By Diana Gerstacker
TheActiveTimes.com
You've saved up your hard-earned money and vacation time, now it all comes down to this; where are you going to go?
Maybe you should opt for the always-popular beach vacation, or you might, instead choose the often overlooked mountain town, but if you’re really looking to satisfy your appetite for adventure, you'll need a truly thrilling destination.
A big part of the excitement of travel is going somewhere you've never been, so consider branching out this summer with one of our top destinations. As the weather heats up, it's time to make a decision. We’ve outlined 10 of the most adventurous destinations, sure to please any outdoor adventurer.
Top Adventure Destinations For Summer
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Remote adventure awaits in the high peaks of the unspoiled Atlas Mountains. The impressive North African range is a haven for trekkers looking for a challenge and a truly unique experience. The Berber villages that dot the mountains are home to trekking guides and ancient traditions like carpet weaving.
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
From the bustling ancient city of Marrakech, Toubkal National Park isn’t far off; it’s home to the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains, Toubkal and is a gateway to other adventures like ski mountaineering, rock climbing and even mountain biking on worn in mule paths.
Wanaka, New Zealand
Queenstown’s lesser-known counterpart, a must-visit adventure area for those looking to escape some of the more touristy areas of New Zealand.
Wanaka, New Zealand
Explore the stunning Mt. Aspiring National Park, take in the views by sky diving or paragliding, enjoy the pristine lakes by kayak or take in the town that hasn’t yet been overrun by tourism.
Sedona, Arizona
The land of red rocks and intense spirituality, Sedona is not your average outdoor adventure destination. The desert town draws in artists, healers and wanderers, while the surrounding landscape brings adventurers.
Sedona, Arizona
Take to Submarine Rock on a mountain bike, get off the beaten path with ATVs and hike Red Rock State Park. When you’re worn out take to the lively town and enjoy authentic art and eats.
Pyrenees Mountains: France, Spain
The mountain range that splits the Iberian Peninsula from the rest of Europe is a skiers paradise in the winter and, come summertime, a hiker’s gem hidden in plain sight. Stretching 267 miles and gaining more than 10,000 feet of elevation, hikers can attempt the whole thing, but most opt for shorter sections.
Pyrenees Mountains: France, Spain
Find your way to one of the many national parks in the area, explore local mountain towns and enjoy stunning alpine lakes and waterways.
Pucon, Chile
This well-known outdoor adventure hotspot has a solid reputation for providing world-class thrills in a breathtakingly beautiful setting.
Pucon, Chile
Adventurers will be in their glory climbing snowcapped volcano Villarrica, rafting the glacier-fed Trancura River or skiing and snowboarding. Food, drink and overnight accommodations are available for all kinds of budgets in town.
Jeju Island, South Korea
Jeju Island, often referred to as “the Hawaii of Korea,” attracts most of its travelers from the mainland, but since 2011, when it was voted one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, international attention has been growing. At three times the size of Seoul, though, there’s plenty of room to accommodate travelers.
Jeju Island, South Korea
Some visit for the scenery, others to get away, but if you’re looking for adventure you won’t have to look hard. Explore lava tubes, hike to the highest point in the country, a dormant volcano or dive off the coast to find beautiful coral.
Sun Valley, Idaho
This mountain town is home to art festivals, hundreds of miles of singletrack and some of the very best athletes in the country -- if that isn’t enough of a reason to visit, the scenery might help.
Sun Valley, Idaho
The town best known for its ski mountain has a whole lot to offer in the summer too -- explore the surrounding mountains by bike, paddle the nearby Salmon River or climb some of the best granite in the country in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which is just north of Sun Valley.
For the complete list of the Top 10 Adventure Destinations For Summer, go to TheActiveTimes.com.
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-- The Best Cruises to Take this Summer that Won't Break the Bank
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-- Places You Need to See Before You Die
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