People who love The Great Outdoors have it good these days. Not only is there seemingly unlimited information about outdoorsy activities at our fingertips but national and regional governments are getting better at welcoming people. You can now travel confidently to many parts of the world and know that you will have safe, well organised and reputable places to hike, swim, kayak, etc.
Given all of this, we’ve decided to take a look at some of the more unusual locations for outdoor stuff. You may or may not have considered some of these places before, but they are more within reach of everyday people than you might think.
Antarctica
Believe it or not, Antarctica travel is no longer the exclusive realm of the retired community. The seventh continent is bustling with activity amidst its fascinating glaciers and waterways. What can you do there?
- Kayaking. Gliding through the icy waterways of Antarctica in a 1-person kayak (or 2 person) is truly an experience like no other. Of all the kayaking adventures you can have, nothing is as surreal or beautiful as slipping between glaciers in the southernmost part of the globe.
- Hiking. Hiking on ice is definitely its own distinct activity, but one that some people love. You’ll need good, sturdy boots (there are particular kinds that experts recommend for extreme cold), layers of clothing, and preferably poles so that you can keep your balance in difficult spots.
- Polar plunge. This activity is often considered not for the faint of heart. But if you look into it globally, you’ll find that many northern cultures include it as part of their lifestyle. It is considered good for the immune system, too (as long as you can warm up afterwards!).
Argentina
If you do plan to go to Antarctica, you might go through Argentina anyway. But it is also a worthy outdoors destination in itself. And it’s got EVERYTHING to offer:
- Argentina is a veritable gold mine for hikers. We could go on and on about the possibilities, but here are just a few:
- Patagonia. There’s a reason one of the world’s most famous sports apparel companies bears this name. Hiking in Patagonia is some of the best in the world, with breathtaking views all around.
- Tierra del Fuego National Park. Another famous name, this park earned its reputation thanks to its fascinating diversity of flora and fauna and challenging hikes.
- Perito Moreno Glacier. If you want to explore a glacier and aren’t yet ready for Antarctica, this will offer you a great opportunity. You might even be able to witness the process of ice calving.
- Horseback riding and whale watching. The diversity of Argentina’s landscape offers rare opportunities for things such as horseback riding in Pambas and Mendoza and whale watching in the Valdes Peninsula.
The Great Barrier Reef
If underwater is your thing, there is no better place on the planet than the world’s largest coral system off the Northeastern coast of Australia. Beneath its stunning azure waters, you will find all sorts of wonders:
- Over 400 types of corals. We tend to have a very stereotypical image of what a coral looks like. After a visit to the Great Barrier Reef, you will surely never think of them in the same way again. Corals are divided and subdivided into numerous categories, including elkhorn, brain, staghorn and many others, each beautifully illustrating the best of what nature has to offer.
- Over 1600 kinds of fish. You’ll see lots of familiar fish types when snorkelling or deep-sea diving in the Great Barrier Reef. Ever heard of Maori wrasse? Or potato grouper? Indeed, if you choose to venture into these waters, you should get your underwater camera ready because you’ll be amazed at the things you find.
- Over 100 species of jellyfish. Get your wetsuit on! They can’t harm you if they can’t touch your skin, but these multi-legged sea creatures can be fascinating to look at (plus, you can brag to your friends that you managed to get close to them without getting stung!).
There are also interesting attractions around the water. The Reef isn’t the only thing of beauty in the area. While you’re in the region you should take advantage of the opportunity to visit Green Island, Magnetic Island and the Cairns Aquarium, among other places.
Explore for yourself
These three spots are just a small taste of what is out there (as you can see, we only dipped into the “A”s…). Just as your explorative instincts will take you around a nature spot, so too should you feel free to explore the online world so that you can get some ideas. Then you can go wild when you arrive and experience the best that nature has to offer.
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