5. Brazil – As hosts of the 2014 Soccer World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, the city of Rio in Brazil is even more alive than usual. Rio, “Cidade Maravilhosa” Wonderful City is world renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and location, nestled between steep, green mountains and crystal clear sea. Visit Recife the capital of the state of Pernambuco, known as the ‘Brazilian Venice’ due to its many channels, waterways and innumerable bridges. Experience the balance between man and nature visiting one of the most important ecological sanctuaries of the world, Fernando de Noronha, Main Island and the only inhabited island of the Fernando de Noronho Archipelago. And explore Salvador one of Brazil’s greatest historical destinations, filled with churches, homes and forts that reflect stunning Portuguese architecture from the Baroque period.
4. South Africa – Fresh from hosting the 2010 Fifa World Cup, South Africa is high on the list of must-see countries. With luxurious safari lodges and an abundance of wildlife, a Kruger National Park safari is an obvious choice for adventure travel. There is plenty of culture and history too with Cape Town, Cape Point, Kirstenbosch and the Waterfront recommended. Check out the amazing whales off Hermanus, climb Table Mountain and try the world-famous famous wines.
Need inspiration to choose your next adventure holidays and vacations? Check out the PureTravel Guides which cover every country in the world! Find out what to see, what to do and when to go.
3. Vietnam – Much more laid back and less developed than many other South-East Asian countries, Vietnam is now receiving more and more visitors searching for a unique travel adventure, so get in quick! The capital city, Hanoi is bustling with markets, quaint streets and French colonial architecture. To chill out, check out the magnificent pristine waters and beaches of Nha Trang, Try trekking in Sapa, in the far north of the country or visit the rural villages on Dalat for a taste of traditional cultures. And don’t miss thriving, manic Ho Chi Minh City packed with historical sites and history of the Vietnam War.
2. Istanbul, Turkey – Awarded European Capital of Culture, Istanbul is jam packed with Byzantine and Ottoman relics and historical sites. Truly where East meets West, Istanbul is thriving with plenty of restaurants, bars, galleries and clubs to choose from. Check out the minarets of the Blue Mosque, see how the sultans lived their lives at the sumptuous Topkapi Palace and relax and while the nights away on a Bosphorus River cruise which offers amazing views back onto the Old City, a perfect blend of travel and adventure.
1. Italy – Italy has been a favored destination for years and rightly so with its picturesque landscapes, sumptuous regional foods and ancient sites, but steer away from the usual tourist haunts and rediscover Italy. Head to Cinque Terre, a rugged portion of coast on the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region which offers walking opportunities through picture-postcard perfect villages where the area has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tuscany is well-known as an Italian holiday hotspot, packed with art cities, medieval towns, open markets, food and wine producers, Tuscany promises to restore your senses and nourish your soul! And to work off all that food and wine head to La Costa del Sud, a quiet area of Sardinia, rich in natural beauty, historic traces and industrial archaeology for a mountain biking adventure exploring abandoned villages, canyons and the coastline.
