If you’re seeking an exciting new adventure that will get your heart racing, we’ve got you covered! As experienced adventurers and thrill-seekers, we have put together a list of 7 exhilarating activities that are sure to push you outside of your comfort zone. From skydiving to hiking, here are some recommendations for the best destinations to embrace your adventurous side!
Skydiving
If you are looking for the ultimate rush of adrenaline, skydiving is a must-try. There’s nothing quite like the sensation of free-falling from a plane at thousands of feet above ground! Interlaken in Switzerland, a stunning town lying between 2 large lakes and surrounded by high peaks, is one of the best places to experience this exhilarating adventure. If you’re Down Under, try the Fox Glacier in New Zealand or the Tandem Skydive Wollongong over stunning Sydney, Australia. Spain, from its ancient architecture to its beautiful mountains, also boasts awesome skydiving spots. Experience the breathtaking views from Empuriabrava, on the stunning Costa Brava close to Barcelona or from Seville, the capital of Andalusia, where you can freefall from 15,000 feet in the air. Imagine the unique perspective you’ll get from each of these locations as you conquer any fears you may have about heights.
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Bungee jumping
For those who want a similar experience to skydiving but with a little less intensity, bungee jumping may be the perfect choice. You’ll still get the thrill of jumping from a great height, but instead of free-falling, you’ll be attached to a bungee cord that will catch you just before you hit the ground. This sudden stop and weightlessness at the end of the jump will leave you feeling energized and buzzing. There are several outstanding bungee jumping destinations in Europe – the Verzasca Dam in Switzerland, which you can reach by train from Milan or Zurich, the Altopiano di Asiago in Vicenza, Italy where you can spring from one of the highest points in the country, the Niouc Bridge in Switzerland, and the Europabrucke Bridge – Europe’s highest – in Austria. The Kawarau Bridge on the South Island of New Zealand and the Macau Tower in China are other famous bungee spots.
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Whitewater rafting
There’s nothing like escaping from the summer heat in cool water – or, better yet, in a raft as you paddle through rapids and navigate your way down a rushing river! Whitewater rafting is an exciting adventure that requires teamwork and skill. Some of the most thrilling rapids in the world can be found at the Futaleufú River in Chile and the Kali Gandaki River in Nepal. In Switzerland, try the Bietschhorn River which is located at the foot of the Bietschhorn Mountain in the Bernese Alps, or the Rhine River with its aqua waters and dramatic canyon walls. The glacier-fed Noce River in northeastern Italy, bordering Austria and Switzerland, is another ideal location for whitewater rafting as are the Rhine River in Switzerland, the Una River in Croatia, and the Inn River in Austria. Each of these locations offers not only incredible adventure but breathtaking landscapes and superb scenery.
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Rock climbing
Rock climbing is an activity that requires strength, endurance, and mental focus, and the feeling of accomplishment after scaling a steep rock face and conquering the summit is unbeatable. There are many destinations around the world that are ideal for rock climbing. Some of the best include Yangshuo in China, Kalymnos in Greece, and Frankenjura which is located in Southern Germany near the cities of Nuremberg and Bamberg. In Spain, El Chorro, located in Aragon, and Rodellar, close to Malaga, are considered to be premier rock climbing destinations, and France boasts a number of outstanding limestone routes for both beginners and more experienced climbers, such as Corsica and Ceuse.
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Zip lining
Zip lining is a great option for those looking for a thrilling activity that’s a little less intense. Soaring through the air and feeling the wind rush past you is an exhilarating experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Many zip lining courses offer different heights and speeds, so you can tailor your adventure to your comfort level. Some of the top places to try zip lining are Chiang Mai in Thailand, Kuang Si Waterfalls in Laos, and the Queenstown area in New Zealand. Kronplatz, Italy is a stunning backdrop for a zip line through the snowy peaks of the Italian Dolomites, and the Tri Brata Beach zip line in Dubrovnik, Croatia will take you over gorgeous, white sandy beaches and crystal waters. The zipline in Toledo, Spain which takes you on an adventure over one of Spain’s oldest cities, is another top zip lining destination.
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Surfing
For those who love the ocean, catching a wave and riding it to the shore is an incredible feeling of freedom. Surfing is a thrilling activity that requires skill and balance and can also provide a great workout. There are many world-renowned surfing destinations such as Hossegor in Southwestern France, Uluwatu in Bali, Indonesia, Raglan in the North Island of New Zealand, and Ericeira, Portugal – just a short drive from Lisbon -but be sure to explore lesser-known locations too. Peniche, Portugal, is home to one of Europe’s best surfing spots and La Graviere, France provides an awesome experience for every level of surfers.
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Hiking
Hiking may not seem like the most electrifying activity on the list, but it can offer breathtaking views and a sense of achievement when you reach the summit of a challenging trail. Some of the best destinations for hiking include Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and the Himalayas in Nepal. In France, don’t miss the opportunity to hike the Mediterranean island, Corsica, France, and, of course, the popular Tour de Mont Blanc, which passes through parts of Italy, France, and Switzerland, is a breathtakingly beautiful Alpine hike.
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Embracing your adventurous side and trying new things can be a great way to break out of your routine and experience life to the fullest, but be sure that you are physically and mentally prepared. While these activities are exhilarating, they can also be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken, and that includes researching the necessary safety equipment, training, and regulations for each activity. Once you’re set, whether you’re conquering fears or just seeking new challenges, the memories you make on these adrenaline-fueled adventures will last a lifetime!
