Adventure is often labelled as exhilarating, death-defying, wandering into the unknown or even visiting a foreign country for the first time. What might be an adventure for one person, can be a walk in the park for another. However, when it comes to activities that get your blood pumping, some emotions such as the adrenaline rush and that feeling of euphoria at the end are what makes these escapades so popular with travellers around the world. There are adventures to be discovered in the most unexpected of places, but a select few countries stand out from the rest as destinations where thrill-seeking adventurists head out to conquer their fears.

New Zealand

As the adventure sports capital of the world, there is something for everyone in New Zealand. Be it a novice, an amateur, or a professional daredevil; travellers fly to the "other side" of the world to relish some of the safest yet exciting adventure sports found on the planet. The spectacular raw beauty of this island nation is a bonus they discover and ultimately cherish making their adventures even more special. There's nothing more frighteningly exciting than jumping out of a plane, with a parachute of course, and New Zealand presents ample opportunities of safe options and tandem skydiving jumps. Closer to the ground, but still in the air, you can bungee jump from the Auckland Harbour Bridge or Zip Line in Rotorua. To enjoy slightly more grounded activities, try "packrafting" as an adventure where you raft through the many "unreachable" rivers and combine the charm of backpacking in the wilderness with the thrill of rafting in beautiful waters.

Nepal

Nepal might seem like an odd adventure destination to some, but its location amidst the Himalayas makes it the perfect place to experience some genuinely spectacular adventure sports. Chitwan and Bardia National Parks in the country provide nature enthusiasts with the opportunity to witness flora and fauna in their natural habitat whereas its majestic rivers are ideal for refreshing whitewater rafting trips. While there are a ton of adrenaline filled activities available in Nepal such as paragliding and even bungee jumping, a hike to the Everest base camp is the ultimate in must-do adventures of the world. The expedition is recommended only for the healthy and fit, filled with danger special permissions are required before you can venture out in a duly organised group.

America

With its enormous and diverse landmass comes the opportunity to immerse oneself in a multitude of adventure activities in America. One of the more unusual and somewhat blood tingling activities travellers can experience in the USA is visiting ghost towns that dot the country. Whether it is Bodie, California or Cahawba, Alabama there are stories to be told and frights to be had that can be scary and thrilling at the same time. The advantage of a varied topography further allows travellers in America to enjoy surfing in Hawaii, experience sea life in Alaska, go hiking in the Grand Canyon, or if you are truly brave, then ride the subway in New York.