If you love travel and fitness, why not combine the two? Time used to be that we would struggle to keep fit whilst travelling, whether that meant struggling through a fitness class in a language we didn't understand or impossibly trying to work out a gym membership when we were moving from hostel to hostel every other week. But these times are over. Nowadays, just like there's a whole category of travelling for people who are (for lack of a better word) "lazy", and want to hang on the beach and drink and eat, there's now also a category of travelling for people who don't want to miss a workout session. Whether you're looking for a heart-pounding trek, a water-based challenge or a cultural fitness experience, the world has plenty of thrilling adventures to offer!
The Top Fitness Adventures Around The World
Here are some of the top fitness adventures around the globe that will challenge your body and inspire your soul.
1. Fitness Retreats (Caribbean, Thailand, Mozambique)
What better way to start this blog post about fitness adventures by talking about a fitness retreat? Popping up all over the most beautiful places in the world from Mozambique to Ibiza, you truly can have your cake and eat it - or rather, you can have you travel and your fitness too. Relax on the beach before checking into hardcore workouts and mind-blowing talks.
2. Hiking to Everest Base Camp (Nepal)
A bucket-list trek for many, the journey to Everest Base Camp is a physically demanding yet rewarding adventure. Over 12-14 days, you’ll ascend through picturesque villages, suspension bridges, and rugged trails, all while adjusting to high-altitude conditions. The breathtaking views of the Himalayas make every step worth it.
3. Skiing (France, Switzerland, Italy)
Skiing is a fantastic way to build strength and endurance while enjoying breathtaking mountain landscapes. The Alps offer some of the best ski resorts in the world, catering to both beginners and seasoned skiers.
4. Heli Skiing (Canada)
So skiing is already pretty extreme, but what about Heli Skiing? Heli Skiing is the ultimate skiing experience for thrill-seekers looking to escape crowded resorts and carve through untouched powder. Instead of using ski lifts, a helicopter transports you to remote mountain peaks, where you can ski or snowboard down pristine, off-piste terrain. One of the best destinations for this adventure in my opinion is Canada which offers deep snow, and breathtaking alpine landscapes. With expert guides leading the way, Heli Skiing provides an unforgettable combination of adrenaline, breathtaking scenery, and some of the most exhilarating descents on the planet.
4. Cycling the Death Road (Bolivia)
For thrill-seekers, Bolivia’s Yungas Road—infamously known as Death Road—offers an adrenaline-pumping cycling experience. Descending from the Andes mountains into the Amazon rainforest, this route provides a combination of stunning scenery and heart-racing adventure.
5. Surfing in Bali (Indonesia)
Bali’s warm waters and consistent waves make it a paradise for surfers. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, places like Uluwatu, Canggu, and Padang Padang offer surf breaks for all levels.
Plus, after an intense surf session, you can unwind with Bali’s yoga and wellness scene.
6. Running the Great Wall Marathon (China)
One of the most challenging marathons in the world, the Great Wall Marathon tests your endurance with thousands of steps, steep inclines, and stunning historical views. It’s a race like no other, blending fitness, history, and breathtaking landscapes.
7. Diving in the Great Barrier Reef (Australia)
Scuba diving might not seem like a strenuous workout, but navigating strong currents and swimming for extended periods requires strength and stamina. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most spectacular diving locations, offering vibrant marine life and unforgettable underwater scenery.
8. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, offers an intense but non-technical climb suitable for those with strong fitness levels. The trek takes around 5-9 days, with changing landscapes from rainforest to arctic conditions at the summit. Reaching the top is a test of endurance and determination.
9. Kayaking in Milford Sound (New Zealand)
Paddle through the stunning fjords of Milford Sound, surrounded by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery. Kayaking here provides a full-body workout and a chance to experience nature at its finest.
10. Yoga and Wellness Retreat in Costa Rica
For those who prefer a blend of fitness and relaxation, Costa Rica’s yoga retreats offer the perfect balance. Surrounded by lush jungles and serene beaches, you can deepen your yoga practice while also enjoying surfing, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
11. Stand-Up Paddleboarding in Hawaii (USA)
Hawaii’s crystal-clear waters provide an ideal setting for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Whilst this may look like idle standing around, what it actually is is a full-body workout which challenges your core stability while allowing you to explore the stunning coastline and marine life without harming it. (Top tip: wear sun-cream that's not bad for the coral.)
Final Thoughts
So there you have it: if, like us, you’re looking for a way to stay fit while travelling, these adventures offer incredible experiences that challenge your body and refresh your mind. Whether you prefer mountains, oceans or cultural endurance events, the world is full of opportunities to push your limits and create unforgettable memories. Safety first, yolo second and as always, try to respect the nature and cultures of the places you visit, please.
Which of these fitness adventures would you try first? Let us know in the comments! (Second photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash)
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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