Traveling is humbling, exciting, and invigorating. Although there are endless places and expeditions to encounter in this beautiful world, here’s a small selection of ten that every adventure-loving traveler should experience in their lives.
1. Float in the Dead Sea
Located in Jordan, the Dead Sea lies at the lowest point on Earth. It’s ten times saltier than the ocean, which means it’s pretty much impossible to sink. It’s also devoid of life—hence the name the Dead Sea—which means you won’t have to worry about any fish brushing up against your leg as you swim around.
2. Live life on the edge—literally
At Victoria Falls in Zambia, a natural pool forms right before the falls. This happens when water levels in the Zambezi River drop low enough, allowing daredevils to swim right up to the edge of the 350 ft drop. To get to the “Devil’s Pool,” you’ll have to launch yourself into the river which appears to flow right off the edge. Don’t worry though, the natural rock wall will stop you in your tracks and you’ll enjoy an adrenaline-packed view.
3. Hang out with Hobbits
New Zealand is packed with endless adventure—enough to write an entire separate article on. However, when in New Zealand, it’s impossible to miss a trip to the Hobbiton movie set from Lord of the Rings. You can take a guided tour of the movie set and see all the beautifully decorated hobbit homes, accompanied with a backdrop of New Zealand’s lush valleys and rolling hills.
4. Marvel at the beauty of Hallstat
Hallstat is a small town in Austria so captivating that China has made themselves a copy! In this magical place, you can walk around the city streets or take the funicular up to a viewpoint (I would highly recommend this!). Have lunch overlooking the mountains, or venture up into the salt mine where you can take a guided tour underground. It’s truly an awe-inspiring city. Just make sure you arrive early in the morning before all the crowds do!
5. Watch the Northern Lights
There is a multitude of places to watch this natural light show known as the aurora borealis. In Finnish Lapland, the lights are visible 200 nights per year. However, if Finland isn’t on your agenda, you can still catch the lights in Northern Canada, Iceland, Alaska, and many other places. Sometimes, you can even see them as far south as Oregon! Just be sure to dress warmly because you might not want to leave!
6. Visit Yosemite (or any other US national parks)
Yosemite brings in over 4 million visitors each year—and it’s easy to see why. This geologic spectacle known as the Yosemite Valley was carved by glaciation, in turn leaving behind monumental structures such as Half Dome and El Capitan for us to marvel at. If you’re feeling adventurous and plan ahead to get a permit, you can hike to the top of Half Dome. It may be a challenging trek, but the view is worth every step.
7. Meet an Elephant
No, I’m not talking about seeing one in a zoo or riding on one. Please, DO NOT ride an elephant. Here’s why. Find an elephant sanctuary in Thailand that rescues and rehabilitates elephants and hike with a Mahout (Elephant Whisperer) to trek for them. It’s much more rewarding than instead just walking up to a cage where they’re held captive, unable to roam. Looking into the eyes of this beautiful and powerful creature will leave you speechless—trust me.
8. Break your neck looking up at the Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai stands at a whopping 2,722 feet tall, making it the tallest building in the world! This architectural feat is only a small fraction of the wonders that encompass the city of Dubai. Head into the desert for a 4x4 adventure, or simply marvel at the fancy cars passing by in the streets.
9. Take a bike ride around Amsterdam
The Netherlands's biggest city is teeming with culture, color, and history—what better way to explore it than on a bike? Getting lost is half the fun as you pedal past scenic canals and bobbing houseboats. You may end up at the historical Anne Frank House, famed artist Vincent Van Gough’s museum, or even a small and eclectic coffee shop.
10. Hike down an ancient trail to Machu Picchu
You can’t go to Peru without making a stop in Machu Picchu. You can make it a day trip by driving to the city of Cuzco, but if you’re feeling adventurous, take the rewarding four-day trek. Many aspects of the route follow in the footsteps of the Incas and winds beautifully through the Andes mountains.
Feeling that wanderlust yet? Me too.
