Now that fall has officially arrived, attention has quickly turned from beach getaways and barbecues to holiday travel planning and hot destinations for the New Year. The team at Stride Travel, the largest search and reviews site for tours & adventure experiences, has provided some insights into the top trending adventure tour destinations for 2017.
According to Stride, the most popular destinations include some classic countries, such as Peru and Thailand, as well as some up and coming spots like Cuba and Romania. Overall, interest remains high in Central/South America, as well as Southeast Asia and parts of southern Europe.
All of these destinations offer a variety of ‘soft’ adventure activities, like hiking, cycling, rafting, wildlife viewing, mingling with local residents, and sampling eclectic, local foods. Stride believes that adventure travel should be accessible to everyone and features tours from top operators that satisfy all travel styles and budgets.
Top Adventure Tour Destinations for 2017:
1. Cuba
There is no country as hot as Cuba right now. Americans are finally discovering what Europeans and Canadians have known for years – that Cuba is blessed with amazing architecture, friendly locals, and beautiful, empty national parks, all within an hour flight from Miami. Imagine a day of exploring the cobblestone streets of Trinidad followed by a meal of the best ropa vieja you’ve ever had. Venture out to one of the many protected open spaces in Cuba, like Topes de Collantes National Park or the Zapata Peninsula, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve featuring thousands of unique bird species. While independent travel to Cuba is now allowed (with some restrictions), a tour is recommended as Cuba’s tourism infrastructure is still developing.
2. Romania
3. Belize
4. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu remains toward the top of the list of destinations for adventure seekers and history buffs. There are few moments as spectacular as walking through Machu Picchu’s Sun Gate at sunrise. The Inca Trail is the classic trekking route, which requires a guide and is best arranged months ahead of time, as permits sell out fast. Other good options exist like the Salkantay route, which snakes through the Andes and is less crowded than the Inca Trail. A tour operator can also help arrange visits to local indigenous communities scattered throughout the Sacred Valley and is a must-see on any visit to Peru.
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