Need not fret (frugal) adrenaline expats and travelers abroad, because we’ve done the work and here are nine epic activities you can experience around the globe that will have you leave saying, “whoa”. Whether traveling for fun or living overseas, these will get your heart beating.
Australia
Extreme Airplane Aerobatics
Airlie Beach, Queensland
http://tigermothadventures.com.au
Flip, twist, swirl and whirl all over the ocean in an open-cockpit two-seater airplane. The aerobatic flights range from Mild, Wild to Extreme.
(100USD / 145AUD)
photo
Austria
L2 Double Loop Waterslide
Worgl, Austria
http://www.woerglerwasserwelt.at/en/l2-double-looping/the-l2/
Whether you go head or feet first, you’ll be whipping through the first, most extreme, and certainly the most intense double loop waterslide in the world. This ride is not for the faint at heart.
(30USD / 26EUR)
photo
Bolivia
Biking “The Death Road”
La Paz, Yungas region
http://www.gravitybolivia.com/?mod=tempview1&id=1251406369
If peddling alongside a fenceless 600m cliff suits you, then take your wheels to Bolivia (TIP: drivers have the right-of-way). This downhill mountain bike ride has been labeled “The World’s Most Dangerous Road.” This road will decent over 11,000 ft (3,600m) and take you through a scenic ride you won’t forget.
(100USD / 700BOB)
photo
Canada
Zipline the longest track in the North
Whistler, British Columbia
http://www.whistler.com/activities/zipline/?gclid=CNmu34mPuMgCFQuoaQodG5cGLQ
Whip across a 2400ft zipline, all before you fall into a 30-storey decent across an endless view of tree-happy mountains.
(92USD / 119CAD)
photo
Iceland
Snowshoe Tour
Seydisfjordur, Eastern Iceland
https://guidetoiceland.is/book-holiday-trips/snowshoeing-in-seydisfjordur
Become one with the fox, reindeers, fox and other wildlife on this three-hour tour near Seydisfjordur. Enjoy the scenery, the workout and the hot chocolate at the end.
(101USD / 12,622ISK)
photo
Indonesia
Deep Sea Snorkel
Gili Islands
http://www.viator.com/tours/Lombok/Gili-Island-Snorkeling-Day-Trip/d22869-7980P2?pref=02
You’d be crazy to not hop over to the Gili Islands while vacationing in Bali for the spectacular coral snorkeling. The Gili Islands are an archipelago of three small islands and by local ordanice have banned all automobiles and motorised traffic. Prepare to be amazing above and below land.
(75USD / 1,017,500IRP)
photo
Namibia
Sandboard the biggest sand hills in the world
Swakopmund, Namibia
http://www.alter-action.info/web/
Throw on some sunnies and slide (or soar, depending on your speed) down the beautiful 100m long red sand hills. Lay or stand: your pick.
($45USD / 600NAD)
photo
New Zealand
Black Water Rafting
Waitomo, South Island
http://www.waitomo.com/black-water-rafting/Pages/black-labyrinth.aspx
All the same thrills as white water rafting – but all while crashing through rapids in a pitch black cave (…perhaps I’ll pass on this one, actually). This ride is over 3 hours long and the only light provided is from the glow worms.
(80USD / 135NZD)
photo
USA
Hang Gliding
Outer Banks, North Carolina
http://www.kittyhawk.com/hang-gliding/hang-gliding-lessons/
Hold on for dear life as you soar through the air like a bird in one of the windiest places in the world: Kitty Hawk. The notable Wright Brothers flew the first controlled powered airplane through here in 1903, putting this place on the map.
(99USD for 3 glides)
photo