12 Heart-Pounding Experiences That Redefine Adventure Travel

Those who insist on the rush of adrenaline and enjoyment of moving well out of their shell are natural adventure travel fans. Whether we are scaling mountains, diving off headlands, or flying through the skies, adventure changes how you learn about yourself and about the world. It’s about opening your arms to the wild, and the many times unpredictable, side of life.

Here we share experiences that make the phrase ‘once in a lifetime’ appropriate. These aren’t tick-box journeys, they are about feeling alive, about the moments when your heart pounds with excitement and awe. Want to take the plunge in the deep end of adventure? Let’s get started.

Skydiving in Interlaken, Switzerland

Jumping out of a plane at 12,000 feet is a little crazy, but over the Swiss Alps, it’s magical. No wonder Interlaken offers some of the most breathtaking views you will ever see, ever. The kind of view that has snowcapped peaks, lush valleys, and shimmering lakes. Your senses are already on overdrive as you freefall, towered down to the earth with the wind rushing past you. The fun is in here trusting your process, and enjoying that famously liberating leap of faith.

Swimming With Whale Sharks, Mexico

An underwater encounter you won’t forget is off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. Swimming with and among the whale shark, the gentle giant is humbling and awe-inspiring. These filter-feeding creatures that can grow up to 40 feet long or more move with such grace it’s hard to explain. Just off the coast of Isla Holbox, in crystal clear waters, sea turtles are in their perfect element and make it a great spot to share a couple of tranquil moments with these oceanic wonders.

Hiking the Haiku Stairs, Hawaii

This hike is obviously named the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ and it is not for the faint of heart. At 3,922 steps, the steep ridge climb has views of Oahu that look like they were pulled from a dream. Although the mountain is officially closed to the public, the lure of ultimate beauty draws adventurers to attempt the climb. Every step is a victory lap of this kind of trek.

The Grand Canyon Whitewater Rafting, Colorado

Rafters seeking excitement will get a thrill ride from the Colorado River. Here, the rapids are gentle to heart-stopping, with a combination of challenges and rewards. More than 20,000 people attempt this famous stretch each year, according to the National Park Service. This adventure has it all — the roar of the water and some of the most serene canyon views.

Sandboarding in the Atacama Desert, Chile

Who needs snow when you have golden dunes as far as the eye can see? An exhilarating way to experience sandboarding and this arid landscape is in the Atacama desert. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, sliding down these sunkissed slopes is a joy. Then you get thrilled with the warm desert air and surreal scenery and it’s very exciting.

Paragliding in Pokhara, Nepal

Think of a bird flying over turquoise lakes and up the faces of the Annapurna range. Paragliding in Pokhara is a paragliding paradise where the takeoff is as exciting as the flight itself. While flying through the skies you actually feel reality slow down and give you a chance to see and breathe in the raw beauty of Nepal. It’s a dream come true experience.

Cave Diving, Belize

Belize’s Great Blue Hole is a siren call for thrill seekers who love the water. A diver’s dream, this massive underwater sinkhole is filled with depths of stalactites, marine life, and mysteries. Famous Jacques Cousteau called it one of the best dive sites on the planet, and it’s easy to see why. Stepping into the wondrous world of this aquatic wonder is like stepping into another world of silent, eerie surreal beauty.

Bungee Jumping, Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is known as one of the most extreme bungee jumps in the world, with a 364foot drop not for the faint-hearted. You take the ledge and enter an awful mixture of terror and euphoria, as the roar of the waterfall fills your ears. You’re buzzing long after the cord pulls you back.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Trekking to the “Roof of Africa” is something you will never forget. Kilimanjaro is a challenge to your body and your mind, at 19,341 feet, but the reward is worth every grueling step. Climb Kilimanjaro Guide says that nearly 30,000 people try this climb each year and that only 65% of them make it. There is soul-stirring about getting to the top only at sunrise.

Finland Dog Sledding, Lapland

Dog sledding through Finland’s snowy wilderness is a must-try if winter is your season. You’ll dash through frozen forests and icy plains by the side of enthusiastic huskies. It’s not just adventures, it’s a link up with the gifted animals and with nature. Toss in a sighting of the Northern Lights and this is downright magic.

Monteverde Ziplining, Costa Rica

Famous for their ziplining tours where you fly from platform to platform high up in the air, Monteverde’s lush cloud forests are popular with tourists. It is still unforgettable, cutting through the mist surrounded by greenery. This is an adrenaline-pumping way to get up close and personal with Costa Rica’s vibrant biodiversity.

Exploring Iceland’s Ice Caves, Iceland

Iceland’s glaciers are beautiful things during the winter, with shimmering blue caves that look like something out of a fantasy novel. To enter these frozen wonders you need a guide, crystal walls, natural light shows, and a sense of wonder which is quite fascinating. Though, it’s cold, it’s also captivating, for a few moments, like stepping into another world.

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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience

Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.

But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience