The 33 Adventure Destinations You Need To Visit In 2017

Thrillseekers are always up for an adrenaline-inducing adventure. With the year 2017 around the corner, travelers are beginning to plan their getaways. Visit unique attractions; see majestic landscapes, vibrant cities and iconic landmarks; or go on an overnight excursion to surf incredible waves and test your physical limits. The destinations on the list vary from the kinds of exploits they offer to the size of budget they need to fit.

Mexico is going to be a hot spot in 2017. It is home to some of the world's best architecture, spectacular waterfalls, swimming holes and an abundance of marine life. Explore underground caverns; spike your adrenaline on thrilling rides in the Xcaret eco-archaeological Park; embark on a wildlife tour at the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve in Tulum; and go snorkeling in an Underwater River. Click here to see more places in Mexico you need to check out in 2017.

If you're unsure where to travel in Europe, consider Spain. Embark on tons of adventures and learn about history. Venture to Madrid – Spain's capitol – and explore famous Egyptian temples, visit ginormous museums, tour the city's parks and celebrate at their local festivals. Other adventurous things to do in Spain include sea caving in Mallorca, snorkeling, trail running, and cycling.

The ultimate arctic paradise – Iceland – should be on your travel radar for 2017. It's a destination for thrill seekers, nature lovers, photographers and people who are simply looking some for peace of mind. While you are there make sure that you go for a dip in the Blue Lagoon Spa, visit their majestic waterfalls, go dogsledding, view the Northern Lights and take a road trip on The Golden Circle.

If you're looking for adrenaline pumping fun, look no further than New Zealand. Navigate your way through the beautiful water in Milford Sound; go skydiving in Fox Glacier; bungee jump The Nevis in Queenstown – one of the most terrifying bungee jumps in the world, go camping in their national parks, and make sure you visit the slowly melting, Franz Josef Glacier.

View spectacular mountains, get close to large colonies of penguins, and indulge in awe-inspiring scenery at this incredible adventure destination. While you are there make sure that you visit the Lemaire Channel, one of the top tourist destinations in Antarctica; hop on a cruise ship and cross the world's roughest seas through Drake Passage; go camping under the stars; and float in a hot spring surrounded by a snowy landscape at Deception Island.

Hawaii is known for their incredible beaches, beautiful islands, adrenaline pumping activities and extreme adventures. Whatever your heart desires, Hawaii has got you covered. From skydiving and capturing views of Hawaii from above, entering a cage and getting up close and personal with sharks and zip lining through trees, across canyons and through rainforests, you will not be disappointed.

Experience the wild, diverse and extravagant world of Kenya. View stunning landscapes, incredible wildlife and educate yourself culturally. Adventure lovers, you must go on an extreme safari in Kenya. Embark on a 14-day safari in Kenya that focuses on unique wilderness encounters. Enjoy gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and take a balloon ride over the Masai Mara. The scenery is absolutely incredible.

Norway may be one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world, but it is also full of adventure. Visit Fjords of Norway and embark on a glacier hike; go kayaking along beautiful coasts, incredible inlets and rivers; embark on a safari and view tons of incredible wildlife; and go mountain biking along diverse trails to explore unique landscapes and view stunning scenery.

If you're a wildlife lover, look no further than Volcanoes National Park. It's one of the best destinations in the world for gorilla trekking. The park is home to the Mountain Gorilla – it's one of two places where you can see them face-to-face – as well as golden monkeys, Spotted Hyena, buffaloes, elephants, black-fronted duiker, and bushbuck. You can see the gorillas chew on bamboo shoots and they can be spotted all year round.

Australia is one of the most thrilling and adventurous countries in the world. From backcountry beach camping to big wave surfing, wildlife viewing and everglade kayaking, you will never run out of exciting things to do and places to explore. While you are there make sure that you check out some of their most spectacular beaches – Bondi Beach, Four Mile Beach, Hyam's Beach and Macushla Beach, to name a few. See unique hues and colored sand, and turquoise and clear waters.

This stunning lake is located in Alberta's Banff National Park. It is one of Canada's most iconic lakes. There is something to do year-round – go skating, cross country skiing and dogsledding in the winter, and paddling, biking, horseback riding, and golfing in the summer.

Located in eastern Utah is Moab, an exciting adventure destination. It is home to the famous Canyonlands and Arches National Park. Enjoy beautiful scenery and capture photos of the red rock landscape and the incredible wildlife. While you are there, go hiking, bike riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, rafting, backpacking or embark on an overnight camping trip.

Take a trip to Palau in 2017 and spike your adrenaline on a 20-minute boat ride to Jellyfish Lake – a marine lake located on Eil Malk Island. Once there, dive into the spectacular lake and snorkel with millions of jellyfish and other sea life. And fear not: These jellyfish won't sting you! According to the New York Times, "the aquatic habitat is considered one of the seven underwater wonders of the world."

The Zambezi River offers one of the most exhilarating rafting adventures in all of Africa. It is considered one of the top-10 rivers in the world for whitewater rafting. It is a high volume river with class 3 through 5 rapids. You will encounter huge drops and very difficult rapids. Low water season is July-January, while high water season is February-June.

This destination is a cultural hub which offers incredible adventurous activities for everyone. Go for a scenic walk in the Campuhan Ridge; embark on a downhill bike tour; go for a swim in the twin level cascading infinity pools at the Hanging Gardens; and make sure you visit the Ubud Monkey Forest – one of the best national reserves in the world – to view 115 different species of trees, three Hindu temples and tons of monkeys.

This ancient city is a must-visit adventure destination for 2017. Walk through the historical Siq canyon and view thousand-year old cobblestones and a curvy rock face in mind blowing colors; and go on a hike through mountains and view spectacular scenery on the High Palace of Sacrifice. While you are there make sure that you also visit the ancient ruins, historic sites and landmarks, some of which include the Royal Tombs, Shobak Castle and The Great Temple.

Pucon is located by the beautiful Lake Villarrica and Villarrica Volcano; it has a relatively consistent climate, which makes it a popular tourist destination in Chile. Visitors enjoy volcano climbing, whitewater rafting the Trancura River, skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, and relaxing in thermal pools.

Morocco is home to incredible trails and stunning mountains. It's the perfect destination for hiking. Go trekking in the Atlas Mountains – a mountain range which extends about 1,500 miles through Morocco. It's a haven for trekkers looking for a challenge and a truly unique experience.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world and the highest peak on the African continent. Go for a hike to the top of this mountain to capture sites of the breathtaking sunrise. Embark on an 18-day trip with Wilderness Travel which leads hikers up an uncrowded route to a "Hemingway-style" safari camp at the summit where the main reward is the absolutely breathtaking views.

Popular among backpackers and adventurous travelers, Torres del Paine National Park attracts roughly 150,000 visitors to its remote wilderness each year. It encompasses lakes, ancient forests, rivers, mountains and glaciers. Visitors come for the breathtaking landscapes and some of the world's most spectacular trekking routes. Some of the best hiking routes include Grey Glacier and Lago de Grey, Paso Los Cuernos, and Mirador Las Torres.

Due to the country's birthday, the government has decided to admit all Canadian and international guests to parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada free of charge. If you ever dreamed of hiking along huge glacial lakes, soaking up the sun on sandy beaches, exploring unique rocky coasts, or getting lost in lavish forests, visit Canada's national park system, one of the oldest and largest in the world with 47 locations.

Tahiti is beautiful and lush, and it's home to one of the heaviest waves in the world – Teahupoo. There are other highly aesthetic and powerful surf breaks here, too. And if you're not up for towering barrels, plan your visit between April and September when waves tend to be slightly mellower. Rurutu, known as the Island of Whales, is an ideal snorkeling destination. The best time to go is between July and October when southern humpback whales move to the water near Tahiti to mate and give birth.

Cuba is becoming a hot spot for American adventurers. Cave diving in the country is superb – you can't dive and explore the depths of a cave that reaches 70-feet deep in many places. Cueva de Saturno is one such diving spot. The Gran Caverna de Santo Tomas is one of the largest and most complex cave systems in the Western Hemisphere. Cuba has amazing geology; you can find some very strange rock formations there. Scuba diving and zip lining are popular, too.

Most people associate Singapore with business, but the city-state is a hidden adventure gem in Asia. Parks and nature reserves offer thrill seekers opportunities to snorkel over a colorful coral reef with thousands of species of fish, zip line over a reservoir, and go on a night safari to see nocturnal animals in their natural environments. There is also indoor surfing and skydiving.

G Adventures' sales to Israel have doubled in the past year, and those from the U.S. are on track to quadruple for 2017, perhaps encouraged by the country's internationally renowned security. June 5, 2017, also marks 50 years since the historic Six Day War. For travelers looking for a guided, educational experience, the eight-day Israel and Beyond trip features a dual-narrative walking tour of Bethlehem with both Israeli and Palestinian guides.

The secret is out on Portugal, but travelers can avoid the new crowds by escaping to its spattering of Atlantic islands called the Azores instead. The autonomous region of Portugal is an archipelago formed by nine volcanic islands and a few islets. Described as an adrenaline junkie's paradise, they are still relatively undiscovered, yet they offer a wide range of adventurous activities. From canyoning and cliff diving, to big-game fishing and paragliding, all types of exploration enthusiasts will find excitement here. Plus, the islands are free of hotel and restaurants chains, meaning a truly authentic journey awaits anyone willing to make the trip.

Iran is quickly becoming an 'it' destination for trend-setting travelers, thanks in part to British Airways launching direct flights to Tehran. G Adventures' sales to Iran have doubled in the past year – a trend that is set to continue with increased investment in tourism infrastructure. European hospitality brands are making plans to open new hotels to capitalize on, what the Wall Street Journal calls an "uptick in tourism." Travelers can explore the storied history of old Persia and experience the spirit of new Iran on a 14-day Iran – Discover Persia trip.

G Adventures' sales to Madagascar are up 25 percent, representing the highest growth destination in Africa for the small groups tour operator this year. The island nation is coming back after several recent years of diplomatic and financial isolation. Plus, discoveries of new lemur species excite wildlife enthusiasts, who hope to see the rare and adorable primates up close. G Adventures has launched a new, eight-day trip for 2017, the Baobab and Tsingy Explorer. There is also a 14-day Highlights of Madagascar tour.

Greenland's epic fjords and remote arctic tundra remain under the radar. With 300 clear nights, its visitors might have the magical Northern Lights all to themselves. The discovery of a 372-year-old shark in 2016 will intrigue nature lovers. This could be particularly true, as winter travelers look for ways to push the envelope and experience the "next Iceland." Touring by expedition vessel improves comfort and accessibility. A 15-day Arctic Highlights trip onboard the G Expedition ship starts in Longyearbyen, Norway and finishes in Reykjavik, Iceland.

April, May and June are the times to take a holiday in this dollar-friendly adventure destination because it's the dry season. Visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, learn about the country's tumultuous history, enjoy the beautiful untouched beaches, encounter wild animals in the lavish jungle, and eat delicious local food. Along the way you'll get to swim, sunbath, and snorkel. There are also boat tours that are readily available. 

There are plenty of reasons to visit South Korea in 2017. Attention will be turning to the country in the build-up to the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics. The Korean Tourist Board has also just joined forces with Japan and China to create the new 'Visit East Asia' partnership, encouraging travel to all three countries. A 10-day Best of South Korea trip with G Adventures includes going to Seoul, folk villages, unique Korean temples, and the incredible Jeju Island.

Don't go trekking in the Himalaya; save that for the winter. Go on a wildlife safari in the southern part of the country instead and bathe with elephants in the village of Sauraha. Go ballooning above the Kathmandu Valley or bungee jumping off a 500-foot suspension bridge snuggled within the mountains, high above the river. Canoeing and rock climbing are other popular summer adventures in Nepal.

Most people go to Mexico or Belize and just fly over Guatemala. But they should consider landing there for a combination of ancient Mayan ruins and stunning nature. The weather is pleasant year-round. November through April is usually the dry season. Lake Atitlan is one of the most spectacular lakes in the world. Take a tour around it; climb Volcano Atitlan and Volcano San Pedro; and hike through the Onion Fields and take pictures of the amazing scenery.