Travel Bloggers Share Their Favorite Extreme Travel Experiences

Adventure travel is one of the most popular ways to see the world and with good reason. It doesn’t always have to been jumping out of a plane, adventure travel varies from person to person and basically just means anything you do while traveling that may push you out of our comfort zone or gets your heart racing a little bit more. This may mean kayaking down a rushing river, or bungee jumping in New Zealand. Whatever you consider adventure travel to be though, chances are you enjoy these travel experiences at least once while on vacation. Since it’s such a popular way to travel we thought we’d highlight some of the many exciting experiences around the world as selected by our expert team of travel bloggers. What would you add to the list?

Meander Behind Seljalandsfoss

One of Europe's most stunning waterfalls lies on the path to Jokulsarlon Glacier in Iceland. This 60-meter high cascade has a magical quality to it that leaves tourists both stunned and captivated. The green ridge behind the falls gives visitors a rare behind-the-scenes opportunity to view a waterfall from a different perspective.

It's spectacular, spellbinding, and intriguing and is a one of a kind experience that has visitors coming back again and again.

From the post: The Best Adventure Experiences In Europe

Whale Watching in Ecuador

If you are in Ecuador from mid-summer until late fall, then take the opportunity to see a large group of more than 400 humpback whales that congregate off the Pacific coast. These mammoths of the ocean travel Ecuador's warmer waters during this time to give birth and nurse their young. The whales are extremely outgoing and often burst out of the water and play in the area as if they are trying to entertain the crowd. While this might not be an active adventure, it is an exciting spectacle and worth seeing.

From the post: Top Adventure Travel Experiences in Ecuador

4 Wheelin’ Salt Flats

Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats) is the world’s largest salt flats spanning over 4,000 square miles of the earth's surface. Rent a guide and a 4 wheeler and explore the flats that provide salt for people around the world. Also be sure to take advantage of the optical illusions created by the flats and take some silly pictures as you race around the terrain. This area is also known for a weeklong camping trip that includes flamingo watching and landscapes that look otherworldly.

From the post: Bolivia For The Adventure Traveler

Drive A Monster Truck - Franklin, Indiana

America has many claims to fame like Voyager 1, the light bulb and of course, the Roomba. America is also home to towering monster trucks, most reaching over ten feet tall, which made their first appearance in the 1980’s. Since then, they have become a craze in certain parts of the United States. These massive trucks can go as fast as 100 mph, and can crush almost anything in their path including cars. Today, people can experience all the thrills and excitement from the driver's seat.

There are two options to choose from; either pay to drive the truck once or enroll in the monster truck driving academy (yes that is a real thing) and start a new profession. Before you know it, cars will be turned into dust beneath your wheels, while you will ramp the mammoth vehicle into the air, enjoying the powerful roar of the engine. Driving a monster truck is extremely affordable, and a unique and wild American adventure you won't forget anytime soon.

From the post: Wild and Wacky Adventures in America

Shark Diving in California

Real adventure seekers will want to consider making their way down to San Diego for a white-knuckle diving experience. Suit up and take a 2- hour boat ride through the choppy seas to go diving with none other than the Great White Shark. Divers are lowered down in metal cages that have been "chummed" for a chance to get up close and personal with these terrifying creatures.

From the post: California For The Adventure Traveler

Fly a Stunt Plane in Las Vegas

Who in their right mind would want to take over the controls of a stunt plane? Well, adventure addicts, of course! Over the desert of Nevada against the backdrop of Las Vegas, you can take to the air and learn stunt-flying maneuvers from the professionals. It is an experience like no other and promises thrills that are beyond your imagination. Just make sure you save your big meal of the day for after you land.

From the post: A Few More American Adventure Travel Experiences You Didn’t Know About

Hiking in Hocking Hills State Park

If you love the thrill of exploring a new hiking route, then this is the one for you. Arguably the top spot for hikes in Ohio, this is one spot that you simply cannot miss. Hocking Hills State Park is divided into four sections: Old Man's Cave, the Rock House, Cantwell Cliffs, and Cedar Falls. The highlights of the park are many. Old Man's Cave, which draws thousands of hikers year round, and the surrounding landforms are simply spectacular. Trails range from easy to very rigorous. 

On many of the hikes, you will traverse rocks, wander through caves, ascend cliffs, and feel surrounded by waterfalls as you hike the many layers of this area. Personally, I have been to Old Man's Cave dozens of times, and still haven't seen it all. It is one place I go every time I am back home in Ohio.

From the post: Great Hiking Trails In Ohio

Adventures in Volunteering

What about having an adventure while doing some good? A volunteering trip might not only help you travel to places in this world you wouldn’t normally visit (a big plus for an adventurous experience), but also help you grow by showing you a different perspective of this world, its different cultures and its current situations. Companies like Adventures Cross-Country and many others help you visit different regions all around the world to help make a difference while having the adventure of a lifetime. Volunteering options range from helping at animal orphanages, wilderness conservation, building refuges, teaching English, cultural exchange, and more.

From the post: Adventurous Trips for Teenage Travelers

Love adventure travel? Us too! Just make sure you have our special adventure sports insurance coverage!

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.