The globe has never been more accessible than it is now, so planning your next big vacation is simple.
These adventurous places should be at the top of your list if you want to climb jagged peaks, avoid polar bears, or delve deep into the rainforest.
List:
Hot air balloon over Cappadocia, Turkey
I recommend booking with Kapadokya Balloons, the first company that introduced hot-air balloon tourism in Cappadocia. A hot air balloon ride over central Turkey’s Cappadocia region provides 360-degree views of the famous limestone spires and “fairy chimneys”—something you can’t get at the ground level. Services include transfers to and from your hotel, snacks, full insurance, and a champagne party after the flight.
Hunt for glaciers in Greenland
Greenland is relatively expensive and difficult to get, but it is well worth the effort, especially considering it is one of the world’s most unspoiled landscapes.
Exhibit A: the hundred-year-old icebergs and glaciers floating off the coast of Iceland, which you can see up close and personal on a cruise adventure. (Try Hurtigruten or Cruise Norway.)
Climb Mount Fuji
Solitary Mount Fuji, rises 12,388 feet above communities and reflects on the surfaces of lakes. Is undoubtedly Japan’s most recognizable natural beauty.
Views of the landmark may be obtained from various locations. Including Lake Kawaguchi in Fujikawaguchiko and the Park Hyatt Tokyo, although views from the summit provide the greatest bragging rights. Visit between early July and mid-September. Take advantage of the official climbing season when the approved trails and paved roads are snow-free.
Sand surf in the Sahara
The Saharan dunes are massive, unspoiled, and ideal for extreme sports. The desert’s rows of barchans (meaning “crescent-shaped dunes” in Turkic) have great forms for sand surfing and sandboarding (descending the slopes on a snowboard)—and the vistas don’t hurt either. In Morocco, stay at Erg Chigaga Luxury Camp, which provides sandboarding and other desert sports like camel rides and quad biking.
Paraglide over the Blue Lagoon in Oludeniz, Turkey
Oludeniz has one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey, with pebble shores and a “blue lagoon” of aquamarine hues. The beach is also one of the world’s best places to paraglide, thanks to stable weather and gorgeous panoramic views. The launch site for most companies is from Babadağ mountain, with jumping-off points reaching 6,000 feet above sea level.
Surf The Pipeline in Oahu
The Banzai Pipeline (also known as The Pipeline) on Oahu is arguably one of the most sought-after surfing destinations in the world.
The surf reef break, located near Ehukai Beach Park on the island’s north side, averages nine feet high waves. Pro tip: While this is not a novice pastime. Even non-surfers will enjoy watching the various surf events at The Pipeline from the safety of a sunny beach.
Zip line over Niagara Falls
The 2,200-foot MistRider premiered in Ontario in the summer of 2016 and has since drawn brave visitors.
The trip spans the Niagara Gorge from top to bottom, with four ziplines reaching more than 40 miles per hour. The enterprise is open from June to December, so let’s hope we can catch a ride when Canada reopens to visitors later this year.
Climb to Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, the famed Incan fortress in the Andes, is a must-see for any explorer. While the monument may be reached by bus, more daring visitors can go on a five-day journey down the full 26-mile-long Inca Trail. Or, thanks to local tour operator Sam Travel Peru, you can get dropped at kilometer marker 104 and do the whole experience in 24 hours.
Sleep under the Northern Lights
The enigmatic Northern Lights. When it comes to experiencing the technicolor phenomena, many elements come into play—location, time of year, weather conditions—but it’s difficult to go wrong with a trip to Finnish Lapland.
The Arctic region is one of the greatest for witnessing the Northern Lights, especially if you sleep in an igloo hotel at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort or on a mobile Aurora Bubble Sled. Plan a journey between December and March to maximize your viewing opportunities.
Boat under the Iguazú Falls
The Iguaz Falls in South America, located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, dwarf all other waterfalls. The system of more than 200 cascades (reaching heights of roughly 270 feet) may be viewed from surrounding walkways and catwalks. Still, we prefer the more daring viewing point of getting on an Iguaz Jungle inflatable raft and floating straight beneath the exciting, high-pressure falls.