7 THINGS YOU MUST INCLUDE IN YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST
Traveling is all about getting off the beaten track. Whether we plan on swimming with Whale Sharks or exploring sunny islands, we all wish to enjoy the tranquility of nature. However, we can explore what adventurous options are there to experience despite only visiting a place.
Below we will walk you through a list of the best life-altering experiences this world has to offer. But beware, this list is not for the faint of heart. Therefore, if you are not ready for the rigors of extreme traveling, you should skip this one and look for run-of-the-mill guides. For the rest of you risk-taking brave enthusiasts – here are seven activities to do before you kick the bucket.
Before you go:
High risk traveling activities are not suitable for everyone. If you have underlying health conditions, it is best to sit these activities out. Get a complete check before you set out on your crazy adventure to avoid any nasty surprises. And always get travel insurance before you venture out to the great outdoors.
- Dive into a volcano: Jules Verne knew what he was talking about when he wrote Journey to the Centre of the Earth. For a singular experience, channel your inner adventurer by rappelling into a dormant volcano (Thrihnukagigur) in Iceland. The volcano has beautiful rock formations that create a unique effect.
Moreover, the auditory experience is equally thrilling as you can hear the mountain hiss and groan. So, book your tour now for an exciting and wonderful experience. Tours are offered anytime between May to October. You can hike to an active volcano site like Mount Etna if you want a more challenging experience,
- Swim with the fishes: Scuba diving is an exhilarating experience. It opens your eyes to what goes on under the sea and shuts out the rest of the world. Imagine seeing aquatic life in all shades of the rainbow in the same place. And the best thing is that each experience is unique and different. You can explore the Great Barrier Reef in Australia to marvel at the marine ecosystem. For a more exclusive experience, see some endangered species in the Ningaloo Reef. It is home to 500 species of fish and attracts three different species of marine turtles. For a Jaws inspired visit, you can cage dive with sharks in Cape Town.
- Rafting close to the edge: River rafting is a great sport. It is a favorite water-based activity of many. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has some of the best rafting routes in the USA. The Pigeon River is legendary for its Class III rapids. It is the most adrenaline-pumping activity in the Smoky Mountains. You can enjoy the tranquility of the mountains and also indulge in rafting activities. But don’t forget to do some Sevierville shopping to commemorate your experience with a souvenir. Worth noting if you’re a white water rafting enthusiast is Arkansas River rafting, Denver–the scenery of the Royal Gorge is absolutely breathtaking and depending on the time of year, the rapids are gnarly!
- See the (Northern) Lights: See the best light show on the planet – literally. The light show results from solar winds that create a magic show of dancing pinks and pulsing greens. And it is on top of almost all bucket lists because of the spectacular experience. One can’t put into words what it feels like to see the world explode into color, so you must experience it yourself. However, the lights are not always visible, so you must time your trip right. You can either travel in the fall or in late winter to get a glimpse of this mindboggling phenomenon. Just remember to have a flexible schedule so that you can change your plan accordingly.
- Meet an endangered tribe: Get a glimpse into a different and unique culture by visiting indigenous tribes in the Ecuadorian forest. You can meet new people and observe endangered traditions. Furthermore, such experiences can be an eye-opener for those looking for sustainable living. But it is necessary to be sensitive and tolerant when meeting people from minority tribes. So research the tour before booking it. Look for trips organized by the endangered tribes themselves, such as the Cofan community in Amazon. Authentic tours offer other experiences such as piranha fishing and sleeping in thatched huts.
- Go to Antarctica: There is a reason why Antarctica is the land of extraordinary voyages. The Great White Continent has danger at every turn. Moreover, it is a remote place where only a brave few have ventured. And the landscape can make you feel like you have stepped into another world since it is unlike anything you have seen before. Once you reach, you will witness many ice caps of all shapes and sizes for as far as the eye can see. So you can have an alien experience on planet earth. And where else will you be able to get up close and personal with penguins? Get a taste of real adventure with a sea voyage to perilous Antarctica. However, there are only a few voyages per year, and the seats are limited. Therefore if you are planning on going, reserve your trip well in advance. You can either opt for an Arctic cruise to see the polar bears and walruses or go on an expedition to the location.
- Skydive: If you want to find out how it feels to soar at 10,000 feet, you must experience sky diving. Indeed, what is more thrilling than plummeting to your death from a plane? And then there is that scary moment where you wonder if your parachute is going to open in time or not. Like scuba diving, many locations offer sky diving activities. You can skydive in the Namib Desert or step out of the plane above Fox Glacier, New Zealand. If you want to go all-in, you can also skydive next to Mount Everest. With breathtaking views of the Mahalangur Mountain Range’s treacherous peaks, it is a novel experience not suitable for everyone.
Conclusion:
Travelling is different for everyone. While some travel to relax, others travel to get novel experiences. Therefore, if you want some unique experiences, then the world is your oyster. You can challenge yourself by leaping out of planes or plunging into the depths of the earth. Or satisfy the anthropologist within you by interacting with the most remote populations in the world. Indeed, there is a whole world filled with exciting activities for the risk-takers among us. The only thing you have to do is ask yourself if you have what it takes to step out of your comfort zone.