Do Something Different: 12 Inspiring Adventures Not for the Faint-Hearted

If you’re on the hunt for an extraordinary journey that breaks the mold of typical vacations, you’re not alone. In a recent online discussion, seasoned world travelers opened up about their most unforgettable adventures. These aren’t your average tourist destinations; they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences that promise to ignite your wanderlust and inspire your next great expedition.

#1. Going on a Safari

Nothing comes close to the experience of heading into the Savannah in Kenya, Zimbabwe, or South Africa to experience your first safari.

If you don’t live in an area of Africa with ample wildlife, you’ll have to travel to enjoy a safari.

#2. Seeing a Solar Eclipse

Sometimes, you get lucky and won’t have to travel far for a solar eclipse. But you can make a long vacation out of it.

As one person shares, traveling to watch a solar eclipse is worth it. They added that they’re thinking of going to Mexico to make the viewing experience for the next one more fun.

#3. Going Snorkeling

I love swimming in the ocean, but not where I live in the Northeast. The water is freezing cold, plus there’s not much to look at.

But that’s completely different in many tropical areas where tourists flock to snorkel in their waters. You’ll find colorful fish, local sea life, and, depending on your location, coral reefs.

#4. Seeing a Rocket Launch

Space nerds and people who like big, fast vehicles unite! It’s not every day that someone can watch a rocket launch, but if you ever get the opportunity on your travels, it’s a moment of a lifetime.

#5. Exploring in Bioluminescence

There’s something magical about taking an oceanside vacation and heading out to the sea at night to watch the bioluminescence light up the water.

One person shared they loved kayaking the bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico. If going to Puerto Rico isn’t your jam, many locations have gorgeous bioluminescence to explore.

#6. Soaking in a Hot Spring

The earth’s natural hot tub, a hot spring, is the perfect place to relax after a stressful week at work. One commenter shared they’ll go anywhere for a hot spring, mainly because they don’t have any geothermal areas nearby.

#7. Traveling for Sports Events

Crowd of sports fans cheering during a match in stadium. Excited people standing with their arms raised, clapping and yelling to encourage their team. — Image Credit: Jacob Lund/Shutterstock.

Each sporting event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so if you have a favorite team or sport with a big tournament coming up in a city you’ve always wanted to visit, why not hit two birds with one stone?

#8. Journeying to Music Festivals

Have you dreamt of hitting up Coachella in California or New Orleans Jazz Fest? It may be time to book those tickets. Attending music festivals can be an unforgettable experience where fans come together to have a great time in a beautiful new city.

#9. Exploring National Parks

Evening light over North Window with Turret Arch in the distance, Arches National Park Utah — Image Credit: anthony heflin and Shutterstock.

While I love the local conservation lands in my small city, they can’t compare to the sights in national parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite. You can’t replicate the wonders of nature across the country in your backyard, so you’ll have to visit them to get the experience.

#10. Visiting Food-Famed Cities

Why Culinary Tourism Is an Essential Part of Travel — Image Courtesy of dodotone & Shutterstock.

The biggest reason I love to travel is for the food. Nothing compares to the fresh seafood feast I devoured on a boat transversing Vietnam’s famous Halong Bay. I will cherish that moment for the rest of my life!

While you can find lots of international food near you, nothing compares to local food in a new country.

#11. Meeting Friendly Locals

Woman traveling — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

One of the most underrated parts of traveling is meeting new people, being absorbed into their culture, and hearing their stories- especially if you happen to be traveling abroad. Getting involved with locals is a great way to get the most out of your travels. Plus, locals often have excellent tips for dining and local attractions.

#12. Going Hiking

Family of four on a hike in the fall. — Image Credit: Shutterstock.

There’s a chance most people have some local hiking trails through woods and parks, but that pales in comparison to what can be achieved through traveling.

Source: (Reddit).