Best Adventure Summer Holiday Destinations

Meet Emma and Steffan, the travel enthusiasts behind InWanderment. With a passion for exploring the great outdoors and an insatiable curiosity for off-the-beaten-path destinations, they're here to help you find the right gear for your next adventure.

But before you take off, make sure you're fully equipped with the best gear and essentials. From hiking boots to quick-dry clothes, lightweight raincoats, and swimwear, Snow+Rock offers a wide range of high-quality products that cater to every adventure, climate, and terrain. And with Emma and Steffan's expert advice, you can find the perfect gear that suits your travel style and preferences.

As summer approaches, the number one question on all of our minds is: 

"Where do you want to go on holiday this year?"

If you're like us and love the outdoors when you get away on your annual trips, look no further for some exciting adventure destinations to get you out in nature and exploring quicker than you can say, "Pack your bags!". 

We know what you're thinking… is it a holiday if you don't get on a plane?

We are big believers that to experience adventures, you don't need to venture to faraway lands. Some of our all-time favourite experiences and trips have been in our home country of the UK. 

We were lucky to spend a whole month in Scotland, one of the most breathtaking destinations. Every day we were awe-struck. 

From exploring magical castles and lighthouses, wandering the hills of Glencoe and meeting the local deer to enjoying relaxing days on Scottish beaches, Scotland has something for everyone. 

• Remember your midge repellent. The brand 'Smidge' was created in Dundee and claims to have cracked the secret pheromone to keep midges at bay. 

• If you're travelling during summer, pack a lightweight waterproof jacket, as the weather can change quickly in the highlands. 

Known for its incredible beaches, watersports and picturesque views (and remember the Cornish pasties and ice cream), Cornwall is the holiday spot of choice for people all over the UK, and it's easy to see why. A photographer and hikers dream, Cornwall is world-renowned for its flagship beaches, hidden coves and picturesque fishing villages.

• Camping is very popular in Cornwall, with some breathtaking campsite locations with 360 degree views. So if camping is your favourite pastime, remember to book a spot well ahead of time to avoid disappointment. 

From the mountains of Snowdonia National Park to the beaches and lighthouses of the Llŷn Peninsula, this area of Wales has so many gorgeous spots that you would struggle to get bored, whatever the weather. Tryfan Mountain has to be up there with one of our favourite spots and is not to be missed!

• Remember a good pair of walking shoes or boots and sandals for the warmer weather when exploring the mountains and beaches of North Wales. There's so much to explore, and you want to be well prepared. 

If you want to leave the UK but don't want a long flight, we have you covered with our top two European Destinations.

With a flight time of just over two hours, you'll have arrived at your destination at record speed, saving more time to get exploring.

And if you're looking for the perfect city break destination where you can hike mountains or lay on beaches in the morning, wander quaint cobbled streets, and enjoy tapas in the evening, then Barcelona may be the perfect spot for you. Barcelona is steeped in stunning architecture and its own sandy beach within walking distance from the centre. 

But if you still need the mountains, we recommend a day or two in the stunning area of Montserrat. Although Montseratt isn't located in Barcelona, it's only an hour's train journey that'll give you some great views and immerse you in one of Catalonia's most desirable day trip destinations. 

Montserrat is a mountain with a chapel built into it near the top and offers stunning views of the surrounding area and historical information about the chapel. The hike can be done in a day if you want to keep Barcelona as your home base. 

• Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothes for the mountains and walking around the city paired with walking shoes and pack summer dresses or shorts for the beach. You never know when you may fancy a dip in the ocean!

With a flight time of just under 4 hours and an island that can be driven around in the same time frame - Madeira is a small island that packs a big punch. 

Madeira has some incredible natural wonders, including the ancient laurel forest of Fanal, the mountain peaks of Pico do Areeiro, and the waterfalls on the 25-fontes walk where you feed birds straight from your hand. Yes, it's magical.  

When you want to kick back and put your feet up or dip in the sea, Calheta has you covered with its sandy beaches and protected bay area. Whilst the island is relatively small, 7-10 days is the perfect time frame to dedicate a trip there. With non-stop hidden gems, we spent two weeks and could easily have gone back and seen more. 

• Madeira has four of its own micro-climates, and whilst it may be cloudy and rainy on one part of the island, it can be sunny and dry on another. Be sure to check out the many weather cameras Madeira has and make your way to the good weather; follow the sun and pack for all weather in your backpack.  

Our two favourite long-haul destinations are blessed with mountains, waterfalls and beaches to keep your days outdoors packed with adventure. 

Bali needs no introduction. Popular by tourists and for good reason, it's gorgeous. 

Having spent two weeks in Bali, we would point you toward the North as it's less busy, more mountainous, and the views are breathtaking. Munduk was one of our favourite spots in Bali, a small village dotted with waterfalls, hiking trails, and local eateries and even has its own 700-year-old Banyan Tree!

When you are all mountained out, you can make your way back down the coast to one of the many Balinese beaches or even spend a few nights on the Nusa Penida island, where you can swim and snorkel with manta rays.  

• Pack a pair of walking sandals to navigate your way through towns, trails and well-trodden dusty paths. And since the climate is hot and humid, you'll want to stay as cool as possible. Plus, remember your swimwear - there will be plenty of opportunities for a dip.  

Everyone has heard of Mexico, right? Especially the east coast where the famous Cancun and Riviera Maya resorts are located. But have you heard of Riviera Nayarit? 

The west Coast of Mexico is home to some of the country's most lush mountain ranges, including the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. If you love the mountains, can't resist a waterfall, and love picture-perfect sandy beaches, then the Nayarit area of Mexico could be your perfect adventure holiday destination. 

We recommend you add the hike up the popular Monkey Mountain for sunrise and the beaches of Punta Mita to your bucket list. Both offer beautiful scenery and don't get too crowded with other tourists. 

• Remember to pack a headtorch for your sunrise hike and lightweight hiking clothes that dry quickly, as it gets very hot and humid, especially from June to October. 

Thanks to Emma and Steffan for sharing their adventure holiday inspiration. 

To ensure you're fully equipped for your travels, head to your nearest Snow+Rock store to book an Adventure Gear List appointment, where our experts will help you put together the right gear for your trip. And remember to find your ideal fit with our Pack and Footwear Fitting appointments. 

Whether you stay closer to home or fly long haul to more tropical destinations, our experts at Snow+Rock are with you every step of the way.