Pure Travel
  • About
  • Destination Inspiration
  • Tips & Advice
  • Guide
  • Travel Writing
  • Cookie Policy (UK)
  • Conservation
  • Privacy
  • Travel Writing Competition 2025
  • Reviews
  • Travel Resources
  • T&C
  • Contact Us
  • Conservation
  • Privacy
  • Travel Writing Competition 2025
  • Reviews
  • Travel Resources
  • T&C
  • Contact Us
Pure Travel
Pure Travel
  • About
  • Destination Inspiration
  • Tips & Advice
  • Guide
  • Travel Writing
  • Cookie Policy (UK)
Exciting holiday destinations
  • Action & Adventure
  • Great Holiday Destinations

The Ten Most Exciting Places to Go on Holiday

  • March 6, 2025
  • Robert

At PureTravel we know that the world is full of incredible destinations, but which places offer a little extra thrill, adventure, and unforgettable experiences? Whether you’re seeking a relaxing safari, a cultural deep dive, or an off-the-beaten-path exploration, these ten destinations promise an exciting holiday like no other.

1. Patagonia, Chile & Argentina – The Ultimate Outdoor Adventure

For those who love the great outdoors, Patagonia is the pinnacle of adventure. Stretching across Chile and Argentina, this vast and remote region is a dream for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers. The jagged peaks of Torres del Paine National Park, the colossal Perito Moreno Glacier, and the stunning Fitz Roy Range offer some of the world’s best trekking routes. Beyond hiking, visitors can kayak through icy fjords, spot pumas in the wild, and even embark on a cruise through the dramatic Beagle Channel.

Unmissable highlight: Hiking the W Trek in Torres del Paine National Park.

2. Tokyo, Japan – A Futuristic Wonderland

If excitement for you means a vibrant city bursting with energy, technology, and culture, Tokyo is the place to be. Japan’s capital is a fascinating blend of futuristic innovation and deep-rooted tradition. From the neon lights of Shinjuku and Shibuya to the tranquil temples of Asakusa, Tokyo offers endless excitement. Food lovers can indulge in world-class sushi, ramen, and street food, while anime and gaming enthusiasts can explore Akihabara’s tech stores and themed cafes. For an adrenaline rush, try go-karting through the city streets dressed as your favourite Mario Kart character. Unmissable highlight: Crossing the famous Shibuya Scramble and taking in the city lights.

3. Queenstown, New Zealand – The Adrenaline Capital of the World

Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is a must-visit for thrill-seekers. Nestled among the stunning Southern Alps and beside the crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu, this New Zealand town offers non-stop action. Try bungee jumping from the Kawarau Bridge, skydiving over the Remarkables mountain range, or jet boating down the Shotover River. Winter sports enthusiasts can hit the slopes in the nearby ski resorts, while summer visitors can go mountain biking or hike the breathtaking Routeburn Track.

Unmissable highlight: Bungee jumping from the Nevis Bungy, the highest in New Zealand.

4. Maasai Mara, Kenya – The Ultimate Safari Experience

For wildlife lovers, few experiences rival a safari in Kenya’s Maasai Mara. This world-famous reserve is home to the Big Five – lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos – along with cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and countless other species. The excitement reaches its peak between July and October, when the Great Migration sees millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River in a dramatic battle for survival against hungry crocodiles.

Unmissable highlight: Witnessing the Great Migration in action.

5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – The City of Samba and Sun

Rio de Janeiro is a city bursting with energy, colour, and life. Whether you visit during Carnival, when the city comes alive with parades and samba music, or any other time of the year, Rio offers plenty of excitement. Relax on the iconic beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, hike up to the Christ the Redeemer statue for breathtaking views, or take a cable car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain. By night, experience the lively nightlife in Lapa, where samba clubs and street parties keep the rhythm going until dawn.

Unmissable highlight: Watching the sunset from Sugarloaf Mountain.

6. Iceland – A Land of Fire and Ice

Iceland is one of the most dramatic and thrilling travel destinations in the world, offering landscapes that seem almost otherworldly. From the geothermal wonders of the Blue Lagoon to the thundering waterfalls of Gullfoss and Skógafoss, the scenery is breathtaking. Chase the Northern Lights in winter or experience the midnight sun in summer. Thrill-seekers can hike on glaciers, explore volcanic caves, snorkel between tectonic plates in Silfra, or venture into the highlands on a super jeep tour.

Unmissable highlight: Snorkeling between the tectonic plates at Silfra.

7. The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador – A Wildlife Paradise

For those who crave an extraordinary wildlife experience, the Galápagos Islands are an unparalleled destination. Located 1,000 km off the coast of Ecuador, this UNESCO-listed archipelago is home to some of the most unique and fearless wildlife on the planet. Snorkel with sea lions, swim alongside marine iguanas, and watch giant tortoises lumber through the forests. The islands are also a dream for scuba divers, offering encounters with hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks.

Unmissable highlight: Snorkeling with playful sea lions at Gardner Bay.

8. Cape Town, South Africa – A City of Adventure

Cape Town offers an unbeatable mix of urban excitement and outdoor adventure. Hike or take a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for spectacular views, explore the vibrant V&A Waterfront, or take a day trip to the Cape of Good Hope. Wildlife enthusiasts can visit Boulders Beach to see the African penguins or go shark cage diving in nearby Gansbaai.

Unmissable highlight: Hiking up Lion’s Head for panoramic city views.

9. Bangkok, Thailand – A Feast for the Senses

Bangkok is a city that never fails to amaze with its bustling streets, dazzling temples, and vibrant nightlife. From the majestic Grand Palace to the serene Wat Arun, Bangkok’s cultural landmarks are awe-inspiring. Street food lovers will relish the endless options, from pad Thai to mango sticky rice. Take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River, shop in the floating markets, or experience the city’s legendary nightlife on Khao San Road.

Unmissable highlight: Exploring the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market.

10. Alaska, USA – The Last Frontier

For true wilderness adventure, Alaska is hard to beat and one of the Most Exciting Places to Go on Holiday. This vast, untamed land offers breathtaking landscapes, from towering glaciers to rugged mountains. Wildlife lovers can spot bears fishing for salmon in Katmai National Park, go whale watching in the Inside Passage, or see moose and wolves in Denali National Park. In winter, the Northern Lights put on a spectacular show, while in summer, visitors can hike, kayak, and even take scenic flights over stunning fjords.

Unmissable highlight: Taking a scenic flight over Denali, North America’s highest peak.

FAQ Section

What are the most beautiful places to visit in the world?

The world is filled with breathtaking landscapes, from the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives to the towering peaks of the Swiss Alps. Santorini, Greece, with its whitewashed buildings and stunning sunsets, is a perennial favourite. Other striking locations include the fairy-tale landscapes of Banff National Park in Canada, the rice terraces of Bali, and the mesmerizing fjords of Norway.

What are the most remote places in the world to visit?

For travelers seeking solitude and untouched nature, destinations like Antarctica, Easter Island, and the remote villages of Bhutan offer a true escape. The Scottish Hebrides, Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, and the Faroe Islands are also among the most isolated yet stunning places to visit.

What are the best places in the world to visit?

The best places to visit depend on your interests. Culture lovers may flock to Paris or Rome, adventure seekers to New Zealand or Costa Rica, and history buffs to Egypt or Machu Picchu. Each destination offers something unique, making travel an ever-exciting experience.

Photo by Marc Thunis on Unsplash

Share
Tweet
Related Topics
  • best holiday adventures
  • exciting holiday destinations
Robert

Robert has worked in travel for over 35 years, running tour operators in Pakistan, Italy & the UK, writing guide books and articles and running a conservation charity that fights species extinction and habitat loss worldwide. He's trekked coast to coast across Borneo, climbed to 6,500 metres in the Himalayas, travelled the the length of the Silk Road and been chased out of a bar in Lesotho by a Warthog.

Previous Article
new york like a local
  • Destination Inspiration

How to Explore New York Like a Local: Insider Tips for a Real NYC Experience

  • February 28, 2025
  • Robert
View Post
Next Article
Sumba, Indonesia
  • Travel Resources

How to Plan the Perfect Surf Trip to Sumba Island

  • March 6, 2025
  • Jules
View Post
You May Also Like
overseas adventure travel ideas - Nepal
View Post
  • Action & Adventure
  • Lifestyle
  • Tips & Advice

The Ultimate Guide to Overseas Adventure Travel from the U.S.

  • Robert
  • May 8, 2025
View Post
  • Action & Adventure

Top 10 Best Places to Paraglide in the World For a High-Flying Experience

  • Jules
  • April 28, 2025
visit deception island antarctic
View Post
  • Action & Adventure
  • News

How to visit Deception Island: The Hidden Antarctic Volcano

  • Robert
  • April 23, 2025
Outdoor Bachelor Party Ideas
View Post
  • Action & Adventure

4 Outdoor Bachelor Party Ideas to Take the Celebration Up a Notch

  • Jules
  • April 18, 2025
View Post
  • Action & Adventure

Morocco Multi Day Tours Made Easy

  • Jules
  • March 28, 2025
Tips for a surf trip
View Post
  • Action & Adventure

Key Tips for an International Surf Trip: Everything You Need to Know

  • Robert
  • March 14, 2025
View Post
  • Action & Adventure

25 Years Strong: Nisos Launches New Yacht Rental & Charter Options

  • Jules
  • February 19, 2025
best place to see a geyser
View Post
  • Action & Adventure

Best Place to see a Geyser in the World

  • Robert
  • February 17, 2025
Pure Travel
  • About
  • Destination Inspiration
  • Tips & Advice
  • Guide
  • Travel Writing
  • Cookie Policy (UK)
A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Pure Travel
Manage Consent
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage {vendor_count} vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}