By Aimee Williamson
New York - From bungee jumping, sky diving, and wing-walking, to storm chasing, paragliding, and diving with sharks, the world is filled with adventure: face it, there’s an adrenalin-fueled activity around every corner, as long as you know where to look. If you’ve recently decided that 2016 is going to be your year for such an exploit, read on for a little inspiration…
Adrenalin inspiration
The Marathon des Sables, otherwise known as the Marathon of the Sands, or the Sahara Marathon, is an absolute must-do if you’re looking for adventure. The event is a six-day ultra marathon across some of the world’s most extreme terrain, and is considered by many to be the world’s toughest foot race. First held in Morocco in 1986, the marathon is an absolute must-do if you’ve completed marathons in the past and are looking for your next challenge. One word of warning, though - the event’s longest single stage is a staggering 91km long, so it’s not one for the casual runner.
If land-based action isn’t your thing you may wish to consider Shark Diving instead. What could be more adrenalin-fueled than a close encounter with some of the planet’s most feared predators? Destinations such as Durban and Cape Town offer some truly spectacular diving experiences, although you’d be mad not to do your research before booking. You want to make the most of your trip, don’t you?
Let’s cool things down a little bit… Ice climbing among the beautiful mountains of Finland has got to be one of the most spectacular, yet daunting, activities that you could undertake in such chilly climes. Imagine scaling slippery surfaces and peeping over perilous drops, all while attempting to take in the breathtaking scenery. Ice climbing isn’t for the fainthearted, but it should be experienced at least once in a lifetime.
Of course, there are so many more adventures to be found around the world. Why not make yourself a delayed New Year’s resolution, and aim to complete something new each year, or even every month. You won’t regret such a move, as there’s a lot of world out there to explore…
Preparing for your next adventure
Regardless of the activity you choose for your next adventure it is essential to prepare yourself properly – failure to do so could risk your health or wellbeing, leave you without vital equipment, or cause you worry when you’re meant to be enjoying yourself.
There’s a good chance you’ve been on vacation before, but you may find packing, and organizing yourself, for an adrenalin-packed break somewhat different. First thing’s first: health insurance. Traveling without health insurance is a huge mistake, irrespective of where you’re going, or how sedate you intend your trip to be. Imagine, then, throwing yourself off a cliff, wandering around the edge of the Great Lakes, or seeing the world from amazing heights without first taking out a travel insurance policy – the risk doesn’t bear thinking about.
It’s also a good idea to prepare your mind and body for such an excursion; you’ll need your wits about you, as well as improved physical fitness, to tackle just about any specialist adrenalin activity. Think very carefully about what you’ll be doing while you’re away, and prime your body. Joining a gym, or at least consulting a personal trainer, is an excellent way to do just that, as they’ll be able to offer specific advice and help you to work the most important parts of your body.
Preparing for an adrenalin vacation isn’t simply about getting yourself ready or filling out the necessary paperwork, it’s also about packing, and making sure you have everything you need for the trip. After all, how many stores are you likely to find in the middle of a desert, or under the ocean’s surface? Research the kinds of paperwork you’ll need, particularly a passport, proof of health insurance, and emergency contact details, as well as currency, your itinerary, and booking confirmation. Put these items somewhere safe within your suitcase, ready to present whenever they’re required.
Now is the time to think very carefully about the types of equipment and clothing you’ll need, too. If you’re going to be scaling great heights, rambling the desert, or riding on a plane’s wing you’re likely to need a little more than shirts and shorts. Most professional adrenalin travel organizations will provide specialist apparatus, but you’ll need your own clothing.
Waterproofs, hot weather garments, thermals, and sportswear will all depend on where you’re going and what you’re doing, but one thing remains the same; as you’re likely to be exerting yourself make sure you have items that will support your body, such as compression clothing. Compression vests, leggings, sleeves, and socks can help to improve circulation, regulate temperature, and support your body as you put yourself in a range of physically demanding positions, and there are fantastic women’s and men’s collections available on the travel market. The best thing about compression clothing, though, is that it can be worn underneath just about any garment, and is a great idea no matter where you’re going or what you’re doing. Can you really afford not to treat your body to such an important, and supportive, item of clothing?
Planning an adrenalin vacation can be almost as exciting as embarking upon your adventures, as can researching where to go, packing your bags, and heading to the airport. Attempting such a feat without the correct preparation, though, can present a different kind of challenge. It is absolutely vital that you think very carefully about every aspect of your adrenalin break; from where to go and what to do, to the under garments you might wish to pack, get ready to write a lot of lists. Have fun!
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