If You’ve Done Any of These Things, You Are Officially a Daredevil
Sometimes pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone makes a holiday experience all the more memorable. And whether you’re a natural-born daredevil or looking to overcome a fear, there are adrenaline-pumping experiences for everyone. Consider adding one of these exhilarating activities to your next adventure.
Whitewater Rafting, the Zambezi River (Victoria Falls), Zimbabwe/Zambia
For a bumpy ride, one filled with heart-stopping twists and turns (and a lot of water), check out whitewater rafting down the Zambezi River. The river runs for 15 miles and features approximately 23 different rapids, all of which are aptly named -- Stairway to Heaven, the Terminator and Judgement Day, to name a few. Excursions leave from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides. Though tours run most months of the year, those looking for a more demanding and thrilling experience will want to book for August through December when the waters are lowest.
Bungee Jump, Macau Tower, Macau, China
Whether you’re a lover of heights or looking to overcome your fear, AJ Hackett’s Bungy Jump in Macau is an ideal way to get your blood rushing. Hackett, the company’s owner and founder, is perhaps best known for his jump off the Eiffel Tower in 1987. He now runs the world’s highest bungee jump, which sits at 765 feet and propels those brave enough to participate off Macau Tower. Jumps can be done during nearly all weather conditions, and Night Bungy is also available, starting at 6 p.m. during the winter months and 7:30 p.m. during the summer.
Zip Line, Dubai, UAE
Dubai’s newest zip-line experience, XLine Dubai Marina, is ideal for those looking to add a serious dose of adrenaline to their next holiday. The world’s longest urban zip line opened late last year and starts off at Amwaj Towers, located in Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Residences. Guests will launch from 558 feet above the ground and travel a full kilometer at 50 mph. The new attraction also has two lines, which means two people can ride in tandem.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, China
The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon glass bridge, located in China’s Zhangjiajie Prefecture, is all about pushing your psychological boundaries. The world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge sits 850 feet above the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area -- including what lies below your feet. After making it across, those who are physically fit enough can embark on the scenic walk down the valley, which typically takes two to three hours. For those either short on time or unconfident about completing the trek, there is also a slide (costs about 20 yuan) or a zip line across (costs about 35 yuan).
Cage Diving, Gansbaai, South Africa
If coming face to face with a great white shark -- with nothing more than a bit of metal between you and it -- sounds like the perfect way to round off your next holiday, then cage diving in Gansbaai, South Africa, is a must. The fishing town, located in the Overberg District, offers some of the best cage-diving experiences around. From March to September the waters are at their clearest, providing peak visibility. Shark Alley, a thin stretch of water between Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, is located 8 km offshore and is the ideal place to spot great whites. From April to September, visitors can also spot nearly 60,000 fur seals on Geyser Rock.
Volcano Boarding, Cerro Negro, Nicaragua
Those looking to add a bit of flair to their next sledding or snowboarding experience should consider volcano boarding down Cerro Negro, an active volcano located in the Cordillera de los Maribios mountain range in Nicaragua. Visitors first embark on a 45-minute hike up to the drop zone, which sits roughly at 2,388 ft. From there guests can board down two different ways -- either by standing up on the board, which gets you some seriously Instagram-worthy shots but slows you down, or by sitting down, which is ideal for those speed demons among the group (speeds can max out at 30 mph).
Ashley Bess is an editor turned freelancer writer who describers herself as short, opinionated, recently repatriated, lover of gin and travel and with a head full of useless song lyrics and movie quotes.