Seven Bucket List Experiences Every Adventure Junkie Needs to Have

Slide Down the Great Wall of China for the Ultimate Chinese Experience

Any trip to China is incomplete without visiting The Great Wall. While you may have heard of the tough hike to get to the top, did you know that you could slide down at over 40kmph for an adventure of a lifetime?

A few years ago, China introduced a one of a kind tobogganing experience on the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. The slide is 1580 mt long and depending on how fast you go, it takes about two to three minutes to slide all the way down. The views along the way are beautiful but you must resist the temptation to take pictures, unless you would like to get an earful from the guards patrolling the route.

Canoe in British Columbia and Experience Native Canadian History

As much as the region has to offer on land, one of the most popular ways to explore British Columbia is on water. Located 17km from downtown Vancouver, Deep Cove is a former fishing area of the Squamish First Nations who have lived in the region for thousands of years. Deep Cove offers calm waters and a mind-blowing backdrop to learn about the Great Pacific Northwest, its original inhabitants and their culture.

You can rent an affordable kayak at the Deep Cove Kayak Centre. Kayaks are easy to maneuver along the shoreline and offer a unique perspective on Vancouver while also providing you with a much-needed workout!

Hike the Land of Fire, Argentina and Enter the Guinness Book of World Records

Located at the southernmost tip of the South American continent is the Tierra Del Fuego National Park (Spanish, Land of Fire). Famous for its rugged terrain and breathtaking views, this region has enticed explorers and nature lovers from around the globe for centuries. Commonly called the hiker’s dream, Tierra Del Fuego has exotic wildlife and exquisite views that have no equal. If you’re looking for ways to enter the Guinness book of world records, I will have you know that this national park is home to several mountains that are yet to be scaled!

Relive the Jungle Book while Canopy Walking in Borneo

Canopy Walking is not for the faint hearted and there is no riskier backdrop for it than the Bornean jungle. The walkway at Kinabalu National Park is over 175 Meters long and 43mt in height, which is higher than an eight-floor building. While this activity gives you an adrenalin rush, it is also a wonderful opportunity to observe Bornean birds and animals since 75% of rainforest animals spend their time on forest canopy. No better stage to live out your Mowgli dreams!

Swim with Philippines' Whale Sharks that are 10 Times Heavier than a Car

Swimming with whale sharks is the ultimate underwater adventure for every thrill seeker. Whale sharks are the world’s largest fish and can grow up to 12 meters in length and can weigh up to 20 tons. I will never forget the first time I saw a whale shark. I knew they were big but did not realize their scale until I saw them up close. The shark was docile and was graciously swimming around, looking for food. Before I knew it, I was surrounded by four giant whale sharks. Although I was careful of keeping a distance of at least 4mt from the beasts, they did not seem to be aware of the rule! Extremely curious, a couple of them swam to almost touching distance of me. Trying hard not to freak out, I grabbed my GoPro and took a few photos of the sharks. I have photographed several wild animals in the past, but this was one of the most thrilling experiences I have ever had.

Like Board Games? Play Real Life Snakes and Ladders in Slovakia

It is said that there is no better way of conquering your fear than to embrace it. If you’re afraid of snakes and heights, there is no place better than The Slovak Paradise National Park to conquer them both in one go. Hidden deep within Eastern Europe’s Tatra Mountain Range, this appropriately named National Park has over 300km of trails. However, the most challenging and rewarding trails often need you to climb ladders for hundreds of meters. If that wasn’t enough, you may also encounter rain that makes these ladders cold and slippery to hold on to. And did I mention the national park is also home to the European Viper, the continent’s most venomous snake?

Do the Unthinkable and Jump in to Freezing Antarctic Waters!

The top of my list is an experience from the bottom of the world. The polar plunge will see you willingly throw yourself in to what would undoubtedly be the coldest water you’ll ever come across. It was a brisk -15 C on the day and the water was at a jaw-dropping -2 C! I asked myself a lot of questions before the plunge; What if I get hypothermia? What if a killer whale devours me? What if I drown? There was only one way to find the answers to all these questions, so I grabbed my GoPro and took the leap of faith!