Discover the Best Adventure Travel Destinations — Month by Month
Your 2026 Adventure Bucket List: From jungle treks to camel rides, hot air balloons to scuba dives, discover where to go each month for perfect weather and maximum adventure.
And since we’re a travel insurance company, naturally we’re thinking about safety: whether it’s navigating slippery jungle trails, carrying avalanche safety gear, or staying hydrated during desert treks, these tips (plus our 24/7 Emergency Assistance line!) can help you enjoy every adventure with confidence. World Nomads Travel Insurance coverage varies by region, plan, and adventure activities, so make sure your coverage suits your trip.
Pick your month and plan your trip!
Thailand: Trekking, Diving & Rock Climbing Adventures
Why now? January's dry, cool weather makes Thailand perfect for trekking, rock climbing, and scuba diving. Explore jungles, limestone caves, and tropical islands without the oppressive summer heat.
Adventure ideas:
- Jungle trekking tours in Chiang Mai
- Snorkeling in Phuket
- Bangkok street food night tours
- Visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries across Thailand
- Rock climbing in Railay Beach, Krabi
Safety tips:
- Wear proper hiking shoes and clothing for jungle trekking in Chiang Mai to avoid slips and insect bites.
- Always check local marine warnings before snorkeling or diving in Phuket — currents and jellyfish can be a risk.
- Stay alert to common travel scams in Bangkok street markets — keep valuables secure.
- For ethical wildlife encounters, choose elephant sanctuaries in Thailand with no riding or performances.
- Motorbiking is a popular way to get around, but it can put you at risk. Learn the rules and consider travel insurance for Thailand.
Vietnam: Motorbiking, Kayaking & Cave Exploration
Why now? During Tet (Lunar New Year), cooler northern temperatures are ideal for trekking, while southern waters are perfect for kayaking, kite surfing, and island exploration.
Adventure ideas:
- Motorbike tours on the Ha Giang Loop and Sapa mountains
- Caving expeditions in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park
- Kayaking tours in Ha Long Bay
- Eco-friendly Mekong Delta river cruises
Safety tips:
- Ride cautiously on Vietnam's mountain roads during Tet when traffic is heavier than usual.
- Always wear a life jacket on Ha Long Bay kayaking tours and other water sports.
- Keep valuables secure during Tet festival celebrations in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as crowds can attract pickpockets.
- Be sure to have the correct license before you book a motorbike rental and go through a reputable Vietnam tour operator to avoid scams.
- It pays to learn Vietnam's local laws and consider travel insurance for Vietnam.
Morocco: Desert Treks & Atlas Mountain Hiking
Why now? Spring offers mild temperatures for Sahara desert treks, Atlas Mountain hikes, and surfing before the summer heat sets in. Blooming almond trees create photogenic landscapes.
Adventure ideas:
- Take on multi-day Sahara camel treks
- Guided hikes in the Atlas Mountains
- Surfing lessons in Taghazout
- Guided cultural tours of Marrakech and Fez medinas
Safety tips:
- Always use sun protection on Sahara desert treks, even in spring's mild weather.
- Dress in layers for Atlas Mountain hikes, where nights can be surprisingly cold.
- Avoid isolated alleys in the Marrakech and Fes medinas at night and keep valuables secure in crowded souks.
- Travel with a licensed Morocco trekking guide for desert and mountain routes.
- Morocco's souks and medinas can be quite hectic. Learn how to navigate them safely and consider travel insurance for Morocco.
Switzerland: Skiing, Hiking & Skydiving Adventures
Why now? Snow on peaks and spring blooms in valleys create perfect conditions for skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Crisp, clear days offer panoramic Alpine views.
Adventure ideas:
- Enjoy late-season skiing in Zermatt
- Scenic alpine hikes and mountain biking in the Bernese Oberland
- Tandem skydiving over Interlaken
- Relaxing in charming Swiss alpine villages with spring views
Safety tips:
- Always check Swiss Alps weather forecasts before heading out, as conditions change fast in April.
- Carry avalanche safety gear if skiing off-piste in Zermatt or Verbier.
- Pace yourself and know your altitude limits to avoid sickness on alpine hikes.
- Book licensed skydiving operators in Interlaken for the safest experience.
- Switzerland is generally considered very safe, however the mountain roads can be tricky. Learn more and consider travel insurance for Switzerland.
Japan: Thrills, Festivals & Outdoor Adventures without the crowds
Why now? Mild Spring weather and late-season blooms make Japan ideal for outdoor exploration. Unlike April during cherry blossom season, May is less crowded and less expensive, making travel and accommodations easier to secure.
Adventure ideas:
- Hike in the Japanese Alps or around Mount Fuji
- Go mountain biking or rock climbing in Nagano
- Camp in alpine valleys
- Raft white-water rivers in Hokkaido
- Explore Kyoto and Nara temples, and join vibrant Golden Week festivals
Safety tips:
- Wear layered breathable clothing for hiking in the Japanese Alps and coastal walks in Japan.
- Bring small amounts of cash for trail huts, local shops, and emergency supplies, as some locations don't accept cards.
- Acclimatize to high altitudes when hiking near Mount Fuji or other alpine peaks in Japan, especially above 2,400 meters (7,874 feet), to avoid altitude sickness.
- Always book licensed adventure guides for alpine rock climbing and river rafting in Japan.
- Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, but you shouldn't let your guard down. Consider travel insurance for Japan.
Türkiye: Lycian Way Hikes & Coastal Adventures
Why now? Long, sunny days are perfect for Lycian Way hikes, hot air ballooning, sailing, and coastal adventures before peak summer heat.
Adventure ideas:
- Take on Lycian Way hiking tours along the Turquoise Coast
- Go skydiving over Ölüdeniz's Blue Lagoon
- Explore caves in Saklikent Gorge
- Try scuba diving in Kaş
- Enjoy a traditional gulet sailing cruise past ancient ruins
Safety tips:
- Avoid traveling near Türkiye's southeastern border regions (near Syria and Iraq), as these areas may experience conflict or military activity. Stick to well-known tourist regions like Istanbul, Cappadocia, the Turquoise Coast, and western Anatolia.
- Use only licensed skydiving operators in Ölüdeniz and wear helmets in caves in Saklikent Gorge.
- Respect local customs and laws, including modest dress in religious sites, local etiquette at mosques, and alcohol regulations in some rural areas.
- Türkiye is a big country and safety levels may be different across cities or regions. Check out the latest travel alerts, read more safety advice and consider travel insurance for Turkey.
UK: Hiking, Surfing & Rock Climbing
Why now? Summer's long daylight hours make the UK perfect for cycling, hiking, and climbing. Coastal adventures and countryside explorations are at their peak.
Adventure ideas:
- Hike the West Highland Way in Scotland
- Take surfing lessons in Cornwall
- Go rock climbing in the Peak District
- Enjoy coastal walks and coasteering in Wales with panoramic summer scenery
Safety tips:
- Carry a rain jacket and layers—UK weather changes quickly, even in summer.
- Let someone know your hiking route and expected return time for safety on trails like the West Highland Way.
- Use caution on slippery coastal paths, surfing spots in Cornwall, and climbing routes in the Peak District.
- Check tides and local conditions before coasteering or kayaking in Wales.
- Learn safety tips for this region, and consider travel insurance for the UK.
Bali, Indonesia: Surfing, Trekking & Island Adventures
Why now? August is Bali's dry season, with sunny days, low humidity, and calm seas — perfect for surfing, trekking, and outdoor exploration. Cooler evenings and minimal rainfall make it ideal for beaches, cultural sites, and adventure activities.
Adventure ideas:
- Explore surfing lessons in Kuta and Canggu
- Trek Mount Batur at sunrise
- Snorkel or dive around Nusa Penida
- Visit Ubud's rice terraces, monkeys, waterfalls, and cultural sites
Safety tips:
- Monitor daily weather and ocean conditions in Kuta, Nusa Penida, and around Mount Batur before surfing, snorkeling, or trekking.
- Always wear helmets and life jackets for water sports, and follow safety guidelines when diving in Nusa Penida.
- Keep electronics and valuables in waterproof pouches during beach, snorkeling, and trekking excursions.
- Use licensed guides for Mount Batur treks, surfing lessons, and diving tours to ensure safety and local compliance.
- Learn how to avoid crime in Indonesia, and consider travel insurance for Bali.
Costa Rica: Ziplining, Rafting & Volcano Hiking
Why now? Green season brings lush landscapes, perfect for rainforest hikes, waterfall rappelling, and big Pacific swell surfing. Wildlife viewing is at its peak.
Adventure ideas:
- Take on ziplining tours in Monteverde
- Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River
- Volcano hikes in Arenal
- Wildlife spotting tours in Tortuguero National Park
Safety tips:
- Avoid swimming in rivers with strong currents on the Pacuare River.
- Wear insect repellent during rainforest hikes in Monteverde or wildlife tours in Tortuguero.
- Carry a dry bag for electronics and gear when rafting the Pacuare River or hiking Arenal Volcano.
- Use certified guides for ziplining in Monteverde and whitewater rafting tours in Costa Rica.
- Costa Rica is generally considered safe, however basic precautions should be taken. Read our Essential Travel Tips and consider travel insurance for Costa Rica.
Egypt: Desert Safaris & Red Sea Diving
Why now? Cooler temperatures make desert safaris, Nile cruises, and Red Sea diving comfortable. Underwater visibility is at its best.
Adventure ideas:
- Go scuba diving in Sharm El Sheikh
- Try sandboarding in the Sahara
- Embark on multi-day Sinai treks
- Paddle along the Nile on kayaking trips
Safety tips:
- Stay hydrated during Sahara desert treks or Sinai expeditions and wear sun protection in Sharm El Sheikh.
- Only use certified dive operators for scuba diving in the Red Sea.
- Dress in layers for desert treks or Nile kayaking trips to regulate temperature.
- Keep valuables secure and follow guide instructions during multi-day Sinai treks or excursions in the Sahara.
- The area around Egypt can be volatile and the latest travel alerts should be considered. Learn more about how to stay safe and consider travel insurance for Africa.
Mexico: Volcano Hiking, Snorkeling & Mountain Biking
Why now? Pleasant weather and cultural events make November ideal for volcano hikes, snorkeling, and mountain biking adventures.
Adventure ideas:
- Hike Nevado de Toluca
- Snorkel in cenotes
- Swim with whale sharks in the Caribbean
- Go mountain biking in Oaxaca
Safety tips:
- Drink only bottled or filtered water when hiking Nevado de Toluca or snorkeling in cenotes.
- Avoid night driving near Oaxaca or rural volcano hiking areas.
- Wear proper footwear and protective gear for mountain biking in Oaxaca and snorkeling in cenotes.
- Use licensed guides for volcano hikes, whale shark tours in the Caribbean, and snorkeling excursions in Mexico.
- We've written many articles on how to stay safe in Mexico. Learn more and consider travel insurance for Mexico.
Bahamas and Caribbean: Snorkeling, Kayaking & Fishing Adventures
Why now? Calm seas, warm sunshine, and festive vibes make December perfect for snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and fishing adventures. Also, hurricane season is over.
Adventure ideas:
- Snorkel among reef fish in Exuma
- Kayak through mangroves
- Dive with sharks in Bimini
- Explore secluded Bahamian beaches
Safety tips:
- Avoid touching marine life while snorkeling in Exuma or shark diving in Bimini.
- Watch for sudden changes in ocean currents when kayaking in mangroves or swimming off Bahamian beaches.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen during snorkeling and diving activities in the Bahamas.
- Wear life jackets and use licensed operators for fishing and kayaking excursions.
- Learn more about safety for the Bahamas and consider travel insurance for the Caribbean region as a whole.