One of the many reasons why people travel is the challenge it poses. Diving into shark-infested waters, climbing the towering peaks or trekking through dense jungles – they all jolt adventure travelers to life. As my blood rushes with every adventure, I am reminded of the meaning of travel. Once again, based on my own experience and observations, here’s my round-up of 8 adventures and where best to do them.
1. Mountain Trekking – Nepal
Home to the highest peak in the world, Nepal is the playground for climbers and trekkers interested in pushing themselves to the limit. There are numerous trekking routes to explore the Himalayas – the most popular being the Annapurna Base Camp Trail. Many find themselves tested both physically and mentally, returning home with a fulfilled sense of accomplishment.
Flickr Photo by McKaySavage
2. Hiking through the Amazon Jungle – Ecuador
Few places in the world offer such raw adventure: trudging through the thick foliage of the Amazon in the sultry heat and stumbling upon wildlife and primitive tribes give modern-day travelers a taste of jungle life. Definitely the highlight of our trip through South America, a multi-day jungle trek brings you close to nature and back to basics.
3. White-water Rafting – New Zealand
New Zealand has always been known as adventure travelers’ stomping ground. Queenstown, famed for the variety of heart-pumping activities, promises some of the best white-water rafting opportunities in the world. From Kawarau River for the beginners, to Shotover River suitable for the experts, there is something for every rafting enthusiast. Rapids range from Class II to V.
Flickr photo by Tim Gillons
4. Skydiving – Florida, USA
There is no other extreme sport that is more jaw-dropping or adrenaline-pumping than jumping off a plane, at an elevation of 1500 feet. There are over thousands of skydiving spots around the world, but many claim skydiving in Sebastian, Florida as one of the most scenic. The dropzone is situated directly on the east coast of Florida, offering a freefall over the beautiful Sebastian Inlet and Atlantic Ocean. Anyone can do it – no physical fitness required!
5. Scuba Diving – Australia
The world’s biggest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia, has an amazing diversity of marine life never seen anywhere else– from huge barracudas, to schools of reef sharks and the famous green turtles. This dive mecca has always been on the top of many scuba enthusiasts’ bucket list.
5. Sand boarding – South Africa
Just 40 minutes away from Cape Town stands the majestic Atlantis Dunes, attracting professionals and amateurs around the world. Its pure white dunes are extremely popular thanks to the perfect sand boarding conditions and the magnificent view of the city and its surroundings. Its gentle slopes make it an excellent spot for beginners.
6. Caving and jungle adventures – Borneo
Borneo is the Asian epicenter of adventure travel, drawing in travelers with the opportunities to do caving, wildlife watching and many other activities. The deep cave systems of Gunung Mulu National Park are some of the best systems to do caving: remember to explore the enticing Lang Cave and Clearwater cave. Outdoor enthusiasts will love to explore the surrounding jungle or climb the Mount Kinabalu peak.
Flickr photo by Stephane Enten
7. Sea Kayaking – Thailand
Southern Thailand, specifically around Koh Phangan, offers out-of-this-world kayaking experiences, suitable for both first-time paddlers and the serious marine explorer. Unique and remote limestone islands sprout from the sea, making kayaking through the inlets an exploration on its own. Many of these isolated islands feature dramatic sea caves and sheltered, pristine beaches that can only be reached by kayaks.
Flick photo by Steve Cornish
8. Rock Climbing – Jordan
The eerie desert of Wadi Rum – with its psychedelic rock formations and vast wilderness – provides some of the best terrains for rock-climbing.
There are several routes, with the longest and toughest being the Towering Inferno. Combine a climbing trip in Jordan with a camping trip with the Bedouins – guarantee to lure you deep into the desert’s soul.
Related Posts:
- Venturing into the Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador
- Mingling with Wildlife on the Galapagos Islands
- Sandboarding in Huacachina
- Roaming the Deserts of Egypt & Jordan
- Venturing into the Rocky Falls of Kakadu – Darwin
Good post!
I have always wanted to trek the Amazon. I think that would be one of the ultimate adventures.
Beautiful, untouched landscapes, primitive cultures and massive bugs = a crazy good time!
Derek
Falk Custom Adventures
Sandboarding isn’t really that awesome, I tried it once.
I guess it's subjective – I definitely liked sandboarding better than wakeboarding (never tried snowboarding but I really hate the cold.)
Oh, wow. They all look amazing! Going right on my own list. (Except the white-water rafting. Too scary for me, thanks. Good thing there's more than that to do in NZ, lol!) Nice post, great pics. Thanks for making me dream a bit today….
I loved the Amazon forest, stunning nature and beautiful people!
Scuba diving Australia. I am a native Australian and have been fortunate to dive in many of the best locations and I do have to say that the Solomon Islands are a very close runner up or possibly joint with the the Barrier Reef. The have such colorful reefs and coral. The sea is pristine. I can see my boat from 80 feet under water. It is just magical and worth the extra cost of getting there.
Thanks for sharing! The Solomon Islands must be gorgeous, have you dived anywhere in Micronesia or Papua New Guinea? I’d definitely love to explore this part of the world.
Scuba diving in Australia in on the top of my list and also one that many of my clients request. Though, I must say that the costs often inhibit my clients. They have a preference for going, as many do, to Thailand for their diving course, enjoy what Thailand has to offer at a vastly cheaper rate and then consider Australia when qualified. Another great and often overlooked destination is the Solomon Islands. The diving is pristine and perfect. Oh PNG and the Solomon s are in my opinion just the perfect destination.
Sand boarding in South Africa looks exciting. Though, I wonder how you cope with that sand flicking in your eyes, ears, nose and mouth? This aside it would be exhilarating and fun falling all over the sand dunes.
Good point there, I never had any sand flicking into my eyes when I went sandboarding. I guess the combination of velocity and angle of motion prevents the sand from flying all over the place. I did however get sand in my clothing!
What you have here is my perfect week! Great post, got my blood pumping and my eyes darting!
This looks like a great list. I just returned from hiking the jungles in Costa Rica. Ecuador sounds like it would be a place for me.
I've been white water rafting down the Ganges India, but not New Zealand – must try it cause I loved the rush of the rapids and the peacefulness of the remote areas
nice post, these places are really well deserving to be there on the list. I loved this post.
Nice post, I will appreciate if you list some more options also as these places are only the few among hundreds of other adventure spots in the world.
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