The Best Destinations for Student Adventure Travel

Wander With Wonder – Discovering Wow Moments Around the World or Across the Street

Looking for adventure in distant places? Students can learn about new cultures and have life-changing experiences when they travel. Read on for some of the best destinations for student adventure travel. 

Adventurous college students will find many incredible destinations to visit. The best destinations for students are those that allow them to learn about new cultures, explore unique places, and try fun activities that could broaden their perspective and lead to life-changing experiences.

Of course, not all destinations are the same, and what appeals to others may not be for you. But if you’re looking for ideas on where to go, here are some of the best destinations for student adventure travel.

Iceland

Thrill-seeking students should consider a trip to Iceland. Nestled along the North Atlantic Ocean with Greenland to its west and mainland Europe to its east, the tiny country is a land of polar extremes and opposites. Dubbed the land of fire and ice, Iceland has plenty to offer adventure seekers.

Hiking on glaciers is one of the most exciting activities to try in Iceland. There’s nothing more thrilling than conquering challenging mountains and admiring the world from above as you walk over glaciers. Over 10% of the country is covered by glaciers, so you’ll have plenty of options on where to hike. You need to hire an official guide for this activity since they won’t allow you to navigate the glacier yourself.

Those who prefer water-based adventures can try whitewater rafting. Iceland has many raging rivers, offering the perfect place to try this adventurous sport. One of the rivers features Class 4 rapids, only suitable for skilled boaters.

Iceland is ideal for student adventure travel. Photo by David Mark from Pixabay

Those fond of discovering nature should tour Iceland’s majestic caves. The country is home to a wide variety of caves. Some are artificial, and others are a result of lava and glaciers. You can explore caves as deep as 115 feet (35 meters), offering a more thrilling experience.

Germany

Germany is another country that offers fun and thrilling outdoor adventures. As one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, students can get cheap flights to Germany and visit incredible cities like Cologne, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Dusseldorf.

Stuttgart offers the perfect base for enjoying Germany’s range of outdoor activities, such as canyoning, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, hot air ballooning, skydiving, and more. A hot air balloon ride is the best way to admire Stuttgart’s stunning nature. Exploring the city is like stepping into the world of The Brothers Grimm, with its enchanting scenery and magnificent castles.

Stuttgart, Germany, is a great base for exploring outdoors. Photo by Simon Dux via iStock by Getty Images

Considered the largest national park in the country, the Bavarian Forest National Park should be on every adventurer’s list of places to visit in Germany. The park boasts extensive hiking and cycling trails, giving you numerous options to explore. Those who prefer more thrills can try the tree-top walk adventure, where you walk from a 144-foot-high (44-meter) observation deck boasting splendid views of the forest and the Alps.

Rugen, Germany’s largest island, is an ideal place for students who love adventure. Boasting picturesque scenery and a range of fun activities, you can explore the island on a bicycle or a sailing tour. Rugen is also home to many beautiful sandy beaches, offering a range of water sports.

Portugal

Portugal is a mecca for adventure, making it an ideal destination for student adventure travel. Favored for its rocky coastline and picturesque tropical islands, it lures adventurers seeking fantastic hikes, beautiful beaches, and exciting sports like surfing, kayaking, and snorkeling.

Those fond of exploring the coast on a kayak should try a kayaking adventure into the enchanting caves of Benagil in the Algarve. The adventure takes you through caves of all shapes and sizes while making a pit stop at the Golden Beach of Marinha. A guide will explain the different cave formations and other interesting information about the ancient natural wonder as you wander around the cave.

Thrill-seeking students will surely enjoy a half-day off-roading adventure in the rugged terrains of the Algarve. The exciting activity is a fun way to immerse yourself in the region’s scenic beauty as you follow rugged trails and pass along historic sights. You will be with a guide who will take you to the region’s famous attractions, including the 12th-century Paderne Castle.

Student adventure travels might take you to explore Benagil Cave, Lagoa, Algarve, Portugal

No trip to Portugal is complete without surfing. The country is home to some of the world’s best surf spots, suitable for surfers of all skill levels. There are beaches perfect for experts who want to test their skills in the roaring Atlantic Ocean waves, while others are best suited for beginners or those new to the sport.

Uganda

Uganda is a beautiful destination for students searching for a unique break. Although smaller than many neighbors, it packs a punch for entertaining outdoor activities.

Why not try one of Uganda’s numerous spectacular safari adventures or go gorilla trekking to get up close and personal? For this activity, you’ll trek to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park in search of mountain gorillas. Once you find them, you can spend time with these fascinating animals and see them in their natural habitat. You can catch them play, interact, and feed their young with a truly unique experience.

Male mountain gorilla in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, Uganda. Photo by AndreyGudkov via iStock by Getty Images

The best time for gorilla trekking in Uganda is from December to late February and June until September since these are the driest months of the year.

Costa Rica

Home to lush jungles, beautiful beaches, and vast natural parks home to incredible wildlife, Costa Rica offers the perfect setting for outdoor adventures. Students who are nature and wildlife lovers will find Costa Rica a great place to visit.

Manuel Antonio National Park is the go-to place for fun adventures in Costa Rica. It lies along the country’s Central Pacific Coast and has beautiful beaches with epic waves, offering the perfect spot to learn surfing.

Costa Rica is filled with wildlife. Photo by Kenny Borenstein via iStock by Getty Images

Aside from surfing, Manuel Antonio National Park is also a renowned destination for hiking. Its scenic trails take you to lush jungles and beautiful beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for fascinating wildlife during your hike, including different types of monkeys, colorful birds, and even snakes!

If you’re into cycling, you’ll find many cycling trails in San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city. You can cycle towards the city’s fantastic museums, art galleries, and other attractions.

Articles Related to Student Travel

The Opportunity for Students to Travel for Free
What are the World’s Safest Travel Destinations?

Student Adventure Travel

With so many incredible destinations, you can find adventure travel in some fascinating places and for every student’s budget. We welcome you to explore Wander With Wonder when you’re ready to start planning your adventure travel. We also have more excellent student travel tips to help answer your questions.

.

The Best Destinations for Student Adventure Travel