Discover the world’s 10 greatest outdoor travel destinations for 2025, ranked for adventure, natural beauty, and cultural richness. From Australia to Brazil, explore the top spots for outdoor enthusiasts seeking unforgettable experiences.
More travelers today are shifting their focus—from ticking off landmarks to chasing real adventure. It’s not just about where you go, but how you experience it. KÜHL’s Global Outdoor Destination Index dug deep into 183 countries, measuring everything from the number of outdoor activities and biodiversity to safety, natural preservation, and climate comfort. The result? A surprising list of the world’s top spots where nature, adventure, and peace come together perfectly.
While many places boast stunning landscapes or a few great hikes, only a handful truly deliver across all the essentials for an unforgettable outdoor journey. These countries offer vast wild spaces, seamless access, and the kind of calm and safety that lets you lose yourself in nature without worry. Here are the world’s 10 greatest outdoor travel destinations for 2025—where every step outside is a story waiting to happen:
1. Australia
More than kangaroos and beaches, Australia is a vast playground of deserts, rainforests, and epic coastlines. Surf the Great Barrier Reef or trek the rugged Outback—the adventures here never end.
2. USA
From the soaring peaks of the Rockies to the wild deserts of Utah and the untouched fjords of Alaska, the US offers an outdoor buffet that few countries can match.
3. New Zealand
Adventure capital meets natural wonder. Whether it’s bungee jumping, skiing, or hiking through pristine fjords, New Zealand turns outdoor dreams into reality.
4. Canada
Endless forests, shimmering lakes, and majestic mountains make Canada a sanctuary for nature lovers. Paddle, hike, or simply breathe in the wilderness.
5. France
Think beyond Paris. France’s natural beauty ranges from Alpine peaks to fragrant lavender fields and wild Atlantic coasts, offering hiking, cycling, and more with effortless charm.
6. Mexico
Snorkel in hidden cenotes, hike ancient volcanoes, or wander through lush jungles. Mexico’s outdoor offerings combine vibrant culture with raw nature.
7. China
Surprisingly diverse landscapes await—from the iconic Great Wall hikes to ethereal sandstone pillars in Zhangjiajie. China’s outdoor scene is as vast as its history.
8. Bhutan
The kingdom where nature and spirituality meet. Trek pristine Himalayan trails and explore centuries-old monasteries in a land that treasures peace and preservation.
9. Malta
Small but mighty, Malta’s dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters make it a Mediterranean gem for diving, cliff walks, and soaking up the sun year-round.
10. Brazil
Beyond the samba and cities lies the Amazon’s endless wilderness and the Pantanal’s vast wetlands. Brazil’s raw beauty invites explorers to discover its wild heart.
