Best Arenal volcano hikes

Located in the centre of New Zealand's North Island, the town of Taupo sits sublimely in the shadow of the snow-capped peaks of Tongariro National Park. Fittingly, this 40,000-person lakeside town has recently become one of New Zealand's most popular tourist destinations, as hikers, trout fishers, water sports enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies have started descending upon it.

There is a long and rich tradition of rambling in Germany.

There are thousands of surf schools in the world that can get you up and riding for the first time. They teach the basics, and then for the most part, set you off on your own. For aspiring pros there are high-level surf coaches, but what about the rest of us?

Based on its name alone, you might picture a vast frozen wilderness, but actually only 11% of Iceland is covered with ice.

Rough Guides' adventure sports expert Helen Abramson gives us her top tips on some of the world’s best adrenalin­-pumping whitewater rafting. Rapids are classified from I–VI, where grade VI is “un-runnable”, so the Grade V rivers listed here are essentially as thrilling as it gets.

There's something about road trip travel that always captures the imagination. You can take it all at your own pace, choose where to go and set off with a true sense of freedom and adventure. Thanks to the good old invention of the road (we have the Mesopotamians to thank for that!), we have access to plenty of landscapes on many travellers' bucket lists simply by sitting behind the steering wheel. Here are some of the best countries for a road trip — and of course, each one of our suggestions is bookable as a Rough Guides tailor-made trip. All you need to do is get in touch and we can sort out your dream self drive holiday.

Imagine an adorable fleet of tiny turtles flopping their way towards sea, leaving the beach behind them until their miraculously return, years later, to nest at the exact site of their birth. For lovers of nature and all things cute, witnessing a sea turtle hatch is an unforgettable experience. But you've got to get the timing right and need to know the best places to watch turtles hatch.

As trekking goes, the beginning of the Besseggen Ridge is a breeze. Sitting on the bow of a little tug as it chugs along picturesque Lake Gjende in central Norway’s Jotunheimen Nasjonalpark, you’d be forgiven for wondering what all the fuss is about – this is, after all, Norway’s best-known day hike, in the country’s most illustrious national park. But then the boat drops you off at a tiny jetty and you start the hike up the hill, knowing that each step takes you closer to the crest: a threadline precipice that’ll turn even the toughest mountaineer’s legs to jelly.

Wales-bound hikers invariably make a beeline for Snowdon, Britain’s highest mountain outside of Scotland. But with annual visitor numbers cresting the 600,000 mark, and the Snowdonia Society raising concerns last year about the negative effects on the peak and its paths, it could be high time to turn elsewhere for a weekend of walking.

Stunning national parks, brooding volcanoes, and untouched beaches: Costa Rica offers many natural wonders and sights. Curious critters abound in lush rainforests. Network of rushing rivers and wildlife reserves beckons adventure seekers. Though it’s not possible to see everything in one trip, here is our pick of the best things to do in Costa Rica.

Ahh, Costa Rica — no doubt you've already heard about the cloud forests and national parks. People have raved about the wildlife, from sloths to ocelots. As if Costa Rica (and its travellers!) didn't have enough to boast about, the country is also home to some spectacular waterfalls. Big and imposing, small and serene, ones you can swim under and others with water bluer than the sky, here's our guide to the best waterfalls in Costa Rica.

With five per cent of the world’s total biodiversity, Costa Rica is a fascinating destination. It's packed with abundant natural charms, from ethereal cloud forests to the pounding waves of the Pacific Ocean. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime destination. And the best way to process all the colourful memories? A quiet day or two at one of the best beaches in Costa Rica.