Oludeniz has one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey, with pebble shores and a “blue lagoon” of aquamarine hues. The beach also happens to be one of the world's best places to paraglide, thanks to stable weather and gorgeous panoramic views. The launch site for most companies is from Babadağ mountain, with jumping-off points reaching 6,000 feet above sea level.
Spot a Kermode bear in the Great Bear Rainforest
Canada's Great Bear Rainforest is the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world—and one of the most magical, with elusive species like sea wolves and Kermode bears roaming its 21 million acres. Outer Shores Expeditions will take you on a nine-day excursion aboard a schooner, departing from British Columbia's aboriginal First Nations community of Bella Bella and stopping for sea kayaking along the way. While Canada is currently closed to U.S. travelers, you can always plan ahead for a spring 2022 trip.
Snorkel between continents at Thingvellir National Park
Iceland is one of the best countries in the world for adventure travel, with opportunities for everything from glacier hiking to snorkeling and diving. For the latter, head straight to Thingvellir National Park along the country's Golden Circle route, where two tectonic plates slowly pull apart at the rate of about two centimeters (0.8 inches) per year. The phenomenon results in the Silfra fissure, a stunning rift valley where travelers can snorkel or dive in impossibly clear (and cold) waters. Tour company DIVE.IS offers tours for divers and every level of snorkeler (including those with zero experience), and will snap an underwater photo of you touching two continents at the same time.
Road trip through America's National Parks
There's perhaps no better way to explore America than with a good old-fashioned road trip. Many of the country's national parks are perfect for a multi-day drive, like Virginia's Shenandoah National Park and Alaska's Denali National Park. But if we had to pick just one itinerary, we'd go with the Mighty Five, the cluster of Utah's national parks that include Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands. The Mars-like landscapes here must be seen to be believed, and the journey can start anywhere from Salt Lake City to Las Vegas.
