The pandemic renewed our interest in the outdoors in a dramatic way and reignited the travel industry. Here are a few of my favorite overseas adventure travel experiences that have provided lifelong memories I’ll cherish forever.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an eco-friendly jungle paradise and the ultimate place for an epic overseas adventure travel experience. It’s one of the greenest places I’ve ever been, and by that, I also mean eco-friendly.
There are so many coastal and mountain towns to spend time in and countless outdoor activities to do. If you seek beaches, you can have them. If you seek adventure, you can have that, too!
Where to stay in Costa Rica
There are so many amazing places to stay in Costa Rica. For all-inclusive resorts, Riu Hotels has several of them near Liberia such as Riu Palace Costa Rica.
In addition, many upscale properties such as El Mangroove, Andaz Costa Rica, Hotel Punta Islita are not all-inclusive properties but do offer full-board meal plans.
Las Catalinas is a modern, resort community offering upscale accommodation, dining, and activities. It’s a great place to stay with a small group and if you prefer not to stay in a large resort.
Casa Chameleon is perhaps the most well-known hotel in the region. This adults-only hotel has been named one of the Top 100 hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure.
Tamarindo Beach is a popular place to stay and offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and activities, unlike some other resort areas, which are more remote. JW Marriott Guanacaste and the W Costa Rica are just a few properties nearby.
Morocco
While Morocco is known for its dazzling cities, it has some equally incredible landscapes from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert
Staying overnight at a luxury desert camp is a truly magical experience. Getting to the Merzouga Desert takes about 8 to 9 hours driving from Marrakech, so the best use of time is to stop at other points of interest along the way, including Ait-Ben-Haddou in Ouarzazate.
Related post: A Taste of Morocco – My Video Diary
Where to stay in Morocco
One of the best ways to experience the Sahara is to stay in a luxury glamping location such as Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp.
This luxury camp of ten tents is set in the heart of the desert and offers a variety of activities, including camel rids, sandboarding, visits to Bedouin villages, and romantic dining under starlit skies.
Related post: Most Luxurious Riads in Marrakech
Iceland
With such unbelievable waterfalls; dramatic cliffs; massive glaciers; and active volcanoes, visiting Iceland makes the perfect overseas adventure travel experience.
The Golden Circle, South Coast, and the Blue Lagoon are among the most popular attractions, and for good reason. There are so many picturesque landscapes, gorgeous waterfalls, and black-sand beaches, too.
Related post: How to Spend 7 Amazing Summer Days in Iceland
Where to stay in Iceland
Located just outside Hella, Fagrebrekka Guesthouse is four-cottage property offering beautiful views of the Icelandic countryside. Each cottage has a large deck and modern Nordic decor.
Peru
Peru is definitely a bucket-list destination with gorgeous mountain backdrops, ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and fantastic food.
While Machu Picchu is a major tourist attraction, the country has so much more to offer, including historic sites in Cusco and wonders like the Nazca Lines and Rainbow Mountain.
Where to stay in Peru
From Hotel Tambo del Inka to any number of Belmond properties in Peru, including the Belmond Andean Explorer train, there are many amazing places to visit and stay in Peru.
For a true glamping experience, Titicaca Lodge Peru offers a serene stay on a floating island.
Related post: Glamping at Titicaca Lodge Peru
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Blessed with amazing cities and gorgeous coasts, South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Given the prevalence of wildlife, the country is a popular place to go on safari, and seeing animals in their natural habitat is far more exciting than any zoo.
Related post: Safari Clothing Guide
Where to stay in the Kruger National Park Area
The Sabi Sands Game Reserve is home to 24 luxury lodges. Offering the ultimate glamping experience, you can often spot animals from your room.
Here is a list of lodges on the reserve:
- Lion Sands Game Reserve
- Chitwa Chitwa Lodge
- Ulusaba Rock Lodge
- Ulusaba Safari Lodge
- Notten’s Bush Camp
- Sabi Sabi Game Reserve
- Singita Sabi Sand Lodges
- Dulini Game Reserve
- Elephant Plains Lodge
- Arathusa Safari Lodge
- Tengile River Lodge
- Jaci’s Sabi House
- Leopard Hill Lodge
- &Beyond Kirkman’s Camp
- Nkorho Bush Camp
- Londolozi Game Reserve
- Savanna Game Lodge
- Idube Game Lodge
- Inyati Safari Lodge
- Silvan Safari Lodge
- Cheetah Plains Lodge
- Umkumbe Safari Lodge
- Mala Mala Game Reserve
- Simbambili Game Reserve
Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert is the highest nonpolar desert in the world and one of the driest places on earth. It’s often used as the location for films featuring the planet Mars, because the landscapes are so otherworldly.
Though San Pedro de Atacama, the main tourist town, reminded me of the ‘Wild Wild West’, it’s a step beyond old saloons and corrals. The town has a number of amazing and intimate boutique hotels and wonderful places to eat, from café-style to bonfire style.
I also loved shopping in the markets, and while I bought many items, I wanted to bring home more!
Related post: Things to Do in the Atacama Desert
Where to stay in the Atacama Desert
San Pedro de Atacama is full of charming boutique properties. For affordable luxury, check out Hotel Cumbres, Hotel Pascual Andino, and Hotel Desertica.
To splurge on your stay, try Explora Atacama, Alto Atacama Desert Lodge, and Awasi Atacama.
Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
While Bolivia is not a popular international tourist destination, the landscapes are epic.
Places like the Uyuni Salt Flats, look like they’re from another planet. The diversity of topography is boundless in Bolivia.
Related post: The Best Way to Take an Uyuni Salt Flats Tour
Where to stay in Uyuni
Opened in 2019, Kachi Lodge is the most luxurious address in Uyuni. This five-star property offers glamping igloos located directly on the salt flats.
New Zealand
Known as the bungee jump capital of the world, New Zealand is synonymous with adventure.
Though the two main islands of New Zealand, the North and South Islands, are very much well known, New Zealand actually comprises more than 600 smaller islands.
The country is full of beautiful fjords, sounds, mountains, lakes, glaciers, and rivers.
Where to stay in New Zealand
On the North Island, take a trip to the beautiful Lake Taupo region. Located in the caldera of the Taupo Volcano, Lake Tahoe is the largest lake in New Zealand. Lake Taupo Lodge and Hilton Lake Taupo
On the South Island, there’s no shortage of luxury accommodation in Queenstown, the gateway town to Milford Sound. Azur and Hulbert House are among the most upscale accommodations, and of course the views are lovely.
