Fancy a potentially deadly vacation? We all like risking our lives for great experiences, don’t we?
If you are tired of those beach holidays, city breaks and cultural excursions here are 6 trips designed to unleash your inner adrenaline junkie.
Hike the Inca Trail, Peru, South America
7,970 feet above the clouds and nestled high over the Urubamba River in Peru lies one of the best preserved Inca Ruins in the world. A designated UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, dabble in the extremes of trekking this world-famous route. You’ll be bewitched by the Temple of The Sun and Marvel at the Inca Bridge, which will literally take your breath away – it’s a 1,900 foot drop…
Where to go: Pass through the Sacred Valley en route to the trailhead and arrive at Aguas Client, a small village at the base of Machu Picchu.
When to go: The trail is open all year round.
Trek to the Everest Base Camp, Nepal
This is one for the extreme explorer in us. The trek to the summit of Everest, the world’s highest peak, requires a year of intense training, a high level of fitness and some pretty hefty savings. The base camp is less expensive, is not as dangerous and is friendly to travellers who have no experience in extreme trekking. It will also give you a feel for it if you decide to make the climb in the future. Whatever you decide, this will be an incredible experience to add to your travel resume.
Where to Go: Hop on a flight to Kathmandu and then take an internal flight to Lukla. You’ll then need to go on a trek up the Dudh Kosi River, Tengboche and Pheriche. The trip finishes at 17,575 feet above sea level at the Everest Base Camp.
When to Go: Go before Monsoon season in March or April.
Chase Some Tornadoes in the U.S.
Ever wanted to be a storm chaser? Well you can be. There are several storm chasing adventure tours to be taken in the southern United States. If you really want to spoil yourself go on a 6 day tour and travel through the Great Plains and experience some of the most extreme weather conditions on the planet. There will be no need for hair styling products on this adventure. It will be pretty windy.
Where to Go: Most Tours begin in Oklahoma City and end in Denver, Colorado and pass through areas of Texas, New Mexico, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming and portions of Missouri.
When to Go: Tornado season is usually greatest in May but it varies by State. Check Storm Chasing Adventures offered in your State of interest.
Walk the Pacific Crest Trail, United States of America & Canada
Recently made famous by the film “Wild”, starring Reese Witherspoon, hike 2650 miles from the US-Mexico border to Canada, crossing three U.S. States, California, Oregon and Washington. Hundreds of thousands of people use the trail each year but only a few hundred complete the gruelling thru-hike, which passes through 26 National forests, 7 National Parks, 5 State Parks and 4 National Monuments. Depending on your stamina, a typical thru-hike takes between 5 and 6 months to conquer. You’ll meet fellow hikers, a few hundred Rattlesnakes and some breathtaking scenery along the way.
Where to Go: Fly direct to San Diego or Los Angeles, depending on which route is cheaper and take a bus service to Campo, California. Most hikers hitchhike to the start of the trail but you have the option to arrange your own transportation at a price.
When to Go: Most experienced hikers begin in Mid-Late April.
Ski Through The Alps, The Haute Route
This trek is the most sought-after ski route in skiing. Passing through France, Italy and Switzerland, it takes roughly 7 days to complete. You’ll be amazed by incredible glaciers, the dazzling sight of the Matterhorn, the vast icy landscapes and unforgiving mountains with sheer drops. All you need is a travel sheet. Oh and some skiing skills of course.
Where to Go: It begins in Chamonix, France, which is easily reached by taking a flight to Geneva or Lyon, continuing into the vast expanse of the Alps.
When to Go: Ski season runs through March to May.
Swim with Great Whites in South Africa
Gansbaai, not far from Cape Town, South Africa is world-renowned for cage diving and has been rated by Lonely Planet as one of the Number 1 underwater experiences in the world. You’ll come face to face with Great Whites and Bull Sharks as you gander at one of the ocean’s top predators. You’ll have plenty of adrenaline to last for a lifetime after this trip.
Where to Go: Head to Cape Town, South Africa. Head to Kleinbaai Harbour, approximately 2km from Gansbaai. Tours and transfers can be arranged at most hotels.
When To Go: The best months to go are between March and September as this is when the water is at its clearest.