Adventure vacations offer the opportunity to understand a place on a deeper level while testing the limits of your body and mind: get to know the ocean by diving with apex predators or see the Guatemalan jungle’s most elusive inhabitants high up in the treetops on a canopy tour.
Plus, thrilling experiences like swimming with great white sharks and jumping out of a plane will make your trip unforgettable, so you’ll have memories to talk about when you leave your destination. Not normally a daredevil? No problem, here are 10 adrenaline-packed travel ideas that are beginner-friendly and above all, fun. Fasten your seat belt.
Paragliding over the Italian Apennines
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The village of Castelluccio in Umbria, Italy, is about three hours from Rome. Perched on a grassy hilltop, the village is known for its stunning views of the Piano Grande, a valley that comes alive with thousands of tiny red, white and purple flowers every spring (and even a festival celebrating this blooming each summer). The village is the perfect place to soak up the fresh mountain air and sample some Pecorino cheese, a specialty of the region.
It’s also a paraglider’s dream: Monte Vettore, at 8,123 feet above sea level, is the typical starting point for a 20-minute tandem glide with Fly the Apennines (those who want to be in the air longer can also sign up for a 90-minute long-distance cross-country flight). Piano Grande’s mild climate all year round makes it perfect for paragliding, and there’s plenty to enjoy even after the flowers have fallen. Once back on land, you can explore the rest of Umbria by foot, car or horseback.
Heliskiing in the Alps
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It’s no secret that the Alps are home to world-class skiing, but for exclusive access to pristine powder and remote wilderness, it’s hard to beat a heli-skiing trip where the mountains feel like your very own personal playground. Val Formazza, on the northern edge of Piedmont, offers all the seclusion you need.
The protected valley is surrounded by three majestic mountains: Offenhorn, Brynnenhorn, and Basodino, and its high altitude (the highest landing point is about 10,500 feet above sea level) means it receives several feet of snow every year. Heliguides operates a fleet of Airbus AS 350 helicopters to access the untouched backcountry, and with options ranging from quick day trips to week-long packages, visitors can spend as much (or as little) of time in the valley as they like.
Of course, you’ll need some skiing experience, but you don’t have to be a pro: with a wide range of landing sites to choose from, your guide can customize the trip to perfectly suit your ability level. And one thing’s for sure: no matter where you land, you’re unlikely to be disappointed by the views.
Dive with Great White Sharks in South Australia
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The Neptune Islands, off the coast of Port Lincoln in South Australia, are home to Australia’s largest population of long-toed fur seals, and while these cute creatures alone make the trip worthwhile, it’s their apex predator, the great white shark, that holds the interest of thrill-seekers.
Very little is known about the migratory habits of great white sharks, making this location extremely appealing for adventurous travellers. The mix of cold and warm currents from the Indian and Southern Oceans means that the islands are home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, making them an attractive destination for bloodthirsty sharks.
Humans aren’t on the menu, of course, and companies like Calypso Star Charters will confine you safely inside a steel cage, or what’s called an “aqua sub” (basically an inverted aquarium, with the fish outside the glass), so you can marvel at the 19-foot monsters that swim just within reach.
Hiking from hut to hut in the Colorado backcountry
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It’s a little-known fact, but Colorado has more huts and yurts than any other state in the U.S. This is no coincidence: In the 1980s, members of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division decided to recreate the huts they encountered while serving in the Alps. Thus, the 10th Mountain Division Hut System was born.
Today, a network of 38 cabins spread across a 350-mile route offers travelers the chance to get in touch with Colorado’s wilderness. But don’t come expecting turndown service: the cabins are rustic, with melting snow for water, simple beds and basic cooking equipment. But despite their humble origins, they’re zen-like (and very affordable). Some cabins are close to popular trails, while others are miles (and really miles) from civilization.
The best part is that you can go in any season—just be prepared to work up a sweat. In winter, you’ll cross-country ski six to seven miles from hut to hut (intermediate skiing skills required); in summer, you’ll hike or mountain bike the same distance, but without the snow. Whatever method you choose, make sure at least one person in your group has outdoor activity experience, and if you’re visiting in winter, take avalanche safety training. “Route-finding skills may be the skill you need most,” the website says.
Hike around red-hot lava in Hawaii
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Hundreds of people flock to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park every day to witness the eruption of gas and steam. At night, the phenomenon is even more spectacular as red-orange lava glows from the caldera rim. The sight is enough to drive home the geological power beneath Hawaii’s surface. And this tour is totally family-friendly. On a 12-hour guided tour with Hawaii Forest & Trails, you’ll hike around the park, wade through dark lava tubes, and enjoy views of flowing lava from several key vantage points. Nature doesn’t get more thrilling than this.
Snorkeling in Belize
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Belize’s Great Blue Hole is not only one of the most mystical and beautiful places on earth, but it’s also a must-see for divers. Only experienced divers are recommended to dive to the deepest depths, but that doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t explore too.
Snorkeling is a fun, beginner-friendly way to catch a glimpse of life beneath the ocean’s surface. An area called Tres Cocos on Belize’s largest island, Ambergris Caye, is a great place to start snorkeling. Here, snorkelers can enjoy the sights of large brain and elkhorn corals in waters around 4-8 feet deep. Tropical fish like yellowtail snapper and rainbow parrotfish can also be seen, as well as snails, striped shrimp, sea urchins and stingrays.
A few miles off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye lies Hol Chan Marine Reserve, another fantastic spot for underwater thrills. The reserve is teeming with wildlife, with a sandy bottom area nicknamed “Shark Alley” because it’s a popular gathering spot for nurse sharks. Don’t worry, though – although the sharks look intimidating and have rows of serrated teeth, they’re harmless to humans and only become aggressive if provoked.
Walking among the trees in the Guatemalan jungle
If you’re not afraid of heights, you might also like to visit Tikal National Park in Guatemala. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is best viewed from the treetops on a canopy tour, a popular activity within the park.
One such tour takes you soaring through the jungle on a zip line. The route connects multiple platforms erected about 100 feet above the forest floor, offering a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the flora and fauna. Along the way, your nature guide will help you identify any creatures that catch your eye, including howler monkeys, ring-tailed coatis, jaguars and toucans.
While you’re here, explore the park’s impressive Mayan ruins, with 3,000 ancient temples, monuments and dwellings scattered throughout the park, making it the largest excavated site in the Americas.
Climb Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
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America’s national parks are full of captivating scenery, but none compare to the majestic mountains of Yosemite Valley. Sheer granite cliffs soar into the heavens, and 2,400-foot waterfalls tumble lazily, making you feel like you’ve been transported to Neverland. For a truly unforgettable panorama, climb Half Dome, one of the park’s most famous monoliths.
Only 300 people are allowed to hike this trail in a day, and you’ll see why as you start climbing the nearly vertical rock faces. Steel cables serve as handrails, with a series of wooden planks to hold onto your shoes. Because of the danger of the climb, people proceed very slowly as they do their best to climb the rocks without falling into the valley below. (Don’t forget: the route is bidirectional, so you’ll have to share the cables and footrests with everyone coming down.)
To apply for a climbing permit, you must enter the park’s lottery in March before the season begins. A limited number of permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits are also available on the website. Don’t forget to drink water during your hike — lots of it.
Trekking to Machupicchu
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If the idea of trekking through a rugged landscape of rugged mountains and lush jungle sounds appealing, it might finally be time to cross Machu Picchu off your wish list.
Colorful landscapes await hikers on the Salkantay trek, a comfortable, uncrowded alternative to the popular Inca Trail that leads to archaeological wonders. This classic five-day itinerary starts with a climb up Mount Salkantay, Peru’s 12th highest mountain. It’s hard work, but the endorphins (and the views) at the top of the pass are plenty worth the reward. From there, you’ll head into the delights of the Sacred Valley’s “cloud forest.” You’ll pass under waterfalls, go zip lining, and sleep in yurt-like tents where your guide team will prepare your meals.
By the time you finally reach Machu Picchu on the fifth day (at sunrise), it will feel less like a wishlist item and more like a natural continuation of the landscape. After sleeping outdoors and sharing meals with the locals, you will feel connected to the landscape. Enjoy the view from the top. You deserve it.
Skydiving over Dubai
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When you think of adventure, Dubai might not be the first place that springs to mind. When you think of the desert metropolis, luxury hotels, gold, and the iconic skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa, spring to mind. But for those who don’t want to hit the mall, skydiving is a fun way to see a different side of Dubai, literally.
Imagine this: you’re thrown from a plane 13,000 feet above Dubai and free-falling at 120 miles per hour. The famous Palm Islands spread out below you like a sand painting. From above, you can clearly see the turquoise waters of the Gulf, the islands’ symmetrical “lobes,” and the spiraling structure that characterizes Dubai’s skyline.
You’ll be strapped into an instructor, of course (someone has to make sure the parachute opens!) and then you’ll free fall for 60 seconds, followed by five minutes of gentle floating above the city. It’s a sensory experience that’ll bring a smile to your face – the views, the howling winds, and the soothing feeling of weightlessness. By the time you land, you’ll probably want a glass of champagne to celebrate your bravery – the hotel bar will come in handy.
