Some travelers enjoy relaxing on the beach, savoring tropical cocktails adorned with miniature umbrellas from sunrise to sunset as a perfect vacation. While this can be enjoyable, for those seeking a more exhilarating experience, activities like cliff diving, ziplining through lush forests, or trekking across ancient glaciers might be more appealing.
To cater to these adventure enthusiasts, a curated a list of the top 15 must-visit destinations for thrill-seekers. Starting with a preliminary selection of 61 countries, the final destinations were chosen based on various criteria such as the abundance of roller coasters, casinos, rock climbing sites, mountain biking trails, and off-road paths. Following data collection, the team standardized the metrics and assigned each location a final adrenaline rating on a scale of 1 to 10.
The outcome unveiled the premier adventure getaway
Upon completing the evaluation, France emerged as the unrivaled adventure hub of the world, boasting a remarkable score of 8.86.
“Famous for its breathtaking mountain ranges, France boasts an impressive 720,000 hiking trails,” the team disclosed in their findings. “Push your boundaries by scaling Europe’s highest summit, the Mont Blanc peak, towering at 4,810 meters, or experiencing the thrill of 227 exhilarating roller coaster rides!”
Coming in a close second with a final rating of 8.56 is , lauded for its snow-capped peaks and El Potrero Chico, renowned as one of the largest sport climbing destinations globally. The nation’s 360-plus casinos were also highlighted as fantastic venues for indoor adrenaline-pumping experiences.
Securing the third position is the “land of paella and sangria,” also known as Spain, with a solid score of 8.41. Its proximity to the summit is attributed to the multitude of adventure trails, encompassing rock climbing (10,600), mountain biking (6,430,000), and hiking (10,300,000), surpassing all other destinations examined.
Argentina clinched the fourth spot with an impressive score of 8.34. The Aconcagua, a majestic mountain attracting over 3,000 climbers annually, and the nation’s 172 casinos contributed significantly to its high ranking. Additionally, Argentina boasts the largest casino complex in South America, the Trilenium.
Rounding up the top five is none other than the , scoring an 8.16. The abundance of national parks and the highest density of casinos in the country, totaling nearly 3,000, propelled the US to this prestigious position. Moreover, the US boasts over 900 roller coasters, including the world’s second-fastest one, Kingda Ka, ensuring a plethora of adrenaline-fueled adventures right at our fingertips.
This article was originally published on travelandleisure.com