3 days ago
5 New Life-Changing Adventures For 2026
A group of Kazakh eagle hunters riding horses crossing river Bayan Olgii, West Mongolia getty
Adventure travel trips can go far beyond a mere vacation and become life-changing. While there is no guarantee that these five new trips will do that, they're certainly capable of it and will certainly open your eyes to some new wonders of the world.
The word 'Mongolia' conjures up adventure, and this 12-day trip pairs exploration with cultural immersion. Wilds of Mongolia: Celebration and Tradition in Untamed Lands from Geographic Expeditions is your chance to ride Bactrian camels in the Gobi Desert and meet reindeer herders near Lake Khovsgol, Central Asia's deepest lake. You can attend a traditional Naadam festival and receive a Shamanic blessing. There's a visit to the Flaming Cliffs, where the first dinosaur egg was discovered, and an immersion in the contemporary wonders of the capital, Ulaanbaatar, in this land of rugged beauty. Priced from $11,650 (per person, excluding airfare, as are all trips mentioned here).
Backroads' Argentina's Patagonia Lake District Hiking Tour Backroads
I'm not sure why South America remains oddly overlooked for adventure, apart from Machu Picchu and the Galapagos. Given that our vast neighbor to the south has some of the wildest places on the planet, it's well worth exploring. Backroads has a new trip called Argentina's Patagonia Lake District Hiking Tour, which is an exploration of Nahuel Huapi National Park and the many arms of its eponymous lake. Accommodations range from a wilderness ranch to a European-inspired lakeshore palazzo. The hikes cover box canyons and high peaks, with a difficulty rating of Level 3 (out of 5), with options up to Level 5 for those who want to prove their mettle. The seven-day trip is priced from $7,399
Thailand Private Guided Tour from Wilderness Travel Wilderness Travel
Move beyond Bangkok and you'll discover that northern Thailand's mountains, forests, and small rural communities are the true heart of the culture. Thailand Private Journey is a small group trip that includes elephant tracking, a bike ride through a World Heritage Site, a cooking class, float trips, and a two-night homestay in a Karen village. It's about meeting the Karen hill tribe people, sampling the famous street food, and checking out the handicraft markets. The trip concludes in Chiang Mai, an ancient walled city with dozens of Buddhist temples, Southeast Asia's most famous Night Market, and some of the best cuisine in the country. The 11-day trip is rated Level 2 (out of 6) and is priced from $4,695.
Costa Rica with Trek Travel Trek Travel
Costa Rica is one of those magical destinations that every adventurer needs to experience. Trek Travel is paving the way in 2026 with their new Costa Rica Hiking & Walking Tour. This is an immersion in lush rainforests, the cloud forests of Monteverde, and wild coastal trails, with time on the beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula. Walk across hanging bridges to discover waterfalls, biodiverse habitats filled with monkeys and colorful birds. The cultural component looms large, with a chance to connect with local communities. Walking and hiking are paired with paddling kayaks, SUPs, and relaxing with beachfront yoga. Accommodation is in the country's fabled boutique hotels in natural surroundings. The six-day trip is rated Level 2 (out of 4) and is priced from $5,499.
Eastern Spain with EF Adventures/ EF Adventures EF Adventures: Spain Multi-Adventure The Eastern Pyrenees & Catalonia
While everyone seems to be heading to western Spain to tackle the Camino de Santiago, those looking for less crowded places should consider Spain Multi-Adventure The Eastern Pyrenees & Catalonia from EF Adventures. This multisport trip includes hiking through France's Pyrenees National Park, kayaking Costa Brava's Cap de Creus National Park, riding an e-bike through medieval Catalonian villages, and trekking the iconic Camí de Ronda coastal trail. Naturally, there are cultural highlights as well, like enjoying wine and charcuterie at a Catalan winery and touring Gala Dalí Castle, the former residence of Salvador Dalí and his wife, in Púbol. Slowing down means morning yoga surrounded by the peaks of the Pyrenees. The nine-day trip is rated 'Moderate and is priced from $5,399.
