For some, escaping the daily grind means getting their adrenaline pumping on a rugged mountainside or 50 feet below the ocean's surface. Others search for snowy peaks and alpine lakes simply for a change of scenery. dearJulius.com has created a list of some of the World's most exciting spots for a thrilling walk on the wild side.
Victoria Falls, Zambia
If you trust your survival skills, try swimming in this natural infinity pool at the world’s highest waterfall: Victoria Falls, Zambia. This thrilling pool is only available in the summer (May-October) when the waters are low enough to form the natural pool.
Hunan, China
Visit China to walk in the sky: popular as a walk of faith among locals, this vertigo-inducing glass walkway bolted along the side of Tianmen Mountain in Hunan, China is 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) above the gorge below.
Oymyakon, Russia
For the intrepid traveler only: Oymyakon, the world's coldest inhabited town, has a lowest recorded temperature of minus 96 Fahrenheit (minus 71 Celsius). Visitors can receive a "Pole of Cold" certificate to prove they've braved the elements, and the area boasts ice fishing, reindeer herding and some spectacular views.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro offers the option of hang gliding over the city, providing a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the famous Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, as well as the surrounding mountains. A must-do for all adventure junkies.
Hawaii, U.S.
Head to the southernmost point of the Big Island of Hawaii, known as South Point or Ka Lae, and see if you can muster up the courage for a free fall of the awe-inspiring cliffs.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
This volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean is famed for its connection to the great scientist Charles Darwin. Visitors can follow in his footsteps, seeing marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, and more, many of which cannot be found anywhere else on earth.
Yosemite National Park, California, U.S.
Known for its distinct shape, this granite dome is a popular destination among hiking enthusiasts. Climb the Half Dome all the way up for a breathtaking view of the Yosemite Valley.
Appalachian Trail, U.S.
The Appalachian Trail - one of the world's great hiking challenges - passes through 13 states in the eastern U.S. extending between Springer Mountain in Georgia and Mount Katahdin in Maine.
Ladakh, India
For those brave enough to face the sub-zero Himalayan weather, try the Chadar trek: walk across the frozen Zanskar River, and (if you're really lucky) you might even spot a snow leopard: local conservation groups estimate that there are fewer than 9,000 adult animals left in the wild.
ReykjavÃk, Iceland
This geothermal spa is one of the most-visited attractions in Iceland. The mineral-rich warm water of the Blue Lagoon is believed to have healing properties and to cure skin ailments such as psoriasis.
El Paso County, Texas, U.S.
Visit El Paso County in Texas to experience free climbing at Hueco Tanks. With natural depressions on its rock surface, Hueco Tanks is widely regarded as one of the best areas in the world for bouldering or free climbing.
Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, Finland
Visit Lapland's Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve, which is one of Europe's largest protected areas and has a starkly beautiful landscape of mountains, plains and ancient forests. This little-visited pristine region is ideal for a dog-sledding experience and to catch the beautiful, eerie Northern Lights.
Patagonia, South America
Located at the southern end of South America, Patagonia includes parts of the Andes mountains as well as deserts, steppes, and grasslands. The region is famed for its diverse flora and fauna, particularly marine life: look out for trips to spot the southern right whale, Magellanic penguin, orca families, and elephant seals.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak. Savor the enthralling view once you make it to the top. Be warned: this is for experienced, well-equipped climbers only.
Yucatán, Mexico
The Yucatán cenotes are natural swimming holes formed by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock. Explore amazing underwater rock formations as well as beautiful flora and fauna.
Guatemala
Pacaya is an active complex volcano that first erupted about 23,000 years ago. Since 1965, it has been erupting at regular intervals, making it a must-visit for volcano enthusiasts.
Peru
Head to Peru to hike the Salkantay trail to Machu Picchu. Named among the 25 Best Treks in the World by National Geographic Adventure Travel Magazine, this trail passes through the Salkantay Pass at 15,200 feet (4,600 meters) to take you to the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, U.S.
Experience the thrill of paddling in the Colorado River with the millennia-old walls of the Grand Canyon rising by your side.
Lake District, England
Hike along Striding Edge in the Lake District: a sharp-topped ridge on the eastern side of Helvellyn mountain. Literary icons including Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth took inspiration from the Lake District's rugged beauty.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Visit Queenstown, New Zealand to bungee jump off the Kawarau Bridge for the ultimate adrenaline rush.
Everest Base Camp, Nepal
Visit beautiful Nepal to spend a night at one of the two Everest Base Camps: the South and North, located at an elevation of 17,598 feet (5,364 meters) and 16,900 feet (5,150 meters), respectively.
Silk Route, through regions of Eurasia
Take the journey of a lifetime by tracing the steps of the ancient Chinese silk traders. Many operators now run specialist historical tours bringing this iconic piece of history to life.
Dubai, U.A.E.
Burj Al Arab, the third highest hotel in the world, is also home to the world's most elevated tennis court. It has hosted exhibition games between some of the biggest names in tennis, including Roger Federer and Andre Agassi.
Route 66, U.S.
Visit the U.S. for the road trip experience of a lifetime. Written about by luminaries such as John Steinbeck and Jack Kerouac, the great American road trip can be a transformative journey. Follow the old Route 66 for the ultimate experience!
Interlaken, Switzerland
The pristine beauty of the Swiss Alps, framing the picturesque town of Interlaken, is the ideal backdrop for a skydiving adventure.
Antarctica
Explore Antarctica, the least populous continent on Earth. With man-made climate change an ever more pervasive threat to our environment, it may become ever more challenging to visit this delicate ecosystem in the decades to come.
Maldives
The Maldives archipelago in the Indian Ocean is blessed with natural beauty. Surrounded by a Marine Protected Area, it's the ideal place to book a swim with the colossal, gentle whale sharks.
Veracruz, Mexico
Visit Mexico to raft the rapids in Veracruz, explore Chiapas or witness the annual migration of the great white sharks from the Arctic belt to the coastal lagoons of the southern Baja peninsula.
Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda
We all know that the majestic mountain gorilla is under serious threat, so a trip to this region with a responsible tour operator is a great way to show your support and bring funds to the area. It's easier to track the gorillas in the dry season: from December to March and June to October.
