The greatest outdoor travel destinations have been named in a new ranking
We love the city at Time Out, but that doesn't mean we don't appreciate some off-the-beaten track adventure. And now, a brand-new ranking has shed some light on the greatest outdoor travel destinations the world has to offer.
KÜHL has unveiled its Global Outdoor Destination Index, which has analysed 183 countries on 12 different metrics under the umbrella of adventure opportunities, landscape richness, nature preservation and comfort and peace. Claiming the crown as the world's best outdoor travel destination is (drum roll, please) Australia!
Recommended: This underrated country has been named the world's best adventure destination for 2025.
We know, shocker. Australia performed well in all outdoor categories, ranking first for nature preservation. There are 12 UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites, after all. Oh, and that's on top of the fact that around 25 percent of its land and 45 percent of its marine territory is protected.
In second place was the USA, thanks to its sheer scale and the diversity of landscapes it encompasses, from bayous to glacial valleys, and in third place it was New Zealand, with Canada and France rounding out the top 5.
These are the world's greatest outdoor travel destinations
Australia
USA
New Zealand
Canada
France
Mexico
China
Bhutan
Malta
Brazil
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BBC News
6 hours ago
- BBC News
'Good karma': Laos' new monk-led travel experiences
Laos' spiritual heart, Luang Prabang, has seen a surge in tourism. Now, a series of immersive monk-guided experiences are educating visitors about the city's Buddhist heritage. The city of Luang Prabang is Laos' spiritual heartland, renowned for its rich Buddhist heritage, ornate temples and a significant population of saffron-robed monks. In fact, the 50,000-person spiritual hub is said by many to have the highest population of monks per capita anywhere in the world. This was once one of Southeast Asia's more off-the-beaten-track destinations, but the opening of the high-speed Laos-China Railway in 2021 has seen a sharp surge in visitors to the Unesco World Heritage-listed city. In recent years, locals say this tourism boom has heavily affected the city's ancient traditions and caused greater commercialisation of sacrosanct Buddhist rituals such as the morning alms-giving. "Tourism has its pros, but also plenty of cons," says Anat Khamphew, a former monk at Wat Xieng Mouane monastery. "We see people behaving very disrespectfully towards the monks. Historic Buddha statues have been stolen from monasteries, and important symbols of devotion are used as backdrops for an Instagram selfie." In response, Kamphew set up a YouTube channel to show travellers coming to Luang Prabang how to have a more positive impact, encouraging them away from over-touristed hotspots and underlining the importance of the city's Buddhist roots. "I wanted to help play a part in recovering Luang Prabang's spiritual heart and soul," he says. Khamphew isn't alone. A handful of other former monks in the city have also set up tour-guiding companies, like Orange Robe Tours and Spirit of Laos, to help promote a better understanding of Luang Prabang's traditional Buddhist culture and customs. One of Khamphew's former monastery classmates also established the artisan store LaLaLaos to help girls from poor rural areas get a secondary education, and another ex-monk created Kaiphaen, a highly regarded vocational restaurant that trains marginalised youths from local villages. "These businesses not only give you a more authentic and ethical experience, but the chance to give back," Khamphew says. "It's how travel should be: thoughtful and beneficial to all. And that's good karma." World capital of monks Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers at the foot of jungle-swathed Mount Phou Si ("Sacred Mountain"), Luang Prabang is the former royal capital of Laos. Established in the 14th Century, it soon became a centre of Buddhist learning and monastic life, a role that continues to this day. Some 33 opulently decorated wats (Buddhist monasteries or temples) are scattered across the city, many dating to between the 16th and 19th Centuries, and the city is home to an estimated 1,000 monks. Centre of spirituality Luang Prabang takes its name from the golden Phra Bang, the country's most sacred Buddha icon, which is housed in the city's National Museum complex in a dedicated temple. "It represents Buddhism coming to Laos and is believed to protect the nation; it's why the city is so venerated," says Khamphew. Visiting wats, performing pujas (devotional acts), offering alms and cultivating merits with good deeds form a key part of daily life among Luang Prabang's largely Buddhist population. The tourism paradox Luang Prabang's profound and omnipresent spirituality, coupled with its eclectic architectural styles – a blend of Laotian, Buddhist and French colonial – have made it increasingly popular with visitors, including Instagrammers and influencers. More like this:• Bhutan's 350-year-old recipe for wellbeing• Canada's tiny town of huge monsters• The rise and fall of Vang Vieng, Laos' notorious party town "The problem is that what was once a spiritual place has now been transformed by the digital world," says Khamphew. "Many people are led by 'Top-10' or 'Most-Instagrammable' lists; they go to the same places, experiencing the exact same things – all through their phones. They end up missing the essence of Luang Prabang and ultimately spoiling what they came to enjoy." Cultural erosion One of the rituals affected by the city's tourism growth is the Tak Bat, a solemn daily ceremony dating back more than 600 years, where hundreds of barefoot monks file through the streets before dawn collecting alms. Despite signs requesting appropriate behaviour from onlookers, these are often ignored. "It hurts my heart to see such disrespect,' says Parn Thongparn, a local nun-turned-tour guide who avoids the ceremony and takes her guests elsewhere for a more peaceful experience. "We love visitors, but if they took a little time to understand our culture better, it would help protect our beautiful traditions." Food for thought One particular problem is the offering of inappropriate alms by tourists, such as plastic-wrapped junk food or leftovers. "Food eaten by monks must be fresh, clean and pure; any dishes should be vegetarian, avoid spices and ideally be prepared at home that same morning," explains Linda Heu, a cook at the city's Wat Munna monastery. "Most importantly, it should be a meaningful gesture, not just something for a photo opportunity." Travel the monk's way Former novice monk Bounthan Sengsavang set up his guiding business Spirit of Laos in 2024 to ensure a more respectful approach towards Luang Prabang's monks, as well as a chance to take visitors on a deeper journey into Buddhism. "The people most closely related to the subject should be the ones who guide you," says Sengsavang. "If you haven't been a monk and lived in a monastery yourself, you don't know what it's like. Buddha himself taught from experience. I like to do the same." A simple life Rather than offer a long checklist of temples to visit on a whirlwind city tour, Sengsavang prefers to spend quality time in a small handful to show the monks' daily lives to his guests in detail. "The monks live very simply," he says. "Wealth and possessions are seen as the roots of suffering. Without them, monks can dedicate themselves to meditation, study and ethical living. And by relying solely on alms from the community for food, they practice humility and gratitude." Together in harmony Sengsavang can also facilitate sessions of prayer, chanting and meditation in the company of monks upon request. He tells me that meditation can be learned in one or two days; be performed walking, sitting, standing or sleeping; and that its benefits include stilling a stressed mind and overcoming depression. "The monks are always happy for us to join them," he says, noting that they often enjoy interacting with visitors afterwards. "It's a great way to connect with them and find out who they are, why they joined the monastery and help them practice their English." Mother love The majority of boys in Laos spend time in a monastery, from a few weeks up to a lifetime. As well as receiving a free education, their ordination is considered vital for their parents' spiritual wellbeing and reincarnation – particularly that of their mother. "In the Lao Buddhist tradition, when a boy becomes a monk, the merit helps elevate the mother's karma," Sengsavang explains. "That improves her chances of a good and happy rebirth after death." Circle of life Sengsavang's tours don't shy away from life's realities, and can include a visit to a Buddhist cremation. (Visitors are welcome to attend as long as they remain at a respectful distance.) "Everything ends; we just don't know when," he says. "Seeing a cremation is important; it reminds people of the value of the short life we have. Perhaps it will also help them find their purpose or inspire them to live their own lives better. If that happens, it's a form of enlightenment." -- For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Independent
12 hours ago
- The Independent
Why you should swap Lisbon and Porto for this picture-perfect Portuguese city
Sitting almost completely alone at the top of the 577 steps up to the Bom Jesus hilltop sanctuary, I took a moment to absorb the details. The sun was setting over the Portuguese city of Braga to the west, casting a golden light from Monte das Caldas and illuminating the delicate Baroque façade of the Unesco-listed Bom Jesus De Monte, which towers 400 metres high. The sound of water falling from an imperial eagle-topped fountain mingled with the chirrups of swallows who swooped and dived in the final embers of daylight. This is one of the top attractions in Braga, and I sat with just my thoughts for company, only three other people in sight. Braga is the lesser-known of Portugal's three foremost cities, foregoing top billing to Lisbon and Porto. Whilst these are both beautiful cities, in recent years they have seen tourist numbers soar, with Lisbon welcoming 8.8 million visitors in 2024 and Porto having nearly 6 million in the same period. It can be difficult to find a table to find a spot for a quiet coffee or to take a good picture without a crowd in front of you. So, consider Braga as the perfect alternative. Last year, the city attracted 639,000 visitors. 'It is the ' Rome of Portugal', not 'Portugal's Rome'.' Corrects Luis Ferreira, Head of Economy and Tourism Division, as we chat in the Art Deco-style tourist office in the centre of Braga. Why has the city achieved this moniker? It has a depth of history equal to that of Rome from the founding of Bracara Augusta in 16 BCE through medieval Christianity to 18th-century reinvention. I began, like any good visitor, with a map, a coffee and a pastry (all for just €3) in Lago Santa Cruz, enjoying the warm spring sunshine on my face. To one side of me was the ornate Baroque façade of Igreja Sanat Cruz with its two towers harbouring eight bells, set against the azure blue of the morning sky. On the other side, the Igreja de Sao Marcos, its façade flanked by two colonial-style wings. In the last year, Braga has invested in a new guidebook with suggested itineraries, and I traced the routes, realising just how much there is to see. Roman ruins, over thirty churches, each with four bells (Braga is also known as the City of Bells), a cathedral, winding ancient streets, modern art galleries, museums, and, of course, plenty of shops. I headed first to the Porto Nuovo area of the city, located at the edge of the old town, and stumbled upon the Cathedral Se with its medieval turrets rising above the two- and three-story buildings. It looked Gothic, like cathedrals in the UK and France. Accepting that fate diverted me there, I went inside to gaze at the vaulted ceilings, ornately decorated altars and side chapels. A serene, majestic place. And then I turned around. Set over the entrance was the high choir and organ – a Baroque gilt masterpiece. Thousands of cased bronze organ pipes provide the foreground to the gold and black of the high choir itself, and two, eye-like stained glass windows provided dashes of colour. The ceiling frescoes were hypnotisingly beautiful. Recovering from this sensational scene, I walked through the pedestrianised Rua Dom Paio Mendes, where the aroma of grilled sardines, bacalhau (saltedcod) and francesinha (a decadent sandwich of meat, melted cheese and beer-and-tomato sauce) wafted from cafés and restaurants. I took a moment to appreciate the 18th-century city gate, Arco Porto Nuova, located in the seemingly secluded Largo La Praga Velha. Here, the buildings set in narrow alleyways are painted bright yellow, burgundy and cornflower blue. Pleasantly quiet during the day, at night these streets came alive with diners out to enjoy the warm spring evening. The tapas and the vinho verde that are so reasonably priced here were too tempting, and I chose the restaurant Inato, a Michelin-recommended spot, minus the high prices. At my window table, I tucked into possibly the best focaccia I have ever eaten, followed by beautifully crisp tempura cauliflower complemented by a subtly spicy mayonnaise. The traditional bacalhau I ordered for my main came with a side dish of grão de bico (chickpeas), into which a soft egg was mixed. With a bottle of water and a glass of vinho verde, the meal came to less than €44. The following morning, as I strolled through Braga's large Praca da Republica, I was struck by how each street revealed a new discovery. A waitress recommended I climb the Nossa da Torre for city views, and from its five gallery-filled floors, I spotted my next destination, Bom Jesus de Monte, which rises triumphantly from the slopes of Mount Espinho like a tiered white wedding cake. The zigzag staircase of 577 steps at Bom Jesus represents the soul's tortuous journey toward salvation. Each landing has fountains that depict biblical scenes. Pilgrims would traditionally climb on their knees, but thankfully, a water-powered funicular provided a rather more sedate ride to the top. The sanctuary is adorned with frescoes and sculptures and surrounded by manicured gardens and a tree-lined park. As I gazed out across Braga, I considered that while Porto and Lisbon jostle for attention with their crowds and queues, Braga simply exists; authentic, unhurried and profoundly Portuguese. As the swallows disappeared with the sun, I realised that I'd found that rare thing in modern travel, a destination that reveals itself slowly and belongs as much to locals as to visitors. The Rome of Portugal may be lesser known, but perhaps that's precisely its greatest gift. Getting around The centre of Braga is largely pedestrianised, and the city has worked to make most areas accessible to wheelchairs. Drop curbs are common, ramps into older buildings are always available. There are steps into some of the shops. Travelling by foot is the best option, but taxis are widely available. A taxi from the Old Town to the foot of Bom Jesus de Monte will cost around €6. Where to stay Guest House Vila Santa Cruz A good budget option is Guest House Vila Santa Cruz, a simple guest house with stunning views, completely central to Braga Old Town Holiday Inn Braga For a mid-range option, Holiday Inn Braga opened Oct 2024 and offers familiar comforts in a modern light environment with a gym, swimming pool and sauna, parking and a 24-hour restaurant. Hotel do Templo Hotel do Templo near Bom Jesus de Monte has a stunning location right outside of Bom Jesus. It has a swimming pool and spa facilities. Where to eat Inato Bistrô is a Michelin-listed restaurant mixing classics with a modern twist but without the price tag. Dishes from €19. Cozinha de Se is a modern spot with a Scandinavian feel. Dishes from €15.50. How to get there Ryanair, easyJet or British Airways. A transfer to Braga takes 40 minutes by coach and costs approximately €8. Matthew Dennis was a guest of Braga Tourism and IHG hotels.
Time Out
a day ago
- Time Out
The greatest outdoor travel destinations have been named in a new ranking
We love the city at Time Out, but that doesn't mean we don't appreciate some off-the-beaten track adventure. And now, a brand-new ranking has shed some light on the greatest outdoor travel destinations the world has to offer. KÜHL has unveiled its Global Outdoor Destination Index, which has analysed 183 countries on 12 different metrics under the umbrella of adventure opportunities, landscape richness, nature preservation and comfort and peace. Claiming the crown as the world's best outdoor travel destination is (drum roll, please) Australia! Recommended: This underrated country has been named the world's best adventure destination for 2025. We know, shocker. Australia performed well in all outdoor categories, ranking first for nature preservation. There are 12 UNESCO Natural World Heritage Sites, after all. Oh, and that's on top of the fact that around 25 percent of its land and 45 percent of its marine territory is protected. In second place was the USA, thanks to its sheer scale and the diversity of landscapes it encompasses, from bayous to glacial valleys, and in third place it was New Zealand, with Canada and France rounding out the top 5. These are the world's greatest outdoor travel destinations Australia USA New Zealand Canada France Mexico China Bhutan Malta Brazil
