Top 10 Travel Activities for Gap Year Thrill-Seekers

Published by Andrew Dunkle

#1. Cliff Diving in Mexico

Cliff diving from the beautiful cliffs of Acapulco is one of the purest extreme thrills you can experience. Lacking cords, clothing requirements, or any other specialized equipment, cliff diving leaves you with only two elements to rely on: your body and fate. It's recommended for those looking to feel the dangerous speeds and impact into the water to start off small--most cliff divers are trained and begin learning by jumping into smaller pools.

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#2. Bungee Jumping in Switzerland

If you've ever wanted to feel like James Bond, bungee jumping off Switzerland's Contra Dam is the activity for you. As featured in the opening sequence of 1995's Goldeneye, you too can experience this thrilling 720 foot (220 m) plunge down the face of this glorious dam. Bungee jumping is great for thrill seekers because of its unique rebound effect, and Contra Dam is the highest permanent free-fall bungee jumping spot in the world.

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#3. Scuba Diving in Belize

You know you're a thrill seeker if looking at this terrifying photo of Belize's Great Blue Hole makes you want to scuba dive. This underwater sink hole measures 984 feet across and 407 feet deep, and is one of the most popular scuba diving spots in the world. The crystal clear water is filled with many unique fish species, but the real attraction is exploring the underwater caves. Here, you'll find unique stalactite and limestone formations that become more intricate the deeper you dive.

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#4. Backpacking in Venezuela

As the tallest table mountain in the world, Mount Roraima is a prime location for adventure-seeking backpackers. Mount Roraima lies on the triple-border of Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyama (almost all climbers enter from Venezuela), and at 1,300 feet high, jaw-dropping cliffs surround its entire flat surface. During a typical five to eight day trek, climbers will explore the mountain's diversity of mist, fog, crystal valleys, rock formations, and waterfalls.

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#5. Ice Climbing in New Zealand

If snowboarding and skiing just aren't satisfying for need for icy thrills, New Zealand offers a new option for your winter sports resume: ice climbing on Fox Glacier. With peaks over 10,000 feet, Fox Glacier is one of the few glaciers in the world that is connected to a bountiful rainforest. It's also easily accessible; 8-9 hour climbing tours will take you vertically through the glacier's many steep walls. This exhilarating ice sport requires ice picks and crampons, but no previous experience is necessary.

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#6. Tree Climbing in the Amazon

Unsatisfied with conquering that tree in front of your childhood home? Luckily, the vast Amazon Rainforest offers a bountiful selection of trees up to 200 feet tall that should satisfy any climber's desires. Climbing tours usually take place in primary forest areas in order for guests to observe the unique wildlife in its natural habitat. As you propel yourself up the trees with the help of harnesses, you'll discover an unexplored world full of rare plants, insects, and animals; not to mention the view from the top!

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#7. Whitewater Rafting in India

India's Brahmaputra River is said to offer some of the best whitewater rafting in the world. This river features rapids all the way from level 1 (cakewalk), to more dangerous level 5 rapids (out of 6). Featuring large drops, strong eddies, and big gorges, these higher-level rapids are reserved for advanced rafters only. You will also be rafting past dense forestland and remote tribal settlements, satisfying your appetite for both culture and excitement.

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#8. Zip-Lining in Fiji

Zip-lining a thrilling sport that encompasses the elements of height, high speeds, and of course-- adventure. Fiji's famous zip-lining courses feature zip lines up to 500 feet long and 65 feet tall that allow you to hurtle yourself between trees on steel cables at speeds of almost 45 miles per hour. The sport is for thrill-seekers of all ages, and sessions include lessons on using the special equipment that will propel you high over the floors of Fiji's lush forests.

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#9. Microlighting in Zambia

Microlighting is hands down the best way to fly over any area. Unlike a plane or helicopter ride, on a smooth microlighting journey there's nothing but fresh air between you and the earth you're traveling over. One of the most popular microlighting spots in the world is over Zambia's majestic Victoria Falls. These 15-30 minute professionally piloted flights take you above and around the incredible waterfall, giving you an incomparable view of the surrounding atmosphere and wildlife as well.

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#10. Biking in Bolivia

Bolivia's infamous "Death Road" is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the world and ironically is becoming a very popular biking route. The 10-foot wide Yungas Road is surrounded by drop-offs of over 2,000 feet. An estimated 100-200 people die every year on this road; nonetheless its 40-mile downhill stretch is a huge appeal for bikers looking for a little excitement.

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Does the thought of lying on a beach with nothing but a book just make you want to gag? Are you looking for the ultimate travel experience? Then you've found the right page! I've put together a photo gallery of some of the most incredible, thrill-seeking adventures I could find. These activities aren't for the faint of heart. You'll be zip-lining, diving, climbing, and leaping your way around the world. There's no point living if you can't feel alive.

If you've done any of these adventures I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.

Happy travels!
Andrew Dunkle

Photo Credits: prayitno / carla777 / jeminichronicles / MrKlint / rouadec / simonov / razvanorendovici / mrZip / gusjer / /jimmyharris

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Top 10 Travel Activities for Gap Year Thrill-Seekers

#1. Cliff Diving in Mexico

Resources:

#2. Bungee Jumping in Switzerland

Resources:

#3. Scuba Diving in Belize

Resources:

#4. Backpacking in Venezuela

Resources:

#5. Ice Climbing in New Zealand

Resources:

#6. Tree Climbing in the Amazon

Resources:

#7. Whitewater Rafting in India

Resources:

#8. Zip-Lining in Fiji

Resources:

#9. Microlighting in Zambia

Resources:

#10. Biking in Bolivia

Resources:

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Top 10 Travel Activities for Gap Year Thrill-Seekers

#1. Cliff Diving in Mexico

Resources:

#2. Bungee Jumping in Switzerland

Resources:

#3. Scuba Diving in Belize

Resources:

#4. Backpacking in Venezuela

Resources:

#5. Ice Climbing in New Zealand

Resources:

#6. Tree Climbing in the Amazon

Resources:

#7. Whitewater Rafting in India

Resources:

#8. Zip-Lining in Fiji

Resources:

#9. Microlighting in Zambia

Resources:

#10. Biking in Bolivia

Resources:

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