Adventure

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.