travel
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Incredible spots to travel for extreme sports

There really is something here for every thrill-seeker, so what are you waiting for?

I know not everyone is a thrill-seeker, but personally, I love the feeling of wind rushing through my hair as the ground comes hurtling towards me with nothing but a bungee cord tethering me to life on this planet.

Incredible spots to travel for extreme sports There really is something here for every thrill-seeker, so what are you waiting for?

I know not everyone is a thrill-seeker, but personally, I love the feeling of wind rushing through my hair as the ground comes hurtling towards me with nothing but a bungee cord tethering me to life on this planet.

Or, the thrill of slaloming down a slope, cutting tracks through fresh white snow. If you're like me, there is nothing quite like an adventure injection to take your holiday from just run-of-the-mill cool, to out of this world.

If you're already wondering where you can sign up, then definitely read on for some insights into where adrenaline junkies go to get their fill of high octane extreme sports. You might travel to these locations purely for the activities on offer, or you might add to an existing itinerary. Whatever you do, just make sure you leave enough time to sample all that is on offer.

Costa Rica

I'd head to Costa Rica just for the beautiful beaches, the relaxed lifestyle, and the rich culture. But, there is another reason that this is a top destination for extreme sports enthusiasts. From jungles and tropical rainforests, to clean rolling waves, there are just so many ways to get your heart racing. Revel in the natural biodiversity by taking a zip line through the dense canopy. You can climb across cables and platforms, before whizzing along ziplines at hawk-like speeds. Monteverde, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio are the best zip lining locations, with many different operators ready to strap you in and send you flying.

New Zealand

Ready to head further South? I fell in love with New Zealand while watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Who doesn't want to see those luscious green hills alongside emerald seas? My bungee jumping analogy comes from this adventure hotspot, where more people throw themselves from heights daily than there are cars in the country. (OK, I made that up, but it very well could be true! Just wait until you see how serene the countryside is.) The Ledge Urban Bungy is a vertigo-inducing 1,312 feet above the South Island city of Queenstown. Unlike any other bungee experience, the state-of-the-art harness allows you to do flips, twists and other amazing aerial manoeuvres. That's if, unlike me, you aren't too busy screaming your lungs out. If you'd prefer not to commit to a full-on free fall, you can try the slightly calmer Nevis Swing, which is the highest swing in the world. Or, if heights are just all together not for you, have a look at the other suite of awesome extreme sports on offer: skiing in the winter, white water rafting, mountain biking, jet boating and much more.

Switzerland

I can never turn my nose up at a ski weekend (or week). Sitting in a chalet sipping wine by the fire after a day of hitting the slopes just might be my definition of heaven. Switzerland is a popular European destination that is great for skiers and snowboarders alike with some of the best runs in the world. Paragliding is another great extreme activity to tick off your bucket list while you are there. Head to Interlaken where you will set sail on the wind at 1,870 feet high. Or step it up a notch (or nine) and launch from the top of Schilthorn – a massive 9,744 feet high. If you had dreams of flying as a kid (or you still do), then don't let this experience pass you by. And there really are few other places in the world as picturesque to try it as in the Swiss mountains.

Zambia

For many, visiting Africa is a once in a lifetime opportunity so it’s worth adding a couple of stops while you’re there. In my opinion, your first stop has to be Zambia, where things get just about as extreme as possible with up close and personal shark diving experiences. But don't worry, you'll watch these majestic predators from inside the safety of a cage. Next up, go whitewater rafting down the Zambezi River – which ranks as the second most difficult grade in rapid lingo.

Nicaragua

Next up on your Africa itinerary, head on over to Nicaragua for some perfect barrels (if surfing is your jam), or some kayaking if you prefer to be in a more sedentary position when on top the water. One thing that you probably won't find elsewhere is the lesser-known extreme sport of volcano boarding. Kind of like sand dune boarding, but down the side of an active volcano. People have been known to zoom along at up to 50 miles per hour!

Let's go

So there you have it. If your heart is racing just thinking about these adventures, then maybe somebody needs to check your pulse and make sure you're still alive! There really is something here for every thrill-seeker, so what are you waiting for? The only thing left to do is to decide where to go first (and whose hand you're going to be squeezing).