When most people think of vacations they think of relaxing days spent on sandy beaches, hikes through a peaceful wood, long nights spent lounging in hotels, or being pampered in spas, and maybe a day or two standing in line at an over priced amusement park to ride a few rides. While that may be the perfect plan for your parents, chances are many of you out there are less then impressed with these tame (and lame) trip itineraries.

Which is why we have compiled a list of some of the most dangerous, exciting, cool, and unique travel experiences that most of us never even consider doing on those all too rare holidays away.

10) African Safaris

OK, so I know what you’re thinking: you have an Uncle Bob and Aunt Midge who just rave about their own safari, and love to show slides of the memorable event with coma-inducing details about their lovely guide, the hungry hippos, the fact that they think they might have seen a lion… Well, that, my friends, is not a real safari.

safari

If you are looking for the real African wild experience, then head down to the lesser known towns, or seedier looking bars in the cities, and you are sure to find yourself a guide who will be more then happy to ensure your life is put in danger to view the local wildlife…and it won’t cost you more then a few American dollars and a strong constitution.

9)Bull Riding

Rodeos have sadly gotten a bad reputation over the last several years, and so more and more areas in the US are refusing to host the real thing, eliminating the chance for slightly crazy amateurs to jump on an angry bulls back and see how hard he can grip those reigns.

But luckily there are still a few places in the Western states, as well as several places in Canada that still host plenty of events that are happy to take newcomers who aren’t afraid of a few tons of enraged bull coming at their crotch.
8) African White Water Rafting

Now, usually white water rafting can be dangerous enough in it’s own right, with frequent injuries and sometimes even deaths resulting from the activity. But many of us have managed to master the sport, and minus the occasional broken bones, come out fine.

rafting800

Which is why there is something to be said for the challenges of African white water rafting. Not only are the waters themselves much more cruel then the average rushing streams, but there are some interesting obstacles along the way. Can you imagine rushing down the rushing waters of Victoria Falls, feeling the rush of speed, and suddenly realizing you are rushing for a hungry crocodile? Yeah.

7) Backpacking….Anywhere

This used to be considered a right of passage, the thing every High School and College student wanted to do, whether across Australia, Europe, South America, or the US. But the truth is, it’s become more and more dangerous over the last few decades.

While it isn’t exactly the dangerous activity the ridiculous gore-filled horror series ‘Hostel’ made it out to be, it can’t be denied that unfamiliar terrain, extreme weather conditions, and criminal homicides are a common fate in certain areas for backpackers, even when they travel in groups. Which is why it’s becoming one of the most dangerous travel options around.
So if you like the idea of really roughing it, and perhaps the idea of a fight or two, this is an idea that may actually appeal to you. Just be sure to keep something sharp handy.

6) Running With The Bulls

Somehow I doubt there is a person alive who has not heard of Spain’s annual San Fermin festival where they daily release a number of bulls to run through the streets. But running with them is much more then a simple jog through the park.
While you will have a head start, the bulls are fast, and it becomes all about managing to keep ahead, because falling behind can mean some nasty goring from those sharp horns, or worst, falling under those hooves for a little trampling.
5) Racing the Nuerburgring

This isn’t your average Nascar racetrack. Located in Cologne, Germany, this bad boy is probably the most dangerous circuit in the world, and every year thousands of people flock to watch the drivers risk life and limb for bragging rights.
They offer a toured drive with one of the many racers who frequent the track, but if you have a bit of cash and some major cajones you can navigate it yourself.

nurburgring800

4) Ice Climbing

If you thought that scaling the side of a mountain was tough, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Ice climbing is quickly becoming the choice for rock climbers who are bored with the usual fare, and want something to pump a bit more adrenaline.

iceclimbing800
The enormous slabs of ice of of Switzerland will offer you challenges you can only imagine as you fight extreme temperatures, the threat of breaking ice, and the occasional avalanche. It may not sound relaxing, but at least your pounding heart will help keep you warm.

3) Climbing Fitz Roy

If ice climbing doesn’t seem like you thing, there is always Fitz Roy, one of the most dangerous, most difficult mountains in the world. Located in Patagonia’s Los Glaciares National Park, this monster is so difficult that sometimes there are as little as one successful ascent per years.
It goes without saying that this is one mountain peak that isn’t for beginners.

2) Mountain Biking of Death Road

Just the name should be enough to tell you that this isn’t your average bike trail. El Camino de la Muerte is infamous for it’s narrow lanes across difficult terrain, with drops that fall sharply over a thousand feet. While only around 3 cyclists die a year on this road, there are plenty of injuries from the unskilled, which is why it draws only the most experienced extreme cycling enthusiasts to it’s aptly named trails.

deathroad

1) Mini Transat Yacht Racing

This isn’t a relaxing day at the beach! The Mini Transat is a difficult, strenuous, dangerous 40 day Yacht race across the Atlantic. The idea is simple: get a fairly small boating vessel, fill it with whatever supplied you can harbor, and try to make it across the 5,000 mile route, without becoming lost at sea, or sinking.

sailing800

It may not sound that dangerous, but have you ever been on a boat for over a month in the middle of one of the most temperamental oceans in the world?

So, there you have it, the top 10 most dangerous vacations that are still extremely cool. If you are sick of Disney World, boring resorts, and shuffle-board on a cruise-ship infested with people over the age of 65, then you may want to think of spicing up your trip with these death defying activities. Just hold on to your hat, and remember, never play it safe.

You will like:


Subscribe...

To my feed via RSS . (?) or via email.

if not, come back tomorrow on journeyetc.com and see what's new :)


Possible search terms
  • top 10 dangerous activities
  • most dangerous vacations
  • 10 most dangerous activities
  • most exciting things to do
  • dangerous things to do when bored
  • fun dangerous things to do
  • most dangerous thing to do
  • top 10 most dangerous things to do
  • fun dangerous things do

  • dangerous things to do

  • the most dangerous thing to do
  • most dangerous activities
  • dangerous vacations
  • top 10 most dangerous activities
  • things to do on vacation
  • Dangerous Things 2
  • top 10 most dangerous vacations
  • 10 most dangerous things to do
  • most dangerous activity
  • Worlds Most dangerous vacations
  • dangerous things to do when your bored
  • 10 most dangerous things
  • top ten most dangerous activities
  • top 10 dangerous things to do
  • most dangerous things to do
  • 0
  • most dangerous things