Top 10 Adventure Travel Destinations of 2006

Looking for a little bit of adventure in your travel? Bored with the same old vacation destinations? Well National Geographic has some recommendations for you, based on a semi-scientific poll of the magazine's staffers and writers. National Geographic's Wild Horizons 2006 lists the top 10 adventure nations that will add some excitement and adventure to what could otherwise be just another family vacation, and I have added some original commentary to their listings.

Croatia: Located in Southeastern Europe, between Bosnia and Herzegovina, and bordering the Adriatic Sea, Croatia offers visitors the fabulous Kornati Islands. The islands feature 346 different species and 295 subspecies of flora and fauna, as well as the cliffs on the Donji Kornati, one of the most attractive natural phenomenons for visitors to see.

Argentina: High on the list of sites to see in Argentina is the region known as Patagonia, the last mountainous corner of the South American continent. Patagonia, which consists of parts of Argentina and Chile, offers majestic glaciers and lots of outdoor adventures sure to please the thrill seekers in your group. Patagonia is the place for those who like their outdoors wild and free.

Mongolia: Mongolia is home to the Gobi Desert and Lake Hovsgol. The Gobi is Asia's largest desert and has been the site of many important fossil finds, including the first dinosaur eggs. The desert is covered mostly by rock and not by sand as one would naturally assume. Lake Hovsgol is located in Northern Mongolia, near the Siberian border. Known as the Blue Pearl, the lake's water is some of the purest water in the world.

Botswana: The Okavango Delta in Botswana is home to an amazing variety of animals and offers some terrific safari opportunities. It is the largest inland delta in the world and features diverse ecosystems with waters that flow inland instead of to the sea. This is a must see area for bird watchers.

India: Sikkim is the least populated state in India and is home to the world's third highest peak, Kanchenjunga. It has become one of India's most visited states because of its cleanliness and scenic beauty. Kerala is another must see destination in India, with geographical characteristics that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia. Great beaches, exotic wildlife, magic festivals and cultural attractions are sure to please.

South Africa: When traveling to South Africa, your destinations should include Cape Town. Billed as the gateway to the continent of Africa, Cape Town offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, botanical gardens, hiking opportunities, a 17th century castle, and a nature reserve, plus a host of activities and events targeted just at kids.

Thailand: Located in Southeastern Asia, Thailand features incredible natural beauty, ancient temples, fantastic hospitality, and amazing food. Simply put, Thailand offers something for just about every type of traveler.

China: For China, two adventure destinations stand out: Sichuan and Yunnan. Sichuan is located in central-western China and is known as the Land of Abundance, with three places on the World Cultural and Natural Heritage list: Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, Huang Long Valley, and Mount Emeishan. See ancient relics and enjoy Sichuan cuisine during your visit. Yunnan, which means beautiful clouds in the south, features diverse topography, the largest number of plant species in China, and incredible animals, including the Asian elephant and the Yunnan golden monkey.

Ecuador: A visit to Ecuador gives tourists the opportunity for a wide array of adventures, including the Andes Mountains, the Galapagos Islands, scenic beaches and forests that are sure to please any outdoor guy or gal. From bird watching and whale watching to paragliding and hangliding, there is something for everyone in Ecuador.

Mozambique: Finally, Mozambique offers the adventure traveler stunning beaches and islands, a World Heritage site, colonial architecture and amazing local cultures. High on your list of attractions should be the Barazuto Archipelago National Park, which is about as close to paradise as you can get. The archipelago offers clear waters and white sand beaches, plus scuba and snorkel opportunities sure to please.