crazy adventure trip

We’re in Myanmar right now and it’s SO epic… click here to follow along on Instagram.

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Budget Travel » 21 Insane Bucket List Adventures You MUST Experience in 2024

21 Insane Bucket List Adventures You MUST Experience in 2024

There’s nothing I love more than dreaming about bucket list adventures, especially when they’re around the corner. If you’re reading this, you too, are likely in the need of some seriously epic inspiration right about now.

Don’t worry–you’re in for a heck of a virtual (which will hopefully turn into the real thing soon) adventure!

Whether it be a dream trek somewhere in the mountains of South Asia, or an unreal road trip through a can’t-miss national park, our planet is filled with bucket list trips that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

These are the types of journeys that stay with you forever, adventures that push your limits and make you reconsider what’s truly possible… AKA the best type of bucket list experiences.

So with consideration for all types of travelers in mind, here are 21 travel bucket list ideas that will be sure to make this year the most memorable yet!

The 21 Best Bucket List Adventure Ideas (to Knock Your Socks Off!)

Epic adventures for your travel bucket list, kinda’ crazy bucket list ideas, unique bucket list ideas you’ll never forget, top-tier adventure bucket list ideas, what to pack for the bucket list trip of a lifetime, bucket list inspo achieved.

Crazy adventures, travel bucket list trips, wild experiences: you’ve dreamed it, you can do it. From the best destinations for adventure travel to the most absolutely insane adventures you can have, here are 21 ultimate bucket list ideas to change your life.

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Travelers, these are for you. Pack up and get ready for some of best international adventures around.

1. Road trip the Karakoram Highway

You can’t talk about bucket list travel destinations without mentioning Pakistan. It’s only adventure travel’s crown jewel, after all. And what better way to experience its magic than via a road trip through the 8th Wonder of the World, the Karakoram Highway? 

From the delicious history, culture and food of Lahore to the unbelievable beauty of Gilgit Baltistan , the entire country is epic, but the Karakoram Highway alone is enough of a reason to make a backpacking adventure in Pakistan a bucket list trip ASAP. 

The famous Karakoram Highway (which connects Pakistan with China) coasts along some of the most beautiful views I’ve personally ever seen. The iconic Passu Cones along with a multitude of other mountains and iconic scenery will greet you. 

Other must stops along the highway include:

• Hussaini Suspension Bridge
• Attabad Lake
• Batura Lake
• The Passu Glacier
• And if you like meat, the best restaurant I may have ever visited in my life: the Yak Grill near the Passu Cones!

A week is enough to get a good feel for the highway (including the Karakoram National Park where hundreds of yaks and marmots live), though you’d need a lifetime to truly get to know Pakistan.

484 pages with cities, towns, parks, and ALL the out-of-the-way places you will WANT to know. If you truly want to discover Pakistan , download this PDF .

2. Take in India by train

Traveling through India on its extensive railway network is a life-changing experience. I experienced it in 2019 (or part of the country anyway) and to say it’s a bucket list adventure is a massive understatement.

India is truly a multitude of worlds within worlds, and traveling by train is the best way to see it all. You can visit almost every part of the country via India Railways, except for some of its more mountainous regions. 

Start your trip in New Delhi, head to Rajasthan, and keep making your way south until you hit India’s magical beaches and coastline. Make a U-Shape to hit the East Coast, and don’t forget about Northeast India, the 7 sister states that will make you feel like you’re in a different country altogether.

3. Self-drive through Namibia 

Have you heard of Namibia? If not, you should! This African beauty should be on every stargazer/astrophotographer’s collection of bucket list countries. 

But even if you’re not too keen on either of those things, odds are you’ll love a self-drive through Namibia.

Exploring Namibia with your own vehicle will also allow you to go for a full-on independent safari–all at your own pace. 

The real highlight of a Namibia self-drive is a camp-out at NamibRand . The nature reserve is one of only a few gold-certified dark sky reserves, meaning on a clear night with little moonlight, you’re in for the best star show of your life!

4. Experience the magic of Bhutan 

Bhutan should be at the top of every traveler’s bucket list destinations list. The South Asian Kingdom borders both India and Tibet and is one of the few countries in the world that makes visitors pay a minimum daily rate.

While this might sound rather hefty at $250/day, Bhutan uses the money to preserve its heritage and provide for its citizens. It’s also the world’s only carbon-negative country! 

Taking a trip to Bhutan is tricky, but the rewards are well worth the effort. The beauty of Bhutan’s landscapes, delicious food, ancient and well-preserved historical sites, and a culture very few have been able to experience–it’s truly one of those places that’s worth saving up for. 

If you do make it to one of the most incredible countries in the world, must-do’s include:

• Entering the beautiful Tiger’s Nest monastery
• Checking out the phallus-fixated village of Sopsokha,
• And heading out on a trek or two. 

Since the $250/day package requires a guide, you can either choose a fixed route or exert some control over your itinerary.

5. Go Backpacking: Travel the world on $10/day!

And now for what I consider to be the best of all possible bucket list adventures: traveling the world on $10 a day . 

Traveling on a low budget in epic countries taught me more about life and the world than 18 years of school ever did. Eating street food, finding out what a hostel was, making unforgettable memories in the most beautiful of places…these are but some of the benefits of traveling the world on a shoestring. 

It forces you out of your comfort zone, thrusts you into new ways of life, and is absolutely 100% guaranteed to bring about some crazy adventures. If there’s just one thing on this adventure list that you ACTUALLY end up doing, let it be this one.

Everybody needs to try budget travel. At least once.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

The type of adventure ideas that really scream “bucket list.”

6. Sail to Antarctica 

Being the most unexplored continent by far, Antarctica is one of those bucket list trips of a lifetime. Unknown, dangerous and infrequently visited, a sailing trip to Antarctica might just be in a category all of its own.

A place where you can see nature at its most raw and wildlife at its least disturbed, a trip to Antarctica comes at a high price tag, and a high amount of penguins to be seen.

The journey will take you through rough seas to quite literally the end of the earth. But all that it entails is well worth the reward–there’s no bucket list inspiration on Earth quite like Antarctica!

7. Cycle the Pamir Highway 

Vast, magical, high and about as remote as it gets, the Pamir Highway (or M41) is typically ridden from Osh in Kyrgyzstan to Dushanbe in Tajikistan (or vice versa if you prefer).

Its highest point is over 4600m, and the landscapes along the way make the Pamir Highway an essential travel bucket list item. The sights you’ll see in Central Asia and, particularly, while traveling through Kyrgyzstan are nothing short of otherworldly.

While you can hitchhike, self-drive, or hire a driver, the most extreme way to see the highway is undoubtedly from the saddle of a cycle. 

With the ability to wild camp anywhere along the way, you’ll get to see Pamir at its rawest, and feel pretty damn accomplished after cycling over 1200 km through two countries!

8. Up the fear factor by bungee jumping in New Zealand

An extreme bucket list adventure that will be sure to REALLY get your heart pumping is the famous bungee jump in Queenstown, New Zealand. At 134 m high, the Nevis Bungee jump is made for adrenaline junkies. After a 35-minute 4×4 ride, you’ll find yourself at the highest bungee point in all of New Zealand.

Any last thoughts or prayers?

Joking! But you might want to keep in mind that dropping 134 m in less than 10 seconds might raise your blood pressure a little! There are TONS of companies in Queenstown to check off this crazy bucket list idea with, and you can expect to pay around $200.

9. Go paragliding in Interlaken, Switzerland

Yes, paragliding might be one crazy bucket list idea, but isn’t that the point of an adventure?

Switzerland is known for its state-of-art paragliding locales, and Interlaken is one of the best areas in Switzerland to head to if you’re serious about getting a taste of life as a bird. 

Clearly, paragliding isn’t something to be taken lightly! If you’ve never done it before, you’re going to need some lessons and a guide for your first few flights. 

Luckily, Interlaken has dozens of companies to choose from to help you make the most out of this big bucket list adventure!

6. Embark on a journey to K2 Base Camp

So you’ve probably heard of the EBC (Everest Base Camp) Trek, but have you heard of the trek to K2 Base Camp, a journey that allows you to get up close and personal with the 2nd highest (and MOST DANGEROUS) mountain in the world? The amount of incredible hikes in Pakistan is truly impressive, but few can compare to K2.

Known as the Savage Mountain, K2 has only been successfully summitted a handful of times due to its insane weather conditions and numerous other technical difficulties. But while reaching the summit is for trained professionals, you can make it to the basecamp with only moderate fitness.

While it certainly can be categorized as one of those extreme bucket list ideas, this trek is perhaps the most beautiful in the world as it allows you to take in some other-worldly scenery. 

Due to its extreme nature, you need a NOC and a licensed guide to check the K2 Basecamp Trek off this bucket list adventure. But, well, that feeling of pride…?

That lasts a lifetime .

The type of bucket list trips that you might not even have considered.

11. Get on the saddle of a horse in Mongolia

Mongolia is one of the wildest countries in the world: with rolling grassy plains that make up thousands of kilometers in area, it’s a landscape that’s best seen via horseback. 

Riding through the Mongolian plateau on four legs might just SOUND like one of those crazy bucket list ideas, but it’s seriously doable. If you’re extra experienced on the saddle, you can even potentially opt to go on a solo ride. 

But for most of us, arranging a trek with a Mongolian company is the best (and safest) option. Ulaanbaatar –the capital–is the best place to start your trip and plan further. Surprisingly, there are a few decent hostels in Ulaanbaatar , so it’s a decent base.

But keep in mind that travel in Mongolia is extremely seasonal–this is a bucket list country best experienced during the summer.

12. Get up close to volcanoes in Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula

Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula is well known amongst Russians but is often left off of most other travelers’ adventure bucket list. The 1,250 km long peninsula is made up of some of the world’s rawest landscapes, tons of wildlife, and even active volcanoes.

Kamchatka is located in Russia’s far-east and has a dramatic climate with a short window of opportunity to visit. July-August is the best time to soak it all in, though you’d be able to manage without catching hypothermia any time from May-September. 

Make sure you don’t miss Klyuchevskaya Sopka , the highest volcano on Kamchatka as well as the highest active volcano in all of Eurasia!

13. Fly over Bagan, Myanmar, in a hot air balloon

Myanmar is a magical place to visit , but Bagan is an especially magical place. Over 2,000 ancient temples, pagodas, and a ton of greenery fill the ancient city which is best viewed at sunrise from above. 

Each morning, the sky above Bagan becomes filled with balloons, which is undoubtedly the best way to view this one-of-a-kind landscape. 

Personally, I’m a fan of the temples at sunset, but be sure to check them out at both breaks of day to see which one you prefer yourself. You can also visit the inside of some of the pagodas!

Balloon rentals can be arranged at MANY places nearby (including your Bagan hostel).

14. Visit the Ancient Angkor Wat

Cambodia’s signature bucket list inspo is a 900 year old temple complex that used to be covered in gold. 

Angkor Wat is located not far from the center of the city of Siem Reap which in and of itself is quite a small area of Cambodia to stay . The best way to take in the spiritual, ancient structures is via tuk-tuk, or better yet bicycle. Both are easy to rent from any accommodation in Siem Reap, but you can also do it online beforehand!

For the best adventure list experience, try to make it to Angkor Wat for sunrise. Cambodia is generally hot AF year-round, but it’s on another level in the summer. 

To enjoy the temples without feeling like you’re quite literally melting, visit during the “cool” months of December-February. 

It will take days to see all the temples, and whether you buy the 1, 2, or 3-day pass is entirely up to you, but make sure you don’t miss these specifically: Ta Prohm (where jungle meets history), Bayon , and of course, the namesake Angkor Wat which will greet you upon entry!

15. Drive across the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia

Covering an area of more than 4,000 square miles, the Salar de Uyuni (AKA the famous Bolivian salt flats) is the largest in the world of its kind. It’s truly impossible to describe just HOW flat the region truly is. Basically, it’s one of those bucket list adventures that truly feels extraplanetary. 

Uyuni can be explored by bicycle, car, or with a tour. You also have the option to hire a driver if you prefer.  Salar de Uyuni is one of the best things to do while traveling in Bolivia , but also just one of the more unique bucket list adventures out there. It’s certainly not every day that you’ll have the opportunity to soak in one of the planet’s rarest landscapes.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Bucket list trips that are sure to be remembered for years to come.

16. Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru

The secret city of Machu Picchu is known by all travelers–it’s one of those bucket list travel adventures everyone has had their eye on at one time or another. And for good reason–the trek to the ruins is truly one-of-a-kind. 

The best part is that there are MANY routes that lead to Machu Picchu, all of varying difficulty and length. The 26-mile Inca Trail is by far the most popular, and while beautiful, that means your experience will be far from private. A permit is also required to tread along the famous Inca Trail. 

For those that are looking for lesser-touristed Incan sites , off-beat alternatives include the difficult Vilcabamba Traverse or via the infrequently visited ruins of Choquequirao . Keep in mind that the dry season runs from April-October, and trust me take that seriously–you don’t want to hike in a downpour!

17. See the Great Barrier Reef

Situated along the North Queensland Coast, travellers on Australia’s East Coast will find the Great Barrier Reef. It’s hard to miss–it’s the longest in the world. Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most well-known bucket list ideas. 

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. Stretching along over 2,000 km and containing nearly 3,000 individual reefs, this is a bucket list adventure that you seriously won’t find anywhere else in the world. Because it’s one of a kind.

There are many places to choose to base yourself near the Great Barrier Reef, and considering it’s so long, there are plenty of stay options as well. 

Cairns is considered to be the main gateway to the reef, though if you’re on a budget you can opt for the more wallet-friendly Townsville .

18. Trek through Patagonia 

Patagonia in Argentina is one of the most stunning places you can trek IN THE ENTIRE WORLD. Period . 

The Torres del Paine Circuit (located in Torres del Paine National Park ) is the most popular of the dozens of hiking trails in Patagonia and will give you unreal multi-day views of jagged, snow-covered peaks and glacial lakes that come in shades of blue you never even knew existed.

The entire trek is about 80 km (50 miles) and the highest point is just below 1200 m. Though the distance may sound daunting, the altitude isn’t that high meaning anyone of average fitness should be able to enjoy this bucket list adventure.

19. See the Northern Lights in Scandinavia 

A bucket list for travel can’t leave out seeing the Northern Lights–this epic phenomenon is a top Earthly-adventure that you really have to see to believe! As great as photos are, they simply cannot do them justice. 

Finland, Norway, and Sweden are some of the best places to see the Northern Lights due to their polar locations. But don’t make the mistake of thinking you can see them all year-round; the window for Aurora Borealis sightings is within October-November and February-March . 

Self-guided trips and tours are both possible, if you decide to head out on your own make sure your itinerary dates are generous, it’s not a given that the lights will be visible every night.

20. Summit  Mt. Kilimanjaro

Few mountains can compare to Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro. Trekking to its summit is undoubtedly something to put on your once-in-a-lifetime adventure bucket list. At 5,895 meters, its summit is the so-called “roof of Africa” and will prove to be a meaty challenge. 

Unlike other bucket list adventure ideas, Mt. Kilimajaro can NOT be done independently. Luckily, there are dozens upon dozens of companies to choose from when booking your adventure tour.

When selecting a company, keep in mind you’ll get what you pay for in terms of comfort and food. Combine it with an independent backpacking trip through Tanzania to get the most out of flight prices!

21. Road trip through America’s National Parks

With 63 parks to choose from, America’s national park system is in a class of its own. Each of the very different park options offers a different kind of adventure bucket list item to experience. 

From seeking out alligators in the Florida Everglades to experiencing the White Sands Park in New Mexico to the many, many hiking opportunities each of the 63 holds, there’s no better way to see the US than via a road trip through some of its best natural assets. 

If you’re planning to visit a ton of parks, your most wallet-friendly option is to buy an annual pass, which will quite literally save you hundreds that you could be spending on other bucket list adventures!

You can’t show up to a bucket list trip of a lifetime unprepared! A good set of backpacking gear (and good travel insurance) goes a long way.

Here are some of our top recommendations on what should go in your pack, and as always, we recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance to protect it all with.

Osprey Aether 70L Backpack

Ya can’t go backpacking anywhere without a blasted backpack! Words cannot describe what a friend the Osprey Aether has been to The Broke Backpacker on the road. It’s had a long and illustrious career; Ospreys don’t go down easily.

Feathered Friends Swift 20 YF

My philosophy is that with an EPIC sleeping bag, you can sleep anywhere. A tent is a nice bonus, but a real sleek sleeping bag means you can roll out anywhere in a and stay warm in a pinch. And the Feathered Friends Swift bag is about as premium as it gets.

Grayl Geopress Filtered Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Every traveller should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. When you’re camping, hiking, or even if the power just went out, a top-quality headlamp is a MUST. The Petzl Actik Core is an awesome piece of kit because it’s USB chargeable—batteries begone!

First Aid Kit

Never go off the beaten track (or even on it) without your first aid kit! Cuts, bruises, scrapes, third-degree sunburn: a first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations.

And Pack Some Damn Travel Insurance!

Ok, so you can’t pack travel insurance BUT it’s absolutely daft not travel without it. You truly never know what’s going to happen on the road, and if something not so ideal does, you want to make sure you (and your wallet) are protected.

Do you want to be another sad case on GoFundMe of an adventurer who thought they were too cool for travel insurance?

Didn’t think so.

We highly recommend you choose from one of the top travel insurance companies that has a good reputation for assisting travelers in far out lands.

Here at The Broke Backpacker, we always recommend World Nomads for all your trust travel insurance needs. Check out our World Nomads review so you too can protect yourself, your valuables, and your trip!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

And there, you have it: 21 absolutely epic bucket list adventures that are sure to tingle your travel senses! From road trips to climbing some crazy mountains, to seeing some of the world’s most unique landscapes, these adventure list ideas have something for every kind of traveler.

So what are you waiting for? Plan the trip, book the flight, and cross off those bucket list destinations!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Samantha Shea

Share or save this post

Machu Picchu is absolutely mind blowing! Then when you factor in the various treks you can take just to get there, you gain an appreciation of the tenacity and intelligence of this ancient Indigenous society. Can’t wait to knock off the other trips recommended on this list! Angkor Wat especially.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Adventure Bucket List: 50 Crazy Ideas & Things to Do

No bucket list, whether for travel or for life, is complete without some items that seem a little crazy; dangerous, even. Perhaps you find yourself in need of even making an entire adventure bucket list, solely dedicated to the craziest and most adrenaline junkie type of activities you could possibly come up with?

To get you started on planning your next adventure, I’ve compiled a list of some crazy and adventurous things to do that can give you great ideas. Some of these may seem easy, while others just might get you nervous just thinking about them.

PS: I must preface this list by saying participating in these adventures is at your own risk!

Adventure Bucket List: Crazy Ideas & Things to Do

1. air boat across an alligator swamp.

Because if something goes wrong with this activity, it can go really wrong, this has deservedly earned its spot on an adventure bucket list for anyone. You can trust, though, that rather than being dangerous, it’s likely going to be a lot of thrilling fun, possibly with some gator sightings to be made. Just do your due research to find the tour that best soothes your nerves ahead of time.

2. Arrive By Seaplane

Some places in the world, such as the private islands on Maldives, can only be reached by a seaplane that will take-off and land on the water. Make a plan to visit an island or a similar sight with this in mind and you’ll find yourself adding a bit of additional thrill to your journey.

3. Base Jump With a Wingsuit

This one is definitely for those looking for the most crazy bucket list ideas! You’ll don on a wingsuit, get on the edge of a high point – such as somewhere on the Alps where this is a particularly popular sport – and then you leap off it. The purpose is to glide back onto the ground with the help of the webbing-sleeved jumpsuit, but this is understandably an incredibly dangerous sport to try and tackle.

4. Bungee Jump

Bungee jumping is a classic bucket list item for any daredevil out there. It’s possible to try out almost anywhere in the world, and if you happen to be particularly adventurous, you might want to choose to do it precisely based on where the nature around you is the most spectacular to look at as you are falling off that ledge attached to a large elastic cord.

5. Cage Dive with Sharks

Also featured in some thrilling movies, cage diving into waters with sharks is not for the fainthearted. Thankfully, it is also a lot more fun and a lot less dangerous than what the films make it seem like, as long as you join a reputable tour for it. A truly unforgettable adventure, especially when you do it in one of the World’s best places to shark cage dive !

6. Catch a Wave Surfing

While this may not be the craziest item on this bucket list, it does take a fair bit of practice to learn how to surf. And especially when you’re just getting started, it’s particularly thrilling to see whether the approaching wave is one you’ll catch successfully – or whether the wave’s going to catch you instead! The feeling that comes from catching those waves once you’ve finally got the handle on surfing is such a great and exhilarating feeling.

7. Cliff Jump

Another great item to get added and then checked off your adventure bucket list is cliff jumping. You’ll want to do your due research ahead of time for approved spots, and maybe go with people who know what they’re doing, but finding gorgeous spots for cliff jumping is the easy part of this. If you love water and aren’t scared of heights, maybe this one’s for you to try out?

8. Dive to a Shipwreck

The sea is vast and filled with treasures like shipwrecks to be explored. Not only is this one adventurous and memorable activity, but it requires a lot of practice and skills with diving before it should even be considered. But once you’ve got all that down, diving down to explore a shipwreck is a lot of people’s dream come true!

9. Dog Sled

While cold weather may not be many of our things, it’s undeniable that wintery scenes and landscapes aren’t absolutely beautiful, not to mention filled with totally awesome winter bucket list activities . Dog sledding is perhaps from the most family-friendly end of them, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a thrilling activity in its own right, even for us adults.

10. Eat Fire

You’ve probably seen a performer or two eat fire before, and already got curious back then over how easy they make it seem. It’s a really cool act to master, especially with all the possible tricks you can do while eating fire, but this one’s crazy enough you definitely don’t want to start learning without a supervision from someone who’s mastered it. You can start by read this article: How do fire eaters eat fire?

11. Eskimo Roll in a Kayak

“Do what now?” may be the first thought that crossed your mind upon reading this one, but knowing how to Eskimo roll in a kayak is actually a useful skill to know! Of course nobody wishes for their kayak to roll over in the first place, but you never know what could happen, so perhaps it’s a good time to learn this before you hop into your kayak again. 

12. Explore a Cave

Could this adventure bucket list item be your next on your hobby list ? As with many other hobbies, to get into exploring caves, you’ll also want to start off easy and gradually move towards more challenging ones. Best way to go about this is to find a caving club near to where you’re living and join them for one of their easiest caving trips. Even if you want to progress to exploring caves independently, a great rule of thumb is to never do so alone.

13. Flip on a Trampoline

We’ve all jumped on trampolines here and there when we were kids, and these days it’s easier than ever to get one added onto your backyard or to go hang out at a trampoline park. But flipping on a trampoline isn’t something all of us can do, so why not make it a fun challenge for yourself to learn how to flip on a trampoline, and then do it?!

14. Fly on a Trapeze

Trapeze acts are performing acts we’ve all seen and admired from afar before, but it’s totally possible to get your own turn to shine as you fly on a trapeze! Especially for those of us who are afraid of heights, this can come across as quite a crazy bucket list item idea, but it’s thankfully possible to try out in a safe supervised environment. In fact, the Internet is full of websites offering just that and you can read about my experience here: A day at trapeze school: a circus-style aerial class .

15. Flyboard

In the last couple of years, flyboarding has really become a hit among water sports lovers. It is a water sport where propulsion drives you up in the air. Seems like it’s possible to do in so many spots these days, especially around Southern Europe and Dubai (I went flyboarding in Cancun, Mexico !). It’s not quite like riding a banana boat, though; you’ll have to spend a little bit of time learning the basics and even then it can be a challenge to successfully do it. However, it’s a fun and adventurous, but relatively safe way to challenge your mind and body once you get properly started with it. 

16. Free Dive for Abalone

You’re not allowed to scuba dive in order to catch abalone, which certainly makes this a unique adventure to try. This extreme sport is especially popular around Northern California, though it may be possible to do elsewhere too—and also illegal in some other places. Find a good spot for abalone, don on your swimwear, and get diving! 

17. Get a Tattoo

Although getting a tattoo isn’t among the craziest of ideas on this list at first glance, putting permanent ink on your body – and being in pain throughout the experience – is quite crazy after all, if you ask me. Many do it on a whim, but I do recommend you at least give it enough thought to come up with a tattoo you won’t regret five minutes later, let alone the next fifty years. Maybe check out on of these 27 Beautiful Tattoos That Tell Their Own Travel Stories for inspiration.

18. Go Bamboo Rafting

While opting for a bamboo raft may not make for an adventure as exhilarating as jumping on a whitewater raft would, it’s still a great and memorable, unique adventure in its own right. Not to mention it’s environmentally friendly! You can go bamboo rafting in Jamaica and Thailand’s Chiang Mai, but China’s Yangshuo is perhaps best known for it. 

19. Go Bobsledding

If you’re looking for a thrilling winter sport to try out with a friend or a loved one, bobsledding is a great one to give a go with. You’re going down narrow and icy tracks in high-speed with a sleigh that’s powered simply by gravity – what isn’t adventurous and exhilarating in that?!

20. Go Fat Biking

Fat bikes have such brilliantly thick tires they allow for biking in environments that’d be difficult on a regular bike, such as a thick forest or snowy grounds. That means that with your fat bike, you can take it off-road and go explore areas you otherwise might’ve only walked through or choose not to visit at all. 

21. Go Heliboarding

Are you a lover of snowboarding and downhill skiing, and now looking to kick it up a notch with it? Then you’ve got to hop on board a helicopter to reach a more remote slope, and then jump off it to ski or board all the way down. Talk about crazy bucket list ideas, this one is certainly not for the faint of heart! 

22. Go on a Police Ride Along

While this will likely not turn out to be as crazy of an experience as portrayed in some movies, it’s still a thrill to hop into a police car and spend a day shadowing officers on the job. It will definitely give you a more authentic image of what their job’s like than any TV show or movie could! 

23. Go on a Survival Weekend

This can be a hardcore challenge especially those of us entirely accustomed to the city life. It’s not dangerous by any means, but you have to camp outdoors, and essentially will have to also pick and hunt your food. It’s a great experience to make you in general more resilient and resourceful in life. 

24. Go Paragliding

Paragliding is an awesome and adrenaline pumping way to see your surroundings from the air! You’ll usually fly with an instructor attached to you and the paraglide, so whilst an extreme sport of sorts, it’s by no means one that’s particularly dangerous. Of course, if you’re experienced in this, you may fly on your own, too.

25. Go Whitewater Rafting

Now, this is the more adventurous way to go rafting. Although moving through a stream, sometimes at high speed, may seem like a dangerous activity, if you choose your course right and go with the right crew, you should lose nothing, and only be gaining spectacular memories! This cool activity can be done all around the world, from the US to Turkey to South Korea. 

For an even more adrenaline rush, try Tidal Bore Rafting Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy Tides !

26. Go Windsurfing

To get the best of both surfing and sailing in one fell swoop, why not add windsurfing to your adventure bucket list? It’s fun and thrilling, but also easy and safe enough for even a beginner to try out. Since even kids can start learning windsurfing, this can be a fun activity for the whole family to do together! 

27. Go Zorbing

Although many of us have probably yet to try this one, I’m sure you’ve all heard of zorbing, where you place yourself into a big, transparent orb, then roll down a hill in it. I’d say if you’re looking for crazy bucket list ideas, this is a good one to add to it!

28. Hang Glide

If paragliding isn’t enough for you, time to amp up your time in the air and go hand gliding! A hand glider is non-motorized, so it is simply you and your body controlling the movement of the glider. This can definitely feel like a crazy and scary activity, but you’ll at least be attached to your glider by a harness, so suddenly losing your grip and falling off the glider shouldn’t be an issue of concern.

29. Join the Mile High Club

Yup, you all know what this one’s about, right? Being intimate while flying in a plane is certainly on a lot of people’s sex bucket list . It may be a little bit dangerous, because it just may get you in trouble with the airline you choose to score the achievement on. So, better make it worth the while and bring on your best moves and spirit!

30. Kite Surf

Here’s another surfing-like water sport to get your adrenaline pumping with! You may not need just as badass skills to stay standing on your board as you would with surfing, but controlling that kite while flying through water and air is a game of its own to master. It’s possible to kite surf through snow and ground, too. 

For the ultimate experience, complete this on at one of the 10 Best Places in The World to Kite Surf !

31. Parasail

An alternative to paragliding, especially if you happen to be scared of heights, is to go parasailing instead. You’ll still be gliding in the air with a parachute attached to you, but instead of controlling your own movement, you’re attached to a boat driving you all around a water-area, like a lake or sea. 

32. Play a Game of Paintball

Looking for an activity to do with your friends that’s fun, but also challenging? Then paintball may be an amazing choice! The object is to shoot guns with paint-filled capsules at your opponents before they tag you! It can get a little painful, so dress up in many layers! 

33. Rappel Down a Mountain

Climbing up a mountain is one thing, and rappelling down a mountain is another. Both are a challenge, and especially for those of us scared of heights coming down a mountain may prove to be much scarier than getting high up in the first place. Tackling a mountain, especially heading down one, just may be the next adventure you go on. 

34. Rappel Down a Waterfall

Even more exhilarating than rappelling down a mountain is to rappel down a waterfall. This is an extreme sport that has been gaining a lot of popularity over the last decade, and numerous tours are being arranged these days to conquer waterfalls like this. It’s by no means an easy feat to complete and therefore another great and adventurous way to challenge yourself. 

35. Rappel into a Cave

You can also go exploring those caves we talked about above by rappelling into one! This is the way to go if it’s a cave with an opening only at its top. It’s a tad bit scarier than just walking into a cave, but can honestly be a lot of fun, not to mention picturesque.

36. Ride a Bull

Yes, to some extent it may still be possible to ride a bull in the way you’ve seen cowboys do in rodeo. But do note that this one does have potential to go awry. If you’re up for the challenge, find a way to do it; if you’re OK with a less thrilling experience, then find a bar with a mechanical bull.

37. Ride ATVs

Riding an ATV, whether it’s near your home or whilst somewhere on a trip, is another fun and easily accessible adventure to add to your list. If you’re completely new to it, I do encourage trying it with hired professionals for the first time, but if you end up getting your own ATV to ride down the line, many driving adventures can be had with this. 

38. Ride in a Hot Air Balloon

Riding high in the sky in a hot air balloon will give you a birds-eye view of the landscapes below. 

39. Ride in a Luge

Now here’s an experience you don’t hear everyone talk about, or might even know what it is yet! A luge is a self-driving car system, kind of like a go kart, except it relies on gravity and a downhill path to move. The only ride in the US is available in Michigan and it’s rather different from a traditional luge ride; to get the real thing, your best bets are Queenstown in Australia and Sentosa in Singapore.

40. Ride on a Scary Roller Coaster

Every big amusement park in the world seems to be equipped with at least one roller coaster these days that’s absolutely wild in how steep it can get or how fast it can go. Oftentimes it’s a combination of both! If you’re a thrill seeker, try to find the scariest roller coaster possible to tackle next. And if you’re one of those who’s been too fearful to get on that one particular scary roller coaster, now’s your chance to right that wrong!

41. Sail a Boat

Despite it seeming like a rather peaceful activity, sailing a boat can be surprisingly strenuous, and is most certainly always its own little challenge. If you’re looking for items for your adventure bucket list, but aren’t too much of a thrill seeker, this is a great one to add to your list.

42. Scuba Dive

Even if your scuba diving adventure doesn’t take you to exploring a shipwreck, at least not immediately, it’s always a fun adventure to embark on once you’ve learned its basics. There’s a lot of beauty to be discovered undersea, and while you can explore some of it by snorkeling, diving gets you properly close and intimate with life under the surface. 

43. Skydive

We’ve already covered paragliding and its equivalent forms, but skydiving is really where it’s at if you want to get as high in the air as possible. This is a truly gutsy hobby to embark on, but it can be incredibly rewarding if you just have the patience and courage for it. If this is just too scary for you, then how about having an indoor skydiving cxperience ?

44. Snowboard

Alternatively, you can go with skis as well. Either way, as long as you are going down a snowy hill, you’ll be doing a tremendous job checking this one off your bucket list. The world is full of amazing resorts with incredible slopes available, so you’ll likely end up going through a few of them once you get properly addicted to snowboarding or downhill skiing. 

45. Swim with Stingrays

While you’re advised to stay away from stingrays you come across in the wild, this is a fun and memorable activity you can do on a tour specializing in swimming with them. It’s possible elsewhere as well, but the most famous, and therefore most reputable, for swimming with Stingrays is Stingray City in the Cayman Islands .

46. Swim with Whale Sharks

Unlike the sharks you meet while cave diving, with whale sharks you don’t have to worry about them suddenly gaining interest in your flesh. Yes, they’ve got big mouths, and with everything we know of sharks you’ll probably be really nervous to get into waters with them. However, these gentle creatures are on a plankton diet, so you should be able to get in and out of the water with all of your limbs attached. 

47. Take a Geocaching Adventure

All you need to embark on a geocaching adventure is a GPS, which most of today’s phones come ready with, and perhaps some clothing and shoes appropriate for the weather. While the main purpose of geocaching is to find geocaches in your area, it can easily take you to places you’ve yet to discover, leading you to catch two birds with one stone. 

48. Try Skijoring

In this wintertime sport, you’ll be on skis, but instead of moving using ski poles to help you move, you’ll be attached to a dog, or a horse, or possibly a vehicle that’ll be pulling you forward. This originated in Norway, and is today mostly conducted as a competitive sport. 

49. Walk a Suspension Bridge

Suspension bridges are bridges where the deck of the bridge hangs on vertical suspenders attached to suspension cables above the deck. Even Brooklyn Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge are considered to fall under this category, so just by walking through those you can tick this item off your list. However, I encourage you to challenge your adrenaline levels and instead go for a bridge like Sidu River Bridge, for example. 

I walked this cool one while in Guyana :

50. Walk on Hot Coals

Also known as firewalking, walking on hot coals isn’t just a popular catchphrase, it’s an actual performance-type activity some skilled folks can do. But it’s possible for you to also learn firewalking, or at least try once! Though perhaps do so with a trained professional, so you don’t actually end up burning yourself.

51. Walk on the Wings of an Airplane

And yes, I’m talking about doing this while the plane is in the air! Just the thought of it may get goosebumps popping up all over your body, am I right? It’s actually considered relatively safe, though, as you will receive training for it and will also be attached to a harness all the way through.

52. Wrap a Snake Around Your Neck

Perhaps not the first thing you ever thought you’d do in your life, but turns out that sometimes the opportunity simply presents itself. Maybe don’t try to do this with any random snake you find in the wilderness, for both your and the snake’s safety, but it’s quite likely you’ll get lucky and find a moment where it’s possible to find yourself with a snake wrapped around your neck.

53. Zip Line

Finally, no adventure bucket list is complete without zip lining included in it. This is an extreme sport where you are attached to cords that “zip” you from one tree to the next. It has grown so popular over the years it seems to be possible to do just about anywhere – so easy to check off your bucket list! And while it can get your nerves on overdrive before setting off, it’s usually totally safe to do. 

How many of these adventure bucket list ideas have you already managed to complete? How many were you already planning on doing, and how many more dreams did just get added to your crazy bucket list?

While compiling bucket lists may seem like a corny idea, they can give an amazingly clear picture of all the things you want to complete in life, besides just getting that dream job and dream apartment. Going on adventures should be a big part of all of our lives, too! 

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. For more information read my full disclosure .

You might also enjoy.

Beach Bucket List: 60 Fun Things to Do at the Beach Outdoor Activities Bucket List: 75+ Fun Things to do Outside Travel Bucket List: 100 Best Places to Visit & Destination Ideas Polaris Slingshot Adventure: Driving Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway A Nova Scotia Adventure: Tidal Bore Rafting the Bay of Fundy Tides A Guide to Piranha Fishing (& Eating) in the South American Rainforest The Adventure of Cave Tubing in Belize A Day at Trapeze School: A Circus-Style Aerial Class

8 thoughts on “Adventure Bucket List: 50 Crazy Ideas & Things to Do”

Hello! Every Traveler would love to read your blog like me. This blog is one of the best blogs that you’ve written, which took me here to leave a comment. Though I’m an adventurer, I will never wrap a snake around my neck! But would love to get the Bird’s eye view of the landscapes below by riding in a hot air balloon. Every adventurer will have a dream of trying bungee jumping at least once in a lifetime so as for me. I even want to swim with sharks. Your travel blogs are awesome and I’m looking forward to more such blogs to read.

Glad you liked the articles

Hey, It’s an Amazing Post. I liked it and I love to share it.

VERY GOOD EXCELLENT

Really liked your post, so unformatted. I am always for your new posts.

thanks for giving such a great information for us, keep sharing and keep it up

I was actually surprised that I’ve done more on this list than I thought haha I’ve zip lined, I’ve rode a bull (mechanical), I’ve done parasailing, walked across a suspension bridge and explored a cave! I love the print out too, really awesome.

Really good bucket list !

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Hey Bucket Listers! I'm Annette .

I’m a goal obsessed mid-lifer, traveler, experience collector, fear crusher, digital marketer and author with big bucket list dreams. Let's Connect!

Want Inspo To Your Inbox?

I’m giving you practical tips, exclusive tools and the inspiration to stop dreaming about your bucket list and start living it.

Whatcha Looking for?

Home About Blog The Shop Partnerships Contact

Bucket list ideas travel facing fear & anxiety.

Bucket List Seekers

Extraordinary Travel for Ordinary Couples

Bucket List , Travel Inspiration · March 9, 2022

101 Crazy Bucket List Ideas for Adrenaline Seekers

We love a good bucket list. In our opinion, everyone should make a list of crazy bucket list ideas to try at least once in their lifetime. The goal with these crazy ideas for a bucket list is to give you a ton of inspiration so you can pick and choose the ones that resonate with you to come up with your own adventurous bucket list!

We’ve created so many  bucket lists  over the years, most of which are generally based around travel. From  destination bucket lists , to our very-popular  Ultimate Travel Bucket List ! They are the ultimate  travel inspiration  tool! (We’ve also got a few bucket lists for you to download at the end of this article).

If you’ve landed on this page looking for some  inspiration , then we’ve got you sorted. We’ve done a little brainstorming to come up with some fun, adrenaline-packed, and a few totally insane bucket list ideas. We’ve managed to tick off quite a few, but there are some we are still yet to try (and even a few that are beyond our capability)!

From the extreme to the downright wacky, here are 101 bucket list ideas for the crazy and seriously adventurous at heart! Let’s dive right in…

These crazy bucket list ideas are sure to get you out of your comfort zone!

Related articles you might be interested in:

• The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
• Top 10 Bucket List Places to Visit in 2022

No time to read this now? Pin it for later!

Did You Know?  We use ads to help pay the bills so we can continue to publish free travel advice. We also have affiliate partnerships, so when you click through and make a purchase or book your stay from one of our blog posts, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for supporting Bucket List Seekers! Read our  Disclosure Policy  for more details.

In This Post:

101 Crazy Ideas for a Bucket List

Adrenaline bucket list ideas.

Are you an adrenaline junkie? Or perhaps you just love the thrill of trying something you wouldn’t normally dare to do. The following adrenaline-packed bucket list ideas are not overly extreme (you’ll find those are further down the list). But they are sure to get your heart pumping!

Here are some ideas to add to your adrenaline bucket list that will most certainly get you out of your comfort zone:

• Go ski touring in Norway or Austria
• Go whitewater rafting on the heart-stopping Zambezi River in Zimbabwe
• Try canyoning and rappel down a waterfall
• Try a hydrofoil surfboard on the Gold Coast, Australia
• Descend into an ice cave in Iceland
• Go dune bashing on an ATV in the desert – Dubai & Abu Dhabi has the best sand dunes!
• Plunge into the ocean in a submarine
• Try Heli-skiing or boarding down a glacier in New Zealand
• Take a polar plunge in Norway, Finland or Antarctica!
• See a live volcanic eruption (there’s one erupting in Iceland right now!)
• Try zorbing – there are plenty of places around the world but the original one is in Rotorua, New Zealand
• Learn how to surf (and stand up!)
• Drive a race car around a Formula One track
• Descend inside a volcano
• Go diving inside a shipwreck (or plane wreck)
• Try a sub-wing – hanging onto two wings underwater while a boat tows you!
• Learn how to free dive in Mexico, or Dahab, Egypt
• Try fly-boarding
• Go mountain biking down Bolivia’s Death Road
• Try volcano boarding in León, Nicaragua
• Try freshwater cave diving in the cenotes of Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
• See a glacier calving in Ilulissat, Greenland
• Try para-gliding
• Experience Via Ferrata in the Italian or Swiss Alps
• Try glacier hiking on Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand
• Have dinner in the sky
• Try flow-boarding (riding a stationary wave) in Munich, Germany
• Go sandboarding in Huacachina, Peru
• Try jet boating in Queenstown, New Zealand
• Go kite-surfing in Hawaii
• Try bouldering in Golden, Colorado or Squamish, B.C. (or just about anywhere really!)
• Experience a canyon swing in Queenstown, New Zealand

Crazy Bucket List Ideas involving Heights

Wanting to conquer your fear of heights? Or maybe you just love the thrill of jumping off a tall building or out of a plane. Here are some crazy ideas for a bucket list that will absolutely get the adrenaline pumping! 

• Go heli-skiing
• Learn to fly a plane 
• Go cliff jumping in Hawaii or various locations along the Mediterranean
• Go bungee jumping off Macau Tower, Kawarau Bridge in NZ, or Victoria Falls in Zambia
• Rappel down a waterfall
• Try out acrobatics
• Try ice climbing in Canada, Alaska or Colorado
• Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia, Turkey
• Go skydiving – you can do this anywhere, but over The Palm in Dubai offers the best view!
• Climb an active volcano 
• Go zip-lining through the jungle in Costa Rica, or the world longest in Sun City, South Africa
• Try snowmobiling (just about any place where there is snow!)

Extreme Bucket List Ideas

Looking for something a little more out there? Here’s a small list of the most extreme bucket list ideas in the world that are only for the most adventurous (and experinced) at heart. 

Word of Warning:  These are the craziest bucket list ideas we could think of, and some can get very risky and generally require a high level of skill and years of training. Unfortunately, because of this, we have never actually done any of these activities ourselves, as they are well beyond our physical capabilties (and more than our stomachs could handle)! So, it has to be mentioned that if you decide to partake in any of these extreme bucket list ideas, you do so entirely at your own risk!

• Climb an Eight-Thousander, or all 14 of them (i.e. the 14 peaks in the world above 8000 feet high)
• Experience a wingsuit flight 
• Go cliff diving
• Do a marathon (or an Ironman)
• Go base-jumping
• Try free climbing or free soloing (rock climbing without ropes)
• Climb the highest summit on each continent 
• Try wing walking
• Go highlining (walking a high-line between two cliffs)
• Take a flight into space
• Try parkouring (climbing, running and jumping between building structure, rails and huge gaps)

Crazy Bucket List Ideas with Animals

Love animals? So do we. Some of our favourite adventurous bucket list ideas involve getting up close and personal with wild animals (in a safe way, of course).

Word of Warning: We love ticking off bucket list items just as much as we love animals. So, we strongly encourage you to ensure these activities at carried out in a humane way before participating in them. And always remember that wild animals can be unpredictable.

• See a herd of elephants in the wild
• Ride a camel through the Sahara
• See a tiger in the wild
• Go diving with Great White Sharks
• Swim with crocodiles in Darwin, Australia
• Go gorilla trekking in Uganda
• Swim with dolphins in the wild
• Go dog sledding in Finland or Norway
• Swim with humpback whales 
• Cosy up to penguins in Antarctica 
• Hang out with wild orangutans in Malaysia 
• Swim with whale sharks
• See a polar bear in the wild
• Diving with manta rays

Adventurous Bucket List Ideas involving Travel

Most adventurous bucket list ideas involve travel of some kind. And because  Bucket List Seekers  is a couple travel bucket list blog, this list of crazy bucket list ideas would not be complete without throwing in a few once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences involving a plane ride to someplace new. 

We’ve got bucket lists for epic destinations like  Hawaii ,  Iceland ,  Italy ,  Bali , and more. But out of all our travels, these are the adventure travel bucket list ideas that we recommend the most (plus we’ve included a few that we cannot wait to tick off our own  travel bucket list !):

• Spend a night in the Ice Hotel
• Take a mystery flight to somewhere random
• Visit every country in the world
• Swim to the edge of Victoria Falls
• Stand on the North Pole
• Stand on the South Pole
• Stand at the top of the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world)
• Hike Mount Hua in China – the world’s most dangerous hike!
• Go camping in Antarctica 
• Fly somewhere in First Class
• Mountain bike along Death Road in Bolivia
• Ride in a  helicopter over the Great Barrier Reef
• Eat at the underwater restaurant in the Maldives
• Stay in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora
• Sail around the world 
• Attend La Tomatina in Spain
• Join the Songkran water fight in Thailand
• Visit all 7 wonders of the world 
• Dive between two continents in Iceland
• Attend a Burning Man festival 
• Trek the Kokoda trail
• See the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)
• See the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis)
• Try a giant swing in the jungles of Bali
• Wear an animal onesie around Tokyo for a day
• Visit the DMZ
• Travel solo to a foreign country
• Go the Holi Festival of Colours in India
• Road trip around Australia
• Hike to Everest Base Camp
• Visit all 7 continents

Feeling inspired?  Here are  10 amazing destinations you must add to your Travel Bucket List !

Other Adventure Bucket List Ideas

While the following crazy bucket list ideas are not based around travel, or extreme activities, they are a list of things to achieve in your life that is still considered a little ‘crazy’ or ‘unattainable’ by most people’s standards. Basically, we felt that this list of adventure bucket list ideas just wouldn’t be complete without including these:

• Learn another language
• Go skinny dipping
• Compete in an Olympic Games
• Get your name into the Guinness Book of World Records
• Host a murder mystery party 
• Sleep under the stars
• Get scuba certified
• Say ‘YES’ to everything for a day
• Join a flash mob
• Move to another country
• Experience a silent disco
• Try SUP yoga
• Sleep in an igloo
• Spend a night in a castle
• Get a tattoo
• Write a book
• Quit your job 
• Live debt free!

How many of these crazy bucket list ideas can you tick off?

Have we missed something?  Can you recommend any other crazy ideas for a bucket list to our readers? Leave your recommendations in the comments below!

Download our Adventure Bucket List for FREE + Access Loads of Other Travel Resources!

Enter your email below and subscribe to our newsletter to access our  travel resources library  with loads of free printable  destination bucket lists , plus this list of crazy bucket list ideas! 

Inside the library, you’ll also find is a ton of other freebies including  itineraries, eBooks, packing and planning checklists . There is also a heap of destination maps featuring the exact location of the best things to see and do – save the maps to your phone and  access on-the-go using the Google Maps app !

Enter your details below (don’t worry, we won’t spam you) and check your inbox for more details!

Discover More in our Travel Bucket List Series:

About the author:.

Amanda Twine is the founder and creator of Bucket List Seekers – a luxury travel blog sharing informative travel guides, food guides, hotel reviews, itineraries, and tips about how to make luxury travel more affordable.

Connect with us on   Facebook  | Pinterest  | Instagram  | Twitter . If you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends!

Share This Post:

Get Access to our FREE Travel Resources Library!

Subscribe and get exclusive access to loads of printable planning checklists, maps, itineraries, destination bucket lists, and more!

You’ll Also Love

Japan Hidden Gems: 30+ Best Places to get Off the Beaten Path in Japan

Trending now.

• Destinations
• Travel Guides
• Travel Itineraries
• Travel Tips
• Accommodation

Join Our Newsletter

And get exclusive access to our FREE Travel Planning Resources!

• Work With Us
• Disclosure Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2024 Bucket List Seekers

Privacy Overview

28 Adventures to Travel For, From Glacier Chasing in Greenland to Sand Surfing in the Sahara

By Caitlin Morton

As much as we love lounging on a faraway beach or revisiting our favorite city for the tenth time, sometimes our passports need some adventure travel—we’re talking about those once-in-a-lifetime trips that push us way outside our comfort zones. Adventure travel is a great way to see more of the world, while also testing your physical limits, and coming home with a lifetime's worth of stories to tell at parties.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most incredible outdoor adventures for intrepid travelers, ranging from climbing Machu Picchu to skydiving in Dubai . Even if you don’t consider yourself a daredevil, you’ll still find activities that feel exciting (hello, camping under the northern lights) without too much physical—or emotional—exertion required. So fasten your seatbelts, grab your best pair of hiking boots , and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Boat under the Iguazú Falls

South America’s Iguazú Falls, located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, make all other waterfalls look like mere trickles in comparison. The system of more than 200 cascades (reaching heights of around 270 feet) can be viewed from surrounding walkways and catwalks, but we’re fans of the more adventurous vantage-point—hopping on an Iguazú Jungle inflatable raft and sailing directly under the exhilarating, high-pressure falls.

Climb to Machu Picchu

No adventurer’s must-visit list is complete without Machu Picchu , the famous Incan citadel located in the Andes. While the site can be accessed via train and bus, more active travelers can take the five-day trek along the entire 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 .

Sand surf in the Sahara

The dunes of the Sahara are colossal, untouched, and tailor-made for extreme sports. The desert’s rows of barchans (meaning “crescent-shaped dunes” in Turkic) have ideal shapes for sand surfing (descending the slopes on a surfboard) and sandboarding (descending the slopes on a snowboard)—and those views don’t hurt, either. Stay at Erg Chigaga Luxury Camp in Morocco, which offers sandboarding in addition to other desert activities like camel rides and quad biking.

Heli-hike in British Columbia

With CMH Heli + Skiing , you can helicopter to the steepest and deepest powder in Canada for backcountry skiing. However, come summer , the company’s guides take guests on multi-day hiking trips to terrain otherwise inaccessible, along ridgelines, through alpine meadows, and to stunning viewpoints. While these high-altitude adventures are not for the faint at heart, the accommodations are quite comfortable, with log-hewn lodges complete with full-service restaurants, spa treatments, and a rooftop hot tub to relax in before another day on the trail.

Olivia Morelli

Gianluca Longo

Charlie Hobbs

Hot air balloon over 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. We recommend booking with Kapadokya Balloons , the first company that introduced hot air balloon tourism in Cappadocia. 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 tricky to get to, but well worth the effort—especially since it’s one of the most untouched landscapes on the planet. Exhibit A: the hundreds-year-old icebergs and glaciers floating off the mainland, which you can get up close and personal with during a cruise excursion. ( Hurtigruten and Cruise Norway offer these sailings.)

Hop across Botswana on a mobile safari

While most safari camps stay in one place like a traditional hotel, the private canvas safaris by  Barclay Stenner Safaris are totally mobile, meaning you can pick up and move locations based on weather conditions and wildlife movements. The outfitter’s Botswana itinerary moves across the country to fauna-rich areas like the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans—get ready to follow groups of lions, hippos, elephants, and more.

Paraglide over Turkey’s Blue Lagoon

Oludeniz has one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey, with pebble shores and a “blue lagoon” of aquamarine hues. The beach also happens to be 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.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef

Divers and snorkelers everywhere need to experience the Great Barrier Reef at least once in their lifetime. Not only does the site have more than 400 different types of coral and 1,500 species of fish, but the natural wonder has been rapidly eroding due to coral bleaching and global warming . That means it’s more urgent than ever to see this sight in all its glory—and to understand what we are losing.

Swim through Mexico’s cenotes

Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula features a wealth of unique natural beauty, particularly when it comes to its cavernous cenotes. Floating in one of these natural sinkholes is an incredible experience, as is diving through the underground cave systems . When in Tulum , visit Dos Ojos (“Two Eyes”) to view one of the planet’s most beautiful underwater sites or Gran Cenote for rock formations that resemble Gothic architecture.

Free-fall over Dubai at 120 miles per hour

Dubai is one of the most over-the-top cities in the world, so are you really surprised that skydiving is one of its most popular activities?  Skydive Dubai is a company located near Jumeirah Beach, offering tandem skydiving for beginners and solo jumps for licensed divers. If you thought Dubai’s skyline was impressive already, just wait until you see it while falling from 13,000 feet in the air.

Scale Half Dome at Yosemite National Park

The Half Dome trail through Yosemite may be one of the most intense hikes you’ll ever take, stretching for 16 miles and ascending more than 5,500 feet. The final 400 feet are the trickiest—hikers must climb up the steep slope with two steel cables as their only support—but the breathtaking views from the top make the effort (and terror) worth it. Afterwards, stay at The Ahwahnee, one of the most beautiful national park hotels in the country.

Swim with great white sharks in South Africa

The fishing town of Gansbaai is often considered to be the birthplace of great white shark cage diving, an activity that would make most adrenaline junkies drool. Cage diving is totally safe (despite what some low-budget shark movies might lead you to believe), but we dare you to keep your heart rate in check as you come face-to-face with an apex predator.  Marine Dynamics is one of the most popular cage diving operators in town, with a marine biologist and videographer joining every tour.

Bungee jump in New Zealand

New Zealand practically invented adventure sports when the Kawarau Bridge Bungy opened in 1988. Here you join around 38,000 annual visitors to take the 140-foot jump from the South Island's historic, steel-framed Kawarau Bridge—an activity in which the views are almost as thrilling as the fall itself.

Climb Mount Fuji

Solitary Mount Fuji is probably Japan’s most iconic natural wonder , rising 12,388 feet above villages and reflecting on lakes’ surfaces. You can get views of the landmark from many places, like Lake Kawaguchi in Fujikawaguchiko and even the Park Hyatt Tokyo , but it’s the views from the mountain that will give you the most bragging rights. Visit from early July to mid-September to take advantage of the official climbing season, when the designated trails and paved roads are free of snow.

Go volcano boarding on Cerro Negro in Nicaragua

If you’re looking for action sports and adventure, we recommend booking a flight to Nicaragua right now. There you can kayak, surf, zipline through the jungle, and even sled down the side of an active volcano. Intrepid travelers love to climb up the 2,388-foot Cerro Negro and then “volcano board” back down (an activity where you sit or stand on a piece of plywood and slide your way down the slopes). You'll want to go with a guided group tour with this one. Bigfoot Hostels is one of many operators for excursions—for $25, you get transportation to the volcano, boards, safety equipment, snacks, and your speed clocked by a radar gun.

Take a white-knuckle drive in Norway

Who says your adrenaline can’t pump from the comfort of your car? Trollstigen is one of the world’s most popular (and  terrifying ) highways, known for its steep gradient and hairpin turns. The one-lane road passes such impressive wonders as the 1,050-foot Stigfossen waterfall, but be sure to pull over before you gawk and snap photos. There are several viewing platforms along the road that will let you take in the sites without risking a crash.

Dive Belize’s Great Blue Hole

Known for its circular shape and strikingly deep blue color , the Great Blue Hole is a 1,000-foot-wide sinkhole in the middle of Belize’s Lighthouse Reef. While an aerial shot is enough to convince anyone of its beauty, scuba divers are the ones who get to experience the wonders that lie beneath: massive, 40-foot limestone stalactites and stalagmites that formed during the last glacial period.

Go canyoning in the Azores

Portugal’s Azores Islands are equal parts adventurous and beautiful, inviting travelers to get up close and personal with nature while hiking, biking, and swimming. If you want to really push the envelope, try canyoning—an activity that has you rappel down a waterfall while navigating slippery rocks and fast-flowing water. Azores Getaways offers a comprehensive and easy-to-book experience. Training, equipment, on-site instructors, and snacks are all included in the excursion, which will no doubt become one of the most memorable of your life.

Kayak through Torres del Paine National Park

Chile’s Patagonia region is one of the most beautiful spots on the planet, and there are plenty of ways to explore the area. But while most people experience the sights while hiking, you can get a slightly different view from the water via a kayaking trip.  Kayak en Patagonia offers several tour options ranging in duration and difficulty levels, but all let you paddle past towering mountains, rugged glaciers, and other incredible vistas.

Sleep under the northern lights

Ah, the elusive northern lights . So many factors are at play when it comes to seeing the technicolor phenomenon—location, time of year, weather conditions—but it’s hard to lose with an excursion to Finnish Lapland. The Arctic area is one of the planet’s best for aurora viewing, especially if you get to sleep in an igloo hotel at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort or mobile Aurora Bubble Sled . Up your viewing chances by planning a trip between December and March.

Go heli-skiing in Alaska

If you’re a seasoned traveler who’s conquered every black diamond slope in North America, there’s still one snowy adventure left to vanquish: heli-skiing. There’s nothing quite like hopping in a helicopter and being dropped onto untouched snow at the top of a mountain—especially in a setting as formidable as Alaska’s Chugach Mountains. The experienced guides at  Valdez Heli Ski Guides (VHSG) will help make this dream a reality, taking you to some of the best runs of your life and then letting you unwind (hot tub and massages included) at the cozy  Tsaina Lodge .

Snorkel between continents in Iceland

Iceland is one of the best countries in the world for adventure travel , with opportunities for everything from glacier hiking to snorkeling and diving. For the latter, head straight to Thingvellir National Park along the country’s Golden Circle route , where two tectonic plates slowly pull apart at the rate of about two centimeters (0.8 inches) per year. The phenomenon results in the Silfra fissure, a stunning rift valley where travelers can snorkel or dive in impossibly clear (and cold) waters. Tour company DIVE.IS offers tours for divers and every level of snorkeler—including those with no prior experience—and will snap an underwater photo of you touching two continents at the same time.

Float along the Amazon

Some remote destinations are best seen from the deck of a boat, and that includes the upper Amazon River. Aqua Expeditions ’ luxury cruises through the Peruvian stretch of the river tour the area’s wildlife and culture at a delightful, leisurely pace. You'll even have chef-prepared gourmet meals and five-star suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. Looking for something a little less luxe? Amazon Adventures offers kayaking trips along some Amazon tributaries, where you can fish for piranhas and camp out in the rainforest.

Surf ‘The Pipeline’ in Oahu

Oahu’s Banzai Pipeline (commonly referred to as The Pipeline) is easily one of the most sought-after surfing spots in the world. Located off the coast of the island’s north shore in Ehukai Beach Park, the surf reef break averages waves measuring nine feet high. This activity is definitely not for beginners, but even non-surfers will get a thrill out of watching the many surf competitions that take place at The Pipeline—all from the safety of a sunny beach.

Spot elusive wildlife in the Great Bear Rainforest

Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest is the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world—and one of the most magical, with elusive species like sea wolves and Kermode bears roaming its 21 million acres. Outer Shores Expeditions will take you on a nine-day excursion aboard a schooner, departing from British Columbia’s First Nations community of Bella Bella and stopping for sea kayaking along the way.

Soak in the planet’s most extreme infinity pool

Located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls attracts thousands of tourists each year. One of the biggest draws here is the Devil’s Pool , a naturally formed eddy sitting at the very edge of the falls, where daring swimmers can splash around between August and January (depending on water levels, that is). Given that a slippery rock barrier is the only thing separating you from going over the edge, this site is easily the planet’s most extreme infinity pool .

Camp in Antarctica

Antarctica is truly the final frontier when it comes to adventure travel, providing untouched landscapes, unique wildlife, and more activities than you’ll know what to do with (like cruising, caving, and thermal spring soaking , to name a few). If you can get yourself to Punta Arenas, Chile, Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions will fly you to Antarctica for three days of skiing and hiking before setting you up for a South Pole sleepover.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

127 Most adventurous and crazy Bucket list ideas for adrenaline junkies

Want to put your adventurous side to the test? Here are the crazy bucket list ideas for adrenaline junkies that will inspire you.

In my quest to travel the world and discover popular destinations , hidden gems , small towns, villages and participate in adventurous activities, it’s not surprising that my bucket list keeps growing every single day.

Every day I find new things to put on a bucket list and new adventurous activities that I want to do.

In fact, if it was up to me and if only it was a perfect world, I would tick one bucket list idea off my travel bucket list every single day.

But since that is quite impossible (for now), all I can do is dream, hope, and work towards achieving those travel goals.

Some of the adventurous bucket list ideas listed here scare me and others excite me like nothing else.

So to keep track of my fun bucket list ideas and the adventurous things I want to do, I am writing them down (with the focus on the top 10 currently) in hopes that they will inspire you or even help you create your own adventure bucket list.

Note: I’ve not done any of these adventurous activities and I just long for that golden moment when I will get to do them.

However, even though there are so many items on my bucket list, this post is only about the adrenaline activities that make my stomach boil when I imagine myself doing them but at the same time make me feel like I’ve conquered something adventurous.

Literally, bucket list activities that would send me over the edge right before doing them but also bring me so much joy and memories afterward.

Well, let’s dive into the unique bucket list ideas plus the adrenaline rush activities before these goosebumps hinder me from actually writing the post.

My Crazy bucket list ideas

1. cage diving with the great white shark in south africa.

Photo By Alban – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0 , Link

Wait what!! Did I just say that I want to dive with sharks while in a cage? What the crazy ….!!! Clearly, I must be insane to even consider it as one of my top bucket list items.

But thinking about it more is making me want to tick it off my crazy bucket list.

Imagine going deep underwater while caged and in close proximity to the most dangerous underwater species!!

Part of me is super scared of it but the crazy part of me that tells me how cool it would be to swim with a shark and see it with my own eyes just a few meters away makes me want to do it Asap.

Since it is one of the best adventure activities in the world, I will just keep it on my bucket list for now even if it makes my stomach boil a bit.

Related post: Bucket list destinations in Africa The most famous landmarks you must visit in Africa

2. Paragliding in Oludeniz, Turkey is One of my Crazy bucket list Ideas

One of the bucket list activities I want to do is go Paragliding. The idea of floating in the sky while admiring the world and mother nature in a birds’ eye is a dream.

Oh, of course, I can’t do it alone. I don’t have the courage and expertise to do it on my own but it would be cool to have a pro trainer do it with me so that I feel absolutely “safe”.

The photos that I’ve seen make me want to pack my bags and go to Oludeniz in Turkey right now to see the beautiful turquoise waters and long beaches from above while having a rush of a lifetime.

Related posts: Bucket list destinations in Istanbul, Turkey Bucket list places to visit in Turkey

3. Diving in the deep blue waters of Thailand or the Blue Hole in Belize

So my very first attempt to even come close to diving was when I went snorkeling in the Blue Hole in Dahab, Egypt .

I know it doesn’t even come close but if you know me personally, then you know that I am scared of deep waters.

And if you’re wondering if that snorkeling adventure went well, it didn’t LOL. I was a disaster “screaming” for help instead of enjoying the underwater species like everyone else.

But I still tell people that I snorkeled in the blue hole. Sshhh!! Don’t tell them that I didn’t have the best experience because I was terrified by the sinkhole.

But hey, I am not a quitter and this time around I want to push myself even further by going diving (either in Thailand or Belize, still deciding).

Of course, this time around I will try to be more prepared by taking a couple of lessons before hitting the sea.

But the thrill of diving deep into the ends of the sea not only makes me shake but also excites me.

I don’t want to just discover the highest points of the world (mountains) but also reach the deepest of the oceans.

So Blue hole in Belize and the countless diving spots in Thailand, I am prepping for you and perhaps one day I will have the guts to carry my mask, fins, the oxygen can on my back, adorn the diving suit, and conquer one of the adrenaline bucket list ideas I’ve had for so long.

Related posts: Cheapest Countries in Asia Dreamy bucket list places in Asia

4. Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey

One of my dreamiest bucket list things to do is to go Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey.

This place is incredibly beautiful even if it’s just taking in the views of the town from the different hills or meandering through the cave hotels – but riding in a hot air balloon is the dreamiest of all.

From seeing the fairy chimneys perch through Cappadocia’s sky to watching other balloons floating in the air, it can never get any better than this.

And no, Instagram doesn’t make it easy for us the dreamers. Seeing all those amazing sunset/sunrise photos from the Sultan Ahmed hotel makes all travelers including myself want to flock to Cappadocia immediately.

Related post: Bucket list things to do in Istanbul at night

5. Skydiving is one of the crazy adventure ideas to try

Ok, this is where I feel like I am pushing my limits to the extreme. Whom am I kidding!! I mean I get freaked out when we hit turbulence while flying and now I want to jump out of the plane?

Whoah!! I am truly crazy! But even with those facts, I still want to skydive at least once in my life.

If I am being honest, it’s just to tick it off my bucket list but I hope I don’t pee on myself while doing so.

I mean the idea of flying in space like a bird really scares me but it also makes me feel like I’ll be on top of the world, feeling the cool breeze as I admire nature’s most beautiful landscapes.

So if you’re looking for crazy and adventurous things to put on your bucket list, then skydiving is one of the craziest things to do.

6. Climbing Mt. Everest in Nepal; This is one of the extreme bucket list ideas

I’ve heard and read that climbing Mt. Everest is one of the most challenging hikes in the world.

In fact, many people give up on the way, and apparently, some people have got long life injuries and others died ( don’t hold me over this, I also just read about it).

But even with all that, I want to experience it myself. I want to ”brag” about the fact that I climbed the highest mountain in the world! I mean it’s one of those crazy bucket list ideas that are worth bragging about.

I know I’ve hiked and climbed a few mountains including Mt. Elgon in Uganda which is basically nothing compared to Mt. Everest but I believe I am up for the challenge.

Even though it’s not for the faint-hearted, I believe it’s one of the bucket list trips of a lifetime that all hikers should brave up for.

7. Bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa or Anywhere

I am not sure whether I won’t give up right before the jump but I still want to do it.

I mean I almost chickened out right before going for a bridge swing at Victoria falls in Zimbabwe but I finally did it and I am so glad I did, otherwise, I’d be beating myself up to now.

So with that milestone in my bag, I think I can bungee jump without any issues ( just a scared face and a racing heart but I’ll manage).

If I managed the adrenalin-fuelled, 4 seconds free-fall at the Victoria falls bridge while bridge swinging, then I can definitely handle the 5 or so seconds free fall of bungee jumping.

(Don’t mind me, this is me giving myself a pep talk because jumping over a cliff with just ropes holding me freaks the hell out of me but it’s one of my ultimate bucket list ideas and I am not gonna give it up)

But whom am I kidding, bungee jumping is scarier than a bridge swing but am all in – Breathe in, Breathe out and jump!!

8. Dog sledding in Norway

One of the winter sports that I really want to do is dog sledding.

I want to be able to feel the rush of my heart as the dogs drag me around the snow with me probably screaming and holding onto tight like my life depends on it.

One thing that excites me most about dog sledding is how fast the dogs run through the beautiful landscape with a rush of adrenaline through your body.

It’s even more incredible when you go dog sledding and at the same time watch the Northern lights – these are truly some of the best bucket list adventure ideas worth experiencing and I can’t wait for that time.

Related post: Winter sun destinations in Europe Places to visit in Europe in winter Crazy fun things to do in winter

9. Go for an Edge Walk at the CN Tower in Canada

Photo By BarbaraAraya from Chile – Toronto_Canada Uploaded by Skeezix1000 , CC BY 2.0 , Link

This is got to be one of the most exhilarating adrenaline junkie bucket list ideas that is only possible for extreme adventure seekers – and since I am one of them (or I would like to think that I am), I clearly want to do it.

Imagine suiting up, harnessing yourself, and taking in the incredible views of the city while defying gravity at the CN Tower! It seems pretty simple but it’s so scary at least for those that are afraid of heights – and that includes me!

To give you an idea of how scary it is, The Edge walk is the world’s highest full circle hands-free walk on a 5 ft (1.5 m) wide ledge at the top of the CN tower – now I am really scared!!

But even with how scary it sounds, Edge walking is one of those adrenaline junkie activities that I want to do.

10. Swim with the Dolphins in The Bahamas

Well, this might not bring the adrenaline rush to many people but the idea of swimming with Dolphins is incredibly exciting to me.

The calmness that these incredible creatures display while with humans makes me want to cuddle them or at least kiss them on the “chin” (maybe I am just dreaming too much).

I am sure I will do it but if that fails, then I can just sit along the sidelines and watch them fly in the air while splashing water. I bet it’s a cool thing to watch.

Will I actually do these junkie adrenaline activities for real?

I am someone who always freaks out right before an adventurous activity and I am always on the verge of giving up but I never do! I always suck it in and go for it and I’ve never regretted a thing.

So even with me freaking out about all these crazy bucket list ideas while I am writing them, I know that when that opportunity of me doing any of these adrenaline junkie activities presents itself, I will almost chicken out but I will always end up doing them. SO BRING THEM ON!!

More Adrenaline Junkies bucket list ideas

While I’ve listed in detail the first 10 extreme adventure bucket list ideas, there are more fun activities that you should add to your bucket list as an adventurous person. Read on to discover more adventure bucket list ideas.

Please note that some of these bucket list ideas for adrenaline junkies can be risky and require you to be fully experienced! Use common knowledge to judge what you can do and what you can’t!

11. Go surfing

12. Ride a zipline

13. Sleep in an ice hotel

14. Try flyboarding

15. Go fat biking

16. Try indoor skydiving

17. Go Stargazing

18. Do a skinny dip

19. Jump off a cliff

20. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

21. Swim with Pigs

22. Ride an ATV

23. Hike a glacier

24. Go winter camping; this is one of the winter bucket list ideas .

25. Abseil down a waterfall

26. Go white water rafting

27. Fly over Victoria falls in Zimbabwe

28. Climb Sand dunes

29. Learn how to rock climb

30. Try canyoning 

31. Watch a live volcanic eruption

32. Climb an active volcano; ofcourse with caution and with professionals

33. Go jet boating 

34. Go heli-skiing

35. Visit the Amazon Rainforest

36. Rappel down a waterfall

37. Ride a super-fast roller coaster

38. Boat in an Alligator Swamp

39. Go on an African safari

40. Do a Free Fall Human

41. Try speed skiing

42. Go kayaking

43. Zip line through the jungle

44. Go gorilla trekking in Uganda

45. Try Skijoring

46. Walk on a suspension bridge

47. Sleep in an underwater hotel

48. Go snowboarding

49. Try walking on hot coals

50. Go snowmobiling

51. Try fly fishing

52. Attend a Rodeo

53. Go Go-Karting

54. Ride a camel in the Sahara desert

55. Watch penguins in Antarctica

56. Go Parachute Jumping

57. Go base jumping

58. Go cave spelunking

59. Go sandboarding

60. Try aerial yoga; this is one of the fun things to do for adrenaline junkies.

61. Walk through a dust storm

62. Relax in a natural spring

63. Try SCAD diving

64. Chase a Tornado; this is one of the dangerous bucket list ideas if you’re not a pro.

65. Experience a wingsuit flight 

66. Ride a bobsleigh

67. Try wing walking

68. Try volcano surfing

69. Sleep in an Underwater Hotel

70. Ride a Horse Bareback

71. Go Pearl Diving

72. Try Rappelling

73. Sleep in a cabin

74. Camp in the Grand Canyon

75. Dive with manta rays

76. Swim in the Great Barrier Reef

78. Participate in a polar bear plunge

79. Try winter swimming

80. See a Coral Reef

81. Swim with Manatees

82. Sleep in a castle; you can sleep in one of these French castles .

83. Swim at the edge of Victoria Falls in the Devils pool

84. Trekk the world’s most dangerous hike; Mount Hua in China

85. Dine in an underwater restaurant

86. Run with the bulls in Spain

87. Swim with sea turtles in Costa Rica

88. search for real-life dinosaur footprints

89. Witness a Solar Eclipse

90. Go  Whale Watching

91. Visit all 7 wonders of the world

92. Drive a race car around a Formula One track

93. Take funny photos at the Bolivian Salt Flats

94. Chill with wild orangutans in Malaysia

95. Hike to Machu Picchu in Peru

96. Cycle Death Road in Bolivia

97. Go crocodile cage diving; probably the craziest bucket list idea for adrenaline junkies on this list.

98. Visit a ghost town

99. Go snowmobiling

100. Float in the Dead Sea

101. Visit a haunted house

102. Cruise on River Nile

103. Swim with humpback whales 

104. Hike the Stairway to Heaven in Hawaii

105. Visit all 7 continents

106. Visit Heaven’s Gate Mountain

107. Try Highlining

108. Walk on the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Portugal

109. Swing on the world’s biggest swing in New Zealand

110. Go Trail running

111. Go camping; you can check out the different types of camping .

112. Go on a wreck diving adventure

113. Ride a bobsleigh

114. Ride a mechanical bull

115. Ride a gondola in Venice

116. Run a marathon

117. Attend Carnival in Brazil

118. Fly on a Trapeze

119. Fly in a Private Jet

120. Sleep in a Teepee

121. Visit the Galapagos Islands

122. Ride the Tour de France route; this is one of the things France is famous for .

123. Go Clam Digging

124. Swim in a Cenote

125. Watch an Eclipse

126. Visit Chernobyl

127. Go to space; this is one of the crazy ideas for a bucket list.

Final Thoughts of the Crazy Bucket List Ideas For Adrenaline Junkies

There you have it, fellow adrenaline junkies. Those were some of the bucket list examples and my bucket list things to do and I hope they inspire you to create your own bucket list.

Do you have any of these activities on your own bucket list? Share your unique bucket list ideas in the comment section and you might just inspire me to add them to my bucket list.

Was this post on the wild bucket list ideas helpful? Then please consider sharing it with others

Similar Posts

The Ultimate Bucket List For Summer: 35 Summer Bucket List Ideas 2021

Are you looking for fun things to do this summer? Then check out my bucket list for summer that has everything you’d want to do this season. Summer is here and I don’t know about you but I am beyond excited to hit the outdoors and enjoy the sun after some long cold months. But…

25 Most romantic places in the world

Looking for where to go for a romantic holiday? This post will give you all the most romantic places in the world that you and your partner will enjoy. Planning to whisk away your loved one on a romantic weekend getaway or you’re just looking for holiday destinations for couples. This post details the most…

Top 10 Unesco world heritage sites to visit

This is the comprehensive list of the top 10 Unesco World Heritage Sites that every traveler should visit at one point in life. They are not just Unesco World heritage sites but also some of the most historical places in the world. If you’ve been wondering which famous landmarks in the world you should visit,…

Winter bucket list: 28 Fun Indoor & outdoor winter Activities To Participate in

Are you looking for fun things to do in winter? Then check out these winter bucket list ideas for inspiration on what to do in winter! While most people dislike winter or plan to stay indoors because of the cold, the snowy season presents a number of outdoor activities to do!  I mean just because…

Just a few suggestions, when in South Africa do kloofing too. Regarding hot air balloon there is nothing more spectacular than doing it when visiting Tanzania, over the Savanna with all the amazing beasts underneath you. I also suggest glacier trekking in Alaska. Regarding the Edge Walk not as exciting as you imagine and I suggest New Zealand. White water rafting should be added to your list (unless you already tried it) and sailing on one of the America’s Cup sailing boats too.

Hi Maria, wow, all these are incredible ideas, and thank you for suggesting them! Kloofing in SA looks interesting for sure! I bet a hot air balloon in Tanzania is incredible, I mean just the safari itself is impressive and I can just imagine how mind-blowing it is to see everything from above – once in a lifetime experience for sure! Oh how I’d love to go glacier trekking in Alaska, you’ve just given me a new bucket list idea lol!

Oh really, the Edge walk looked interesting, I guess it’s just in the photos:) And yes, I’ve done White water Rafting on the Nile – such a thrilling experience it was, I would do it again for sure!

Thanks again for suggesting these cool bucket list ideas! You’ve inspired me already haha

I love and enjoy everything i am seeing on your blog. Thank you for sharing this information. You are inspiring me to travel around the world and i am looking forward to

Thank you so much Caroline for the kind words about the blog and I am so happy that I’ve inspired you to travel. There is soo much beauty in the world not to explore it for sure!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Team Wanderlust | 25 January 2023

25 big bucket list adventures.

The rarest travel experiences. The toughest. The dearest. The ones that won’t be around forever. These are the real once-in-a-lifetime journeys. Which one will you take on in 2023?

At Wanderlust , we're not the greatest fans of the term 'bucket list' when it comes to travel. It's often associated with the world's most popular, overcrowded attractions, as well as having a slightly morbid origin (does 'kick the bucket' spring to mind?). What we consider a 'bucket list' adventure are the rarest, toughest and dearest adventures. The ones that won't be around forever. The real once-in-a-lifetime journeys.

Although a few iconic sites have crept into our selection, including the Grand Canyon and Kilimanjaro (after all, they're famous for good reason), there are alternative ways to see these places to make your trip unique. But beyond these, there are many more magnificent, lesser-known destinations that offer some of the most breathtaking, heart-warming and hair-raising travel experiences you will ever have.

1. Raft the Grand Canyon Arizona, USA

The Colorado River running through the Grand Canyon (Dreamstime)

Why the Grand Canyon?  To see the great gorge from a completely different – and rare – angle. Looking down on the squiggle of the Colorado River from a mile up on the rocky rim, it seems impossible that this river could have carved the gargantuan Grand Canyon. 

Of course, it’s had about two billion years to do so, slowly slicing through the black-red-orange-purple strata to create one of the natural wonders of the world. And this is why seeing the canyon from water level is the best way to appreciate it – the experience offers a far more intimate encounter than peering in from the top, as well as a close up of all that glorious geology. 

The official launch point for a full run is Lees Ferry, at the north-east of Grand Canyon National Park; the end is at Lake Mead, 443km further on. En route are side canyons, Puebloan sites, swimming holes and sandy beaches, not to mention plenty of wild water. 

So, all good – it’s just getting authorisation to enter that’s the problem. There’s a ‘weighted lotteryʼ system, with a waiting list of several years, to secure a private rafting permit.

Fortunately, commercial tour-op trips – which range from one-day to three-week floats – are available, but even these need booking in advance if you want to guarantee your rendezvous with all this ancient rock. 

How to tick it off your bucket list:  The best time to raft the Colorado is May to October, so book your trip then. Overall, the river is graded a IV (intermediate), with many I to III rapids, plus some Vs. 

Like that? Try this:  Tackle the Rio Futaleufu, an absolute classic that cuts through the canyons and wilderness of Patagonia. 

2. Visit Antarctica

Whale in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica (Dreamstime)

Why Antarctica?   Antarctica is a land of grand voyages. Powerful, dangerous, but undeniably exciting. The chance to venture where so few others have visited is perhaps the very reason it tops so many wish lists.

To visit a place even less well known to travellers, embark on a cruise into the Weddell Sea to the east. The crashing icebergs, vast ice floes and often unpredictable and treacherous conditions will show you what real adventure looks and feels like.

Spot a variety of wildlife including impressive baleen whales just under the surface and colonies of penguins and seals clustered on the thick ice on top.

How to tick it off your list:  Weddell Sea voyages are limited to just a few a year. If you want to go, you need to be organised and plan well in advance.

Like that, try this: Head north to the Arctic for a cruise down the little-seen seas of the North-East Passage. Expect walruses and polar bears.

Watch next Wanderlust's virtual Antarctica event

3. hike one of the great walks, new zealand.

Waterfall along the Milford Track (Dreamstime)

Why a Great Walk?  There is plenty of variety in New Zealand's Great Walks, especially with the arrival of new tracks in recent years. At the end of 2023 we expect to welcome the Hump Ridge Track, but in the meantime, there's 10 others to choose from.

If you want to complete one of New Zealand’s best walks, the Milford Track is arguably the greatest of the lot. This four-day, 53.5km hike from Lake Te Anau to Milford Sound slices through the splendour of Fiordland National Park, taking in lakes, waterfalls, ice fields, forest and plenty of pioneer history, and tops out at the panoramic Mackinnon Pass (1,154m). 

In the peak summer trekking months (November to April), it’s always oversubscribed; camping is not permitted and numbers are limited by the bunk-space available in the three DOC lodges en route. That is, unless you opt for an upgrade. Ultimate Hikes operates a series of private lodges (with both dorms and doubles) that enable hikers to tramp the track, with a guide, in a little more comfort. 

For a historic journey without the crowds of Milford, try the Heaphy Track. Once walked by Māori tribes, the route traverses through thick forests and onto the wild West Coast. An hour from Westport, the Heaphy Track boasts the best of both New Zealand’s nature and history, with a chance to spot native plants, rocks and wildlife (if you're lucky, perhaps even a kiwi). 

How to tick off your list: Make sure you're prepared fitness wise before the October to April hiking season commences, and whenever you go, prepare your packs for all weather conditions.

Like that? Try this: Hike Tasmania’s Overland Track in style with Cradle Mountain Huts.

Read next A guide to New Zealand's Great Walks

4. sleep under the stars in namibrand, namibia.

The NamibRand under a night sky (Dreamstime)

Why the NamibRand?  To experience some of the world’s best celestial sights. Sure, leave the big city and you can see stars almost anywhere. But the experience will be extra heavenly if you travel somewhere very dark, very clear and very remote. 

Namibia’s vast NamibRand Nature Reserve is one of only a few gold-certified Dark Sky Reserves. Simply, it has some of the world’s best dark skies. There are no towns or settlements inside it, or even nearby – Namibia is one of the planet’s most sparsely populated countries. And the dry climate means cloudless skies are the norm.

By day, explore NamibRand’s ochre-hued wilderness of dunes, mountains and plains, looking for oryx and Hartmann’s zebra. Then, after a blazing sunset, it’s time to turn your eyes skyward. 

How to tick it off your list:  It may seem difficult to get to the desert, but the reserve is around 375km from Windhoek. So, you can always start from the capital, and find your way to the reserve. 

Like that? Try this: Unroll a swag in Australia’s Red Centre for a snooze with uninterrupted night-sky views. 

5. Trek to Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan (Shutterstock)

A Wanderlust favourite, Petra is one of the Middle East's great wonders. This UNESCO-listed archaeological site is carved into pink sandstones cliffs, hidden within Jordan's mountain and desert landscape.

Many visit the 'Red Rose City' from Amman via a three hour car journey, but we prefer a more adventurous approach. The Jordan Trail is a 640km-long route launched in 2015 that spans the entire country, taking around 40 days to complete the whole thing.

We're not suggesting the entire route needs to be traversed, although it is a great way experience the best of Jordan. Instead, try the 3-5 day trek from Dana to Petra. Around 80km in length, this rewarding section enters the beautiful 'Lost City' from an old caravan route. The fantastic hike follows the beautiful valley of Feynan to the dramatic mountain scenery of Wadi Araba, over a mountain pass, before a final canyon and wide valley builds up to the dramatic ascent to Petra’s ancient monastery.

Along the way, you’ll find secret pools of water to take a dip, smell local herbs and flowers, see Jordan’s birds and animals, and experience the diversity of terrain that Jordan has to offer.

How to tick if off:  Plenty of tour operators offer walking trips to Petra from Dana. Or go to the trail's official website  to learn more.

6. Swim with turtles in Ningaloo, Western Australia

A green turtle at Ningaloo Reef (Shutterstock)

Why Ningaloo Reef?  To take a dip with endangered species. Western Oz’s  Ningaloo Reef  isn’t as big as the Great Barrier, on the opposite coast.

But it’s still attracts around 500 species of fish; best of all, in parts it lays only 100m offshore, making its underwater riches extremely accessible – the snorkelling is superb, too. 

How to tick it off your list:  Three of the world’s seven species of marine turtles nest on beaches and islands near Ningaloo between November and April: green (listed as endangered), hawksbill (critically endangered) and loggerhead (vulnerable). 

However, turtles swim offshore year-round, their lumpen on-land movements transformed into a graceful ballet once they’re in the water. Good spots include Shark Bay, the Muiron Islands and Turtle Bay on Dirk Hartog Island. 

Start your adventure:   More information

Like that? Try this: Snorkel with endangered leatherback and hawksbill turtles in Barbados.

7. Spot a snow leopard in Ladakh, India

A snow leopard in India (Shutterstock)

Why Ladakh?  Few have seen this endangered cat. There are thought to be just 4,000 to 6,500 snow leopards left in the wild. Coupled with the fact that these charismatic big cats tend to live in cold, inhospitable, rocky clifftops at altitudes above 3,000m, they’re not that easy to spot. 

This makes a sighting very special, and most trips that venture into their domain – largely Tibet, the Himalaya and the ’Stans – make it clear that you’d be fortunate to see even a paw-print. However, in recent years Ladakh’s Hemis National Park has gained a reputation as the world’s snow leopard capital, with hundreds of leopards, and as time passes, local guides gain an ever better understanding of their habits. 

There are still no guarantees, but in Hemis’s Husing, Tarbuns and Rumbak Valleys, sightings are relatively common; Husing is on a well-known snow leopard corridor. Visit in winter, when the snow brings the cats to lower ground and, with the help of local knowledge, trained trackers and spotting scopes, you might be in luck. 

How to tick it off your list:  Flights connect Delhi to regional hub Leh, which is 40km from Hemis NP. There are six villages in the park; accommodation is in homestays or camping.

Like that, try this: Track giant pandas in China’s Foping Nature Reserve, for the frisson of seeing the poster child of conservation in the wild.

Read next: 60 alternative winter experiences around the world

8. descend into a volcano, iceland.

Thrihnukagigur magma chamber (Shutterstock)

Why Iceland?  For a unique descent into the Earth’s belly. To inject some Jules Verne adventure into your bucket list you need to head to Iceland. It’s a strange, singular place; a newborn babe in geological terms, you can virtually see it being formed before your eyes – the land groans, hisses and spews. 

This makes delving beneath the surface quite exciting indeed, though something that’s been easy to achieve since 2012, when commercial tours began plunging into Thrihnukagigur volcano.

Clipped on to what’s essentially a window-cleaner’s lift, you’re slowly lowered 120m into another world – a magma chamber uniquely drained of its magma. Lights reveal a cavern of many colours – bruise purples, sulphur yellows, blood reds. 

Water drip-drips from above, while breaking into song demonstrates the excellent acoustics. It is wonderful, and very weird. Thrihnukagigur is dormant, last erupting over 4,000 years ago. There’s no sign that it’s about to spring into life, but tours are only announced on a year-by-year basis because, well, you never know... 

How to tick it off your list:  Tours run May to October, so book your trip accordingly.

Like that, try this : Hike up Mount Etna, to stand on one of the most active volcanos in the world.  

9. Visit St Helena, South Atlantic

St Helena (Shutterstock)

Why St Helena?  Even though the Royal Mail Ship departed on its last trip to St Helena last year, it’s still not too late to visit this far-flung isle. With an airport now on the island, it is now arguably easier than ever to visit.

The South Atlantic speck is a crumple of glorious geomorphology – small, but riven with deep gullies, gulches and volcanic after-effects, and swept with semi-tropical lushness.

The waters are brim-full of dolphins; the skies wheel with myriad birds. Make the most of the large congregation of whale sharks by snorkelling alongside these gentle giants from January to March.

But it’s the human story that is most fascinating – less than 5,000 people live on this lonely isle, in settlements little changed since Georgian times. Explore it all by foot by walking some of the Post Box walks, which vary in difficulty but all offer views of the most scenic and untouched parts of the island. You will get a log book and a stamp at the end to prove you’ve completed them. Or go on a historic ramble to get to know Napoleon’s influence on the isle.  

How to tick it off your list: Plan your trip's dates based on your biggest interests - here's what to do when in St Helena . Do your research before you book, too - as the isle's  Post Box walks vary in difficulty, and even the easier ones can be tricky. 

Like that, try this: Sail to Russia’s Wrangel Island (aka polar bear heaven). It's only accessible July to Aug by very few specialist cruise ships.  

10. Seek out private islands in Scotland

The Summer Isles, Scotland (Dreamstime)

Why?  Who doesn’t fancy an island to themselves? Sadly, most of us don’t have a Branson-sized budget – but that doesn’t mean you can’t claim your own patch of sea-lapped solitude. 

Thanks to the fact that Scotland has almost 800 islands, as well as a favourable attitude to wild camping, it’s possible to tick this must-do off the list without spending a penny. Tiny Tanera Beag, the second-largest of the 20-odd north-western Summer Isles, has never been inhabited – though you might be joined by a few sheep, occasionally brought here to graze. 

You can sea kayak from the mainland, over Badentarbet Bay and around larger (inhabited) Tanera Mor to reach Tanera Beag. Once you’ve hauled ashore, look out for seals in the lagoon by Eilean Flada Mor, climb to the island’s 83m high-point for views over the nearby rock stacks and skerries, and pitch your tent amid the heather to feel like a laird for the night.

How to tick it off your list:  Achiltibuie, on the coast of Wester Ross & Sutherland, is the best access point. Tanera Mor is 3km offshore; Tanera Beag is just beyond. Plan to visit in spring, summer or autumn. 

Like that, try this: Canoe to little Algonquin Island, on Ontario’s Kawawaymog Lake, to stay in a Canadian log cabin, away from the world. 

11. Climb Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (Dreamstime)

Why Kilimanjaro?  It’s travel’s greatest trekking summit – and it could well be losing its snows. Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro deserves to be on every travel bucket list. 

No other mountain manages to combine such a wealth of wow-factors to tick all those boxes: it’s an aesthetically awesome monolith poking out of the African plains; it’s a tough but achievable challenge; at 5,895m, it’s the roof of a continent; it’s a climatological oddity, proving snow can sit virtually on the equator. Tick, tick, tick, tick. 

But just to add an extra bit of tock to all those ticks, doom-sayers predict that those snows might be gone in just a few decades – all the more reason to tackle Kili quick. 

There are several routes to choose from. Many opt for the Marangu Route due to its steady slopes, however it has a fairly low success rate as the quick five-day ascent does not allow many to acclimatise sufficiently. The  Machame Route is more difficult but a much higher success rate.

How to tick it off your list:  Kilimanjaro cannot be climbed independently. Choose a longer trip to allow more time for acclimatisation and increase your chances of success. 

Like that, try this:  For extra kudos, try climbing Argentina’s Aconcagua, a tougher, higher, non-technical challenge. 

12. Tour Havana in a classic car, Cuba

Classic cars in Havana, Cuba (Dreamstime)

Why classic Havana?  Hop in an iconic vintage motor before they get scrapped. It’s all change in Cuba . A gentle thaw in relations with their big neighbours to the north means that some travel to the island has become (slightly) easier for American citizens and some trade restrictions have been lifted. 2019 marked the 500th anniversary of the founding of Havana, so there’s never been a better time to visit.

For now, Cuba remains quite unique, with an intoxicating  je ne sais quoi  that’s strong of culture and loose of hips. Perhaps the most iconic Cuba image, though, is of a classic 1950s car bumping down a Havana backstreet.

While you can, take a tour in vintage motor, listening to its retro roar as you glide by the capital’s crumbly grandeur.

How to tick it off your list:  You can’t self-drive a classic car, but several companies offer tours with driver/guides. 

Like that, try this: Up the ante: join a Rickshaw Rally, to negotiate India at the wheel of a tuk-tuk. 

13. See an eclipse in Argentina, Antarctica or Australia

A total eclipse (Dreamstime)

Why the eclipse?  To be in the best place when the world goes weird. Total eclipses – when the moon blocks out the sun, basking the earth in an eerie glow – happen roughly every 18 months. But you need to be in the right place, ideally somewhere in the path of the solar maximum, to fully appreciate the effect, and you’d have to wait an average of 375 years to see two total eclipses from the same spot. 

Sometimes being in the path of an eclipse is simple. On 21 August 2017, the total eclipse swung right across the middle of the USA, visible in states such as Wyoming, Nebraska and South Carolina; its point of greatest eclipse just north-west of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where totality lasted for over two minutes. 

Sometimes, though, it’s a bit trickier – the eclipse in March 2015 was best viewed in the snowy wilderness of Svalbard. Part of the battle is securing a place on a good, expert-led eclipse-watching trip: these specialist departures can fill up well in advance. 

How to tick it off your list: The next total solar eclipse is due on 8 April 2023, visible in Australia, and there's even the chance to see it by air . Cloud cover will affect the quality of eclipse-viewing; if possible, check forecasts and head for clearer skies. The NASA Eclipse site is a mine of information. 

Like that, try this: There are plenty of once-in-a-lifetime wonders to witness in Antarctica. Discover  some of the best here.

14. Cuddle a whale in Baja California, Mexico

A grey whale calf in Baja (Dreamstime)

Why Baja California?  Closer encounters with massive mammals. You can see whales in lots of places, but there are few spots where you can actually give one a hug. From December to April grey whales gather in Baja California’s San Ignacio Lagoon to mate, calve, nurture their young and – so it seems – have a jolly old time with the weird human creatures that sail out to see them. 

Despite having been hunted to near extinction, these greys bear no grudge; indeed, they bump into boats and surface within touching distance, inviting pats and strokes. However, there’s only a short window of opportunity to see the greys here each year, with February, March and April the best months, and good trips sell out far – often years – in advance. 

How to tick it off your list:  Activity varies by month, so time your visit perfectly. In February you see more breaching adults; calves grow more confident in March to April, approaching boats more frequently. 

Like that, try this:  From Jan to April you can swim with humpbacks in the Dominican Republic.

15. Capture the Northern Lights on camera

Photographing the Northern Lights (Shutterstock)

Why the Northern Lights?  To record a spectacular photo of the Northern Lights that you saw. In this age of instant images and selfies, it’s not good enough anymore to just see the planet’s most spectacular light show – to hopefully be in the right place at the right time – now you have to snap a frame-worthy photo of it too. 

One way to increase your chances of filling that memory card is to join an aurora photography tour. You’ll not only get tips from pros on how to snap the show – sharpening up those DSLR skills for those future travels – but they’ll also be attuned to where those spectral waves are most likely to start pulsing through the night. 

Your daylight hours will then be spent exploring the wild Arctic terrains that best yield luminous results – Finland, Norway, Iceland , Sweden or Canada. 

How to tick it off your list:  October to November and February to March are the best times to see the Northern Lights. Remember that dark skies yield better displays, you're best off avoiding the full moon, and you'll have to be flexible during your trip. The Aurora Borealis may not appear on the night of your schedule tour, but they could be out in full-force the next night - so be prepared to change your plans at a moment's notice.

Like that, try this: Look for the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) on New Zealand’s Stewart Island. 

Read next  The best places to see the Northern Lights

16. leaf-peep on the appalachian trail, usa.

Autumn in New Hampshire (Dreamstime)

Why New Hampshire?  You'll get to see fall colours without the other people. The idea of visiting New England in autumn, wending between comely white clapboard houses, verges lined with pumpkins and forested hillsides completely aflame, is a romantic notion. Now add in hiked prices and all the other cars and coaches trying to get to the same scenic lookout, and it isn’t quite so dreamy. 

Arguably the best way to appreciate the glorious death of New England’s trees is to stride among it, camping out each night. So, why not combine a smidgen of the Appalachian Trail – the East Coast’s seriously long long-distance hike, bucket list-worthy in itself – to see the leaves without the crowds. 

The 70km stretch between New Hampshire’s White Mountains and the Vermont border is particularly renowned for its fabulous fall foliage – think maples smouldering crimson, dogwoods turning purple and birch trees burning gold. 

How to tick it off your list:  Fall colours usually start to appear in New England from mid-September. Shelters and campsites along the trail are basic.

Like that, try this: Make for Québec’s Laurentian Mountains, where the sugar maples turn magnificent late-Sept to mid-Oct.

Read next: 15 of the world's epic walking trails

17. visit an endangered tribe in the amazon, ecuador.

Two young girls form huaorani tribe in the amazon rainforest, Yasuni National Park, Ecuador (Dreamstime)

Why the Ecuadorian Amazon?  To glimpse a unique culture, but to do it sensitively and responsibly. Understandably, many struggling minority tribes don’t want to be gawped at by tourists passing through – the arrow-firing Sentinelese of the Andaman Islands being a case in point. 

But for some such groups, tourism is providing a cultural lifeline, and travellers staying at lodges or booking tours owned and run by the tribes themselves are helping to keep endangered traditions alive (and protect their much-threatened environment from developers), while also giving visitors an authentic insight into how the peoples have existed for centuries: everybody wins. 

The indigenous peoples of Ecuador’s Oriente seem to have mastered this kind of community eco-tourism; there are several well-regarded options. For example, the Cofán – one of the oldest Amazonian tribes have been running community-based ecotourism in northern Ecuador since 1978. 

Trips here include canoeing and piranha fishing, sleeping in traditional thatched huts and trekking into the wildlife-dense rainforest with Cofán guides – with optional overnight camping trip for the adventurous minded. 

How to tick it off your list:  Trips to the Cofán community at Zabalo depart from Lago Agrio (seven to eight hours from Quito by bus).

Like that? Try this: Visit the El Molo of Lake Turkana, Kenya, for whom tourism is helping their economy.

18. Climb an alternative route to Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Everest Base Camp (Dreamstime)

Why Everest Base Camp?  To complete an epic trek, then snooze with the summiteers. The treks to Everest Base Camp – a breathtaking 14-day out-and-back into Sagarmatha NP to the foot of the world’s highest mountain – is a classic.

Everest has received negative press when it comes to overtourism, after a photograph of a queue to its summit went viral online in 2019. But if the mountain has been a bucket list item you're desperate to conquer, don't let this photograph put you off, as these treks bring in millions for the Nepali economy, and help to support local people.

We do suggest trying a less-popular trekking route to EBC, to reduce both the traffic and the wear and tear of the main route. The Chhukung Valley, Bhote Kosi Valley, and the Dudh Kosi Valley are all strong alternatives.

Do note, most treks are not actually allowed to stay at Everest Base Camp – it requires specific permission. Most hikers visit their 5,340m goal for a ‘been there’ photo op, then descend to nearby Gorak Shep to sleep.

However, a few special departures do offer the chance to overnight at the iconic camp, and it's far more likely when it's peak-season for summiteers.  It’s a unique opportunity, to both sleep in the shadow of the mighty mountain and to speak to the brave/mad souls making their final preparations; you might even see teams setting off up the notorious Khumbu Ice Fall, the start of their push for the top. 

How to tick it off your bucket list:  Summiteers usually arrive at Base Camp April/May, so plan your trip accordingly. keep yourself healthy, too, as trekkers with illnesses will not be allowed to stay at Base Camp to avoid potentially infecting the climbers. This goes without saying, but you can't climb Everest independently. 

Like that? Try this:  Hike up to Camping Arolla (1,950m), in Petit Praz, Switzerland – Europe’s highest campsite.

19. See the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, Italy

Inside the Sistine Chapel (Shutterstock)

Why the Sistine Chapel?  Massive art, small crowds. Damn Michelangelo for not picking a bigger room! The 40m long by 13m wide box, squished into the Vatican Museum complex is woefully inadequate for the 25,000-odd people who now traipse through here every day. 

Yes, the iconic ceiling, and particularly the altar wall’s Last Judgement, are probably the most impressive paintings you’ll ever see – but that’s only if you can see them, over the heads of the rest of humanity. 

Fortunately, there is another way. It’s possible to book private tours of the site, which take small groups into Vatican rooms usually off limits, and finish in the Sistine Chapel for an after-hours viewing of Michelangelo’s masterpieces, without all the other people. 

How to tick it off your bucket list:  Advance booking is essential, so don't delay in organising your visit to the Sistine Chapel.

Like that? Try this:  When in Rome... join a nighttime, lesser-crowded tour of the Colosseum.

20. Drive through Glacier National Park, USA

Glacier National Park (Shutterstock)

Why Glacier National Park?  A rare, time sensitive chance to see retreating ice from a capricious drive, that's why. The Going-to-the-Sun Road somehow carves an 80km-long furrow through the mountains of north-west Montana. It’s also notoriously difficult to clear of winter snows. Portions of it remain open year-round, but the very earliest in the season that the entire length might be accessible is mid-June. 

Then, by late September, parts are off-limits all over again, leaving a brief window for a traverse. It’s worth trying though: the road slices through the parks most dramatic sections, with hair-raising hairpins and a haul over 2,026m Logan Pass. 

You can also see the park’s rapidly retreating Jackson Glacier from the tarmac, which you should certainly pull over for – it’s estimated that Glacier NP may be entirely glacier-free by 2030. 

How to tick it off the list:  Hire a car and drive the road. Without stopping, the journey will take you around two hours.  Keep your eyes peeled for road accessibility updates .

Like that, try this: Norway’s switchbacking Trollstigen is closed in late autumn and winter. 

Read next  USA national parks you've probably never heard of

21. see a spirit bear in british columbia, canada.

A white spirit bear (Dreamstime)

Why British Columbia?  These rare bears roam only here. Even for a country big on big empty, Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest takes some beating. What the GBR does have, though, is lots of lovely wildlife: grey wolves, grizzlies, cougars, orca, sea otters, humpback whales and, uniquely, Kermode – or spirit – bears. 

These unusual ursines are black bears with a recessive gene, which renders about 10% of them creamy-pale. Like spirits, though, they’re tricky to spot – fewer than 400 are thought to exist.

But if you head to the right part of this roadless, fjord-cut, river-riven rainforest, you might be in luck. The area around Klemtu is a known Kermode hang-out, and lodges accessible only by floatplane have guides expert in tracking them down. 

How to tick it off your list:  The best time to visit is late August to mid-October, when returning salmon tempt bears to the rivers. 

Like that, try this: Visit Timbavati’s white lions, on Kruger NP’s western edge, South Africa.

Read next  How to seek out spirit bears

22. ride the reunification express, vietnam.

The Trans-Siberian passing through Mongolia (Dreamstime)

Why the Reunification Express?  Resurrected after the Vietnam War, the Reunification Express travels from Hanoi in the north, all the way to Ho Chi Minh in the south.

This slow and spectacular route, with its railway longer than 1,700km, only takes two-days to complete (for those doing the whole thing at once). But of course, you have to get off, stretch your legs and explore the history of Vietnam, as it passes through  Hue, Danang and Nha Trang.

Taking in the views from the carriage windows is a pure delight, passing sugar-sand beaches, jungles of banana-leaf trees, rural fields and new glass cities.

It's not the most luxurious way to travel, but its one for real train enthusiasts, who love a rumbling journey accompanied with oodles of history.

How to tick it off your list:  If not the whole thing, make sure to tick off the first segment to Da Nang. November to April is a good time to visit.

Like that, try this: Ride The Canadian, from Toronto to Vancouver, another vast, cross-country, multi-day epic. 

23. Raft the Zambezi River, Zambia

Hippos in the Zambezi River (Dreamstime)

Why the Zambezi River?  Run the great river, while you can. The Zambezi is one of the world’s most iconic waterways, slicing its way through south-eastern Africa and famously plunging over Victoria Falls. 

Rafting it – whether you choose a short trip from Livingstone or a multi-day, beach-camping expedition – is up there with the world’s greatest river journeys. You’ll tackle hair-raising rapids called things like Oblivion and The Devil's Toilet Bowl. You’ll might spot hippos lazing in the channels and even crocs on the banks. 

How to tick it off your list: Book your trip to the Zambezi for sometime between August and December - that's low water season, and the best time for rafting.  

Like that, try this: Raft Tasmania’s Franklin River, the wild waterway that conservationists saved from dam-nation.

24. Trek a lesser-known route to Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu (Dreamstime)

Why Machu Picchu?  It’s more satisfying than the train, and there are lots of options. It’s virtually impossible to make a bucket list that doesn’t include Machu Picchu. A secret city, never found by those pesky conquistadores, perched in the mountains, swirled by mists and mysteries – it’s the stuff of travel legend.

The trouble is, when you’ve seen so many, many photos of the Inca citadel, there’s a danger it’ll be a bit of a let-down. And that’s one reason why, if you can, you should go on foot. The city deserves the slow build, the accumulated excitement, that trekking there provides. 

Also, deciding to lace up doesn’t mean you have to hit the Inca Trail. There are plenty of alternatives to the classic: you can hike via the much less-visited ruins of Choquequirao; head along the dramatic and diverse Salkantay Trail (with posh lodges en route); or tackle the tough Vilcabamba Traverse. 

How to tick it off your list:  Hikes vary in length, altitude and difficulty, so you'll need to acclimatise before setting off. Remember, dry season (the best time to go) is April to October. You also need a permit for the Inca Trail. Only a limited number are released each year and they sell out quick.

Like that? Try this: Make a grand entrance at Jordan’s once-lost Nabatean city via the multi-day Dana-Petra trek – the Inca Trail of the Middle East .

Please note: Machu Picchu is currently closed  at the time of publication. Please check with tourism authorities on its reopening before travelling.

25. Experience New Orleans' Mardi Gras, USA

Mardi Gras parades through the streets of New Orleans (Shutterstock)

Why Mardi Gras?  One of the USA's biggest carnivals, Mardi Gras is all about the party spirit, with extravagant parades of colourful costumes, large floats and plenty of music. 

Although celebrations take places across the states, New Orleans is world-famous for its Mardi Gras event. 

The name itself translates to Fat Tuesday in French, otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday. This is a day before lent begins, so expect the party to finish promptly at midnight on Ash Wednesday. 

The good news is its more than just one day in New Orleans. Celebrations begin the weekend before Shrove Tuesday, where parades including Endymion and  Bacchus take place.  The party atmosphere fills each corner of the city, from Bourbon Street to the French Quarter. 

When Mardi Gras is over, why not stay a little longer? New Orleans is known as the 'Big Easy', with jazz, blues, reggae and rock all part of its cultural heritage. Spend time seeking out the hot spots in town to experience live, authentic music. 

How to tick if off your list:  Book your accomodation in advance. The city draws in around a million visitors over the few days, so accomodation will sell out quick. Keep an eye on parade dates here .

Like that, try this:  Día de Muertos   (aka Day of the Dead) celebrated most prominently in Mexico is another fascinating cultural celebration to experience.

Discover more amazing adventures:

Where to go in 2023, top new trips for 2023, your 2023 world festival calendar, related articles, looking for inspiration.

Join our newsletter

Get the very best of Wanderlust  by signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers.

57 Crazy Bucket List Ideas for Adrenaline Junkies

Are you looking for your next adrenaline pumping adventure? Or would you like to face your fears and step out of your comfort zone ? Either way, this post full of crazy bucket list ideas and adrenaline rush activities will give you some inspiration to live life on the edge!

Most of these activities are suitable for the (adventurous) average Joe. However, some of them require some experience in specific fields, so make sure to do some research beforehand.

This list is not for the faint-hearted, and I’ve only ticked off ten of these activities myself. To be honest, there are things on this list that I wouldn’t want to do! But I can’t wait to tick off some others (like #41, for example).

So without further ado, here are 57 extreme bucket list ideas for adrenaline junkies and adventure lovers.

Bucket List Ideas in the Air

1. go paragliding.

One of my favourite activities in Nepal was paragliding in Pokhara. It felt absolutely wonderful to run towards the edge of a cliff and start flying in the air. And I haven’t mentioned the landscape yet – it was stunning!

But Nepal isn’t the only great country where you can go paragliding. Countries like Switzerland, Greece, Mexico, Columbia and Turkey have top paragliding locations too.

2. Go SCAD diving

SCAD diving is the same as bungee jumping… but without a cord.

After free-falling for about 50 m (164 ft) you will land into a safety net. Sounds like the ultimate thrill if bungee jumping isn’t adrenaline-rushing enough for you!

3. Bungee jump at the world’s highest bungee jump in Hong Kong

With a staggering height of 233 m (764 ft), the Macau Tower is officially the highest bungee jump in the world .

This tower is located just outside of Hong Kong, and skyrocketing down its platform is an incredible experience for thrill-seekers!

4. Try out the world’s biggest swing in New Zealand

Did you like swings as a child (or even today)? Why not take it to the next level?

Getting on New Zealand’s Nevis Swing is one of these sensational, adrenaline-rushing experiences out there. You will swing in a 300-m (984 ft) arc with a free fall of 70 m (230 ft) on this gigantic swing!

5. Fly in a wingsuit

Wingsuit flying is probably one of the most adventurous, adrenaline rush activities things that you can do!

However, as you can only fly solo and you have to land with a parachute, you will have to learn how to fly in a wingsuit first.

6. Take the world’s fastest zipline in the U.K.

Zip World Velocity 2 in North Wales is not only the fastest zipline in the world, but it’s also the longest one in Europe.

With a speed of up to 200 km/h (124 mph) over a length of 1,5 km (9 mi), this zipline is an experience you will remember for a lifetime!

7. Highlining

Highlining is basically slacklining (walking on a piece of nylon rope that is suspended above the ground) up high. Secured by a harness, you will walk from one cliff, mountain or building to another.

This is one of the most challenging things you can do, and you will need both mental and physical skills to achieve it!

8. Cross the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Portugal

The longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world opened in Portugal in April 2021.

The bridge is called Arouca 516 , and as its name predicts, it’s a staggering 516 m (1.693 ft) long. Crossing it is a unique experience if you’re up for a thrill!

Skydiving – it’s one of these experiences that you will remember for a lifetime, and a post with crazy bucket list ideas wouldn’t be complete without it!

After all, you don’t get to jump out of a plane every day (unless, of course, you’re a professional skydiver).

I went skydiving in Spa, Belgium a couple of years ago, and it was an AMAZING experience!

There are many incredible places to skydive. Some examples are the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, the Grand Canyon in the USA. and Mount Everest in Nepal .

10. Indoor skydive

If you want to experience the thrill of skydiving without actually jumping out of an aeroplane then indoor skydiving is the activity you’re looking for.

During this experience, you will get to fly in a vertical wind tunnel and learn how to control your movements, which believe me, isn’t as easy as it looks!

Indoor skydiving is a fun, adventurous activity nearly anyone can partake in.

11. Do the CN Tower’s Edgewalk in Canada

Located in Ontario, the CN Tower is one of Canada’s most popular tourist attractions.

You will have 360-degree views over the city from its viewing deck, but do you know what the best part about this tower is?

You can actually lean off the edge of its 356-metre (1.168 ft) high platform without using your hands! It speaks for itself that you will be secured with a harness when doing so.

12. Abseil down a mountain

Abseiling is basically the opposite of climbing. You will descend a steep slope, mountain, or cliff using a rope.

Contrarily to rock climbing, this is an adventurous activity that’s very accessible, as it’s suitable for all skill levels.

13. Go parasailing

Parasailing is similar to paragliding, but the difference is that your parachute is pulled by a boat.

This is a thrilling experience, and on top of that, you will also get to enjoy some amazing views from high up in the air!

14. Walk on the wing of a plane in the U.K.

Yep, walki ng on the wing of a flying plane is actually a thing, and you don’t need to be a professional wingwalker to try it out!

As you will be strapped into a specially designed harness before the plane takes off, you won’t need to do any crazy acrobatics to climb on the wing while flying. However, you will definitely need some guts!

If this is not adventurous enough for you, you can also learn how to actually climb out of a plane onto its roof in Washington State !

15. Fly in a hot air balloon

Flying in the basket of a hot air balloon is an unforgettable experience that can be done in many places.

Whether you decide to fly over the temples of Bagan in Myanmar, Cappadocia’s cave dwellings in Turkey or somewhere else, it will be an epic adventure.

Hiking & Climbing Ideas

16. camp next to an erupting volcano in guatemala.

Are you looking for a unique hiking experience? The Acatenango Volcano Hike is a two-day hike, close to the city of Antigua in Guatemala .

Although it’s not the easiest hike out there, climbing Volcano Acatenango was one of my favourite and most memorable travel experiences so far!

After all, camping next to a volcano that spits lava every 20 minutes is not something you get to do every night!

17. Descend into a volcano in Iceland

Thrihnukagigur Volcano in Iceland hasn’t erupted in over 4.000 years, and it’s the only volcano in the world that you can explore from the inside !

On a tour, you will descend into the volcano’s magma chamber from the top crater using a lift.

This is one of the most unique experiences out there, and one you will always remember!

18. Hike the Hua Shan Cliff Walk in China

The adrenaline-rushing Hua Shan Cliff Walk, near the Chinese city of Xi’an, is considered one of the scariest and most dangerous hikes in the world.

The hike is just 300 m (985 ft) long, but considering that you’re practically hanging off the side of a mountain, that might be long enough.

During the hike, you will walk on narrow planks bolted onto the cliff, with nothing but a 2000-metre (6.562 ft) abyss underneath.

19. Start trail running

Trail running is a sports activity where you’re running on unpaved surfaces, mostly hiking trails on mountainous terrains.

Due to the ascends and descends, trail running is way more challenging than regular running.

20. Go Rock climbing…

Ah climbing – one of my favourite hobbies! This is an adventurous sport that comes in many forms.

From top-rope climbing and bouldering on artificial walls to lead climbing on rocks. One thing is certain: if you’re an adrenaline junky, you might just fall in love with this sport!

It’s also good to know that not every type of climbing requires technical skills or taking courses. Indoor bouldering, for example, is easily accessible to everyone.

>> Read: 19 Best Climbing Documentaries

22. peak climbing …

Reaching the summit of a mountain is a dream of many mountaineers, and you will need some training and perseverance to ascend your first peak.

While some peaks are relatively easy to climb, some motivated mountaineers attempt to climb the Seven Summits : the highest mountains on each of the seven continents.

21. or ice climbing…

Ice climbing is a lot like rock climbing… on ice… with the help of crampons and ice axes.

You will need to learn extra technical skills if you want to become an ice climber, but imagine the thrill of climbing glaciers and frozen waterfalls!

23. Go vertical camping

Vertical camping is a form of camping combined with rock climbing. It’s basically camping in a hanging tent (called a portaledge) on the side of a cliff.

This form of camping was invented because some climbs can last for days. It’s quite challenging, and a unique place to spend the night!

24. Go on a walking safari

Away from the comfort of a 4×4, a walking safari is an incredibly rewarding experience. You will get to explore wildlife on foot just like explorers did in the olden days.

This is an authentic way to really hear and smell your surroundings. And on top of that, walking safaris are better for the animals!

25. Walk 100 km in 24 hours at the Death March in Belgium

Are you an avid hiker? Then this one might be for you.

The Death March ( Dodentocht in Dutch) is a yearly event held in Bornem, Belgium . Here, thousands of highly motivated hiking enthusiasts gather to walk 100 km (62 mi) in less than 24 hours.

It’s a tough challenge, and you will need a lot of perseverance to make it to the finish on time. The participants who complete this march usually don’t make it without aching blisters and painful bodies!

26. Hike the Snowman Trek in Bhutan

Famous for being one of the most challenging treks in the world, the Snowman Trek in Bhutan crosses ten high passes over 4.500 m (14.764 ft).

It’s said that only 500 people have completed it since 1982, so it comes as no surprise that you will need a lot of endurance to complete this 24-day journey.

The Snowman Trek is, however, one that will bring you to some of the most remote areas of the Himalayas, which makes for an experience of a lifetime!

27. Climb an active volcano

Climbing an active volcano is another one of these thrilling experiences!

You will get to see flowing lava and numerous vents with steam venting out of them up close.

There are several active volcanoes that you can climb , some more easily accessible than others. A few examples are Mount Etna and Mount Vesuvius in Italy, Mount Sibayak in Indonesia and Mount Ngauruhu in New Zealand.

28. Race the Marathon des Sables in Morocco

This is one of these crazy bucket list ideas that is not for the faint-hearted, but then again, none of the activities on this list is.

The Marathon des Sables is a 250-km (149-mi) long footrace that takes place in the Sahara Desert in Morocco every year.

You will have to finish it in six days while carrying your own equipment. Can you imagine the heat?

Extreme Bucket List Adventure Ideas in Water

29. wreck dive.

If you’re looking for an unusual underwater experience then wreck diving might be what you’re looking for! This is one of these adrenaline rush activities that you might want to try out if you’re an experienced diver.

There are various places in the world to go on a wreck diving adventure. Most of these places are home to shipwrecks, but sunken aeroplanes can also be found.

All in all, diving into a (ship)wreck is a unique and fascinating experience.

30. Deep-sea dive

Although the exact definition of deep-sea diving is not very clear, the limit one can descend when diving recreationally is 30 m (100 ft).

Diving deeper becomes more technical, and thus requires greater knowledge and more advanced courses. It is, however, one of these thrilling experiences that you will remember for a lifetime!

31. Go ice-hole plunging in Finland

This one might not be for everyone, but swimming in a hole in the ice is actually a popular activity in Finland!

Every winter, approximately 150.000 Fins take an icy plunge, and they swear it’s a super refreshing, stress-relieving experience.

32. Big wave surf

Places like the Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii, Shipsterns Bluff in Australia and Praia do Norte in Portugal are considered some of the wildest surf spots on the planet.

With waves reaching up to 10 m (33 ft), you need to be a daredevil (and experienced surfer) to surf these waves!

It’s good to know that big wave surfing is actually one of the most dangerous sports in the world .

33. Go extreme kayaking

Kayaking is a sport that comes in all shapes and sizes. Most of us might have heard about recreational kayaking, which is a relaxing experience by a lake or a pond, but have you heard about extreme kayaking?

The most popular extreme form of kayaking is whitewater kayaking, and some rivers will surely give you an adrenaline rush!

34. Go cliff jumping

Cliff jumping is a pretty simple, yet adventurous activity. You don’t need any special skills or gear to jump from a cliff, but you do need some courage.

There are many great places for cliff jumping, some of the most popular ones are Havasu Falls in Arizona, Kamari Beach in Santorini and Nusa Lembongan in Bali.

35. Go white water rafting on the Futaleufú River in Chile

White water rafting has a grading system that’s measured in classes between 1 and 6. In this system, class 1 is flat and class 6 is impossible for rafting.

So, if you’re looking for the ultimate adrenaline-rushing experience, you might want to consider class 4 or 5 white water rafting, which is described as having many of the following characteristics: big waterfalls, violent currents, large unpredictable waves, and steep gradients with abrupt drops.

36. Try out flyboarding

Invented in 2012, flyboarding is a relatively new activity. When you drive (or should I say fly?) a flyboard, you will be elevated up to 14 m (45 ft) in the air. This is possible thanks to water jet propulsion technology.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to jump in the air like a dolphin, this is your chance!

37. Go extreme canyoning

Regular canyoning is quite an adventurous thing to do, but extreme canyoning, which is a more intense version of the sport, is only reserved for real daredevils!

This adrenaline-boosting activity can be done in many countries, but it’s especially popular in Croatia and Slovenia.

Crazy Bucket List Ideas in the Snow

38. go heli-skiing.

Heli-skiing is a type of skiing that allows you to reach off-trail areas with untouched snow.

These remote places are reached by helicopter, and contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to jump out of the helicopter, as it will land to drop you off. It is, however, a thrilling adventure and a skier’s dream!

39. Ride a bobsleigh

With speeds reaching 130 km/h (80 mph) and more, bobsleighing is an amazing activity for adventure lovers.

After all, sliding down an ice-covered incline at such a high speed is not something you get to do every day!

40. Go snowkiting

Snowkiting or kite skiing is an outdoor sport where you’re holding a kite that will pull you across snow or ice. As the kite will pull you up, it’s a great activity for anyone who enjoys flying through the air!

Other Unique Bucket List Ideas

41. visit the gates of hell in turkmenistan.

This is one of the most unusual adventurous bucket list ideas on this list, and one of Asia’s most fascinating landmarks .

The Darvaza Gas Crater, also known as the Gates of Hell , has been burning since 1971. It was formed when a driller accidentally fell into a gas cavern while mining for natural gas. This caused the ground to collapse and the entire drilling rig to fall in, which then lead to poisonous fumes leaking.

To avoid an environmental catastrophe, Soviet geologists set the hole on fire, assuming the fire would die down within a few weeks. It didn’t however, and now, more than 50 years later, people from all over the world make a trip of a lifetime to this unusual place.

42. Cross a country on foot or by bike

Grab your hiking or backpacking gear and challenge yourself to cross a country (or maybe even a continent?) on foot or by bike.

This will be the adventure of a lifetime and you might even be able to write a book about it later!

43. Go caving

Descending into the earth and exploring its caves might be an incredible thing to do, however, it’s one of these crazy bucket list ideas that’s not for the faint-hearted.

Caving includes climbing, scrambling and squeezing yourself through narrow passages, which sends chills down my spine!

44. Go volcano boarding in Nicaragua

Does sliding down the steep slope of an active volcano sound exciting to you? Then Volcano Cerro Negro in Nicaragua is the place to go!

After hiking up the volcano and enjoying the surrounding view, you will get to slide down its slope on a wooden sledge – and it actually goes surprisingly fast!

45. Go sandboarding in the desert

When going sandboarding, you will get to slide down a sand dune while standing on a board. It’s a unique activity that’s pretty fun as well.

There are many places to go sandboarding in the world, from the U.S.A. and Peru to Egypt and Japan.

46. Ride the world’s tallest rollercoaster

With a maximum height of a staggering 139 m (456 ft), Kingda Ka at Six Flags, New Jersey is the tallest rollercoaster in the world.

It’s also the fastest rollercoaster in North America, reaching 206 km/h (128 mph). All in all: Kingda Ka is a must for adrenaline junkies!

47. Survive alone in the wild for a week (or more)

If you’re an out doorsy person , surviving alone in the wild for a while might be a pretty exciting challenge!

Make sure that you’re prepared and have the right skills before attempting this because it’s not a walk in the park (quite literally).

48. Spend the night in a haunted house

Are you eager (and brave enough) to find out if all these alleged ghost stories are true? Then why not spend the night in a haunted house? This is actually possible.

Take the haunted bedroom of this English house , for example. Word has it that the previous resident of the room, a young child, is still present.

49. Visit Chernobyl

Today, more than 35 years after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, touring the Chernobyl area is becoming an increasingly popular activity among adventurous tourists.

Although the region still has levels of radiation, it is considered safe to visit. On a tour of Chernobyl, you will get to visit Pripyat, a town that was abandoned after the disaster.

50. Mountainbike on the world’s most dangerous road in Bolivia

Yungas Road, often called Death Road, in Bolivia is argued to be the most dangerous road in the world. Although its nickname may sound pretty scary, numerous mountain bikers cycle down this route every year.

The cycling trail is 80 km (50 mi) long, and it’s considered one of the most epic adventures you can have in the country!

51. Go on a zero-gravity flight

You don’t need to be an astronaut to experience weightlessness, nor do you need to go to space!

These days, there are companies offering flights on specially designed aircraft that allow you to experience zero gravity. Trained pilots will actually perform aerobatic manoeuvres that will make you float in the air like a superhero.

Although this must be an incredible experience, I have to warn you that it’s not cheap, so try not to fall off your chair when you see the price.

52. Try the world’s grossest fruit

Durian is a delicacy in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and other Southeast Asian countries .

This fruit’s taste and smell, however, are quite intense, to say the least. It’s so smelly that it’s forbidden to bring in hotels, public transportation, etc.

And when it comes to the taste… you will have to try it for yourself. Some people love it, while others find it disgusting. And I belong to the second group. 😉

53. Travel to a foreign country by yourself

This is my personal favourite on this list. Travelling solo is one of the most liberating and enriching experiences you can have!

It expands your comfort zone, allows you to build confidence, and teaches you that you can rely on yourself.

54. Live in another country for a year

If you’re looking for one of these crazy bucket list ideas that will teach you a lot, this may be the one for you.

Living in another country will allow you to get a real taste of life abroad. It’s one of these terrifying, yet exhilarating experiences that you will remember for a lifetime.

55. Drive a race car

I probably don’t need to tell you that race cars are super fast. And that’s exactly why driving one is the ultimate thrill for speed lovers!

There are many places in the world where you can drive a race far, from Australia and the U.S. to Singapore, Germany and France .

56. Chase a tornado

While most people who chase tornados are scientists who study the weather, this can also be an adrenaline-pumping adventure for people who don’t work in the field. It speaks for itself that it’s important to be extremely careful when doing so, though!

57. Ride the bike in the Himalayas

This is actually one of the most fun adventures I’ve ever been on – though it wasn’t the smartest thing to do, as I only learned to ride the bike the day before heading off-road into the mountains.

Some of the best places to go on a motorbike adventure in the Himalayan Mountains are Spiti Valley or Ladakh in India or Hunza Valley in Pakistan.

Animal Bucket List Activities

You may have noticed that this post full of crazy bucket list ideas doesn’t include activities like cage diving with sharks, riding elephants, or lion petting. Although these activities may seem fun or adventurous at first sight, they actually harm animals.

This is why I chose not to include them. I’m not here to judge but do make sure to do some research before engaging in these types of activities.

Adrenaline Rush Activities: Final Thoughts

And that was it! I hope that you have found exactly what you were looking for in this post and that it inspires you to go on an adventure.

Do you have some other crazy bucket list ideas that would fit in this post? Let me know in the comments!

Pin it for later: Did you find this post helpful? Save it on Pinterest and follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more travel tips and inspiration.

Laura Meyers

Laura Meyers is the founder of Laure Wanders. She was born in Belgium and has travelled to over 40 countries, many of them solo. She currently spends most of her time between Belgium and South Asia and loves helping other travellers plan their adventures abroad.

You may also like

67 songs about travelling: a playlist for 2024, 36 famous landmarks in asia to visit in..., 20 types of travellers: which one are you, 47 best gifts for outdoorsy women (2024), 19 souvenirs from lisbon that don’t suck, everest base camp short trek: everything you should..., ambuluwawa tower, sri lanka: ultimate guide (2024), 21 souvenirs from indonesia that don’t suck, how difficult is the everest base camp trek, 16 beautiful palaces in asia that you can..., leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Vacation Packages
• Things to Do
• Trips for Me
• Travel Deals
• Vacation Rentals

5 bucket list animal experiences worth traveling for

6 family-friendly fishing destinations to check out now

6 top destinations for a family ski vacation

Things to do with kids in Los Cabos

7 reasons to visit Antalya on your next trip to Turkey

7 essential things to do in Cape Cod

6 useful tips for volunteering while traveling

8 packing tips for your next Disney vacation

8 hotels that are perfect for Thanksgiving

10 must-visit spots along the San Antonio River Walk

The Roaming Gnome’s favorite sweet treats across the U.S.

The perfect Charleston to Savannah Lowcountry road trip

7 resorts that are ideal for an adults-only vacation

8 kid-friendly things to do in Turks and Caicos

11 reasons to make this Punta Cana resort your next family vacation

5 romantic getaways in New England

8 epic trips to make up for your lost year

Best small-town day trips from 7 major cities

Stay in these actually-cool suburbs on your next city escape

Why a cruise is actually the best solo vacation

Best hotels for your next Florida cruise

5 common Caribbean cruise myths—debunked

Posts in category

12 crazy activities for your adventure travel bucket list

by Jeremy Scott Foster | Mar 13, 2019 | 0 comments

Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips. This article was last updated October 2020.

One of the best parts of traveling is the thrills you experience along the way. We’ve partnered with adventure travel expert Jeremy Scott Foster from TravelFreak,  as he talks about some of the most exhilarating travel bucket list items you can one day try around the world.

RELATED : Vacation rentals with beautiful waterfall views

What’s your favorite souvenir to take back home from a vacation? A few tacky magnets or maybe some cheap shot glasses?

How about bringing back memories from an unbelievably insane experience? Thankfully the world is full of hair-raising, spine-chilling, blood-tingling adventures that are just waiting to be ticked off of your travel bucket list.

That sounds way more exciting than a trinket you’ll immediately shove into your desk drawer.

Travel practically goes hand in hand with crazy experiences, and you don’t have to search far to find thrilling adventures . But just in case you need some inspiration, here are some of the wildest travel bucket list ideas.

1. Hot air balloon over Cappadocia, Turkey

While it’s possible to hot air balloon almost anywhere in the world, soaring high above the fairy chimneys in Cappadocia is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The rocky peaks and steep valleys look as if you’re floating over the moon.

Want to know what makes this adventure even more spectacular?

You’ll be flying with upwards of a hundred other balloons, making the view even more stunning than you could ever imagine.

2. Hike China’s most dangerous mountain

Blurring the line between thrilling and dangerous, trekking Mt. Huashan is less like a hike and more like knee-shaking shuffle over thin, wooden planks. With only a steel cable chaining you to safety, you’ll have to rely on your balancing skills to make it to the end.

If being suspended on the side of a 2,000-foot cliff doesn’t scare you, then grab your chain and swing out on one foot for an unforgettable thrill.

3. Walk on the wings of an airplane in Essex, U.K.

Would you call me crazy if I said you could ride on an airplane 1,000 feet in the air while being strapped to the outside?

Wing walking is an adrenaline-fueled ride atop a 1940s biplane that twists, turns, and dips while flying a heart-racing 130mph. If you’re not afraid of flying, then check wing walking off your travel bucket list.

4. Bungee jump (naked!) in Queenstown, New Zealand

Free falling with one of the world’s largest bungee jumps might be hair-raising enough for some, but why not take it to the next level? Leave your underwear and pants on the side and jump the Nevis Bungy completely naked!

Your 8-second fall will feel like an eternity as you plunge 440-feet through the Nevis River Valley with nothing but your sneakers on.

5. Hike the Matanuska Glacier in Alaska

Trekking through the icy pools and deep crevices of the Matanuska Glacier is more than your average weekend hike. The 27-mile long trail winds you through 10,000-year-old dramatic glacier cliffs and glowing ice falls.

Although the setting may seem peaceful and serene, glacier hiking should always be done with an experienced tour guide. You don’t want to encounter a sudden steep cliff or fall through a thin sheet of ice!

6. Skydive over Mount Everest in Nepal

Don’t just hike the world’s highest mountain — fly over it! Skydiving over the Himalayan Mountains with Mt. Everest as your backdrop should be ranked high on your list of travel bucket items.

With adrenaline pumping through your veins and the crisp mountain breeze flowing through your hair, the 23,000-foot plunge over Mt. Everest is an adventure you will never forget.

7. Run the Marathon des Sables in Morocco

Even the most dedicated of athletics will break a sweat if you mention the Marathon des Sables. Considered the toughest race in the world, this ultramarathon will test your limits physically and emotionally.

Not only are you faced with running 156 miles over six days, but you’ll also need to run it through the Sahara Desert where the average temperature hovers around 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. Board Down the Cerro Negro Volcano in Nicaragua

With over a dozen active volcanos, it’s easy to see how Nicaragua earned the title, “The Land of Lakes and Volcanos.” While many tourists come to hike the molten Cerro Negro volcano, the best (and most thrilling) way to experience the mountain is by sliding down its slopes at 65mph!

After strapping on your sandboard, you’ll whizz down almost 2,500 feet through sand and ash while lava radiates the surface below you. Although you have a handbrake, the ever-present reminder that Cerro Negro could erupt at any time should propel you to go as fast as possible.

9. Race rickshaws through India

The quarter-yearly Rickshaw Race takes eager adventure seekers from one side of India to the other on nothing more than a broken down, three-wheeled rickshaw.

You must start and end your journey according to the rules, but the route along the way is entirely up to you. From exploring the lush Central Highlands or zipping through rural villages, the Rickshaw Race is the perfect way to explore a country while crossing off a few items from your travel bucket list.

10. Cave dive in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula

If you’re looking to take your scuba diving to the next level, then think about plunging into the depths of Mexico’s cenote caves . The Yucatán Peninsula is home to the longest cave system in the world, with over 30,000 individual sunken cenotes to swim through.

Exploring the dark, dim underwater caves is not for the inexperienced or claustrophobic, but it’s a unique opportunity to discover the ocean from a perspective that few have ever seen.

11. Ice Karting in Levi, Finland

We’ve all heard throughout our lives that driving on ice is dangerous and should always be avoided, but ice karting flips that whole thought upside down. In Finland, you have the chance to race 13 horse-power go-karts as you speed and slide around corners of the icy, outdoor track.

Although it’s often compared to indoor go-kart racing, ice karting is in an entirely different league. Slippery sheets of ice may not be the easiest terrain to drive on, but it sure is an exciting idea to add to your bucket list.

12. Jump off Berlin’s highest building

Although the panoramic views from Berlin’s Park Inn Hote l are stunning, you won’t have time to admire them as you fall 400 feet towards the city street below you. Unlike bungee jumping, base flying decelerates your fall right before you hit the ground, so you don’t spring back up.

Base flying is even more spectacular at night, with the twinkling skyline and Berlin tower illuminating the sky.

Bucket lists exist for a reason. They remind us to step outside our comfort zones and tackle life head-on. The world is full of adventures , so don’t be afraid to do something completely and utterly unforgettable.

• Latest Posts

Jeremy Scott Foster

Latest posts by jeremy scott foster ( see all ).

• 17 cheap places to travel in Europe - April 26, 2019
• 9 essential packing tips for traveling carry-on only - March 27, 2019
• 11 Unbelievably Beautiful Scuba Diving Destinations in the Caribbean - March 26, 2019

Travelocity compensates authors for their writings appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Book Your Trip

• Flight + Hotel

Get Inspired

Recent posts.

Why some airline refunds take so long

Related Posts

9 beautiful bayou escapes, top 5 reasons to drive minnesota's north shore all-american scenic drive, pin it on pinterest.

Mandatory Insurance with Covid-19 coverage for Asia

9 Crazy-Awesome Adventure Tours You'll Want to Book ASAP

by Alisa Tank - Last updated on November 9, 2017

They may not admit it to you, but your friends are getting a little bored of your lackluster Instagram snaps of your brunch, your dog, and that weird plant in your kitchen. Why not spice up your feed (and your life) by embarking on adventure tours ?

Make 2019 your year to not just travel—but to travel adventurously.

No matter your definition of “adventure,” there are trips galore for those seeking new horizons. From adrenaline-fueled skiing tours to calmer yoga retreats , an adventure tour will give you a new outlook on life. If you want to shake up your routine and give your social media followers some eye-candy, there’s no better way than epic adventure tours abroad .   

Brag-worthy adventure trips to book ASAP

Fire up that Instagram app because these overseas adventure tours are hot hot HOT. There are a whole lot of options out there, and trying to sort through all of them on your own can make your head swim. Should you choose the all-inclusive bus tour of Europe or would individual tours in each country be better? Instead of stressing, look no further than these stellar active adventures:

1. Surf the Perfect Wave in Indonesia 

You’d be smart to invest in a waterproof phone case before heading out on this surfing adventure with Mojosurf . Whether you’ve never set foot on a surfboard or you’re already an expert waverider, your Instagram feed is sure to fill up with shots of white sand beaches, unreal sunsets, and tropical foliage as you make your way around the islands of Bali, Lombok, and Java. Throw in daily surfing lessons, cultural excursions, and shared lodging with other program participants, and you’re guaranteed a laid-back experience that might just have you pushing back your departure date.

You won’t Bali-eve how much fun you’ll have on adventure trips in Indonesia.

If you live to be out on the waves or are really psyched to get on a board and learn more, this surfing adventure is the stuff your dreams are made of. If you’d rather stick to land or want to explore other areas of the country, you can always check out other adventure trips in Indonesia to find the perfect fit.

• Related: Read Mojosurf reviews

2. Stray Off the Beaten Path in New Zealand

There’s no better way to cover New Zealand from top to bottom than with Stray, an adventure tour company that provides transportation, guides, activities, and helps to arrange accommodations. Sit back and relax as your guide introduces you to national parks, quirky roadside attractions, and everything in between. There are different routes depending on how much time you have and whether you want to visit the North or South Islands (or both!), but all tours are flexible and allow you to hop on and off the bus whenever you want a little extra time to grab the perfect shot, relax on the beach, or head out on a trek.

New Zealand practically INVENTED the adventure holiday. Seriously. Look it up.

Stray’s tours are great for those who want a semi-independent tour without all the hassle of planning logistics, but they do limit you to specific locations. If you want a bit more flexibility or are searching for a specific activity, adventure tours in New Zealand are plentiful and guaranteed to provide jaw-dropping landscape views in nearly every direction.

• Related: Read Stray reviews

3. Safari on Land and Water in Tanzania

Expect to return home with tons of colorful photos and lasting memories on this week-long adventure in Tanzania with Rustic Pathways. You’ll start out on safari in Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, seeking out leopards, elephants, giraffes, and lions while also learning from locals about their nomadic culture. Just don’t forget to save some space on your memory card for your next stop! Zanzibar’s green jungles, narrow streets, and stunning blue-green water will leave you wanting to capture it all.

Forget just lion around! Get out there and really see how safari you can go in Tanzania.

Rustic Pathways programs are only open to high school students, but there are many other active adventures in Tanzania for travelers of all ages. Whether you want to climb Kilimanjaro, snorkel among the reefs in the Spice Islands, or spend several months volunteering as you get to know the country, you’ll quickly learn the meaning of the ubiquitous phrase “ karibu ”!

• Related: Read Rustic Pathways reviews

4. Assist in Conservation Projects on the Seychelles Islands

This adventure tour isn’t exactly all play, but in a setting as remote and dreamy as the Seychelles, you’ll be happy to volunteer some of your time for the chance to explore this sandy playground. Conservation projects with GVI can include monitoring hawksbill turtles, tracking sicklefin lemon sharks, or collecting data on mangroves and other plant species. When your conservation work is done for the week, grab a snorkel and look for manta rays, take in a sunset with your fellow volunteers, or head to another island for more adventure.

I’m sorry, is this even real? Start by signing up for overseas adventure tours in the Seychelles like...yesterday!

Volunteering can give you a more meaningful vacation and a closer connection to your destination, but if you’re looking for a more flexible schedule, there are plenty of other adventure trips in the Seychelles . A note of warning: be prepared for your friends to accuse you of photoshopping your snaps, because the beaches in the Seychelles are almost too perfect to be believed!

• Related: Read GVI reviews  

5. Trek through the Himalayas in Nepal and India 

While all of your friends are sitting through freshman lectures, you’ll be confirming that you made the right decision to take a gap year as you journey across Nepal and India with Gapforce . You won’t have a shred of FOMO as you trek to Everest Base Camp, spend time volunteering in Nepali communities, and eat more momo dumplings than you ever thought possible. Then you’ll head to India to explore Delhi, meet Tibetan refugees, and head down the coast to the beaches of Goa, where you can finally catch your breath.

Yes you canteen! Hydrate up for your trek through Nepal.

Even the worst photographer is bound to capture some amazing shots on this 2,000 mile journey, but the best part is that you’ll come away with so much more than just photographic proof of your adventures. If you’re not looking for a gap year program, you can still find an adventure tour in India that’s perfect for you.

• Related: Read Gapforce reviews

6. See Argentina from Top to Bottom

Can’t decide where to focus your energies when visiting Argentina? Instead of throwing your hands up and lamenting the country’s massive size, leave the planning to Say Hueque and visit everything! After getting your tango and asado fix in Buenos Aires, head south to check out unbelievably blue glaciers, Magellanic penguins, and stand at the very end of the Panamerican highway. Finally, return north to discover the thundering power of Iguazu Falls. This tour is customizable, and many destinations have optional excursions depending on your interests and level of fitness.

You’ll be falls-ing in love with active adventures in Argentina.

This tour is a fantastic way for travelers to see a lot of Argentina in a short amount of time. If you have more time to discover the country, or want to focus on a specific region, look for more adventure tours in Argentina to find the right fit.

• Related: Read Say Hueque reviews

7. Eat your Way through Italy 

From pasta to parmigiano to panna cotta , you might want to pack some pants with an elastic waistband for this trip. Food will be on your mind during this month-long program with the Experiment in International Living , and your taste buds will thank you as you indulge in farmer’s market treats with your host family and create cannoli with fellow students at an Italian culinary institute. Your social media feeds may temporarily become home to endless shots of antipasto trays and gelato cones, but your friends and family will forgive you once you return home with a buffet of newfound cooking skills.

BELLISSIMA! Not every adventure is totally heart-pumping, but you’ll get a little bit of everything with adventure tours in Italy.

No matter where you go in Italy, its cuisine will no doubt enhance your experience, but not everyone is a chef. For those who’d rather explore one of the country’s other facets, from hiking in the Alps to sailing on the Mediterranean, there are plenty of adventure tours in Italy to choose from.

• Related: Read Experiment in International Living reviews

8. Experience the Past and Present in a Panamanian Paradise 

Panama is much more than its canal, a simple fact you’ll come to deeply understand after spending two weeks in this Central American country with Global Works . After exploring modern Panama City, you’ll head to the Kuna Yala islands where you’ll participate in a service project and learn about the residents’ way of life. From there, the group heads north to spend a week in a rural village, giving students an opportunity to practice Spanish, complete a community project, and spend time with their host families. If that’s not enough adventure for you, throw in some surfing, rafting, and snorkeling to get the adrenaline flowing.

Put the Panama in “panorama” with your epic photos from your adventure holiday in Panama.

This program is designed for high school students, and it’s the perfect opportunity for those who are traveling abroad for the first time. Older travelers can still find plenty of other adventure tours in Panama ranging from surfing to yoga and more.

• Related: Read Global Works reviews

9. Live and Work on a Wildlife Reserve in Israel 

This program hosted by GoEco mixes equal amounts of work and play, but when your work involves feeding leopards, the line between the two gets blurry. The wildlife reserve houses endangered and rare species of desert animals, and visitors have the chance to assist rangers in caring for these creatures. From oryx to addax, and caracal to hyena, you’ll learn about and take care of animals you never even knew existed! During your free time, you can catch the bus to Eilat, snorkel in the Red Sea, visit a camel ranch, or head across the border to Jordan.

Don’t desert me! Unless it’s to roam around these boulders in Israel.

Animal lovers will feel right at home on the reserve, but it is located in a remote, rural area and some travelers may prefer a faster-paced adventure tour in Israel . Options are plentiful and range from coastal exploration to historical excavation.

• Related: Read GoEco reviews  

[ Nothing tickling your thrill-loving fancy? Browse all overseas adventure tours ]

Next steps to finding adventure tours.

There’s an adventure holiday out there with your name on it, but it can take some work to find the perfect fit. After all, nothing good comes easily, right? Whether you’re craving a nice long hike or want to spend your summer traversing Southeast Asia , putting in the work will 100% be worth it as your flight takes off.

• Pick an Adventure Tours Program. Checking out MyGoAbroad is the easiest way to start sorting through the hundreds of options, and you can even enlist an Online Advisor if you’re still feeling overwhelmed. 
• Read Reviews. Become friends with Google and drill down to the nitty gritty of each program you’re interested in. What do others have to say? Do they say the trip was a life-changing experience or do they comment that it seemed poorly organized? One bad review can be taken with a grain of salt, but if you find overwhelming complaints, pay attention. 
• Find Funding. Not all tours are cheap, so figuring out how to pay for your dream trip is essential. Some tours offer academic credit, which might allow college students to use scholarships or financial aid to cover some expenses. If that’s not the case, FundMyTravel is a great way to ask family and friends to help you out. 
• Verify Visas. After confirming your participation, you’ll need to think about visas. Many countries allow tourists on short-term stays to enter without a visa, but you may need one depending on your nationality, length of stay, and what you’ll be doing on your tour. Check with your program provider and the Embassy Directory to ensure you don’t get turned away at the border for not doing your homework. 
• Prep like a Pro. Once you’ve sent in your deposit and have your visa in hand, all that’s left is to prepare for departure! There are a lot of things to think about , so be smart and make sure you’re checking all the boxes. Figuring out how you’ll handle money, health care, and expectations before you depart will save you a lot of grief in the future.   

What are you waiting for? Sign up for adventure trips abroad!

Adventure tours, comin' in HOT

Of all the reasons to embark on an adventure tour, the best reason is that it will change you in some way. You’ll feel stronger after making it to the top of that steep mountain, you’ll understand how others survive and thrive in different parts of the world, and you’ll have the confidence to keep exploring the world and travel meaningfully . What are you waiting for? 

Find adventure tours and programs now

Want to Get Matched with Programs?

Use MyGoAbroad to Save & Compare Programs!

Join us on our exceptional photographic journeys with a do-good twist!

Related Articles

Where are the best safaris in africa, comparing guided, self-guided, and independent travel, 12 best places for adventure seekers, 11 benefits of adventure tourism, how to plan an adventure trip, what is adventure travel, popular searches, recommended programs.

1885 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Penda Photo Tours

African Horse Safaris

For Travelers

Travel resources, for partners.

© Copyright 1998 - 2024 GoAbroad.com ®

• Study Abroad
• Volunteer Abroad
• Intern Abroad
• Teach Abroad
• TEFL Courses
• Degrees Abroad
• High School Abroad
• Language Schools
• Adventure Travel
• Jobs Abroad
• Online Study Abroad
• Online Volunteer Programs
• Online Internships
• Online Language Courses
• Online Teaching Jobs
• Online Jobs
• Online TEFL Courses
• Online Degree Programs

Work with Me

• Be a podcast guest

Money Making Apps

Make money on amazon, make money as beginners, make money blogging, make money reselling, make money writing.

• Live Anywhere
• Learn Online Skills

Listen to the Podcast

How to start a podcast, free podcast launch masterclass.

• Remote Work Printables
• Learn Online Skills Courses
• Work From Home Equipment

Latest News

50 Adventurous and Crazy Bucket List Ideas

• March 15, 2022
• No Comments

Sharing is caring!

Having a crazy bucket list is all about following your dreams and doing something that scares you.

Whether it’s swimming with sharks or jumping off a cliff, there’s no shortage of adventures to choose from when creating your travel bucket list.

With just a little bit of planning, you can check some of the most thrilling experiences off your list.

So what are you waiting for? Get started today!

You Might Also Like:

How to Save Money, Live Better, and Travel More Often

20 Movies About Nomads that will Inspire You to Hit the Road

Ultimate Guide to Life On the Road: How to Start Living Inside a Van

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will make a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Table of Contents

What Is a Crazy Bucket List?

A crazy bucket list is a list of adventures and experiences that are so daring and out-of-the-box that they can make your jaw drop.

They may seem impossible, but with a bit of planning and determination, you will be able to achieve them all.

These ideas can include anything from reverse bungee jumping to eating a live scorpion.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to bucket lists, so don’t be afraid to dream big!

50 Crazy Bucket List Ideas To Do While Abroad

If you are looking for some inspiration on your next travel bucket list, check out our top 50 ideas that will push you out of your comfort zone!

Take a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia

Riding in a hot air balloon is a popular bucket list item for a reason – it’s simply breathtaking!

Cappadocia , located in central Turkey, is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, making it the perfect place for a hot air balloon ride.

Bungee jump off a bridge in New Zealand

If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure, bungee jumping is the way to go!

New Zealand is known for its world-class bungee jumps, with some of the most daring jumps taking place off bridges.

One famous bridge is the Kawarau Bridge , which is home to the world’s first commercial bungee jump.

Swim with sharks in Australia

If swimming with dolphins is on your bucket list, why not take it up a notch and swim with sharks ?

Australia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, as well as some of the deadliest sharks.

This is one of the most adventurous and incredible experience that you can experience on this crazy travel bucket list.

Cliff dive in Thailand

Cliff diving is a thrilling way to get your adrenaline fix.

Thailand is home to some of the best cliffs for diving, including Railay Beach and Tanote Bay, Koh Tao.

Take a road trip across America

If you’re looking for an adventure, take a road trip across America!

From the east coast to the west coast, America is home to some amazing landscapes and landmarks.

You could even visit all 50 states on your road trip!

Zip line through the forests of Costa Rica

Zip lining through the forest is a great way to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

Costa Rica is home to lush rainforests and some of the best zip line courses in the world.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is no easy feat, but the views are worth the effort.

At 5895 metres, Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and a challenge that many adventurers take on.

This adventure is one of the best in this crazy bucket list you will experience.

Drive a race car in Italy

If you’re looking for a heart-pounding adventure, Italy is the place to be.

Home to some of the most famous race tracks in the world, Italy is the perfect place to drive a race car .

Learn to Surf in Easter Island, Chile

Easter Island is one of the most remote places in the world and is known for its stunning ocean views.

What better way to take in the beauty of Easter Island than by learning to surf ?

The island offers some of the best waves for beginner and intermediate surfers.

Eat a live scorpion in Thailand

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, eating a live scorpion is the way to go.

Thailand is home to some of the most exotic and daring foods, so why not give this one a try?

Swim with whale sharks in the Philippines

The Philippines is home to some of the most diverse marine life in the world, including whale sharks.

Swimming with these gentle giants is an experience that you will never forget.

Go alligator watching in Louisiana

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, alligator watching is the way to go.

Louisiana is home to some of the largest alligators in the world, making it the perfect place for an alligator hunt.

This is one of the most unique experiences in this crazy bucket list that you will always remember.

Try bull riding in Texas

Texas is home to the rodeo, and what would a rodeo be without bull riding?

If you’re looking for a thrilling experience, try your hand at bull riding .

It will be an unforgettable experience.

Ride a Harley Davidson in Death Valley

Death Valley is one of the most popular destinations in the United States for motorcycle enthusiasts.

What better way to take in the desert scenery than by riding a Harley Davidson?

Climb Mount Everest

Climbing Mount Everest is one of the most challenging and dangerous feats that a person can undertake.

But for those who are up for the challenge, the views from the top of the world are worth it.

Go dog sledding in Norway

Norway is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and what better way to see it than by dog sledding?

Dog sledding through the snow-capped mountains of Norway is an experience that you will never forget.

Hike an active volcano in Hawaii

Hawaii is home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world, making it the perfect place for hiking.

Hiking on an active volcano is a thrill seeker’s dream come true.

Imagine checking off this experience from this crazy bucket list and telling all your friends about it!

Do Heliboarding in British Columbia, Canada

Heliboarding is a new and exciting way to snowboard.

Instead of skiing down the mountain, you are pulled along by a helicopter.

British Columbia, Canada is one of the best places in the world to do Heliboarding.

Try pearl diving in Bahrain

Bahrain is home to some of the richest pearls in the world, making it the perfect place for pearl diving.

If you’re looking for an adventure, try your hand at pearl diving in Bahrain .

Take a ghost tour in Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland is home to some of the most haunted places in the world.

If you’re looking for a spooky adventure, take a ghost tour through the dark streets of Edinburgh.

Visit Dracula’s Castle in Romania

Dracula’s Castle is one of the most famous haunted castles in the world.

If you’re looking for a spine-tingling adventure, visit Dracula’s Castle in Romania.

It will leave you feeling scared and exhilarated at the same time.

Hitchhike through Europe

One of the best ways to see Europe is by hitchhiking.

Not only is it a fun way to travel, but you also get to meet some interesting people along the way.

This could be one of the best experiences you will have from this crazy bucket list, so take the chance and go for it.

But, make sure you are taking safety precautions, because even though hitch hiking can be an adventure, it can also be dangerous.

Visit the Aokigahara Forest in Japan

The Aokigahara Forest is one of the most mysterious and haunted places in Japan.

There are many legends and ghost stories associated with this forest, making it the perfect place for a spooky adventure.

Cycle the length of Vietnam

Vietnam is a beautiful country to cycle through.

Not only will you get to see the sights and sounds of Vietnam, but you will also get to meet the friendly people of this amazing country.

Snowmobile across the Arctic tundra

The Arctic tundra is one of the most inhospitable places on earth.

But that doesn’t stop people from snowmobiling across it.

It’s a once in a lifetime experience that you will never forget.

Go Storm chasing in the Midwest United States

The Midwest United States is home to some of the most severe thunderstorms in the world.

Tornado Alley is located in the Midwest, making it the perfect place for storm chasing.

It’s an adrenaline rush like no other, so go ahead and check this off your crazy bucket list.

Visit Chernobyl in Ukraine

The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is an area that was abandoned after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

This area is now home to some of the most radioactive areas in the world.

If you’re looking for an adventure, visit the Chernobyl in Ukraine .

Volcano boarding in Nicaragua

Nicaragua is home to some of the most active volcanoes in the world.

One of the most exciting ways to see these volcanoes is by volcano boarding.

Volcano boarding is a new and exhilarating way to see an active volcano.

A popular location for this activity is in the Cerro Negro which is in western Nicaragua.

Rappel down a waterfall in Costa Rica

Victoria Waterfall in Costa Rica is considered the repelling capital of the world.

You will be going on a 45 minute horseback ride before reaching the waterfall and climbing up to the rugged cliff face.

If you’re looking for an adventure, rappel down this waterfall in Costa Rica .

Drink snake wine in China

Snake wine is a popular drink in China.

It is made by infusing whole snakes into rice wine.

If you’re looking for an adventure, try drinking snake wine in China.

Check this off your crazy bucket list and you will be sure to have some interesting stories to tell.

Sand boarding in the Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert is the largest desert in the world.

It’s also the hottest!

But that doesn’t stop people from sand boarding in it.

Sand boarding is a new and exhilarating way to experience the Sahara Desert.

Cliff Jump in Acapulco, Mexico

Acapulco, Mexico is home to some of the most beautiful cliffs in the world.

One of the most popular spots to do this activity is La Quebrada, which is a famous beach town.

If you’re looking for an adventure, cliff jump in Acapulco, Mexico.

Try survival camping in the Canadian wilderness

The Canadian wilderness is a vast and rugged area.

If you’re looking for an adventure, try survival camping in the Canadian wilderness.

This will test your skills as a camper and will be a challenge you’ll never forget.

Ice climb a frozen waterfall in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is home to some of the most beautiful frozen waterfalls in the world.

One of the best places to do this activity is at Frankenstein Cliff.

Ice climbing is a challenging and amazing experience that you will never forget.

Zorb down a hill in Germany

Zorbing is a new and exhilarating way to experience a roller coaster.

You will be placed in a large plastic ball and then you will be sent rolling down a hill.

This is an adventure that you will never forget.

Swim with jellyfish in Palau

If you have ever been bit by a jelly wish, you know how painful it can be.

So why swim with them you ask?

Well in Palau the jellyfish are harmless because they have no stingers.

It’s a once in a lifetime experience that you will never forget, so go ahead and check this off your crazy bucket list!

Go skydiving over the Swiss Alps

The Swiss Alps are some of the most picturesque mountains in the world.

They are also home to some of the best skydiving locations.

If you’re looking for an adventure, go skydiving over the Swiss Alps.

Kayak through the Amazon River

The Amazon River is the largest river in the world.

It’s also one of the most dangerous rivers to kayak down.

If you’re looking to fulfill your adventure bucket list, kayak through the Amazon River.

This will be a challenge that you will never forget.

Go canyoneering in Zion National Park

Zion National Park is home to some of the most beautiful canyons in the world.

One of the best ways to experience these canyons is by going canyoneering.

Canyoneering is when you hike and climb through the canyons.

This is an adventure that you will love adding to your crazy bucket list.

Watch the penguins in Antarctica

Antarctica is the coldest and most isolated continent in the world.

But that doesn’t stop tourists from going there to see the penguins.

Penguins are one of the main attractions in Antarctica and it’s a once in a lifetime experience that you will always remember.

Swim in Devils Pool at Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is a waterfall located on the Zambezi River.

One of the most popular activities at Victoria Falls is swimming in Devils Pool .

This pool is located right on the edge of the falls and it’s a thrilling experience that will be a great addition to your adventure bucket list.

Hang out with lions in Africa

Africa is home to some of the most beautiful and dangerous animals in the world.

One of the best places to see these animals is at a safari park.

If you’re looking for an adventure, hang out with lions in Africa.

This will be a once in a lifetime experience that you will never forget.

Be a cowboy for a day on a ranch in Wyoming

Wyoming is home to some of the most beautiful ranches in the world.

One of the best ways to experience these ranches is by spending a day or more as a cowboy.

This is a unique experience that should be on your crazy bucket list.

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is a bridge that crosses the Sydney Harbour in Sydney, Australia.

It is the world’s tallest steel arch bridge.

If you’re looking for an adventure, climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

This will be a challenging and rewarding experience that will be amazing to check off your travel bucket list.

Float in the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth.

It is also one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world.

This makes it the perfect place to float.

If you’re looking for an adventure, float in the Dead Sea.

It will be a relaxing and unique experience that will be a highlight of your trip.

Ride a motorcycle through the Himalayas

The Himalayas are a mountain range in Asia that stretches more than 1,500 miles.

One of the best ways to experience these mountains is by riding a motorcycle through them.

You will be challenged by the terrain and rewarded with some of the most beautiful views in the world.

Explore the underground city of Derinkuyu

Derinkuyu is an underground city in Turkey.

It is one of the largest and oldest underground cities in the world.

If you’re looking for an adventure, explore the underground city of Derinkuyu .

There are tunnels, caves and rooms that have been carved into the rock over centuries and it’s an experience that you will never forget.

Get a tattoo in a traditional tribal style from an indigenous tribe in South America

South America is home to many indigenous tribes.

One of the best ways to experience their culture is by getting a tattoo from one of their members.

It can be a challenge to find a tribal tattooist, but it will be worth it when you see the beautiful and unique design that they create for you.

Run with the Bulls in Pamplona

Pamplona is a city in Spain that is most famous for its annual running of the bulls .

If you’re looking for an adventure, run with the bulls in Pamplona.

This will be a challenging and adrenaline-pumping experience that should be on your adventure bucket list.

Scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is a coral reef system located off the coast of Queensland, Australia.

It is the largest reef system in the world and it’s home to some of the most beautiful marine life in the world.

If you’re looking for an adventure, scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef.

You will be awed by the beauty of this natural wonder and the amazing creatures that call it home.

Isn’t it amazing how there are so many crazy bucket list ideas to experience out there in the world?

No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find an adventure that’s right for you.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve seen our list of 50 crazy bucket list ideas, it’s time to get started on your own adventure!

Pick a few that interest you and get started on planning your next great adventure.

They say that the sky’s the limit when it comes to adventure bucket lists and we couldn’t agree more.

So go out and explore the world, have some fun and push your boundaries.

You never know what amazing experiences you might discover!

And make sure to comment below and let us know which of these adventures are on your travel bucket list!

DID YOU ENJOY THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER.

Related posts:

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

My name is Debbie and I'm here to help you navigate your way into a location independent lifestyle. Confused where to start? Listen to The Offbeat Life podcast and read our blog! Still got questions you need answered? Feel free to connect with me anytime. xoxo

Listen to the podcast!

Grab our Guide to help you perfect your pitch as a job seeker.

Want to get an Online Job but not confident with your skills? Take these courses to help you begin!

Want to Live in a Spanish Speaking Country? Learn from trusted Spanish Tutors.

Want to Start a Blog? Use the Resources Below!

Grab Our Printable Blog Content Planner

LISTEN TO THESE

• Extended: How To Select The Right Skills To Turn Into Remote Business with Anastasia and Tomer
• Ep. 325: How This Couple Travels The World As Nomad Business Mentors with Anastasia and Tomer
• Ep. 324: MOJ: We're Back! 2024 Update

Have Questions? Send me a 90 sec. message below.

Travel Tips and Trivia

Last Updated: January 23, 2024

120 Fun Adventure Ideas for People Wanting More from Life

Looking for some adventure ideas to help spice up your life? Check out this list to discover 120 epic ideas for adventures.

Danny Newman

I hope this post full of adventure ideas helps you fill your life with adventurous exploits!

I think we could all do with a bit more adventure in our lives.

…Especially after two years of COVID-related stress and social distancing!

We’ve been cooped up indoors, away from loved ones; unable to get outside, travel, and do the things we love most.

So, now everything’s finally starting to open up, it only seems right to channel our inner Crusoe and plan something downright adventurous!

Are you yearning for adventure as much as I am?

Want some compelling adventure ideas to put on your to-do list?

Well, you’re in the right place.

I’ve racked my brains to come up with a long list of epic ideas for adventures!

Whether you’re looking for adventure weekends, fun family adventures, adventure ideas for couples, everyday adventures that anybody can do, or crazy adventure ideas for adults, you should find it somewhere in this post.

[Last updated: January 2022]

Before we get into the crazy adventure ideas, let’s touch on what it means to really go on an adventure!

Interested in adventure ideas for adults? You might also like these:

• 30 Super Fun Places to go with Friends
• 60 Awesome Adventure Dates Ideas
• Top 11 West Coast National Parks to Visit
• 20 Places with Crystal Clear Water
• 20 Coldest Countries in the World
• 20 Hottest Countries on Earth
• 12 Famous Landmarks in Asia
• 30 of the Best Outdoor Adventure Books
• 120 Best Songs about Adventure
• 10 Reasons Why Travelling Is Fun
• Best Jobs for Adventurers

How to Go on an Adventure

Before we get into the adventure ideas, I thought I’d take a moment to talk about how to go on an adventure in the first place.

…As I see it, anyway.

Basically, I think there some shared principles that run like a thread through the heart of all intrepid activities.

Once you know and embrace them, it may feel easier to come up with adventure ideas of your own and then build them into your life.

Here they are:

1. Adventure’s as much of a mentality as it is a thing .

Firstly, I don’t think you have to go on a year-long, round-the-world trip to have an adventure!

I mean, not only can you find adventures in your own backyard, but having an adventure doesn’t have to involve any trip at all.

Furthermore, you can travel to the ends of the earth and never really have an adventure if you go about it in the “wrong” way.

Because you find adventure in the process.

It’s about the journey (both real and figurative), not the destination.

It’s as much of an approach to life as a tangible event within it.

Define adventure in these terms and it doesn’t matter what you’re doing or where you’re doing do it. You could simply be walking down the street, cooking dinner, or going to the grocery store!

Approach the task with a certain mentality and it can turn into a legitimate adventure.

The best adventure ideas for adults involve an element of risk and novelty

2. Adventure Involves Risk, Novelty, and Discomfort

I reckon adventure’s about being willing to take risks, try something different, and throw yourself whole-heartedly into an experience.

So, if you’re walking down the street, you might take a different route to the destination or ask a stranger for directions instead of using your GPS.

If you’re grocery shopping, you could set a limit on how much you can spend or go to a different kind of store (e.g. Asian, Polish, or wholefoods…).

These ideas translate to more traditional definitions of adventure too.

For example, there’s a big difference between going on vacation and having an adventure. After all, travelling can just involve laying on a beach, sunbathing, and sipping cocktails all day.

That’s nice, but it’s hardly adventurous!

An adventure would involve taking the path less trodden, talking to locals when you don’t speak the language, eating the native cuisine, and (to paraphrase Jack Kerouac) “climbing that goddamn mountain”, and so on.

Ultimately, at home or overseas, you have to leave your comfort zone long enough to try something you wouldn’t normally do.

The goal is to mix up your routine.

You want to feel alive, energized, and a little uncomfortable .

3. Adventure’s Relative and Subjective

My idea of an adventure might be different from yours.

Your idea of adventure might be different from your dad’s.

And his idea may differ from his work colleague’s.

They’re all valid!

Despite everything I’ve said so far, adventure’s a relative concept.

After all, we each have different tolerances for risk and discomfort; unique perspectives on what’s novel and normal.

For example:

• Daisy might feel like the only way to have an adventure is to sell her stuff, buy a bike, and ride it around the world.
• For Dave, it might just involve taking a day off work to go camping.
• And Darcey might want to build a cabin in the woods so they can live off-grid.

Keep that in mind as you proceed through the coming list of adventure ideas!

Try picking ones that a) are appealing, yet b) push you into doing something different to your particular “norm” .

Ready for 120 ideas for adventure? Here we go!

120 Awesome Adventure Ideas [New Adventures to Try in 2022]

Now we know the constituent parts of any adventure, let’s turn to a big bunch of actual adventure ideas to get stuck into.

I’ve broken this long list into sections, starting with some general ideas for adventures that anyone can embark on, followed by more specific categories.

With any luck, you’ll find the perfect adventure idea somewhere in this post!

Everyday Fun Adventure Ideas [One Day Adventure Ideas]

Some of the best adventures happen close to home, cost little to nothing, and are available to everyone!

This first section’s dedicated to these sorts of fun adventurous things to do:

1. Going star gazing.

2. Waking up for sunrise.

3. Stopping to watch the sunset.

4. Going for a hike at night.

5. Try wild/free camping.

6. Camp in your backyard!

7. Explore the local area and its famous landmarks.

8. Go to the tourist traps in your area.

9. “Climb Everest” by going up and down your stairs countless times.

10. Take the scenic route home from work.

11. Get purposefully lost somewhere new and find your way home.

12. Ride a random bus/train to the end of the line and explore the final destination.

13. Try hitch-hiking!

14. Go hiking around a new National Park.

15. Do a night-time “ghost tour” around town.

16. Sleep up a tree and wake up to nature.

17. Build a treehouse.

18. Research forgotten local history and then explore the old sights in real life.

19. Go swimming in a local river, lake, or watering hole.

20. Go treasure hunting, metal detecting, or beachcombing in your local area.

The ideas for an adventure that appeal most to me tend to be big, grand, and involve travelling the world!

Grand Ideas for Adventure [Crazy Adventure Ideas]

I’m all for having everyday adventures.

But I can’t deny that the ideas for adventures that really get my juices flowing are bigger, grander, and more epic in nature!

If that’s the sort of adventure you’re looking for too, then this section should help:

21. Ride a motorbike around Asia.

22. Walk the Pacific Crest Trail (or any other thru-hike).

23. Pick a far-flung destination and hitch-hike there.

24. Pick a far-flung destination and cycle, walk or run there.

25. Close your eyes, spin the globe, put your finger on a destination, and go there.

26. Swim, sail, or row across a big stretch of water.

27. Train for and partake in an ultramarathon.

28. Crew on a boat to experience life at sea.

29. Learn about ancient explorers and take the trips for which they’re famous.

30. Go to Everest Base Camp.

31. Climb Mount Everest.

32. Travel over-land from one side of the country to another.

33. Kit out a campervan and experience van life for yourself.

34. Traverse the full length of the Great Wall of China.

35. Go up in a hot air balloon.

36. Travel to Lapland to see the elusive Northern Lights.

36. Catch a train across the Sahara Desert .

37. Canoe or raft down the Grand Canyon.

38. See how far you can travel without spending anything.

40. Visit all 7 wonders of the world.

Looking for adventure ideas for couples? This section should help!

Adventure Ideas for Couples [Awesome Weekend Adventure Ideas]

Any of the adventures ideas I’ve talked about so far could be done with your partner.

If you want some more specific adventure ideas for couples, though, then this upcoming section’s for you:

41. Take a trip together.

42. Go on a motorbike trip together.

43. Sail around the world in a boat together.

44. Go skinny dipping in the local lake.

45. Go rock climbing together!

46. Find the best places in your area to watch the sunset together.

47. Take your partner somewhere in your area that you love, but they’ve never been.

48. Do a sky-dive together.

49. Visit and explore each other’s childhood homes/neighbourhoods.

50. Break a rule.

51. Go fruit picking!

52. Start growing your own food together in the backyard.

53. Get into the habit of surprising each other with random weekend trips.

54. Spend the night together in a haunted house.

55. Ride a tandem bicycle between two far-flung destinations.

56. Go coasteering together.

57. Start a new couples’ tradition to do every year.

58. Create a bucket list of activities to do together and start ticking them off.

59. Go on a road trip with no pre-planned final destination.

60. Remember your very first dates and do them all over again.

In my experience, fun adventures with friends are often the most enjoyable ones!

Fun Adventures with Friends Ideas [Adventurous Ideas to Do With Others]

Solo and couples’ adventures are both awesome. But so are adventurous things to do with friends!

With that in mind, check out these adventures with friends ideas:

61. Find out each other’s favourite bands and take turns to see them live.

62. Cycle around the local area together.

63. Pack some clothes into a backpack and explore the world together.

64. Go hunting together.

65. Set a big mutual goal and work together to achieve it.

66. Go into business together.

67. Take a picnic to the local park.

68. Find a cause you’re passionate about and fundraise for it.

69. Volunteer somewhere together.

70. Start a book club and host meetings every week!

71. Pick a destination, assign different modes of transport to each person, and race each other to get there.

72. Attend a major international festival together.

73. Organize a bungee jump or skydive together.

74. Go surfing/learn how to surf together!

75. Find an epic outdoor location, pack some beers, and sleep under the stars.

76. Climb a mountain in time for sunrise.

77. Grab a last-minute budget flight and go away together.

78. Do a crazy fitness challenge together.

79. Cook each other a different type of foreign meal every week.

80. Go on a silent retreat together and see who speaks first!

The only thing better than an adventure? Having an adventure on your birthday! These ideas for an adventure should deliver the best birthday yet…

Adventure Birthday Ideas [Epic Birthday Adventure Ideas]

What could be better than having an adventure for your birthday?!

Whether you’re organizing it for yourself or somebody else, here’s a big bunch of adventure birthday ideas that should do the trick:

81. Camp at the nearest beach.

82. Attend a circus training class.

83. Go white-water rafting.

84. Arrange a scavenger hunt in the local area.

85. Go axe throwing or to a shooting range.

86. Have a rock climbing lesson.

87. Do a Tough Mudder race with friends.

88. Spend the day at the nearest natural hot springs.

89. Spend the day at the lake, with a BBQ, water sports, and so on.

90. Paddleboard, kayak, or canoe down a river!

91. Try go-karting, zip-lining, or some other fast-paced fun-filled activity.

92. Hire a boat or yacht.

93. Organize a DIY festival in someone’s backyard.

94. Go on a “staycation”.

95. Party the night away on a beach and stay up for sunrise.

96. Go on an overnight biking trip.

97. Grab a projector, pack the popcorn, and find somewhere cool to create your very own drive-in cinema.

98. Try geocaching to partake in the world’s largest treasure hunt!

99. Go canoe camping with your closest friends and family.

100. Go on a road trip together through a National Park.

With the adventure birthday ideas down, let’s move onto some ideas for awesome adventure weekends!

Searching for spontaneous adventure ideas? You might also like:

• 85+ Road Trip Trivia Questions & Games
• 75 Essential Things to Pack for Travel
• Key Features of the Experience of Travel
• 100 Reasons I love to Travel (& You Will Too)
• The Characteristics of Heritage Tourism

Ideas for Adventure Weekends [Fun and Adventure]

Fun adventure activities, like backpacking, can last for weeks, months, or even years . But don’t worry if you’ve not got that kind of time to play with!

Want to go on an adventure weekend trip instead? This section’s for you:

101. Book a weekend getaway somewhere.

102. Go camping, hunting, or fishing at your favourite outdoor spot.

103. Hire an RV/campervan and hit the road for a few days.

104. Take a weekend bike trail trip.

105. Kayak down a river, stopping off at noteworthy destinations along the way.

106. Do a multi-day hike with your friends/family.

107. Treat yourself to a spa weekend.

108. Spend the weekend exploring your local area.

109. Grab your chalk bag and a tent and go on an epic bouldering trip.

110. Shut your eyes, pick a point on a regional map, and spend the weekend there.

111. Spend the weekend camping under the stars in your backyard!

112. Do something that scares you on each day of the weekend.

113. Spend the weekend exploring local farmers’ markets.

114. Attend every garage sale in your area, bagging bargains to sell online.

115. Find and attend the meetup opportunities in your area.

116. Spend the weekend watching adventure movies with your friends!

117. Sign up for the walking tours and nature walks in your area.

118. Host a couchsurfer for the weekend and show them around town.

119. See how far you can travel from home without spending any money.

120. Go overlanding in your 4×4 for 48 hours.

Remember These Ideas for Adventure

One of my biggest intentions in life is to fill it with adventures!

I want to spend my time doing cool stuff, seeing amazing places, exploring , and just generally trying to make the most of each moment.

If you’re similar, then having a big long list of adventure ideas to call upon might prove useful. After all, coming up with new ideas for adventures all the time can be a genuine challenge.

That’s why I decided to put this post together!

I hope it’ll help out whenever you’re desperate to get away; do something different, and reap the many physical, mental, and spiritual rewards that adventures have to offer.

2 thoughts on “120 Fun Adventure Ideas for People Wanting More from Life”

Thanks for this post. While I have a long list of big adventures to go on, I’m looking for new ideas and this helped spark my imagination! Sarah

Hey Sarah! Really pleased these ideas were useful! Enjoy your adventures 🙂

Comments are closed.

• EN - English
• PT - Portuguese
• ES - Spanish
• How it works
• Become a Host
• Download the app

Top Destinations

• United States
• United Kingdom

What type of experience are you looking for?

• Non-Profit School
• Permaculture project
• Eco Village
• Holistic Center
• Guest House
• How Worldpackers works

Learn from the most experienced travelers of the community

Traveling with worldpackers, planning and budgeting for travel, make a living while traveling as a lifestyle, travel with worldpackers.

• Using Worldpackers
• Work exchange
• Social impact
• Plan your trip
• Women traveling
• Budget travel
• Solo travel
• Language learning
• Travel tips
• Get inspired
• Digital nomads
• Travel jobs
• Personal development
• Responsible travel
• Connect with nature

Top destinations

• South America
• Central America
• North America
• More destinations
• WP Life WP Life
• Exclusive discounts Discounts

30 adventure trips around the world that you definitely should try

If you love adventure trips, in this article you will find 30 ideas to inspire you around the world.

Jessica Jessy Around The World

Nov 16, 2023

Not everyone dreams about relaxing when going on holiday. Some of us need adventure and adrenaline.

If you are one of those travelers, you are in the right place. In this article I will talk about 30 adventure trips that you should definitely try once in a lifetime . 

Adventure trips: 30 experiences for your bucket list 

If you have a bucket list (and you should have it, because you are a traveler!), take it and get ready to write down these 30 adventure trips experiences , because you will want to try them all once you finished reading this article.

Let me also tell you that you can try a lot of adventure trips without spending tons of money, even for free sometimes. How is it possible? Thanks to Worldpackers. 

Worldpackers is a platform where volunteers can apply to positions all over the world. They just have to do some hours of work per day and in exchange they get free accommodation and sometimes free board.

In this way, traveling becomes so cheap. And of course, a lot of hosts listed on Worldpackers are close to perfect destinations for adventure trips.

Whether you are an ocean lover, a mountain lover, or have a fancy for extreme sports and national parks, there is a great adventure trip waiting for you out there.

Best adventure trips to do in the USA 

Let’s have a look at the best adventure trips you can do in the USA, there is a lot to do in this big country, full of national parks, deserts, amazing islands and nature everywhere.

1. Explore the adventure island of Kauai, Hawaii 

If you wish to live an adventure, Hawaii islands offer the perfect adventure trip for you. For example the island of Kauai, also known as the island of flowers , is a great destination if you are looking for adventure.

Full of canyons, beautiful beaches and forests to explore , you would need a month to live all the experiences it has to offer.

I know Hawaii can be expensive, but don’t worry. You can use Worldpackers, contact hosts and volunteer for them in exchange of free accommodation. In this way you won’t spend anything to sleep, which is great in a country like that!

For example, you can have a look at this host in Kauai , they are looking for help in their hotel. You will meet a lot of people from all over the world, just work few hours and enjoy the adventures of the island in your free time.

2. Have an adventure in the Arizona Desert

Arizona Desert is one of the most visited attractions in the South of the US. Everyone dreams about having a road trip there. It is one of the wildest adventures you can do in the US.

And if you find a volunteer position there, you don’t even have to worry about accommodation. You just have to plan the adventures you want to have in the desert, in your free time.

Have a look at this host , the position is about a handyman to help in the place. it is very close to the desert, in a very wild location. The perfect place for all the adventure travelers.

3. Visit the Niagara Falls

Usually all the adventure travelers love waterfalls. And visiting one of the most famous waterfalls in the world must be on your bucket list, if you love them. I am talking about Niagara Falls, in the North of the United States.

Visiting Niagara Falls is one of the best adventure trips you can have in the North of USA. Seeing them, getting wet, having a boat ride on the river. All of this is of course a bit pricey, but you can save in the accommodation cost if you use Worldpackers.

Check this position in hospitality , they need help with housekeeping and running the place in general, and they are so close to Niagara Falls that you can visit it a lot of times, until you get sick of it (if it is possible).

4. Live an adventure trip in California, near Los Angeles

For the travelers looking for adventure, a city like Los Angeles doesn’t seem so attractive, but in its surroundings you can have a lot of adventure trips, such as hiking in the mountains and visiting beautiful lakes.

And don’t be afraid of the cost of accommodations, because if you go volunteering there, it won’t be your problem.

Mountain Adventure Lodge (the name tells a lot about the place, doesn’t it?) is looking for helpers. The location is outside LA, next to a beautiful lake, in the mountains, with amazing views and a lot of adventures waiting for you.

Best adventure trips to do in Costa Rica 

Costa Rica is the land of adventure par excellence. There is no other place on earth so full of waterfalls, volcanos, forests and national parks. Everything in Costa Rica is surrounded by nature.

If you are looking for an adventure trip, you have to pick this destination. And I know it is famous to be a bit expensive, but remember you can save a lot of money if you use Worldpackers while traveling.

Let’s see together the best adventure trips you can have in Costa Rica.

5. Explore Monteverde National Park

Monteverde is a famous national park in Costa Rica, and one of its best attractions are the amazing hanging bridges.

Monteverde is surrounded by a forest called Cloud Forest. Hiking there is such a great adventure and a lot of travelers dream about it.

Of course this place is completely natural and full of plants and animals. The best way to explore it is by helping a local activity . 

6. Visit Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse parks in the world

In terms of biodiversity, Corcovado National Park, in the extreme South of Costa Rica, is the best place to see.

Visiting this park is a real adventure trip. It is a very remote area, full of u nique animals such as tucans, jaguars, monkeys, and other special bird species.

If you want to have the perfect local adventure, you can volunteer in a lodge  close to the park. Learn a lot about the local culture and have a great time both during work and during your free time.

7. Experience the best of Costa Rica’s nature at Arenal National Park

Arenal National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. If you look for adventure, it’s the right place for you.

You can find everything there: waterfalls, hanging bridges, natural hot springs, local fauna, and the huge Arenal Volcano.

It’s a must for all the adventure travelers. And if you want to have a complete experience, volunteer in a hostel there , meet a lot of friends and enjoy nature everyday.

8. Surf and enjoy the ocean in Tamarindo

Ocean and surf are a perfect way to have an adventure trip in Costa Rica . And this country is one of the best places in the world to try this sport.

Tamarindo, on the Pacific Ocean, is the best spot you can find to surf. The beach is amazing and full of high waves.

It is quite pricey, but don’t worry, you can volunteer in a hostel in exchange of free accommodation , and surf the waves in your free time. You will become a professional surfer in a week!

Best adventure trips to do in Brazil 

Brazil is such a huge country, full of beaches, colonial cities, and of course, touched by the unique Amazon rainforest. If you have a desire for adventure trips, this land has something for you.

9. Explore the wonderful Amazon rainforest from Manaus

If you want to explore the Amazon rainforest and live this great adventure, the best city to start is Manaus, just behind the corner of this amazing ecosystem.

And you can do it easily and for free, if you volunteer there. Check positions like this  in Manaus, they are looking for help in their hostel.

Best adventure trips to do in Peru

Peru is the land of the Andes and the beautiful Inca ruins. If you like hiking adventures, you have to visit this country.

10. Go to Cusco and explore the real Peru

Cusco is the best spot to take base in and explore the surrounding areas. From there you can hike to Macchu Picchu , definitely one of the best experiences to have around the world , or hike to the Rainbow Mountain if you prefer nature views.

You won’t get bored, this is for sure. And you can stay a lot of time if you volunteer in a hostel  and get in exchange free accommodation.

Best adventure trips to do in Canada

Canada is an amazing place full of forests, immense nature, national parks and mountains. If you love adventure trips, you should go there once in your life.

11. Go hiking in Canada

Nature in Canada is stunning, everywhere you can find a national park or a place to go hike, with unique views in the world.

Canada is huge and it can be very expensive, you could spend a lot of money and lose yourself in its immensity, but not if you let Worldpackers help you.

If you check volunteer positions in Canada, like this one , you could have a real local full experience and save a lot of money in accommodation, which is a great thing in a country like this.

Best adventure trips to do in Mexico

Mexico, a colorful land full of Maya ruins, amazing colonial cities and delicious food , is waiting for you to make you live your best adventure trip.

12. Stay in Merida and explore all the wonders around the area

Merida is one of the nicest cities in the Yucatan peninsula, and from there you can explore all the area and have a lot of adventures.

Yucatan peninsula is full of things to see and do , so the best thing to do is taking your time and travel slow, Try  volunteering in a hostel  for a while and exploring everything in your free time.

More adventure trips around the world: Europe

Europe, the old continent, must not be underestimated in terms of adventure trips. Let’s list together some of the best.

13. See the northern lights in Norway

One of the adventure trips of a lifetime is going to hunt the northern lights in Northern Europe. Norway is one of the best place you can go to see them, and you can volunteer in a hostel  to avoid very high cost of accommodations there.

14. Explore the best beaches in Portugal and enjoy the ocean

Beaches in Portugal are amazing and you can spend weeks there to see them all. If you love surf , they are perfect for you. Find the best location like Albufeira  and stay there to enjoy the ocean as much as you can.

15. Island hopping in Canary Islands

Canary Islands are so wild and are a place to visit if you are heading to Spain. If you want to have an adventure trip in their amazing beaches and do great hikings , visit them all and go island hopping.

There are a lot of hostels there looking for help and letting you stay longer than you expected. 

Adventure trips in Africa

16. hike kilimangiaro.

If you love adventure and hiking, you can’t miss the chance to climb the high Kilimanfiaro Volcano, in Tanzania.

And in the meantime, try to teach a language to the local people  in exchange of free accommodation.

17. Enjoy Cape Town amazing sceneries

Cape Town is unique in terms of views, like the Table Mountain, that you can also climb, and the surroundings along the coast.

Perfect place for adventure, and you can volunteer in a hostel to have free accommodation.

18. See the amazing Victoria Waterfalls

Victoria Waterfalls can be compared to Niagara for their beauty. They are located in Zambia, and you can’t miss them if you love adventure.

Try to volunteer there to meet a lot of locals and enjoy your trip even more.

19. Explore Sahara Desert

Africa is the land of Sahara Desert and Morocco is one of the best and easiest places to go for the visit.

You can even volunteer in the desert  to better understand people’s culture and life there.

20. See the famous Pyramids

For all the adventurer out there, a visit to the Pyramids in Egypt is a must.

And as you can see, Worldpackers has a volunteer position  in which you have pyramids as your view everyday!

21. Explore traditional Japan and Mount Fuji

Japan is on every traveler’s bucket list , and see the Fuji is a dream.

You can wake up every morning and try to spot it, if you volunteer in a hostel there. Helping just 4 hours per day there, you get free accommodation and get to see Mount Fuji and other cool places around.

22. Go deep into Thai culture in Bangkok

Have you ever considered Thailand for you next adventure trip?

You can start from its amazing capital Bangkok and find some gigs through Worldpackers there to live it like a local.   

23. Enjoy beautiful sea adventures in the Philippines

The Philippines are some of the best islands for snorkeling and enjoying sea life.

Try with your own eyes and try to live it as a local volunteering there . 

24. Get lost in Indonesia

Indonesia is full of things to see and do, full of islands ready to be explored , like classic Bali but also national parks and volcanos.

You can have a look to volunteer positions there , Worldpackers has a lot of them. 

25. Go off the beaten path and visit South Korea

South Korea is still an off the beaten path destination. Take this chance and visit it, you will be surprised by how many adventurous things you can do there, like visiting ancient temples, volcanos and beaches.

Try to apply to one of the volunteer positions there to meet a lot of friends and have free accommodation.

26. Visit the greatest temples in China

China is not only famous for the Great Wall, but also for its amazing temples , like the ones located in Guilin.

Visit them and live them like a local volunteering in the rural area surrounding them . 

27. Learn Laotian culture and try tubing

Laos is a small Asian country, famous for its great culture and for adventurers going to try tubing.

You can do both, and you can also make the difference as a traveler teaching English to the community . 

28. India: the land you hate or love

They call India like that, and the reason is that it’s so stunning and overwhelming.

It is not easy to visit it, but it’s worth it. Full of nature, history, pieces of art, India is perfect for an adventure trip.

And let the locals help you, maybe if you volunteer there you can make a difference and learn a lot of things you didn’t know about this huge country. 

29. Have an adventure in the land of kangaroos

Australia is the land of unique fauna in the world, Great Barrier Reef and Outback. You can live a lot of different adventures in a single travel.

Accommodations are expensive, but you can volunteer there and have a free bed. 

30. Hike in amazing New Zealand mountains and nature

If you love nature and mountains view , there is no place like New Zealand.

It could seem a bit remote, and not easy to reach, but once you are there, you will want to stay forever.

Try to volunteer there to meet locals and learn more about Maori culture, and to have a free bed, which is not bed in such an expensive country.

I hope you liked this list about the best adventure trips to do all over the world. Subscribe to one of Worldpackers plans and start planning your next adventure!

Maybe you could find more inspiration in these other articles from Worldpackers community :

Overseas adventure travel 2022: top destinations

• 13 bucket list adventure ideas around the world
• Adventure planning: the best guide for your backpacking trip
• 13 best places to spend this New Year’s Eve
• 20 tropical islands to visit around the world

Your essential beach packing checklist: 12 things you can’t forget

Join the community!

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

Jessica Lazzarini

Jessy Around The World

an Italian full time traveler. After years planning my full time travel, I finally quit my 9 to 5 job to start exploring the world with a one way ticket. My goal is to visit as many countries as I can and to work as a digital nomad while I am traveling, but also to challenge myself doing travel jobs in the places I visit. I really want to live a lot of different experiences in a way only a real traveler can do.

Be part of the Worldpackers Community

Already have an account, are you a host, leave your comment here.

Write here your questions and greetings to the author

Apr 21, 2023

Hibat allah

May 15, 2023

Jul 19, 2023

Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal should including in this article. Thanks for sharing amazing places https://www.discoveraltitude.com/everest-base-camp-trek

More about this topic

Top 35 iconic places in the world: famous landmarks worth visiting

10 tips to eat healthy while traveling on a budget

How do Worldpackers trips work?

As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want.

Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like.

Complete your profile, watch the video lessons in the Academy, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts.

Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with our verified hosts.

If a host thinks you’re a good fit for their position, they’ll pre-approve you.

Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.

Confirm your trip to enjoy all of the safety of Worldpackers.

Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.

If anything doesn’t go as planned with a host, count on the WP Safeguard and our highly responsive support team!

After volunteering, you and your host exchange reviews.

With positive reviews, you’ll stand out to hosts and get even more benefits.

16 Short Funny Travel Stories That’ll Make You Laugh Out Loud

These short funny travel stories are sure to make you laugh!

From crazy travel stories involving bathroom mishaps to funny stories about language barriers to wild travel stories that take you on safari, this list is sure to make you chuckle.

I’ve even included a video sharing about my strangest Couchsurfing experience!

Before scrolling, I recommend grabbing your favorite beverage and getting comfortable, as we’ve got 16 fun travel stories below to help put a smile on your face.

After reading these funny true stories, feel free to share your own best travel stories in the comments below!

Table of Contents

Short Funny Travel Stories — That Are Also True!

1. file under embarrassing travel stories.

One of my most embarrassing funny stories happened while I was backpacking South America — specifically during a 4×4 tour from San Pedro de Atacama in Chile to Uyuni, Bolivia.

The trip takes you through the desert for three days to see otherworldly sites like hot pink lagoons where flamingos search for food, an abandoned train graveyard, and, the highlight, the world-famous Uyuni Salt Flats.

During the trip, you share a car with four or five other people.

At one point, I was sitting in the front seat and it was getting really hot in the car. Our driver didn’t speak English, but I spoke decent Spanish — or at least I thought I did.

“Estoy caliente!” I said, looking right at the driver. To my confusion, instead of rolling down a window, he looked horrified…or maybe confused?

I decided it was probably my New York accent confusing him. “Estoy caliente!” I said again, this time in what I thought was a more local-sounding accent. He looked even more horrified-slashed-confused.

Suddenly, the one native Spanish speaker in the car spoke up from the back:

“Umm, I’m assuming you’re not meaning to tell the driver you’re horny, right?”

Apparently, the way I was saying “I’m hot” literally translated to, well, another meaning of the phrase. As I turned bright red, I decided I didn’t really need the window open and would just sit in silence and try to disappear by melting in the car seat.

But hey, when it comes to learning a language while traveling, embarrassing mistakes can certainly be a great teacher. Plus, I can add this to my list of hilarious vacation stories to share at parties.

-Jessie Festa, Jessie on a Journey

2. My Craziest Couchsurfing Story

Here is one of my most interesting travel experience stories .

For this anecdote, which is part funny travel story and part horror travel story , you’ll have to watch the video below:

One of my favorite funny travel videos

By the way, if you like crazy and funny travel story videos like this one, make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and hit the bell icon so you get notified when future videos publish.

I’ve already got a few more short travel stories recorded and scheduled to come out over the next few weeks!

3. An Unpleasant Night With Bob Marley

My funny travel experience happened during a trip to Morocco in 2015, when my husband and I spent a couple of days in the Sahara Desert as part of a tour group.

I was super excited to ride a camel for the first time and spend a night in a Bedouin tent in the desert. Little did I know that I was about to experience the longest and most unpleasant night of my life.

Our camel ride started with me hanging upside down from the saddle with one foot in the air. My camel, Bob Marley, had decided to stand up before I could settle into the saddle.

I held onto the saddle for dear life as our Bedouin guide pushed me up onto the camel’s back. Bob Marley let out a grunt of disapproval, and we rode off. I thought I was in for a bumpy ride; but save for the fact that the camel in front of me, named after Jimi Hendrix, was having a bad case of gas, it turned out to be a very pleasant journey.

After dinner and some impromptu drumming around a bonfire, my husband and I retreated to our tent for a good night’s sleep. Our bed was just a mattress on the carpeted ground.

Despite cocooning myself in a couple of thick blankets, I was shaking from head to toe. My husband fell asleep straight away, and so did the other people in our group — judging by the cacophony of snores that filled the air.

Two hours later, I was still wide awake — and freezing cold.

Thankfully, the snoring started to subside and I gradually drifted into dreamland, only to be jolted out of my sleep by a very loud and unusual noise. It sounded like a bellow and was followed by a very awful smell.

I tried to go back to sleep, but someone or something started to chew loudly. And then another groan, another unpleasant smell, and more loud chewing. This went on for at least another two hours.

After what felt like a never-ending night, I checked the time. To my delight, it was time to get up to watch the sunrise. I stumbled out of our tent, grabbed a glass of freshly-brewed mint tea, and dragged my sleepy body out of the Bedouin camp.

There, stationed just outside the tent where my husband and I had spent the night, was Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, and the entire caravan. Bob Marley made direct eye contact with me, and I could swear I spotted a smug grin on his face.”

– Daniela from Grumpy Camel

4. Trying To Pee On A Bumpy Bus Ride

If you enjoy travel love stories , this trip tale from our honeymoon has a humorous twist.

While visiting Sapa, Vietnam on our honeymoon, we had to fly into the large city of Hanoi.

From Hanoi, we could have either taken a bus, a train, or a rental car up to Sapa. Because we are cheap, we decided to take the bus. Even further, we booked an overnight bus trip, so that we could save one night of accommodation booking.

We showed up at the bus station at 11:30 pm for our midnight departure, and everything was going well. We boarded the bus and got to our beds, which was a row of five plastic cots wide with no cushions. We did get a blanket, though, and settled in for the night on our uncomfortable beds.

At about 3:00 am, I woke up and had to pee. We were on the freeway, and the driver only spoke Vietnamese, so I couldn’t communicate the fact that I needed to pee.

In the commotion, the driver also noticed there was a payment issue with our booking, which my now-awake husband was trying to figure out.

I still had to go, and it was becoming an emergency. The bus was still rocking and rolling down the Vietnamese highway. It was 3:15 am, my bladder was bursting, and my new husband was trying to have a Google Translate conversation with the driver to figure out our booking.

I tried to get my pee emergency into the Google Translate conversation, with no luck. All I got was my husband giving me a bottle.

A soda bottle?! What was I supposed to do with that?! The mouth of that thing was the size of a thumb. I am not the Jason Bourne of pee-aiming.

Realizing my choices were non-existent, I tried to use the bottle. After some awkward maneuvering, I opened the floodgates and, as you might have guessed, peed all over my bed…and my husband’s.

Thankfully, the sound of the pee spraying on the plastic beds did not come to the attention of any of our neighbors or the bus driver. Or maybe he purposely ignored it.

After figuring out the booking issue, my husband scooched back into his bed only to realize that Lake Urine had formed in the middle of it.

After some shock and stifled laughter, we cleaned it up with one of our blankets, had an extremely uncomfortable three more hours of travel, and finally pulled into Sapa. We couldn’t get off that bus fast enough.

On the bright side, it’s one of our favorite funny stories about traveling to share.

– Zach and Julie from Ruhl of the Road

5. The Time I Had My Boobs Massaged In Morocco

Our favorite short funny story to share is all about massages and spa experiences in Morocco.

They are supposed to be tranquil, soothing, and calming. But what happens when you try to have a relaxing spa experience in another country without doing your research?

You could find yourself swimming in your underwear and having your boobs massaged, that’s what!

When my husband and I were in Morocco, we decided to go for a traditional Moroccan Hammam massage at our hotel…and all kinds of hilarity ensued!

First, we were asked to get undressed by the staff who only spoke French, so there were a lot of frantic hand gestures going on.

Then we were taken to a room where straightaway we could see a woman being rubbed down while completely naked.

No robes, no doors… just all kinds of naked. We were shocked and immediately started thinking: “Wait…is this what a hammam massage is like?”

Thankfully, not in our case, but it doesn’t get much better.

We’d worn our underwear because we actually thought we were just getting a pleasant back massage like in the UK.

We were wrong.

We were taken to a steam room where we were rubbed with mud in front of strangers and then asked to shower it off. Next, we found ourselves swimming in a saltwater pool. All of this while in our everyday underwear!

And then finally we got to the massage part where we were separated and I was asked to strip completely naked.

This was fine while lying on my front but then came the fateful word:

Yep, this was when I found myself having my boobs massaged by a total stranger!

Moral of the story:

Do your research. And don’t wear underwear to a Moroccan hammam massage. Go for swimming gear just to be on the safe side.

– Justine from Wanderers of the World

6. When Nature Calls, Literally

I have many funny short stories about travel, though one of my favorites to tell happened in the Serengeti.

Now, there are a lot of really awesome things about camping in the Serengeti:

It’s a relatively affordable way to go on safari. You meet other adventurous people. You’re camping in the freaking Serengeti! Like, hello, how cool?!

However, there may be one or two less-than-stellar things about this type of safari…like not knowing what’s outside your tent during the night.

Personally, I didn’t really want to come face-to-face with the hyenas — or anything else — that I knew could be out there. My method of avoidance came down to not drinking too much water during the day. Other than the bathroom, nothing could draw me out of my tent at night.

Well, one day I was thirsty and had more to drink than I should have.

The result?

You guessed it — I needed to pee pretty bad by about 3 am.

Let me take you back a few hours though, to the afternoon. We were making camp that night at a spot that was to be shared with some of the park rangers. Earlier in the day, the rangers had brought a goat to camp. I thought they were taking this goat further on their journey and I didn’t think about it past that.

Well, guess what the rangers had for dinner?

That night, from the safety of the tent, we could hear the hyenas munching away on the leftovers. It was gruesome.

It also meant that I absolutely knew the hyenas were in the camp, right between me and the bathroom. Well, by 3 am, I was desperate and cared less about the hyenas than about my bladder.

However, we’d been strongly warned not to go out by ourselves. So, I asked my friend if she wanted to go on an adventure. She said no and advised I go back to sleep.

I tried; I really did. An hour later, I asked her again, “Isa, want to go on an adventure?”

Her answer hadn’t changed.

Just behind our tent were the dining cabin and a small hill. I was desperate. Really, my bladder was going to explode. I went just behind the tent, right up to that hill, and did my thing.

After, I went back into the tent and didn’t stray anywhere close to where the campfire had been, and the hyenas currently were. I was safe! I didn’t get eaten or attacked by anything. Basically, I was Superwoman!

The next morning we were packing up our stuff to go on that day’s safari when our guide casually asked if we had heard the lions the night before.

Nope, we hadn’t heard them. Apparently, they’d been close.

Their lair?

Just on the other side of the small hill behind the camp.

This one definitely goes on my list of crazy yet funny adventure stories!

Lindsey in Moscow. Photo courtesy of Lindsey Puls.

7. Naked & Confused In Moscow

Naked and confused in Moscow? Yes, you read right. This is one of those funny vacation stories that you won’t forget…

I thought I knew all that there was to know about Russian banyas — until I found myself in Moscow, lying naked and sweating to death on a table in front of 12 other naked women of varying ages, who were all strangers to me, getting flogged with a couple of birch branches by a kind but very strong woman named Olga.

And I had actually paid for this beating. It’s all part of the experience!

In short, a banya is similar to a sauna. The biggest difference, though, is that a “banya” has high levels of humidity in it, while a sauna will have dry air. They’ve been a part of Russian life for over a thousand years.

Another interesting aspect of the Russian Banya is flogging using birch twigs ( venik ). This is supposed to benefit your health and improve your immune system, and honestly, if you have someone who knows what they are doing, it does feel really good.

I knew when I signed up for this that I would likely have to be naked for this flogging — I had done it before in a private bathhouse; however, this was my first time in a public banya, and I didn’t expect to be on display for the rest of the banya goers while it was happening! I was envisioning this to be a little more, ah, private?

But there I was, naked as the day I was born in front of everyone, getting smacked around by Olga as she shouted commands in Russian…which I imagine was something like, “Now, flip over! Raise your legs! Cover your boobs! Scoot your butt down further!”

Actually, though, I had no idea what she was saying. So, she gave up and just started pulling me and moving my naked body parts to where they needed to be — much to the amusement of everyone in the banya, who were not shy about their giggles!

Olga hit/massaged almost every square inch of my body with the branches. Then, once she was done, she led me by the hand to a shower area, sat me down, and threw a cold bucket of water over my head. And then a warm one, followed by another cold bucket. My body was thoroughly shocked after that!

Needless to say, this banya experience was a little less relaxing than my previous experiences with it; however, I still felt like a million bucks after it was done, and I will absolutely do it again.

– Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel

8. A Short Story About Traveling That’s Out Of This World (Literally)

When the weather starts to warm up we love heading to the beach for a few days. Any beach really, though Miami holds a special place in our family’s hearts. We even have a favorite hotel by the beach that we always stay at.

During one such trip, after a few days of being lazy on the beach and spending way too much time walking the boardwalk, we decided to go for a drive.

We rented a car for the day and drove to Key West. Our plan was to enjoy a scenic drive on Highway 1 and maybe try some key lime pie and head back, but the day turned out to be more memorable than that.

It was a breathtaking drive and we kept our eyes glued to the window. The scenery was gorgeous and felt like we were driving over water.

Driving from Miami to Key West takes about three hours on the scenic coastal Overseas Highway. When we were closer to Key West, suddenly Mr. Suburbia — aka my husband — stopped the car, grabbed his camera, and ran out looking up at the sky — leaving me looking at him bewildered.

After a few minutes of looking and pointing at a shiny object in the sky, he was pretty thrilled to announce he’d spotted a UFO. I should mention here that hubby loves his Sci-Fi movies and UFO shows — the likes of Project Blue Book — and strongly believes we are not alone.

We eventually got back in the car, stopped at a nearby store, and asked someone in the parking lot:

“Do you see that shiny thing in the sky?”

The man looked up and casually responded, “Do you mean that weather blimp?”

We came to find out later that what we saw in the sky was “Fat Albert” or a version of the radar aerostat blimp that the US Drug Enforcement Administration uses to keep an eye on shipping hereabouts.

The shiny object in the sky was not an unidentified flying object or alien craft but a weather blimp. It is one of the short funny travel stories that always come up when we talk about our trips.

It starts with one of the kids saying “Remember the time when dad thought he saw a UFO…?” and always makes us laugh.

– Priya from Outside Suburbia

9. An Unpleasant Travel Experience With A Ghost Shrimp In Spain

When it comes to funny short travel stories, there is one I always love to tell.

A few years ago I had a wonderful trip to Andalucia, Spain, together with my family.

We spent hours road tripping to the best places in this region and enjoying Spanish culinary delights like fresh seafood and delicious produce. Grocery shopping at local markets was definitely a highlight of the trip.

To get around, we rented a car from a recommended company. We were lucky enough to receive a car of a better standard than what we ordered. It was a nicely-equipped van, with key-free unlocking, automatic doors, and a lot of space inside. Quite luxurious, I must say.

At one point during this one-week trip, we opened the door of our car and were met with a horrendous stench.  We almost passed out. Our first thought was that something must have died inside.

We noticed that the stench was coming from the trunk. It turned out that a little bit of liquid had escaped from the bag with fresh shrimps the evening before.

We tried to clean the trunk with cleaning supplies found in our rented apartment. Then we found out some homemade methods to remove the smell. Desperate, we even tried out a special freshener for domestic animal scents.

But, alas, the ghost of the dead shrimp was still there. For the rest of the trip, we drove with all of the windows open.

Before the last day, we headed to the gas station. I popped into the shop to look for car fresheners. My mom was more resolute and tried to have a conversation with the staff — note here that we’re Polish, and she can genuinely only say a few words in Spanish.

She pinched her nose, made a telling gesture, and said “car fish caput.” The service guy started to laugh but he luckily understood her. And after a short while, he came to our car with a huge specialist atomizer and sprayed all the interior. We were so grateful because the problem seemed to disappear.

But the awful smell came back the next day; the day of our departure.

Early in the morning, we left the apartment and headed to the car rental agency. We were stressed about what the agency’s employee would say about the smell and we were wondering if insurance would cover such an incident.

Luckily for us, the moment we locked the car on the agency parking while waiting for the service was the last time the car key-pilot worked. At that moment, the battery died. The car agency representative wasn’t able to open the car.

And because it was so early in the morning, the main office with the spare keys was still closed, and this guy was taking care of the parking only. He noticed we had purchased full car insurance and only asked if we refilled the gas tank.

When we returned home we found an email from the car rental agency with an appreciation note for using their services. So we assumed the weird smell was covered by the insurance. While back then we were embarrassed about that incident, we now look back at it with a smile.

Always purchase full insurance. You never know when a shrimp decides to escape.

– Dominika from Sunday in Wonderland

10. A Massage In An Unexpected Place

This is one of those stories that will make you laugh!

I worked in Beijing for many years. I used to go to a place called Dragonfly for massages, which I really liked. One time I was in an area of Beijing that I was not familiar with and wanted a massage.

The local Dragonfly was just too complicated and far away to get to, so I decided to go elsewhere and try something different.

I remembered I had seen what appeared to be a massage parlor a few blocks from where I was staying, and I walked over. The location didn’t look exactly like the type of spa place I was familiar with.

I guess that should have been my first warning.

It had pictures of smiling women in the window that I supposed were the various massage therapists. Flashing neon lights in blues and reds decorated the outside.

To be honest, I felt a tad apprehensive but thought that was just because I had never been there before. I know from experience that many times things might feel strange in unfamiliar cultures, but once you dive in, chances are you’ll discover a wonderful new experience or location, or a delightful food you never tasted before.

With this in mind, I went in.

Inside I tried to communicate that I wanted a massage to the woman attendant. I rubbed my shoulders with kneading fingers pantomiming a massage. She disappeared into a dark room and quickly returned with another woman who asked me something in Chinese.

I repeated my pantomime and the two women engaged in a long and animated conversation behind a beaded curtain. I couldn’t understand what the confusion was.

Finally, they led me to a small, dimly lit room with what I took to be a massage table in the middle. I disrobed and lay face down on the table as I normally would.

A woman came in and started to give me a massage. It wasn’t a great massage but certainly adequate. After an hour the woman indicated the massage was over and gave me a cup of green tea. I paid, gave the lady a tip, and went back to my hotel.

The next day was Monday. Everyone came into the office discussing their weekend. I told my colleagues about my massage.

“Oh! Don’t tell me you went all the way to Dragonfly?!” a colleague asked surprised. I explained my massage experience at the spa a couple of blocks away.

After identifying the exact location, they told me that was a high-end brothel. Everyone had a good laugh at my expense. I suppose they’re still laughing.

-Talek from Travels With Talek  

11. Hammock Hanging Newbie

One of my favorite funny short stories traveling happened when I spent a semester studying abroad in Cuba in 2009, which was actually my first international trip.

There are many beautiful things about Cuba, perhaps the best one being the peoples’ resilience and creativity in solving problems and getting by without having access to the things we take for granted.

I, in fact, had to learn some of that craftiness myself.

Not long after we arrived, I bought a hammock at an artisan market in Havana. I couldn’t wait to hang it up, and there was a perfect pair of trees on the grounds of the apartment-hotel where we were staying.

There was just one problem. I couldn’t find rope anywhere. I must have gone to five hardware stores. No rope to be found!

I ended up picking up some pieces of cloth and old electrical wires in a vacant lot. Now I thought I was good to go.

Back at the hotel, one of the security guards helped me out — thank goodness for the kindness of strangers — and I settled in with a Cuba Libre and my book to enjoy relaxing in the hammock for the first time. Until…

The cloth broke about 10 seconds later and I ended up on the ground covered in rum and Coke!

Along with my newfound security guard friend, we tried several more times to get it to stay hung, me falling on my butt several more times as well.

Two of my classmates apparently had quite the laugh watching from the window and had even taken a video of these failed attempts. Fortunately, that video got lost or erased somehow before it was shared with the whole group.

Undeterred, I ventured back out and found some thicker cables. With those, I finally succeeded in getting that hammock hung. I even carried it around much of the island and hung it on my porch back home in the US for years afterward with those same cables.

Lessons learned were that perseverance matters, always check your hammock is stable before trying to enjoy a drink in it, and if you’re unsure, make sure no one’s watching from the window!

– Adam from Cartagena Explorer

12. A Road Trip With A Resilient Mouse

Here is an adventurous trip story that takes place in Death Valley National Park, which my friends and I thought got its name because nothing lives there.

While cooking dinner in the campground, one of us had an idea to open all the car doors in the evening to release the stale air inside.

This didn’t turn out to be a very good idea.

The next morning, we packed everything up and got ready to discover other parts of Death Valley, when suddenly a mouse jumped on my legs!

“Boys, we have a mouse in the car!” I screamed.

My brother turned to me disbelievingly. “What are you talking about?!”

I got a similar gaze from Jakub, who nervously asked, “Are you sure?”

The mouse quickly disappeared, and I was left trying to get the rest of the group to believe me.

The truth came out the next morning, though. Jakub grabbed a pack of pasta and it started to spill all over the car trunk. The mouse must have bitten a hole in it.

Now they believed me, and we set off on a mission to rid the mouse from the car.

Our first plan was to download a number of mobile apps producing squeaky anti-mouse sounds. In the evening, we opened everything possible and turned on our phones to maximum volume. After a while, we were going crazy due to this terrible sound. The mouse, on the other hand, didn’t mind at all and, I can only imagine, quietly laughed at us.

In the morning, we found more mouse damage — a leaking barrel of water had soaked half of our things, and the mouse had eaten through my headphones. Plus, we were starting to worry about the car’s electricity.

We decided our next step was to go to Walmart for traps. Before heading to bed we carefully filled the traps with cheese and spread them evenly throughout the car, eager to see if we captured the mouse by morning.

Unfortunately, when we woke up they were empty — and we found more holes in our packed food. There was pasta everywhere!

It was clear that if there was enough food in the car, the traps wouldn’t be interesting for her.

On the other hand, we understood the mouse. She probably hadn’t seen that much food in her entire life in Death Valley and suddenly there was this huge banquet! What mouse wouldn’t want to explore such a rodent paradise?

She traveled with us over 600 miles before we got to Yosemite National Park. This journey brought new hope to our struggle.

Bears rob 130 cars a year in Yosemite, so there are bear boxes in every campground. Therefore, we completely unloaded our car. Every crumb was removed.

It was our last hope. If it didn’t work, nothing would.

We set up the traps and went to sleep, and in the morning there she was, one of the fattest mice we’d ever seen. We agreed that’d she’d probably just had the most amazing “all-inclusive trip” of her life.

– Matěj from Czech the World

13. An Unexpected Fall Into Crocodile-Infested Waters

If you’re looking for funny adventure stories that are also a bit scary — or even travel disaster stories — this one is for you.

Safari tourism hadn’t really taken off when we visited Malawi in 2010 during an overland trip through Africa.

Health and safety weren’t major considerations, and it was certainly a far cry from the safaris we did in South Africa , Tanzania, and Botswana.

Arriving at Liwonde National Park in the south of Malawi we were excited as we knew it was a great place to spot elephants.

We relied on our campsite to book a canoe safari for us. Luckily, as soon as we set off we spotted loads of elephants — and even hippos — along the shoreline.

The trip leader in the canoe behind us suddenly shouted to our guide. Then there was an unexpected bump and we were thrown out of the canoe.

Our canoe had been flipped by a hippo!

The moments that followed were a blur. Thankfully local fishermen had seen the commotion and came over to help. We knew that there were crocodiles in the water as well as hippos and wanted to get out as soon as possible. We managed to haul ourselves into the fishermen’s canoes and were paddled back to the shore.

Amazingly nobody had been hurt and we were very thankful to the local fishermen. While we were drying out, we were pretty shocked to be asked to pay for the trip. They finally settled for a 50% reduction and we paid with the wet notes from our wallet.

We weren’t traveling with smartphones in those days so finding a reputable tour company was a bit hit and miss.

Often, there are lessons to be learned through these stories of travel. These days we would recommend Googling reputable tour operators, although as with all wildlife adventures, always expect the unexpected!”

– Jacquie from Flashpacking Family

14. Remembered By The TSA

One of my favorite short funny stories to tell is this one.

I traveled out of the Kansas City airport about every other week for the past three years.

Before I leave my house, I clean out the fridge and put any fruit that would go bad into a stasher bag.

I have TSA Precheck but have learned it’s just easier to pull it out of my purse into a bin and it won’t ever get questioned.

Last summer I was going through and the X-Ray guy says, “Hey! It’s strawberry girl!”

Then three others perked up and waved to me.

Except for that day, it was sliced peaches, and I felt like I let them down.

-Katie Boutwell, Katie B Traveling

15. Confusion In Small-Town France

I feel like this is one of those relatable funny stories because who hasn’t ended up in the wrong location?

In 2019, my husband and I took a trip to France to attend the wedding of my former exchange student, Christelle.

The day after the wedding, we set off from our hotel to the small village of Montcourt-Fromonville to attend a luncheon for close friends and family.

Shortly after arriving in the small village, we happened to pass Christelle’s family gathered in a small parking lot. We wondered if we should stop, but they didn’t look settled, and Google Maps was continuing to direct us.

We drove further, and eventually, Google Maps did the thing where it says you have arrived, but you look around and don’t know where you’ve arrived to.

My husband and I were very confused. Per the invite, the destination was called Chateau de la Mairie de Montcourt-Fromonville, but there was no address associated with it. When I typed it into Google, it came up as being a city hall.

Looking around the vicinity, we did see a castle-looking building in the distance, but it seemed way too fancy for a luncheon. Plus, would Christelle really be having her luncheon at a city hall?

We turned around and decided to go back to the parking lot where we had originally seen Christelle and her family. Of course, when we got there, no one was outside anymore. We approached a residential building nearby, thinking perhaps the luncheon was at someone’s personal residence there and snooped around a little bit.

Unfortunately, there were no signs of any gatherings in this quiet building. As we walked away, I heard a voice behind us say, “Bonjour.”

Turning around, I spotted a woman I had never seen in my life and wondered how I would explain our apparent snooping in French.

“Nous cherchons une fete.” (We are looking for a party)

The woman continued to stare at me.

“Pas ici?” (Not here?)

The woman shook her head “no” with a confused look on her face. Feeling her eyes upon us, we immediately left before further damage could be done with my limited French.

Frustrated, we followed Google Maps back to the lovely castle-looking building. Now we saw more cars there, and we thought maybe that was the location after all.

Our suspicions were confirmed upon parking outside of the chateau “city hall” where we were relieved to finally find Christelle and her family.

We were very grateful this was such a small village. Otherwise, I’m not sure how much bad French I would have had to stumble through before finding the luncheon!

– Theresa from Fueled by Wanderlust

16. An Unexpected Mountain Encounter

One of my most interesting vacation stories happened a few years ago. My younger brother and I decided to take a drive from Oklahoma City to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge to see if we could get any photos of the bison herds that live there.

We couldn’t find any, unfortunately, but we did find some very ornery longhorn cows!

We drove up to the visitor’s center to get directions to where the bison were at the moment, but we couldn’t get out of the car. There was a small group of about four longhorns gathered around watching something. When we got close enough to see what was so exciting, we realized that there were two teenage-looking steers fighting with their horns locked!

We wanted to watch the fighting because it was so entertaining — and not what we were expecting — but we learned that it was a mistake when one almost knocked the other into our car.

We absolutely did not want to be stuck getting out and having to be around them without the protection of a two-thousand-pound SUV separating us, so we drove off.

But I’ll never forget the feeling in the pit of my stomach when I realized we could have been in a car accident where the longhorn hit us and not the other way around!

It’s one of the best funny road trip stories we often share with friends!

– Stephanie from Oklahoma Wonders

Bonus Short Travel Stories

Looking for more interesting travel stories and funny travel anecdotes? Don’t miss:

25 Crazy Travel Stories You Need To Read To Believe

23 Inspiring Travel Stories Sharing The Kindness Of Strangers

38 Inspiring Travel Love Stories From The Road

Sexual Assault Stories From The Road (& What I’ve Learned)

8 Crazy NYC Subway Stories That Will Make You Hail A Cab

17 True Short Adventure Travel Stories To Inspire Your Next Trip

A Host’s Perspective: My Worst Airbnb Horror Stories

11 Epic Travel Fail Stories From The Road

18 Scary Travel Stories From Haunted Hotels To Creepy Cabins

Do you have any short funny travel stories to add to this list?

Enjoyed this list of hilarious travel stories? Pin these funny anecdotes for later!

Related posts:

Hi, I’m Jessie on a journey!

I'm a conscious solo traveler on a mission to take you beyond the guidebook to inspire you to live your best life through travel. Come join me!

Want to live your best life through travel?

Subscribe for FREE access to my library of fun blogging worksheets and learn how to get paid to travel more!

Turn Your Travel Blog Into A Profitable Business

Subscribe to my email list to snag instant access to my library of workbooks, checklists, tutorials and other resources to help you earn more money -- and have more fun -- blogging. Oh, and it's totally FREE! :) //  Privacy Policy . 

Check your inbox for your welcome email + resource library password!

28 Comments

Thank you so much for sharing your stories. Hope to see you in Morocco for an excellent adventure trip. Enjoy and keep doing excellent trips!

@Moha: Thank you!

OMG!!! I can only imagine what you must have gone through. Really funny stories. I would surely be careful next time before booking a massage 🙂 Thanks for the super hilarious blog.

That’s a lot of spa stories. I too had boob massage in Indonesia and Thailand. Whoops!

really very nice artical

Morocco is one of the unique countries in the world and a country of dizzying diversity. You may wander through spice markets, explore sweeping deserts and enjoy warm hospitality. Morocco is roughly the size of California, this is why day tours are so popular! Perhaps this is one of the most exciting Morocco Desert Tours.

very nice Thank you so much for sharing your stories. Hope to see you in Morocco for an excellent adventure trip.

Your Site is very nice, and it’s very helping us this post is unique and interesting, thank you for sharing this awesome information.

really very nice article. thanks for share with us.

Nice information

nice information sir

Nice blog with great post, Thanks for sharing!

Nice article

I love travelling and have craze too…….. Very interesting stories

thanks for sharing this informative piece

Good one. I liked it. Keep going. you are a best writer your site is very useful and informative thanks for sharing!

Losing and Finding My Way in Japan

by Norm Williams

For much of my career, I traveled the world as a salesman.  Our company hired people in each country we sold in to help with various duties. One year I went to Japan, and the sales agent chose the Kokusai Hotel in Kyoto for my stay due to the efficiency of its proximity to his office.  I left early on a calm, bright morning to find my way through a beautiful historic part of the city built in traditional Japanese style.   The cute, smiley hotel receptionist had written directions on a map, circled the area of my destination, and wrote out the address in Japanese in case I needed help.  Shyly, she said in broken Japanese-English and with her hand covering her mouth, “It’s in this area.  If you get lost, here’s the address.”  With an early start and a clear sense of direction, I felt comfortable about arriving on time – a business culture imperative in Japan. I thought I found the circled area on the map with ease.  I then compared the hand-written address to the kanji characters on the buildings to discern a match.  With no Japanese reading ability, I struggled as if trying to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphs without the Rosetta stone.  I soon realized, “I’m lost, and not just in the usual way when I’m at home in the U.S.  I’m lost without local reading or speaking ability, not knowing anyone in the city to go to for help, and a cell phone without reception in this country to call my sales agent.”  Bewildered and disappointed that I could not find the way on my own, I began to wander.  I looked for help among the passers-by. 

I used my ignorant foreigner look, which I had patented around the world — the clueless, helpless, American businessman who is hopelessly lost, out of his element, and pleading for some host country compassion. I tentatively approached a businessman, presumably walking to work.  Being deep in thought, I surprised him as a foreigner.  But, kindly, he took pity on me. He looked at the address and, after a long pause, said, while shaking his head side-to-side, “Aaannnooo.”  To me, this sounded like, “I don’t know.”  Later I learned that “anno” is the Japanese form of “mmmm.”   We parted with a mutual look of apology.  I continued to beg for help as I disrupted Kyoto’s quiet, morning street routine.  A coffee shop appeared to be a prospect for a captive audience of potential helpers.  A lone, older man, enjoying his coffee and newspaper, sat in the corner, isolated.  I cornered him.  He had no choice but to help.   He took a long, discerning look at the address, then the map, then the address, then the map again.  He pointed to a spot on the map with an air of precision and confidence.  But beneath his veneer of clarity and calm, I thought I saw a man pinning a tail on a donkey piñata while blindfolded.  Time to move on, I thought. I learned later-on that addresses in Japan are codes to unravel.  They indicate a ward, a district within the ward, a subsection of the district called a chome, a block number within the chome, and, finally, a building number.  In Japan, they number buildings in the order of their construction. They are not in numerical order as in the U.S.  The address I looked for could be located anywhere on the block, not somewhere in sequence. In place of a conventional numbered street address, an address in Japan could read like this in the U.S.:  “Go down this alleyway, take

a right at the nightclub, continue past the graveyard, and it’s the red door on the right after the old oak tree.”    Next, I found a lady pulling boxes on a cart.  I guessed that a delivery person would know the area well.  After quickly reviewing the address, she waved me hurriedly in another direction as if she knew exactly where to go.  We eventually reached her old van in front of a gas station.  She took out a map. As she looked at it for a long time, a deep crease began to form in her forehead. Her air of confidence became a look of “I don’t know.”  Fortunately, her fellow worker, who sensed the problem, stepped in, analyzed the address and map, and then pointed with the certainty of a commanding general to an area of buildings across the street.  My translation of her gesture, however, was:  “It’s somewhere over there!”  Another pin-the-tail moment. By now, I trusted no one walking the street.  So, I waved down an expert – a taxi driver.  His response to reading the address was an elongated samurai grunt and finger-pointing fit in Japanese-English, “Why are you taking a taxi?  It is around here.  We don’t need to drive anywhere!”  But I could detect uncertainty in his expressions as he desperately tried to help me.  I responded to him in my best, polite international English that I had learned works around the world – simple words pronounced slowly and loudly with a local accent as if the person cannot hear me well enough. In English with a Japanese accent, I said,  “Pleeease driiiive meee tooo theee ahdresssss ah.  I wiiill paaay youuuu eeeeven if it iiis aaacross the streeeeet.”  Then it dawned on me that he did not understand any of my Japanese accented English.  So, I resorted to the universal sign language of desperation conveyed with an American G I Joe gusto that said through body gestures, “I don’t want to walk there.  I am very late!  Please drive me even if it costs $50 to go 10 feet!”

He interpreted my gestures differently from what I meant because he zoomed off with me towards the center of town.  He tossed me what looked like a Japanese language guide-book to the city with pictures of landmarks and pages of street maps.  It was like he was giving me a tour of the town as he pointed to various places.  Perceiving the misadventure ahead, I emphasized my unwavering interest in going to the phantom address by vigorously and repeatedly pointing at the address written on the paper.  He responded with more grunts mixed with smiles as if saying, “You can point all you want.  You are my prisoner.” After many miles, we arrived back where we began the city tour and parked outside the gas station.  A determined and, apparently, a compassionate man, the driver did not want to let me down now.  He went to the gas station’s workers and pulled them together for a conference.  For what seemed like an eternity, they diligently researched maps, considered directories, animatedly discussed possible locations, and pointed in various directions. Then the gas station workers appeared to bow to each other in a humble celebration. Grandly, one of them stepped forward from the group and pointed to a building directly across the street. In the same direction that the cart puller’s fellow worker had gestured to, and the taxi driver told me about, I wondered, in despair, “Could it be that the building was, all this time, just over there, and I hadn’t listened to them?” The elated cab driver, who dearly wanted to finish the job, eagerly waved me into the taxi.  Ecstatic, I jumped in.  With a simple U-turn, he would deliver me to the door of the building across the street.  But, of course, that would be too simple. We drove in Japan, and the strict traffic laws overrode any sense of simplicity. My cab driver pulled out, zoomed off, took a dozen or so turns down one-way streets, and we finally pulled up to the building that was across

the street. I could have walked back and forth between the building and gas station twenty times while in the cab.  Gratefully, I paid the taxi driver a ransom for my release plus a tip for the city tour.  As I walked into my sales agent’s office sixty minutes late, his lady assistant graciously approached me, saying, “He is waiting for you at the Kokusai hotel to bring you here.”  “Oh My God! What message did I miss that told me to wait there?” I thought in anguish. “I spoke with a half dozen Japanese, disrupted their morning routine, struggled endlessly to understand them, walked many city blocks, traveled unnecessary miles, felt the helplessness and hopelessness of being lost, arrived an hour late, and I only had to wait for the sales agent to quickly and efficiently take me to his office! Feeling quite humble, I entered the meeting room and sat down at the conference table. My sales agent began to speak, and I listened carefully to his direction.

I like your travel stories thanks for sharing!

I really like your post I appreciate your work , I will suggest your page with my friends

thank you so much for sharing this experience

Wish to see you in Morocco for a hot air balloon ride experience

Want more such kinds of posts, keep posting!

I love travelling and have craze too…….. Very interesting stories

Awesome Read. Thanks.

Capisoft Indicator in kenya

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

• Travel Tips

Best Short Travel Stories – Crazy, Funny & Inspiring Anecdotes

Published: September 8, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Leontine Child

• Plan Your Trip
• Weird & Amazing

Introduction

Traveling is an incredible experience that allows us to explore new places, immerse ourselves in different cultures, and create lasting memories. From witnessing breathtaking landscapes to indulging in delicious local cuisine, every trip has its own unique charm. However, it’s the unexpected and unforgettable moments that truly make travel special.

In this article, we present a collection of the best short travel stories. These stories range from crazy and hilarious anecdotes to inspiring and heartwarming tales, all shared by fellow travelers who have embarked on remarkable journeys. Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or someone who dreams of exploring the world, these stories will entertain, inspire, and remind you of the incredible wonders that travel has to offer.

So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported to different corners of the world through these captivating and entertaining tales. From mishaps and misadventures to serendipitous encounters and life-changing experiences, these stories encapsulate the essence of travel – the joy, the excitement, and the unexpected surprises that make each adventure truly remarkable.

Whether you’re seeking a good laugh, a sense of wanderlust, or a boost of inspiration, these travel stories have got you covered. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of crazy, funny, and inspiring travel tales.

Crazy Travel Stories

Traveling can sometimes lead to the most unexpected and bizarre situations. From encounters with wild animals to navigating through challenging terrain, these crazy travel stories will leave you in awe of the incredible experiences that happen on the road.

One traveler found themselves in a remote village in Africa when they stumbled upon a traditional tribal ceremony. They were invited to participate in the festivities and were amazed by the vibrant dances and cultural rituals. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse themselves in a completely different world.

In another crazy story, a group of friends went on a hiking trip in the mountains. Little did they know that they would encounter a rare sighting of a majestic snow leopard. As they cautiously watched the elusive creature from a distance, they couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of awe and wonder.

For those seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, one traveler decided to go skydiving in New Zealand. As they soared through the clouds and experienced the rush of freefall, they couldn’t help but feel an exhilaration like never before. It was a heart-stopping moment that will forever be etched in their memory.

Another traveler shared their crazy experience of getting lost in a bustling city. While wandering through the maze-like streets, they stumbled upon a hidden gem – a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that served the most delectable local cuisine. It was a serendipitous discovery that turned a moment of confusion into a delicious and unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

These crazy travel stories remind us that sometimes the most extraordinary moments happen when we least expect them. Whether it’s stumbling upon ancient rituals, encountering rare wildlife, or getting lost in a foreign city, embracing the unexpected is part of the magic of travel.

Funny Travel Stories

Traveling often leads to hilarious and lighthearted moments that become the stories we share with friends and family. These funny travel stories will leave you in stitches as you imagine the amusing situations that travelers find themselves in.

One traveler found themselves on a crowded train in Japan during rush hour. As they were standing amidst the sea of passengers, a sudden jolt caused their backpack to accidentally open, sending their belongings tumbling onto the floor. Embarrassed but quick-witted, they started doing a makeshift magic show with their scattered items, turning an awkward moment into a laughter-filled spectacle.

In another funny story, a traveler attempted to order a meal at a local restaurant using a language translation app. However, the app misinterpreted their request, and instead of ordering a traditional dish, they ended up with a plate of fried insects. With a mix of surprise and amusement, they decided to give it a try, discovering that it was surprisingly delicious and became a memorable culinary adventure.

For those who have traveled with pets, there are often comical moments that arise. One traveler shared the story of their adventurous cat who managed to escape their hotel room and was found perched on a rooftop, seemingly enjoying the view. It took some creative problem-solving and a bit of embarrassment to safely retrieve their feline friend.

Another funny travel story involves a traveler mistaking a sheep for their tour guide in the Irish countryside. They followed the sheep, believing it to be leading them to the next point of interest, until they realized their mistake and had a good laugh about it.

These funny travel stories remind us that even in the midst of the unexpected, laughter is often the best response. From language mishaps to animal antics, these humorous moments contribute to the joy and entertainment of our travel experiences.

Inspiring Travel Stories

Traveling has a way of touching our hearts and inspiring us to see the world in a different light. These inspiring travel stories showcase the transformative power of travel, the connections we make with others, and the profound impact it can have on our lives.

One traveler shared their experience of volunteering in a remote village in Nepal. They helped build a school for the local children, witnessing firsthand the resilience and determination of the community. The gratitude and joy they felt in seeing the children receive an education touched their heart and left a lasting impact on their perspective of the world.

In another inspiring story, a traveler embarked on a solo backpacking journey through Southeast Asia. Along the way, they met incredible people from diverse backgrounds and forged deep connections. These encounters taught them the beauty of human connection and the importance of embracing different cultures.

For some, travel becomes a transformative experience that changes the course of their lives. One traveler shared their story of leaving a corporate job to pursue their passion for photography. They traveled to remote corners of the world, capturing breathtaking images and sharing the stories of the people they encountered. Through their experiences, they found purpose, fulfillment, and a new sense of self.

Another inspiring travel story involves a traveler who set out on a journey of self-discovery. They hiked the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage trail in Spain, facing physical and mental challenges along the way. This grueling journey led to profound introspection and personal growth, reminding them of their inner strength and resilience.

These inspiring travel stories serve as a reminder that travel has the power to broaden our horizons, ignite a sense of purpose, and foster deep connections. It encourages us to step outside of our comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and discover the transformative beauty that the world has to offer.

Travel is not just about exploring new places or ticking off bucket list destinations. It’s about the moments that take our breath away, the laughter that fills our hearts, and the inspiration that sets our souls on fire. The best short travel stories capture the essence of these extraordinary experiences and remind us of the magic that travel brings into our lives.

From crazy adventures to hilarious mishaps and inspiring journeys, these stories showcase the diverse range of emotions and encounters that await us on our travels. They remind us to embrace the unexpected, find joy in the humorous situations, and let travel change us for the better.

Whether it’s witnessing the vibrant dances of a tribal ceremony, experiencing the adrenaline rush of skydiving, or finding ourselves in a serendipitous gastronomic adventure, these stories highlight the beauty of stepping outside our comfort zones and immersing ourselves in different cultures.

Moreover, travel stories connect us through shared experiences and inspire us to explore the world with an open heart and a curious mind. They remind us of the transformative power of travel, the connections we make with others, and the personal growth that comes from venturing into the unknown.

So, the next time you embark on a journey, keep your eyes and heart open to the possibility of creating your own travel story. Whether it’s crazy, funny, or inspiring, these moments have the power to shape our lives and leave an indelible mark on our souls.

With each travel story shared, we pass on the gift of inspiration and encouragement to others to embark on their own adventures. So, let these stories inspire you to explore, to connect, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Remember, the world is waiting – so go out there and create your own incredible travel story.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

WELCOME TO OUR

Crazy family adventure.

Welcome! We are Bryanna, Craig, Carson, Melia, Cannon and Knox. We traveled full-time around North America in our RV for 8+ years and spent 3 months backpacking Europe. We are now living a “normal” life while still getting out to travel and explore whenever possible!

We share family travel content, National Parks, tips on things to do in locations you visit, road trips and RVing content. Along with our National Park guides and book on full-time RVing with kids. In hopes of inspiring other families to get out and travel more!

DESTINATIONS

Come find your next adventure!

Get ideas for your next road trip!

Tips for your RV adventure!

NATIONAL PARKS

Plan your next National Park trip!

Expert help to plan your trip!

FULL-TIME RVING

Learn all about full-time RVing!

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

All the latest news straight to your inbox.

TRENDING POSTS

LATEST POSTS

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER. Mark Twain

'A big crazy adventure': Teen who biked from Alaska to Argentina is backpacking his way home

Liam Garner always planned to travel. 

"I always knew that I wanted to go on a big crazy adventure and run away after high school," he said.

At 17, he set off solo on the adventure of a lifetime: biking the " Pan-American highway " from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to the southernmost point in Argentina, Ushuaia.

It took him 527 days, soaking in every destination.

"I've been more than surprised by more than a few countries, and I think everyone else would be, too," he said. 

Now 19, Garner is slowly backpacking his way home to Southern California and sharing the highs and lows of his journey and lessons learned with USA TODAY.

National parks for every body: Making the outdoors more accessible to people with disabilities

'I didn't see people who look like me': How one disabled hiker is clearing a path for others

Why did you want to get away?

"When I was little, I was diagnosed with  Asperger's (syndrome)  and that was a really humongous part in why I've always struggled in school and routine, and I think that was a really big part in why I've become so attracted to the idea of this big adventure away from civilization," he said. "That was always my fantasy in the classroom that could help me get through it a little bit."

What inspired you to take this trip?

"I've always loved nature and camping and all of that kind of stuff," he said. "Before I had a car, I used to bike everywhere. I would just bike somewhere, camp and go back home the next day. And that was originally how I started by bike touring unintentionally, on accident."

"Eventually I did a bigger trip from L.A. to San Francisco, and that one took me eight days," he added. "From that trip, I did a video series that went viral on TikTok and that kind of inspired me. Like wow, people actually care about this, and this is something amazing and really fun for me to do."

Garner was further inspired by Jedidiah Jenkins' best-selling book " To Shake the Sleeping Self ," which chronicles Jenkins' life-changing bike trip from Oregon to Patagonia.

What are some  highlights?

"I'm a first-generation immigrant from Mexico from my mom's side, and getting to go through Mexico and actually really living there for a significant portion of time ... getting to learn the language and see my family and live with them and really connect with the culture was probably the highest point for me," he said. "I've actually seen more Mexico than my mom ever has."

"I was able to see 14 states of Mexico," he said. "Every state was so distinctive and unique, and going on a bike is a special thing because you really get to see the land as it changes, and you get to smell the smells and touch the ground."

What have been your favorite places?

"My top three cities were San Francisco, Medellín and Mexico City. And my top three countries were Mexico, Colombia and Peru, I think," he said, Mexico being his favorite.

"I think it's really easy to create biases about foreign places with all the news ," he said. "It's really easy for people to say, 'Oh, I shouldn't ever go there.' I don't think it's fair for anyone to speak on a place or a person, anything, that they have never actually personally encountered. ... Don't believe what you hear. Go see it for yourself."

Should travelers worry about being kidnapped?  Travel experts discuss safety in Mexico

Not everyone wants to come to the US: Gun violence, safety concerns are keeping travelers away

How has your mom taken your trip?

"Progressively as I've gotten farther and farther on my trip and been away from home longer and longer, my mom, I think, has been adjusting more and more to it," he said. "But the beginning phases of my trip, especially like when I first was getting robbed for the first time, my mom was mortified. I think I actually aged her by 10 years legitimately, and I feel really, really guilty about it. But she's been my staunchest supporter no matter what."

How many times have you been robbed?

"We actually just got robbed three days ago. This time, it wasn't me. It was Chloe," he said of his partner, Chloe Zimpelman, whom he met while biking through California. Zimpelman flew out to meet Garner after he completed his bike journey, and the two are backpacking home together. "They stole Chloe's backpack with her passport, her phone and her wallet. Thankfully, we actually found the passport. They had tossed it."

"Me personally, I've been robbed five times on the course of my bike trip," he added. "Hopefully, no more times on the way home."

Stay safe while traveling: Here are 17 CIA tips, advice to think like a spy on vacation

'It's like your local bestie': This startup helps make solo travel as a woman feel safer

What other mishaps have you had?

"In Colombia, I was unlucky and I hit a pothole, going really fast downhill, that I didn't see," he said. "I ended up landing right on my head, and I ripped my ear open from landing on the pavement. I ripped my ear in half."

"I got plastic surgery for that, and I had to get a bunch of stitches in my shoulder, my hip, where I rubbed away the skin, and that actually led to me being in Cali, Colombia, for over a month, in and out of the hospital," he said. His insurance covered most of the medical expenses, and his mom took care of the rest. "It took an entire month plus to actually get back on the bike because it was such a bad injury. I was fully knocked out for about 15 minutes, unconscious."

"But that's the reality, you know," he added. "I knew leaving on my trip that something could happen. And even if something awful, the most awful thing did happen, that was the sacrifice I was willing to make. I couldn't have lived my life not doing this."

Were you scared getting back on the bike?

"Subliminally," he said. "I remember my first week back on the bike, I had a little bit of PTSD, even just biking slowly around the city. I was scared, like my heart was racing. ... I couldn't even control it. It was like a physical fear."

'We have to be on guard a lot': Why safety comes first for so many LGBTQ travelers

'It's like you're climbing the gallows': The 'walk of shame' some theme park visitors dread

Who took care of you when you got hurt?

"I was staying at a hostel at the time," he said. "They took care of me, and they actually like rebandaged my wounds and fed me food and shipped packages for me and made phone calls for me."

"People really have been the best part," he said. "The kindness of strangers is the most refreshing, inspiring thing about traveling. ... I don't know if I would have even survived the trip if I couldn't have gotten help from strangers." 

He's also grateful for a fellow cyclist he met while traveling through Oregon, Logan Rekedal. "We decided to bike together for a little bit and after a week of biking together, Logan told me, 'Liam, if you would have me, I'll bike with you as far as Central America," Garner recalled. The two biked together for eight months. "Getting to have a partner through those parts of my trip was amazing."

How much has the trip cost? How do you pay for it?

"My biggest advice for people would be to not get caught up on the money or the idea that (travel) is only for rich people," he said. "I've been living on about $400 to $450 a month, and that's less than my car insurance at home." He started the trip with money he made off TikTok and has been carried by support through the member platform  Patreon  and one-off gifts. 

"If you can save up like a couple grand and work a year and save up some money, you're fine. You can budget travel," he said, adding that bike touring is "by far the cheapest way to travel, if you need it to be."

Budget travel: Here's how some of those friends who are always traveling can afford it

Is Costco Travel a good deal?  What travelers should know

What is it like heading back?

"I recognize the streets, and I remember stores and people recognize me and remember me and that's not something that I had on the way down," he said. "Everything was new. For pretty much the year after I left my house, going into Mexico, every single day I was getting farther from home. ... For the first time in over a year, I'm getting closer every day to my house, and that's an exciting feeling."

What do you plan to do when you get home?

"I'm going to write a book," he said, aiming to arrive home this summer. "I'm really excited to write a book, and I'm just as confident to do that as I was to do this trip."

"I would love to do Europe to Asia or Africa, but I think that's going to be a day in the future," he said. "Hopefully I have some opportunities that I don't know about yet waiting for me when I get home." 

'I'm so glad I went': First Black woman to visit every country shares travel tips, lessons in new book

'The world is yours, too': 'Real Queer America' author wants LGBTQ travelers to give red states a chance

Does this trip count as a world record?

"Technically I am the youngest person to ever start then successfully finish biking the 'Pan-American' unsupported," Garner said. "The reason it’s worded like that is because I started my trip in Alaska at a younger age than anyone who’s ever attempted and succeeded, but I didn’t finish at the youngest age of anyone who’s done it."

Emmanuel Gentinett was the youngest person to cycle the "Pan-American highway," which he started and completed while age 18, according to Guinness World Records . Garner hasn't yet reached out to Guinness, but he may have set another record as well.

"I looked if I could find any info about someone with autism biking the Pan-American and as far as I can tell, there’s no info that exists," he said. "That might be an unintentional record I broke."

What do you want people to know?

"People always ask me, 'Oh, how did you even conceptualize biking for a year and a half? Like that must have been so overwhelming.' For me, I wasn't even thinking about that. I literally was just thinking, 'OK, I'm going to Alaska and I'm going to bike for one day.' And then the second day, 'OK, I'm going to bike today, too.' And every day, I took it day by day, and it became so easy."

"I think if people would just believe in themselves, even if it seems improbable, they might really surprise themselves," he added. "I picked an impossible thing to do just to say I was going to do it. ... If people just picked a goal, whether it was biking across the continent or getting a job, or writing a book or something, and they just said, 'OK, I'm going to do this for a day and see how it goes,' they would probably get it done."