Do you find yourself in the office daydreaming of hiking miles through lush rainforest to a blue waterfall? Or maybe, hurtling across snow-covered terrain with a pack of sled dogs is more your style. Your adventure is out there! If only you’re willing to find it. Take your pick of these unique action-packed opportunities for those looking to get out and get active.
See Cappadocia from the Sky
One of the most picturesque adventures you could imagine comes in the form of a hot air balloon ride through Turkey. Experience a bird’s eye view of the famous limestone spirals, vibrant colors from Cappadocia’s sunrise, and end it all with a champagne celebration. Kapadokya Balloons is the trailblazer for Cappadocia’s hot air balloon tourism industry. The company is now celebrating 30 years of flying over Turkey’s incredible landscape.
Hike Native American Land to Havasupai Falls
A hike and camping trip unlike any other, not for those easily winded. Located on tribal lands inside the Grand Canyon, you’ll find four turquoise blue waterfalls surrounded by beautiful clay-colored contrasting canyons. This trip comes with nearly a year of preparation because reservations open annually and are gone in a flash. Once you snag your reservation, you’ll have a 4-day, 3-night backpacking trip to get organized. Count on 20 miles roundtrip. You’ll hike rocky and sandy terrain with a total elevation change of nearly one mile, which is equivalent to two Empire State buildings. All of this work is worth the breathtaking views of the falls, connecting with native lands where tribal members still live today, and an unbeatable view of the peaceful night sky.
Icehotel and Northern Lights in Sweden
The Swedish staple in the tiny village Jukkasjärvi has been around since the 80s, and it still thrives for a reason. From December to April the Winter Icehotel comes to life. Created from snow and ice, the art exhibit and hotel stuns hundreds of visitors. The Icehotel recommends visitors stay one night on the ice, and a couple more in one of their warm rooms. They provide you with sleeping bags designed to keep you warm on the ice. You can stay year-round at their permanent structure, of course, made of less meltable material. While you’re there, adventure is just outside your door. Dog sled, ski, see the Northern Lights on a snowmobile, even make your own ice sculpture. You don’t have to stay the night to book their wide range of activities, but the Icehotel is certainly worth a visit.
Visit an Ethical Wildlife Sanctuary and Trek the Indonesian Jungle
We’ve all seen photos online of people hanging out with elephants, sometimes washing or even riding them. The sad truth for most of those is that they are not ethical sanctuaries. If an elephant has been deemed safe for human interaction, know they have been “broken” to do so. However, ethical options exist! You can observe and interact with elephants, orangutans and more in their natural element with Sumatra Eco Tours. The company has plenty of opportunities for adventure-packed jungle trekking in Indonesia while sustaining ethical travel.
Tackle Utah’s “Big 5” National Parks
Arguably some of the best national parks in the U.S. belong in the western state of Utah. This makes hitting all of them in one trip a breeze for foreign visitors. Zion, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Arches, and Capitol Reef national parks provide something different and spectacular. River hike ten miles of incredible scenery from the Temple of Sinawava in what’s known as The Narrows slot canyons at Zion National Park. Get up close and personal with the Mars-esque arches formed from the red rock at Arches National Park. Maybe you’d rather take in a sunrise from nature’s crimson-colored skyscrapers, aka the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon. Take it all in in a matter of two weeks.
Capture a Mysterious Desert Coastline in Namibia
The Skeleton Coast is unlike any other in the world. Miles of deserted beach, dunes, and unmatched history. The Local Namibian Bushmen don’t call it ‘The land that the creator made in Anger’ for no reason. An estimated 500 shipwrecks remain, as well as endangered animals like the black rhino. Guided drive or fly-in tours are incredible ways to experience the terrain, while also gaining in-depth history of the area. However, locals say the best way to experience this bucket-list beauty is by taking a 16-day self-drive.
You don’t have to be free swimming with the sharks or climbing the side of a mountain with your bare hands to feel that surge of adrenaline and fulfillment. When you tailor your own adventure, the world is your oyster!
