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15 Thrill-Seeking Trips That Are Perfect for Adrenaline Junkies

Kayaking through the tundra is an adventure for serious thrill-seekers
Kayaking through the tundra is an adventure for serious thrill-seekers | © Juniors Bildarchiv GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo

Whether you feel like trekking to Everest Base Camp and admiring the views from the highest point in the world, or diving to the very depths of the ocean in the Great Blue Hole of Belize, these are the trips to help you quench your thirst for thrill – if only for a little while.

Set up at Everest Base Camp

There are actually two base camps – one in Nepal, one in Tibet; these provide the starting point to some of the most iconic hikes in the world, enabling you to scale the globe’s tallest peak. Dare to climb higher?

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a must on every serious hiker’s bucket list

Kayak the Arctic

The best way to get a taste of one of the most untapped areas of the world is to get on the water. Visit this freezing land in the (relatively) warmer summer months when the ice gives way. And if you’re looking for more ways to have fun here, browse through our Arctic culture guide to the North Pole.

Float around icebergs as you kayak in the Arctic

Dive with sharks in Fiji

The waters around Beqa Lagoon are among the most shark-populated on the planet. Of eight different species, it’s the tiger sharks that carry the most fearsome reputation, and you are very likely to spot one here. If you survive the encounter, check out some other fascinating things to see and do in Fji.

Diving with tiger sharks isn’t for the faint-hearted

Board an active volcano in Nicaragua

Hike to the top of the active volcano Cerro Negro, before heading to the drop zone and sledding down the side at a speed of up to 30mph (48kph). Do it right with our guide to volcano boarding in Nicaragua.

Cerro Negro is a popular spot for an epic volcano boarding session

Snowshoe in Slovakia

This is the traditional form of trekking in snowy conditions. Head to the Janosik Gorge for outstanding views and frozen waterfalls. And if you’re looking for more ways to enjoy winter in Slovakia, we’ve got you covered.

Break out the snowshoes and head to Slovakia for a winter adventure

Paraglide from Babadağ mountain

Host of the annual Olüdeniz Air Games, Babadağ mountain is the perfect paragliding spot. Fly over the nearby lagoon and land on one of Europe’s most spectacular beaches. The blue lagoon in the Bay of Ölüdeniz is among the top reasons to visit Turkey in the first place. Browse through our travel-good guide to Turkey and discover more beautiful destinations.

You might want to skip paragliding from Babadağ Mountain if you have a fear of heights

Cave dive the Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is an almost perfectly cylindrical sinkhole off the coast of Belize. This Unesco World Heritage Site is over 328ft (100m) deep and plunges divers into total darkness. If you decide to explore Belize further, there are many more beautiful spots to see.

Delve into the clear waters at the Great Blue Hole to spot different species of fish and sharks

Rock climb in Lake Tahoe

Among Lake Tahoe’s incredible climbing crags, Big Chief is the most grandiose. Come here for the nearly 100 different routes marked on its 250ft-high (76m) wall. Find out what Lake Tahoe, California, has in store for you next, through our guide to Lake Tahoe.

Rock climbing around Lake Tahoe is sure to get your heart racing

Bobsled in Lillehammer

Bobsled down a track that has Olympic pedigree – whether or not its frozen. Lillehammer, a little Norway town two hours north of Oslo, hosted the Olympics back in 1994. Only attempt this if you can handle extreme speeds as you rattle down the course. But in any case, winter sports are among the top things to try in Norway.

A lap around the bobsled track is a must for a winter sports trip in Norway

Cycle Ventoux

This is possibly the toughest climb in cycling. Mont Ventoux sticks out of its relatively flat surroundings, with winds at the summit of the so-called Beast of Provence reaching 200mph (322kph). The peak is tough enough to have claimed lives. If you’re into mountain biking, check out some of the toughest climbs in cycling around the world.

Mont Ventoux is one of the most difficult peaks to cycle

Hike Mount Huashan

Clip yourself into an iron chain and tiptoe across a sheer cliff face to reach the holy ground 7,090ft (2,160m) up in the sky. You’re sure to discover a number of temples and other religious structures on the slopes of Mount Huashan in China. Praying might not be such a bad idea up here, after all.

A treacherous hike will lead you to the summit of Mount Huashan in China

Base jump from the top of Angel Falls

Tour operators offer jumpers the chance to trek through the jungle and leap from the world’s highest waterfall, found in Venezuela – all 3,212ft (979m) of it. Angel Falls is among the most epic waterfalls in the world, but there are also a few more you need to see at least once before you die.

Serious adrenaline junkies can base jump off the top of Angel Falls in Venezuela

Motorbike on the Isle of Man

The Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) races are among the most dangerous in the world, with 255 riders having been killed during the race’s history so far. Motorbike enthusiasts can get here any time of year, though, to sample the famous roads outside of the race. Meanwhile, what is arguably the world’s toughest motorcycle race takes place in Austria.

Motorbikers from around the world visit the Isle of Man for the TT races

Surf Pe’ahi, Hawaii

This is the baddest wave, in the world’s best surfing location. It’s no wonder the Pe’ahi wave translates as “jaws” – you will actually need a tow to make it onto one of the break’s 120ft-high (37m) giants. Perhaps take a surfing lesson before diving straight in?

Experienced surfers should hit the waves in Hawaii and try surfing Pe’ahi

Race a dogsled in Alaska

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race crosses the breadth of Alaska, taking up to two weeks on occasion – with those brave enough to try it facing -100F (-73C) conditions and gale force winds. Clearly not for the faint of heart.

A sled dog race is the experience of a lifetime – if you can brave the cold

If you’re seeking even greater thrills, check out these top travel destinations for thrill seekers.

About the author

Luke was born and raised in various parts of south London, before studying Politics and Social Psychology at Loughborough University. His time in the midlands was limited to his study and upon his return to the capital (via the obligatory travelling in between), wrote for a number of different local and national publications, before moving into the editorial side of things. Aside from the obvious interest in sport, he loves food, travel, reading and film, but if any can somehow incorporate sport in the process, then all the better.

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