Top 6 Adventure Travel Destinations for First-Time Travellers

Adventure travel is great and all, but where do you begin? I’m here to help you get started.
If you want to begin planning your adventure travel but you’re not sure where to start (whether a one-off trip or part of a longer itinerary) then look no further. Having worked in the travel industry for a number of years, I have used my experience to document some of the places that I think would be PERFECT for people setting off on their first trip. Whether solo, with a partner, or as part of a group, all of the countries listed below have a multitude of reasons as to why they make an epic adventure travel destination. So, let’s dive in…

Cornwall, UK

When we plan to travel we are all guilty of thinking about hopping on the next flight straight outta’ here, but I’m starting closer to home; adventure can be right on our doorstep. Cornwall has plenty of opportunities for adventure and is one of my favourite spots in the UK to escape. Whether you want to hop aboard a stand up paddleboard or go for a long hike, there’s plenty to do. Wander through the quaint village of Polperro to its fishing harbour (once the centre for smuggling in the area!), stand-up paddleboard in Falmouth or surf in Newquay (hello surfers). Cornwall is the perfect taster before you set off on a big adventure abroad. It’s perfect for getting used to adventure travel, whilst offering a whole host of beautiful vistas, lively nightlife and adrenaline-pumping adventures.

Iceland

Admittedly, Iceland can be EXPENSIVE. But, don’t let that stop you from visiting, it is still well worth the money. The great thing about Iceland, that I love for newbies to adventure travel, is that you have a whole host of options. Got a long weekend? You can start off by exploring the golden circle – the route visiting ÞINGVELLIR (Thingvellir) National Park, Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss Waterfall. This route is super easy and starts you off from Reykjavik. It is possible to do the golden circle route in a day, but I recommend a long weekend trip so you have time to explore the capital and spend a decent amount of time at each stop. You can join a tour, but this does limit you a little, it’s better to rent a van (you can camp in it!) and head out to explore the locations yourself. Just ensure you have the 112 Iceland App downloaded and a map with you to stay safe. If you have a little longer and are feeling particularly adventurous, you can opt for the ring route around the country. Again, I totally recommend renting a camper van and taking in the sights more slowly. This allows you to spend time appreciating each place and the cost of transport and accommodation are rolled into one. It also means you can cook so it saves money on food (unless you live off of icelandic hotdogs from gas stations like I did – I needed an intervention). There is so much I can write about Iceland and I’m currently working on the full ring road itinerary so keep an eye out for that!

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Fancy adventuring around a city solo for the first time? Looking for an adventurous trip with a few pals but not sure where to go? Amsterdam’s your answer.
Hands-down Amsterdam is one of my favourite cities in Europe. It has years and years-worth of interesting history, a laid-back vibe, friendly locals and plenty of things to do. If you are nervous about visiting somewhere for the first time by yourself but are craving a bit of adventure, then Amsterdam is perfect; you can wander along the canals, take a boat trip to get a unique view of the city and wander in and out of museums (There are quite the variety… sex… torture… beer… hahah).

Generally, though, just wandering around, the city has an excellent vibe to it. There’s plenty of lovely cafés to chill in (the innocent variety of course), hidden speakeasy bars for sophisticated cocktails and it’s really easy to get around – we walked 99% of the time and, if needed, you can just hop on a tram to wherever you need to go. In terms of accommodation, Amsterdam has a huge variety. If you want to keep to a budget and stay in a hostel, then the Generator Hostel is a great option, alternatively Airbnb has an excellent selection available. Again, I’m writing up a more in depth guide to Amsterdam, let me know if you’re interested and I’ll update you as soon as it’s out!

Australia

Australia is a classic destination for first-time travellers. Although, it can be a bit daunting to get to, especially if you are based in the UK/Europe, but TRUST me, it’s much easier than you think (take this from someone who had to get an elderly couple to guide them around the airport – lol I was 19). It is a fair few hours away and airports can seem as complicated as the UK’s brexit plans, but once you get into the flow of it they’re pretty easy to get to grips with (unlike Bo Jo’s speeches…)

If you speak English, it’s an easier destination to visit as there is no language barrier, making exploring much easier for a first-timer. Australia is also a great destination for first-time adventurers because it has some pretty well-established backpacker routes. For example, the east coast is a haven for backpackers, but also has plenty of opportunities to stray from the path when you are feeling a bit more adventurous. Explore the wineries in Adelaide, The Blue Mountains near Sydney, head up to explore the underground town of Coober Pedy or sleep under the stars in the Northern Territory. The adventures are endless and you’ll be sure to meet plenty of fellow first-time travellers along the way. 

Thailand

Thailand is a classic; with beautiful scenery, loads of first-time adventure travellers and heaps to explore it is a great first-time destination. There are so many places to visit in Thailand and it’s both a blessing and a curse that it’s so accessible. It’s important to remember to respect the culture, nature and people of the country, especially as a first-time traveller. Thailand is rife with tourism and a great destination as the typical backpacker trails are well-trodden and easy to follow. However, I recommend using these tracks as a guide and venturing off a little to get yourselves some unique and responsible experiences. Nevertheless, Thailand is a great starting point with plenty to explore and is an excellent gateway to exploring the rest of South East Asia. Head down south to see the idyllic Thai islands – Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Koh Lanta to name a few. Alternatively head up north to explore the stunning canyons and winding roads of Pai or eat steaming street food in Chiang Mai (this is the first place I ever tried street food – Pad Tai – yes it was yum, no I didn’t get ill.)

Once you feel confident you can tag on other countries to your Thailand trip; I would recommend Laos or Myanmar (Burma) to get a little more off-the-beaten-track. I love overlanding in Asia, it’s super easy to get around. There are plenty of over-landing options; trains, van-shares and buses to enable you to get around very cheaply and easily, and means you are avoiding taking flights! 

The USA

The USA is huge and there is so much to explore and, as a first-time adventure traveller, that can be extremely daunting. But, fear not, it’s a lot easier than you may first think. You can get out and explore national parks, cities and seas with ease. Adventure in the US is guaranteed, and with a whole host of national parks to see, the options are endless. For some extra inspo check out my 10-day road trip guide, encompassing Los Angeles, San Francisco and lots of must-see spots in between. If you are looking for adventure and hiking, Yosemite and The Grand Canyon are top of the list. Yosemite has a variety of options for exploration, with hikes of varying degrees of difficulty. The Grand Canyon has the option of camping in the sites just outside the grounds. You can easily hop on the park bus from there and head to the rim to watch the sunset over the mile-deep canyon. Admire the sun slowly melting into the glowing orange rock and admire the natural beauty around you as the trees become silhouettes. You can also take part in treks here, such as the Rim Trail – for some stunning photography opportunities.

An added bonus of travelling in the US is that there is no language barrier (don’t get me wrong, I love learning languages and am all for learning them when visiting a country – or at least trying!) but it does make it much easier for first-time adventurers to get around and book various activities. The US is huge, so it’s best to either join a group tour or rent a car. Both have their benefits but for pure adventure, the car is probably the better option with more flexibility. However, a group trip can provide the extra layer of security for your first trip if you are worried.

So! There’s a list to get you started planning your first (or next!) adventure travel trip.
Each destination has its own advantages, it just depends on what you want to see and do, how long you have and how far you want to go. Each of the places listed above are all great choices for adventure travel and are perfect for first-time travellers. I will be adding more guides to give you in-depth information for each country. If you would like to find out more on any of the above destinations please do let me know. Alternatively if you have any questions then do comment below or contact me on socials!

Happy Adventuring!