The World’s Most Magnificent Mountain Holidays

Which are the world’s most awesome mountain adventures? Could it be tracking gorillas in Rwanda or Uganda, heli-ice-hiking New Zealand’s Franz Josef Glacier, exploring Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano, or high altitude stargazing in Hawaii?

Travelbag’s Michelle Amor says, “We are seeing more and more British holidaymakers looking for adrenaline, eco-friendly, and culture-adventure combinations, in some of the world’s most spectacular destinations.”

Michelle says that since Travelbag began in the late ‘70s, there has been an ever growing interest in adventure travel , with a strong trend to taking in two or more diverse holiday experiences within the same trip.

Destinations such as Costa Rica, one of the world’s top ecotourism countries, have grown in popularity in recent years. It is a nature lover’s paradise, home to 6% of the world’s biodiversity, with over 25% of its land protected as national parks and reserves, while adrenaline junkies can try numerous activities, from zip-lining and white-water rafting to volcano hiking, before chilling on the black sand beaches on the Pacific coast, or white sand Atlantic beaches.

Rwanda is perfect for high-altitude adventures. Volcanoes National Park is one of the easiest of Africa’s national parks to reach, just two hours from the capital’s airport, and it is teeming with wildlife, full of mountain trails, historic caves, and spectacular lakes. One of the best experiences is the chance to track primates, with a local guide, hiking through thick bamboo to come face-to-face with a family of gorillas, or a troop of golden monkeys.

Taking things at a slower pace is another strong trend Travelbag has seen in recent years, and train travel is becoming popular again, particularly some of the world’s most iconic mountain journeys, such as Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer. On a smaller scale, India’s narrow-gauge Shimla `toy train’ (below) winds at a whimsical pace through Himalayan foothills, crossing hundreds of bridges and tunnels to give a unique vista of the country’s scenic, northern landscapes.

It would be hard to rival New Zealand (pictured top) for its stunning natural beauty, blending dramatic, accessible alpine scenery in the Southern Alps with world-class adventure activities. Visitors can experience snow-capped peaks, ancient glaciers, and volcanic terrain, alongside premier skiing in Wanaka, hiking on national “Great Walks,” and heli-hiking in stunningly diverse landscapes. Not to be missed is the Franz Josef Glacier heli-hike, landing high on the glacier to traverse crevasses, pass staggering ice towers and squeeze through ice caves.

Hawaii (above) is another great destination for dramatic, volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and sacred peaks, providing a stark, dramatic contrast to its beaches. When not exploring live volcanoes or taking in breathtaking views from towering peaks like Haleakalā, the peak of Mauna Kea offers unparalleled, high-altitude stargazing at its world-renowned observatories.

Located between Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, Borneo (above) is the world’s third largest island and offers a spectacular and diverse holiday, centring around treks, hikes and ascents of Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak at 4,095 meters. Borneo also excels as a multi-centre destination, with a diverse and unique wildlife, including pygmy elephants and orangutans, fringed by tropical island paradises with white sand beaches, and offering numerous heart-pounding water sports and challenging jungle expeditions.

South Africa’s highest mountain range, the Drakensberg Mountains (below), soars to over 3,500 meters with dramatic basalt peaks, deep gorges, and thousands of examples of 2,000-year-old San rock art, making it a top destination for hiking, adventure, and immersion in nature. Hike along the incredible Drakensberg Amphitheatre to see the world’s second-highest waterfall, Tugela Falls, go mountain biking, hiking or rock climbing, or discover the extraordinary wilderness on foot, horseback, from a helicopter, or in the comfort of a 4×4 vehicle.

How to prepare for high altitude adventures: –

• Wear light, breathable, long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against bugs, and sturdy walking shoes that are `broken in’ before departure.
• Bring a durable backpack for trekking, and a waterproof rain jacket.
• Carry a reusable water bottle, especially important to stay hydrated in high humidity, and a high-quality insect repellent, and sun/snow screen.
• Ask the locals for the best routes, activities and off-the-beaten-track discoveries.
• Make sure you let others know your plans and intended route and always observe weather forecasts and adhere to local advice before setting out.

Travelbag’s top tips for worldwide holiday success: –

• Get paperwork in order. Make sure passports have at least six months before expiry, check visa and vaccination requirements, and take out travel insurance well in advance.
• Plan to stay longer and consider two- or three-centre stays, particularly for long-haul destinations, or a stop en route or during the return journey.
• Pack appropriately for cultural differences, the climate, planned activities, and airline luggage weight restrictions.
• Travellers’ checks. Card payments and contactless transactions streamline holiday spending but let the bank know travel plans to avoid them pulling the plug.
• Build in rest days. An unforgettable trip doesn’t have to be relentless, blend adventure, cultural immersions and historic discoveries with relaxation.
• Speak to an expert. British travellers are increasingly seeking the advice of travel agents, citing expertise, ease of booking and reassurance in case of problems as key drivers.