive into sweet cultural immersion while shopping for za’atar and saffron in one of the vibrant Moroccan souks. Hop on a mountain bike and pedal through ancient villages and Kasbahs, or trek over purple soil through oxygenized cedar forests and the towering High Atlas Mountains. You won’t need a break from the spectacular natural views, but you’ll definitely want to take some time out later for photo opps.

Biking and hiking may leave you panting and while Uber isn’t an option here, camels are! Plant yourself high above a passenger seat as you trek through the scenic Sahara. Refuel with a hearty lunch of couscous, harsha (deliciously buttery semolina bread), and some bessara soup. Wash it down with mint tea, a traditional Moroccan custom. While the climate is arid, windsurfing the Casbah is as refreshing as taking a dip in the Atlantic.

Greenland

Not all adventure destinations are about sand and sizzling heat. Icy Polar regions are jam packed with possibilities. Greenland lures guests with activities that are sure to leave you breathless like snowmobiling and dog sledding which provide a truly authentic Greenland experience. Bundle up in sealskin and learn the commands. The energetic and enthusiastic Huskies will show you the native Inuit take on transportation.

If you’re up for the challenge, coldwater diving will provide a majestic look into an aquatic paradise. From diving through shipwrecks and ice caves to becoming acquainted with a sea cucumber or curious catfish, exploring the waters of the world’s largest island will leave even the most jaded adventurer in awe. Spend the night camping lakeside under the crystal clear skies at Kangerlussuaq, wondrously gazing at the Northern Lights dancing above.

If these destinations don’t quench your thirst for adventure, NASA may be able to hook you up.