We have all heard about the amazing travel experiences you should do when you are in your 20s and 30s but you can do these at any age! OK, so it is easier to do them when you are younger with little or no commitments and also not being wise enough or thinking about the repercussions of what might or might not happen. Now wiser, there are some things that I would highly recommend, others knowing now what I do, wouldn't dream of doing again or encouraging others. Then there are the ones that well... was enough the first time! Which Wild and Wonderful Travel Experiences have you ticketed off your must-do list/bucket list?
Wild And Wonderful Travel Experiences
Driving A Super Car
While working onboard cruise ships cruising around the beautiful islands of Hawaii. I had the incredible opportunity while in Maui to hire a Chevrolet Corvette convertible. Only one-month-old, racing red, and now available to hire. Who wouldn't want to drive their dream car? There was one place I was looking forward to seeing - Haleakala Crater. A dormant volcano measuring 10,000 feet above sea level. The road is long, windy, and in some places narrow. Today it is one of the most visited attractions and is especially popular at sunrise.
Today I can still hear the car rental guy asking "where did you go?" "To the crater, It was really cool!" "What?!"
It was an incredible day. Where is the most awesome place you have ever driven to?
Sky Diving Experience
On my third contract at sea, I must have been a little bored or life a little dull, as I agreed to go on a tandem sky diving experience. What on earth was I thinking? This experience definitely, removed the cobwebs from between my ears. One minute we were being shown the safety briefing the next, parachutes attached and sitting on the floor of a small two-seater Cessna plane with the door open at 12,000 feet. A bright blue sky with the occasional white candy floss cloud drifting by. It was hot on the ground, and the air circulating in the plane was a welcome relief. I was sweltering with the parachute strapped tightly in the cramp-stuffy space.
Signaled, I moved closer to the door, having a brief second thought, next we were dropping like a stone. It is a strange sensation, that is hard to comprehend. You have no sensation of falling, other than the thrusting of air in your face and the ground getting closer! It felt like a lifetime but in reality only seconds before the parachute was released and we were gliding to the ground below. My heart beat rapidly even thinking about it now, many years later. It is one for those that, crave adrenaline rushes!
I don't regret doing it but I'm relieved it's over and the experience will live with me forever. Not one, I will be repeating. Have you ever done a skydive? What was your experience like? Would you do it again?
Dangerous Animal Encounters
Tessa the "Esso" Orange Siberian Tiger in Aruba. Housed in an enclosure by the Seaport Marketplace. It was very tempting to be so close to an incredible wild animal. Tessa was fed, and the floors were washed of blood before we were each asked to sit by Tessa. The moment was fleeting but I still remember how coarse her hair was. Born at Dartmoor Wildlife Park, England, and appearing on television commercials in the U.K. Tessa was later transported to Aruba to live. Her life was cut dramatically short in 2004 at only 13 years old.
I know from experience that this can be seen as an opportunity and being young I didn't know better. Today we are all knowledgeable and more aware of how animals are treated. My heart goes out to wild animals still in captivity.
Walking Over Active Lava Fields
A group of us took a taxi to Kilauea the world's only drive-in volcano. Walking over the distinctive black lava passing signs "Danger, you are walking into an active volcanic area". When we reached the top we weren't expecting to see the molten lava escaping into the sea and the great plumes of steam rising. It was a sight to be seen. In a state of shock, I hurriedly took this one shot on a film camera before heading back quickly! Today there are walks at Kilauea caldera at Halemaumau, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the Big Island. Another option is to take a helicopter tour over Pu'uO'o.
(Sorry for the image quality, taken on a film camera over a decade ago)
Walking Across an Alaskan Glacier
The Mendenhall Glacier 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Alaska is one of the world's incredible natural wonders! Did you know you can take a walking tour across it, see deep inside the crevasses, and even drink the water?
We were met at the cruise ship, before being driven to the Temsco Helicopter base for a scenic flight over the Juneau Icefield. Then after landing on the icefield, it was time to explore on foot. Very cool!
I would recommend wearing sturdy waterproof non-slip boots/crampons.
Dog Sledding Skagway, Alaska
Board a TEMSCO helicopter flight that whisks you thousands of feet above sea level to the Denver glacier and a dog mushing camp hidden away on a snow field. Listen to their chorus of energetic barking before taking off with their musher across the glacier. After the demonstration, you will make your way over to cuddle the future Iditarod champions, puppies!
White Water Rafting, Juneau, Alaska
After gliding along the iceberg-studded lake, you can scope out the Mendenhall Glacier, getting up-close views of hanging glaciers and towering peaks. Keep an eye out for birds nesting in the rocky cliffs, as well as otters, seals, black bears, or even bald eagles. This trip gives the best of two boat trips a calm lake scenic tour and then the raft starts the four-mile leg down the river, the ride becomes a little more hoppin’, with some Class II and III rapids—which means you’ll feel rolling water beneath you, and your raingear will come in handy, with the occasional spray.
Bamboo Rafting On The Martha Brae, Jamaica
Rafting on the scenic Martha Brae from "The rafters Village" is located approximately three miles inland from the historic and charming town of Falmouth, twenty miles from Montego Bay, and forty miles from Ocho Rios.
It was established more than forty years ago, rafting on the Martha Brae boasts a complement of eighty-five licensed and experienced raft captains. Ride onboard a Thirty-foot-long bamboo raft taking you on a three-mile stretch of the beautiful Martha Brae River, through tropical rainforests. The authentic Jamaican experience lasts approximately one hour and is lots of fun!
Microlight Experience Outside Edinburgh, Scotland
There are some fun and interesting groups in Scotland. I joined an activities group many years ago and one of the first things was a gliding experience in East Lothian. It was incredible! We flew over beautiful beaches and famous golf courses as well as a different perspective of Bass Rock (home to the largest population of Gannetts).
Seaplane Adventure To See Brown Bears, Juneau, Alaska
It was coming to the end of the cruise season in Alaska and there was one spot available on the seaplane adventure to see brown bears. I couldn't believe my luck, as it was also the best time to see them (late July/early August). I was so excited.
It was a scenic 30-minute seaplane/floatplane trip to Admiralty Island. On arrival, we were taken into a small log cabin (Pack Creek Bear Viewing) where we were given a safety briefing. On the other side of the door were the bears! Luckily more interested in fish eggs than us.
Traveling to Alaska via cruise ship? Look out for this incredible shore excursion. Do book ahead as very limited availability.
Helicopter Trip Over Coffs Harbour, Australia
There have been a few amazing helicopter trips over the years. My first was a coastal scenic flight from Coffs Harbour, Australia with its big banana. Very memorable.
"Departing from Coffs Harbour Airport, Precision Helicopters take you over the Harbour, and the busy International Marina. Take in a bird's eye view of Muttonbird Island. Then head northwards along the spectacular turquoise coastline with its crystal-clear waters, beautiful beaches, and resorts to Emerald Beach. Remember to keep an eye out for the large pod of dolphins that frequent this area to play and feed.
On return, experience views of the Solitary Islands Marine Park and Split Solitary Island, banana plantations, Coffs Harbour's famous tourist attraction The Big Banana and then further panoramic views of the Harbour and coast as far as the eye can see. Awesome!"
Keep an eye out for future travel blogs highlighting the best helicopter trips.
Hot Air Ballooning, Perth, Scotland
I had always fancied a hot air balloon experience and there was one available right here at home in Scotland just an hour's drive away from Edinburgh. We jumped at the opportunity with a Virgin Experience Day.
On arrival, we climbed into the balloon basket (these are very high, and it was a challenge getting in). Moments later we were in the sky getting higher and higher. It was very surreal floating along, enjoying the scenic views for miles and an aerial view of Scone Palace (the ancient crowning place of Scottish kings on the stone of Scone including Macbeth, Robert the Bruce, and Charles II).
Have you taken a hot air balloon ride? What was your experience like?
Kayaking, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
After visiting Surprise Cave and a hiking trip at Tiptop Island, it was time for kayaking.
It was so tranquil, kayaking along the bay's calm waters, surrounded by the towering limestone formations. It was magical!
This was part of a larger trip we booked to Vietnam through Wowcher. You can read all about it in the travel blog - Vietnam Adventure With Wowcher.
Akwakat, Edinburgh
Cycling along the Union Canal on a water bike is so much fun! Have you tried it?
You can hire an Akwakat (waterbike) from Bridge 8 Hub, Edinburgh.
Sand Surfing, Perth, Australia
An incredible and fun day trip from Perth, Australia is sand surfing at the largest sand dunes in Australia - Lancelin Sand Dunes and walking through the mystical and fascinating moon-like sandscape with limestone formations - Pinnacles Desert at Nambung National Park.
You can read more about it in the travel blog - A to Z Travel Blog Australia.
Visiting An Ostrich Farm, Aruba
One of the things you might not know when looking to visit Aruba, is you can experience a tour at an Ostrich Farm. Yes, an Ostrich Farm.
Get up close and personal, hand feed an Ostrich, see the hatchery and more on this fun and interactive experience.
Swimming With Dolphins/Dolphin Encounter, Blue Lagoon Island, Bahamas
One of Earth's most intelligent mammals, the Bottlenose Dolphin is known for its friendly and playful nature. It is also one of the most known dolphin species in the world.
I have been lucky to have visited Blue Lagoon Island twice, each time has been incredible!
After watching the safety video, the team will answer any questions you may have before you get in the water. It is a lovely experience and one you will never forget.
You can book-direct or if visiting the Bahamas via a cruise ship, pre-book one of the shore excursions. The Blue Lagoon offers a few different experiences including stingrays, sharks, and more with opportunities to also enjoy the beautiful white sand beaches.
Keep an eye out for more travel blogs coming soon, on the Bahamas.
Alpaca Trek, Falkirk, Scotland
We had a great experience on the Alpaca Trek with Caledonia Alpacas near Falkirk. The two-hour trek included discovering more about alpacas, then taking them on a scenic walk around the beautiful countryside.
Have you ever considered taking an Alpaca Trek experience?
Flying Lesson, Juneau, Alaska
If you have ever considered taking a flying lesson before embarking as a flight cadet or an apprenticeship, this might be for you.
While working onboard the cruise ship, I discovered that the Juneau Flight School, Alaska offered private affordable flying lessons. It was a cool experience.
Go Ape Treetop Forest Canopy, Aberfoyle, Scotland
Go Ape Aberfoyle, is located in the scenic Trossachs National Park. It has two of Scotland's longest ziplines and an adrenaline-filled activity course. Lots of fun!
The course is suitable for those over 10 years old and takes 2-3 hours to complete.
There is also a visitor centre with toilets and a cafe. While visiting you might also like to take a stroll around the area and see the Scottish Highland Cows.
Atlantis Powerboat Race, Bahamas
I was invited out to watch the high-adrenaline Atlantis Powerboat Race onboard one of the incredible super-boats, then after a wee spin.
If you would like to experience what it's like, book a trip with Powerboat Adventures.
Riding a Camel Along Great Ocean Road, Australia
There are a few places to ride a camel including, Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan but the first country I visited that offered camel rides was Cape Otway, along Great Ocean Road Australia. It was a cool experience seeing the Twelve Apostles out in the ocean, from a camel.
Did you know the first camel "Harry" was imported from the Canary Islands in 1840? Today Australia has more camels than Egypt! It was said that there are 750,000 feral camels in the Australian outback (2013).
Bee Keeping Course, Edinburgh
Having had the idea I might like to keep bees, I enrolled onto a bee-keeping course. Very interesting! I never knew that there was so much to learn and challenges to keeping bees.
If you would like to find out more about the bee-keeping course and how you too could enroll please visit the blog - Bee-autiful Bees.
Madagascar Lemur Madness
Madagascar is an interesting place with 200,000 known unique flora and fauna species and 150,000, of that are endemic!
Since watching Sir David Attenborough in Madagascar, I have been inspired to visit the "unlike any other place".
I was not disappointed. From seeing the alien-like aye-aye, to all shapes, sizes, and colour of chameleons, and of course the charismatic lemurs.
Read all about the "unlike any other place" in the A to Z Travel Blog - Madagascar.
After re-sharing this travel blog, and answering some comments/questions. I remembered I had a few more experiences to add (Atlantis Submarine, St Thomas, Caribbean or you might also like to try Deep Sea Fishing, Bahamas). Not to boast or brag but to encourage you to grab life's opportunities in both hands and run with them. As they might never appear again. Some of these experiences have been a real stretch for me, if I can do them, you can too.
"Believe you can and you're halfway there" - Theodore Roosevelt
I hope you have enjoyed reading and are inspired to create incredible once-in-a-lifetime travel memories. Please do, be thoughtful and kind to animals by not participating in elephant rides/bathing etc. What experiences do you have on your list? What travel experiences will live with you forever? I would love to know. Please comment/share. You can reach me via email, Facebook, and Instagram. Until next time...happy travels:) x