Best Adventure Travel Destinations for Couples 2019

This year we have seen a massive rise in couples travel and similarly in adventure travel. Couples are seeking out destinations where they can do more than just lay on a beach and drink at a swim-up bar. Rather than heading to all-inclusive resorts, couples are opting for destinations where they can engage in outdoor activities and go on excursions in nature. This list could be 10x as long, but we chose our favorites for our best adventure travel destinations for couples list in 2019!

Machu Picchu, Peru

Hiking through the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu and hiking to the Sun Gate Machu Picchu is easily in the top 5 adventure travel experiences that we have ever had together as a couple! As far as accommodation is concerned, you can stay in Aguas Calientes or in Cuzco if you don’t mind taking the train.

Liechtenstein

Ever heard of Liechtenstein? It’s one of the smallest and richest countries in the world. Bordering Switzerland, one can imagine that Liechtenstein is a mountainous wonderland that is perfect for both summer and winter adventures. Couples can ski in the winter or hike through the gree mountains in the summer sun! There are beautiful rivers and lakes and so much outdoor adventure that awaits you and your partner.

Big Sur, California

Perhaps our favorite destination in the continental US! Big Sur is certainly the most gorgeous stretch of coastline in California with pristine beaches, mountains, pine trees, and even a waterfall on the beach. It is perfect for camping, hiking, swimming, and there are plenty of things to do in Big Sur for couples. It is a perfect California road trip destination!

Lucerne, Switzerland

The town of Lucerne is not where the adventure travel itinerary will come to life. It is merely the beacon of adventure and solace for travelers who want to explore the surrounding mountains of Switzerland. From Lucerne, travelers can take a ferry around the lake, take the Rigi up the mountains, and explore some of the most beautiful landscapes we have ever seen. Don’t forget to treat yourselves to some fondue!

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Want to bathe elephants, hike through the hills of Chiang Mai, explore street markets, and white water raft down a river? Chiang Mai is such an epic destination for couples looking for adventure travel in 2019 and beyond. There is so much history and so much activity that awaits couples and solo travelers alike. Plese, know that you should never ride elephants in Thailand!

Mykonos, Greece

Well, we never said what kind of adventure travel, right? Mykonos offers travelers adventures rangings from riding ATVs around the island to tanning nude on the pristine beaches, to partying day and night at their world-renowned day and night clubs. Mykonos is filled with adventure and is one of the best party destinations in the world. Mykonos has so much more to offer than partying. You and your partner can camp, hike, and explore the gorgeous island by boat.

Our Mykonos travel guide has all of our favorite suggestions for adventure travel in Mykonos!

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Out of all the national parks we have been to in our lives from North America to Europe, Asia, to Australia, Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia is hands down the best national park we have ever visited. It is breathtakingly gorgeous and is an absolute wonder of this world. Couples searching for adventure travel destinations will NOT be disappointed. You need AT LEAST a full day to hike Plitvice Lakes, but we recommend you stay a couple if you have the time. Be sure to rent a rowboat and row around on the lakes!

Our Croatia travel guide details our trip to Plitvice as well as Krka, Dubrovnik, and our road trip across Croatia!

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Most people think about Bora Bora as the best wedding and honeymoon destination in the world, but it is much more than pretty beaches and water bungalows. This is exactly why our Bora Bora honeymoon guide says more than just, “Lay on the beach and have sex in an overwater bungalow.” There are tons of aquatic adventures for couples like swimming with sharks and stingrays, snorkeling and scuba diving, hiking a mountain, riding jet skis, paddling kayaks and canoes, etc. etc.

Western Australia, Australia

The largest state in the world is filled with adventure travel destinations from Esperance in the south to Broome in the north. Western Australia has national parks with wild kangaroos, waterfalls, hiking areas, and is home to one of the longest and most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world.

Bali, Indonesia

Over the years Bali has become an incredibly popular destination, especially for Australians. From Perth, the flight is only 3 hours and from Sydney, travelers can reach in about 5 hours. So, it’s closer than Hawaii is for those of our from the west coast of the United States. Bali is an adventure oasis. Couples can hike Mt. Batur, surf in Uluwatu, explore the rice terraces of Ubud, do yoga in a treehouse, and ride on a scooter through the congested city of Kuta.

Check out our Bali travel guide for tips on what to do, eat, and see in Bali!