In theory, everybody wants to go ice climbing, camping in Antarctica and skydiving. In practice, not everybody has the courage (or desire) to jump off the tallest building in the world.
Falling from extremely high altitudes can be a petrifying experience. Less adventurous people should not feel left out. Tour operators know how they feel and have adapted. Visiting a natural wonder is possible with a helicopter; don’t risk dehydration or heatstroke by hiking the Grand Canyon in the summer.
This is also true for winter adventures – exploring the Alps while on a luxurious gondola may be more appealing, to some, than climbing the Matterhorn, a giant horn-looking mountain, with the highest fatality rate in the Alps – 450 climbers have died until 2013.
If you prefer a more balanced vacation, you can hike an active volcano for an adrenaline-pumping experience, followed by descending 400 feet to the bottom of the volcano's magma chamber in an open cable lift. You won’t have to do anything but look and enjoy the moment.
Not everybody wants to get sweaty and tired when they head out to explore the outdoors. There is nothing wrong with making frequent stops to take photos and enjoy the scenery. If this is the case, go on a soft adventure tour where you’ll go on active adventures but will have plenty of leisure time.
Falling from extremely high altitudes can be a petrifying experience. Less adventurous people should not feel left out. Tour operators know how they feel and have adapted. Visiting a natural wonder is possible with a helicopter; don’t risk dehydration or heatstroke by hiking the Grand Canyon in the summer.
This is also true for winter adventures – exploring the Alps while on a luxurious gondola may be more appealing, to some, than climbing the Matterhorn, a giant horn-looking mountain, with the highest fatality rate in the Alps – 450 climbers have died until 2013.
If you prefer a more balanced vacation, you can hike an active volcano for an adrenaline-pumping experience, followed by descending 400 feet to the bottom of the volcano's magma chamber in an open cable lift. You won’t have to do anything but look and enjoy the moment.
Not everybody wants to get sweaty and tired when they head out to explore the outdoors. There is nothing wrong with making frequent stops to take photos and enjoy the scenery. If this is the case, go on a soft adventure tour where you’ll go on active adventures but will have plenty of leisure time.
GO ON A SAFARI IN KENYA
Here you will witness wild animals in their natural habitat from the comfort of a car. Kenya is one of the premier destinations for this amazing experience. Known as one of the best country parks within the country.
Maasai Mara offers wide range of safaris from hot air balloons, Nature walks and photographing. The best time to visit is between July and October because of the wildebeest migration, famous as the World Cup of Wildlife.
Even if you go off season, the number of animals you’ll see – from zebras, giraffes and buffaloes to lions, elephants and leopards – is incredible.
DESCEND INTO A VOLCANO ON A CABLE LIFT IN ICELAND
Who says you have to be a very courageous person to experience one of the most iconic volcanoes in the world? Thrihnukagigur is a lot more accessible than you think. A tour offers you the chance to descend 400 feet to the bottom of the volcano's magma chamber in an open cable lift. All you are required to do is walk about two miles each way, with a guide.
Travel Tip:
The weather in the mountains can be very different to the city. A warm sweater and jacket are very useful, because it’s always the same temperature inside the crater – about 5–6°C (42–43°F). That’s cold!
This is a trip to be remembered. Don't forget your camera! Yes, you can take as many pictures as you want! Most of all have fun!
EXPLORING IRELAND
Walking in Ireland’s world-famous countryside is an adventure that will take your breath away but not because you’ll be tired. You’ll be surrounded by woodland paths, cliffs, lake shores, farmlands, and mountains.
Take a visit to Cong, which is nestled among some of the most picturesque forests and woodlands in the country, as well the stunning shores of Lough Corrib.
Highlight: The Ashford Castle in Cong provides a serene and majestic backdrop.
GOING ON A RIVER CRUISE IN ASIA
Go on an adventure that will take you to a different city every day. On a river cruise, you probably won’t get sea-sick because there are no waves and you’ll always see land on the horizons, which is comforting.
Travel along the stunning and major rivers in Europe, pass through Thailand, China, Myanmar and Vietnam along the Mekong River, and explore one of the most famous and exotic rivers in the world – the Amazon – all while being safe on a boat.
EXPERIENCE THE ALPS FROM A GONDOLA
The infamous Matterhorn is one of the most difficult climbs in the world. But you can easily get up there with a cable car gondola. Enjoy a homely cheese fondue, accompanied by a refreshing drop of Valais wine, surrounded by spectacular vistas of Italy and Switzerland.
GO TO THE GRAND CANYON WITH A HELICOPTER
The Grand Canyon is probably on every hiker and kayaker’s bucket list. See this natural wonder in a much less sweaty, wet and dangerous way – go on a 4-5-hour tour with the flight’s duration being more than an hour. You’ll see the stunning Hoover Dam, Grand Wash Cliffs, Grapevine Mesa and Grand Canyon West.
You will land 4,000 feet below the rim for a champagne picnic.
SLEEP UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN FINLAND
Witnessing the unique Northern Lights up close is a bucket list experience. But you don’t have to camp in the snow to see the best of them. Consider glass igloos and log cabins with extraordinary views. These cabins are designed in a way guests can enjoy the Aurora borealis in their full glory. The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland has 20 thermal glass igloos.
TRAVEL THROUGH EUROPE ON A TRAIN
Go ahead then, and take the train. Choose the scenic route over the quick one, and make getting to your destination part of the vacation. Buy a Eurail Pass, save money and visit 28 countries in Europe. You’ll go to all the places everyone else does but in a hassle-free and comfortable way. Relax and feel like you’re traveling through time – you’ll be thrilled by mountain summits, lavish landscapes, narrow and scary tunnels, as well as terrifyingly steep grades.
SEE NIAGARA FALLS FROM A BOAT
You can hike to Niagara Falls or plunge down a 100-foot waterfall at 60-90 miles per hour with a kayak, hitting a huge volume of water. Or you can go on a boat tour and see them just as close.
Take Niagara Falls, for example. The legendary Maid of the Mist has been taking travelers up the river to the falls since 1848, which makes the boat tour not only the most popular but also among the oldest of Niagara Falls’ activities.
THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Exploring the Galapagos Islands feels more like being on an ecological walking tour. Nature-lovers will appreciate the unique wildlife. There are 19 major islands, which are often called a “living museum and showcase of evolution,” according to UNESCO.
Cruises are the most popular choice to travel the Islands. Boats range from luxury to economy class.
JIGOKUDANI YAENKOEN PARK, JAPAN
This is the only place in the world where monkeys bathe in hot springs. Ancient people called it the “Hell Valley” because of the very steep cliffs and the steam coming off the springs. Nowadays, you can get to the Monkey Park in two ways – by a 25-40 minute walk through the forest or a 10-15 minute walk from the nearest parking lot.
TOUR THE ARCTIC: ICELAND, GREENLAND AND NORWAY
Witnessing the phenomenon of the Northern Lights is a must. You can avoid the aurora-chasing snowmobile and go on a bus tour. Cruise the fjords; you will always have a guide to stop at popular attractions along the way and learn about the local history. If you want to see the region’s amazing wildlife, the boat safari is the best choice.
GO ON A TRAIN EXPEDITION THROUGH AUSTRALIA
Australia has been a very popular destination in recent years. See it in a unique way. Beginning in Darwin, this epic 4-day, 3-night, 9,773-mile tour will take you to some of the most remote yet captivating parts of the country. You won’t be bored on this trip as the panoramas are changing with every mile.
SEE INCREDIBLE FALL FOLIAGE IN THE U.S. FROM A HOT AIR BALLOON
You don’t have to hike or camp for days to find clean air, panoramic views of bursting bright colors and miles of forests. Get on a hot air balloon and see awe-inspiring fall foliage of phenomenal mixtures of yellow, red, orange and green. A lot of places in the U.S. offer this unique experience with unbeatable views.
Fall Foliage Weather/Map