Bucket List for Daring Travelers

Different travelers like to do different things. If we all liked the same stuff, then everything would be boring! This is a list for the more adventurous travelers that don’t want to limit themselves to walking tours and museums!

Here is a bucket list of things to do for daring travelers!

1. Raft the Colorado River – USA

Now obviously we don’t mean the whole thing because it’s over 2300km long! The part of the Colorado River that you need to raft down is the section that runs through the Grand Canyon. It can take years to get a permit, so your best bet is to go through a tour guide. With trips ranging from one day to three weeks, every type of adventurer can experience this!

2. Trek to Everest Base Camp – Nepal

Mount Everest is one of the most dangerous mountains in the world, and reaching base camp is an achievement in itself. Some guides even offer the option to sleep at base camp before returning from the 5,340m altitude the next day. It’s such a hard grind to get there that you may as well stay for as long as possible!

3. Hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu – Peru

One of the most obvious entries on this list, you could take the train to Machu Picchu but hiking the Inca Trail is a must for those who are physically able. Taking at least four days, it’s a hard graft, but it makes Machu Picchu itself so much more extraordinary. Plus, it makes it obvious as to how the Spanish didn’t find it!

4. Camp out at NamibRand – Namibia

This camp can offer you arguably the greatest view of the night sky in the world. Listed as a gold-certified Dark Sky Reserve, that much is guaranteed. There are multiple options for how to experience this night sky, but the best is to camp out under the stars on a three day walk through the reserve in the blazing African sun.

5. Explore a dormant volcano – Iceland

Even though its last eruption was over 4000 years ago, this volcano is still active and could erupt! Using a platform that looks like a window cleaners lift, you get lowered 120m inside the Thrihnukagigur volcano to the magma chamber and expose yourself to the magnificent colours of the earths belly.

6. Head to Antarctica – Antarctica

With only a few tours a year, this is one that you’ll have to book well in advance! Antarctica is one of few areas of the world that remains vastly untouched by man. If you can brave the freezing weather then you’ll be able to see icebergs, ice floes and animals that you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the world.

7. Climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Tanzania

The highest mountain on the African continent, you can often see snow on the peak of this mountain despite the fact that it is almost on the equator. At almost 6000m above sea level, you’ll need to have a good base of physical fitness before attempting this, but it’s worth it just to brag to your friends about!

8. Raft on the Zambezi River – Zambia

One of the most recognizable waterways in the world, the Zambezi famously tumbles over Victoria Falls, but you won’t have to do that! Sitting low in the water, the rapids and hippos might seem scary and overwhelming, but tackling the Zambezi is one of the greatest rafting experiences in the world.

9. Scuba Dive the Great Barrier Reef – Australia

Home to some of the most colourful fish and coral in the world, to fully appreciate the majesty of the Barrier Reef you need to dive right down into the middle of it. An experience that snorkeling cannot provide, there are basic scuba classes on offer for those of you who are unfamiliar with the activity, and they are well worth it!

10. The Walk of Faith at Tianmen Mountain – China

At 4000ft above sea-level, this glass path that is on the side of Tianmen Mountain is only for the daring. You’ll marvel at the views beneath your feet if you find the courage to actually take a few steps on the glass!

11. Swim in a jellyfish infested lake – Pacau

Now these jellyfish are harmless, but it’s still an unnerving prospect to be surrounded on all sides by them after all the horror stories that we’ve heard about their more dangerous cousins. Once the nerves subside though you are in for a truly incredible experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

12. Walk the El Camino de Santiago de Compostela – Europe

A network of ancient pilgrim routes that transverse Europe like a river system, you’ll have to allow for a month of solid walking to complete this track. Whether your reasons are spiritual or religious, it doesn’t matter. All are welcome to try to complete the pilgrimage.

13. Hike the Pacaya Volcano – Guatemala

Out of the 37 volcanoes in Guatemala, three are active and one can be hiked up. On some parts of the trail you can toast marshmallows on the hot volcanic rock. A popular experience, you’ll have to share the volcano with other hikers, but that just means that there are more of you there to enjoy t!

14. Visit Pripyat – Ukraine

The ghost town like no other, Pripyat was the town that housed the workers of Chernobyl before the reactor exploded in 1986. With the reactor in sight of the town and the constant thought of radiation at the back of your mind, this is a tour that most people won’t feel comfortable taking, but it allows for some incredible pictures and reflection.

15. Go Bungy Jumping – New Zealand

The first thing on the list of many adventurous travelers, if you’re going bungy jumping then you may as well do it in New Zealand, where the first commercial bungy jump became available. If you have a fear of heights that needs to be tackled, then this is perfect for you. Bungy jumping can provide exhilarating thrills and incredible views, but you’ll be upside down for those!