TOP ADVENTURE TRAILS

Rising Star: Sri Lanka

On the rebound from a quarter-century of civil war and the 2004 tsunami, Sri Lanka is coming into its own as an adventure destination. People have long been drawn here for the rich culture: Sri Lanka has eight unesco World Heritage sites, including the fifth-century city of Sigiriya. Now they’re discovering the incredible wildlife, including some of the world’s best whale-watching. Operators ranging from Abercrombie & Kent to Natural World Safaris showcase tea plantations, religious festivals, leopard tracking, and the annual elephant migration in Minneriya National Park. Nights are spent in stylish hotels.

For the Wildlife Lover: Namibia

Spot wildlife, hike the world’s tallest sand dune, and meet Himba tribesmen on a beginner-friendly mountain biking safari fromH&I Adventures. You’ll ride to the starkly beautiful Skeleton Coast and inland watering holes frequented by elephants, lions, and endangered black rhinos.

Cultural Immersion: Papua New Guinea

Where: Visit coastal fjords, the Western Highlands, and active volcanoes in this island nation where more than 700 languages are spoken.

The People: Much of the journey is dedicated to witnessing the everyday life of villagers, including Baining fire-dancers.

The Experience: Participate in a moo-moofeast (pig roast); learn about local customs such as mat-making and tribal tattooing.

Walking and Hiking: Italy

A new itinerary from CW Adventuresspotlights Tuscany’s little-visited Maremma region, home to ancient hilltop towns and sleepy fishing villages. You’ll stay at family-run villas and a seaside resort, sip Bianco di Pitigliano wines, and soak in millennia-old thermal baths.

Rising Star: Patagonia

Though its attractions for serious trekkers and climbers remain undiminished, this region east of the Andes is now enticing a new set of travelers: those who prefer 500-thread-count sheets to drafty tents. A handful of luxury lodges have opened—most recently Awasi Patagonia—and tour operators are adding itineraries for comfort seekers. GeoEx explores Chile’s Chacabuco Valley, the towering O’Higgins Glacier, and Argentina’s Lago del Desierto. Santiago Adventures also takes in both sides of the border, with backcountry 4 x 4 rides and stays at Chile’s Singular Patagonia and Eolo Patagonia’s Spirit, in Argentina.

Cultural Immersion: China

Where: Eat your way through the culinary landscape of the Middle Kingdom—Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Shanghai.

The People: Well-known Chinese chefs open up their restaurant kitchens to lead private cooking classes.

The Experience: Pick up ingredients in bustling markets before cooking Peking duck, dumplings, dim sum, and other classic regional dishes.

Walking and Hiking: New Zealand

The latest tour by VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations is a highlight reel of South Island landscapes, from the soaring mountains of Nelson Lakes National Park to the pristine beaches along the Abel Tasman Coast Track.

For the High-Altitude Junkie: Switzerland and Italy

A new itinerary from the mountain biking pros at Sacred Rides takes on the Alpine topography along the Swiss-Italian border, with incredible village-to-village rides over high-elevation passes. Ease sore muscles at a 2,000-year-old spa where ancient Romans—and, later, Leonardo da Vinci—soaked.

Walking and Hiking: Slovenia

Glacial lakes, medieval castles, Alpine vistas—Boundless Journeys shows you the best of the rugged, crowd-free Julian Alps. Fuel up on traditional farmhouse meals of venison,žlikrofi (potato ravioli), or štruklji (ricotta-stuffed dough).

Rising Star: Iceland

This otherworldly island has long been known for its geysers, glaciers, and dramatic coastline. But until recently, countryside hotels were few and far between. Travelers can now stay in stylish properties beyond Reykjavík, including the chic, geothermally powered Ion Hotel, set on a lava field. And the Stracta Hótel opened in Hella, the first in a chain of 10 well-appointed lodges that will dot the island’s Ring Road. Meanwhile, tour operators such as REI Adventures and Kensington Tours are adding winter itineraries that include caving in ancient lava tubes, walking on glaciers, and viewing the northern lights.

Ancient Ruins: Peru, 15th Century A.D.

Raft, bike, and then trek the Lares Trail—a quieter, higher-elevation alternative to the Inca Trail—on aJourneys International trip to Machu Picchu

Cultural Immersion: Australia

Where: Cicada Lodge offers all-inclusive stays in the Northern Territory, home to Nitmiluk National Park and its towering sandstone canyons.

The People: Showcasing Aboriginal traditions, the lodge is entirely owned and operated by the indigenous Jawoyn people.

The Experience: You can take art classes, four-wheel-drive bush tours, and helicopter rides to 20,000-year-old rock-art sites.

Walking and Hiking: Zambia

Experience African wildlife at close range with Zambia-based Robin Pope Safaris, whose intimate walking excursions follow the Mupamadzi River through South Luangwa National Park. Each day ends with cold drinks and hot showers at a luxurious mobile camp.

Camping in Style: Kenya

The best way to slip into the wild? With only a canvas wall between you and the great outdoors—the king-size beds and en suite bathrooms are a bonus. Once available only for group bookings, the seven elegantly redesigned tents, are now open to individuals, offering access to the great migrations of the Masai Mara National Reserve, but set on a serene conservancy just outside the park.