Is there anything more exciting than packing your bags and heading off to a new exotic destination? If you already arrived at a new country, then chances are, you already spent hours researching and planning your schedule. But have you ever planned a trip around an experience or activity you just couldn’t do anywhere else? Sure, you can go skydiving pretty much anywhere around the world. But what about swimming in bioluminescent water? Or releasing a sky lantern at the Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand? Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or not, there are tons of fun and exciting things to do around the world that will inspire anyone to make a bucket list that doesn’t only include visiting the Louvre or the Taj Mahal. Here are 20 that are so exhilarating, they’ll make you want to book a flight today.If the ocean isn’t giving you enough waves, there’s only one thing you can do: make your very own waves, right? That’s exactly what a group of surfers did at the Waimea River. The standing wave looks pretty much like any other manmade wave you’ve seen at water parks, but it’s probably 100 times more fun.
Book a stay at this glass igloo as you snuggle up in a cozy blanket and hot cocoa at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Lapland, Finland. This natural phenomenon paints the sky with surreal colors that will hypnotize you for hours until it’s time to fall asleep. It doesn’t get any better than this.
With breathtaking views, you won’t be able to resist snapping thousands of Instagram-worthy snaps. There’s even an 80-meter long white wisteria tunnel that is so romantic, it would make the perfect backdrop for a wedding. With more than 350 wisteria trees in full bloom, this place was even voted among the top 10 world dream destinations in 2014.
And it’s a sight to be seen! Each year, these Monarch butterflies get clustered together on the cozy oyamel trees in Central Mexico after flying more than 3000 miles from Canada and the United States.
Tons of tourists travel from every corner of the world to witness this stunning festival of lights. Thousands of rice paper lanterns get released into the air, filling the skies with glowing lights that slowly drift away. Like most celebrations around Thailand, the Yi Peng Festival is about saying thanks and praising Buddha.
Discover one of the most beautiful creations Mother Earth has to offer by booking a tour to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. It’s one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary attractions. Once you enter the caves, you’ll be welcomed by a display of tiny living lights that radiate in the subterranean depths of these ancient caves.
It’s stunning views like this one that reminds us how fortunate are we to be able to experience the world and the wonderful things it has to offer. Don’t forget to pack your camera, because you’ll want to take a million pics to treasure these memories forever.
Also known as the world’s oldest freshwater lake, this stunning body of water is so crystal clear, you could very well see about 40 to 50 meters deep into the lake. The place is so big, it’s often mistaken for a sea.
Foiling is the latest rage when it comes to water sports. It’s very similar to kiteboarding. This new hobby is also described as a “combination of tactical sailing and a high-performance action sport.” Sounds a bit complicated, right? But don’t sweat it just yet! All you need is an hour and a half lesson to learn the tricks of the trade. If you’ve always wanted to try surfing or paddleboarding, well, now’s your chance to give this fun sport a try!
You can dangle up from 1,000-year-old trees and make your way among thick branches in this stunning forest in Northern California’s Santa Cruz Mountains. If you decide to hop on this excursion, Tim Kovar, who’s the founder of Tree Climbing Planet, suggests taking a deep breath and focusing on reaching the top. Once you reach the crown, majestic views await.
Not only is this place visually striking, (you’ll seriously spend at least half an hour taking photos from every angle!) But the Saturnia hot springs are totally free. They’re open 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. Isn’t that fantastic?
Well, your wildest dreams can come true at the Dominican Tree House Village in Samana, Dominican Republic. The stunning property is nested right in the middle of a jungle river. The stunning property features a plantation of chocolate, coconut, and cacao trees, plus 22 tree houses that’ll accommodate you every need.
Mexico is home to some of the most impressive cenotes. The Sac Actun Cenote is probably the most serene among them, and offers some incredible views. This underground cave system is over 300 kilometers long. Let that sink in! While you do need a guide if you’re planning on going in the water, you can just float around in turquoise waters in a small area by the entrance.
Well, how about flyboarding in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates? It’s an unforgettable experience any adventurous thrill-seeker will want to add to their bucket list. Flyboarding relies on hydro-propulsion to shoot you straight into the air, where you’ll almost feel like you’re flying. If you’re feeling up to it, you might even try a few turns and flips.
But there’s a catch. Migration safaris are a bit longer than your run-of-the-mill tour. To experience the wonderful sights a migration safari has to offer, tour guides recommend spending a whole week. These kinds of safaris might set you back anywhere between $6,000 and $14,000 depending on how long you plan on staying.
Thousands of fireflies perform a mating dance on top of the trees, which can only be found in Mexico’s firefly sanctuary and nowhere else on earth, making the show even more unique. For 20 months, these beautiful creatures remain as larvae. Then, from late June till August, they emerge and begin their mating dance.
Jump in the water and dive right in! There are colorful creatures awaiting you, such as gigantic and vibrant clams that can grow as big as 40 inches long. Some of them can weight around 440 pounds, so if you thought about picking one up to take a closer look, you better think again!
The region is packed with lakes, rivers, glaciers, and trails. And with exhilarating and spine-chilling activities such as bungee jumping, sky-diving, zip-lining, and rock climbing, it’s easy to see how Queensland became the go-to place for travelers looking to get their heart rates up.
There are many action-packed adventures to choose from, so you can book a half-day trip or a full day trip, and choose an experience that best suits your level of expertise. The Kaituna River and Tutea Falls in Rotorua are the world’s tallest raftable waterfalls. With 14 rapids and over 3 waterfalls, you’re guaranteed to get wet, as there’s a 50% chance you’ll wind up upright at the bottom. But hey! That’s just part of the fun!
Tasmania is home to some of the most incredible beaches around the world. But none of them are as impressive as the Bioluminescent Bay found on the South Arm Peninsula. Because sometimes, you don’t just want to visit a destination. You want to experience it and swim in it!
