If lockdown has got you pining for your next adventure, you’re not alone. There are plenty of thrill-seekers out there just itching to get their walking shoes on and load up their backpacks, ready for their next adventure.
Lockdown is the perfect opportunity to work out any logistics and plan your next thrilling action-packed holiday. Create a list of your top spots you’d like to visit and figure out which one you’ll tick off first. Speak to others who have already walked the route you’re planning on taking and gather as much information as you can.
Here are a few ideas to get you inspired and help you prepare for your first big step after the pandemic.
Run the Great Wall Marathon
Start with a bang! This marathon is considered the world’s most challenging marathon. Pippa Middleton (sister-in-law of Prince William) took part in 2016 and managed an impressive 4 hours and 54 minutes. The tricky course will take you through the lower valley, neighbouring villages, and across the finish line. Good luck!
Surf at Cape Fear, Sydney
Australia. A surfers paradise. With so many beautiful beaches to choose from, it’s easy to see why surfers flock to this country. However, surfing at Cape Fear isn’t for the faint-hearted. Although it doesn’t have the biggest waves, according to local surfer Mark Mathews, it does have some of the heaviest waves in the world. These waves also break close to shore, and subsequently the reef, which can make for quite an adrenaline rush.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing surfing experience then perhaps one of the other more secluded beaches, like Black Rock, might be a better fit.
Take on the Three Peaks Challenge
The UK has the perfect adventure for any thrill-seeker. Climb the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales in under 24 hours if you’re crazy enough. You can also take it a bit slower and turn each stop into a mini holiday. The driving alone is over 460 miles long, so why not make this trip worthwhile!
Walking Safari in Zimbabwe
Swap out the fancy jeep and put on your hiking boots. For the full traditional safari experience, join one of the many guided tours that take you on a walk around the Hwange National Park.
Marvel at the lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and giraffes. Walking is a requirement for this tour so remember to stay close to your guide at all times as you never know what’s lurking behind the next shrub!
Snorkelling with Sharks in Galapagos
For adrenaline junkies, this is the perfect trip. Swim with the sharks just off the island of Machena in the Galapagos archipelago. Visit one of the best diving sites for viewing marine life in Punta Espejo and swim up close and personal with the hammerheads, dolphins and sea lions.
Snorkelling with sharks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that can only be matched at Baffin Island.
See Wild Polar Bears at Baffin Island
Take a trip to one of Canada’s largest islands, Baffin Island, and explore everything that it has to offer. This island is home to a few 11,000 people due to the harsh weather conditions and is not one of the cheapest or easiest holidays you can go on.
But it is a great adventure sport – see fantastic wildlife such as polar bears, arctic foxes, beluga whales and even the magnificent orca. Make sure you take one of the local guides with you as it’s easy to get lost in this winter wonderland.
Mexican Whale Watching
Travel on down to Baja Mexico and take a boat tour along the coast. See the whales up close and marvel at their sheer size. Make sure you book in advance as the trips are usually sold out months in advance.
Motor Racing in the Isle of Man
For any motor enthusiast seeking an action-packed adventure, this is the perfect trip. Travel through the home of the Man TT races and Festival of Motorcycling and go on your very own motorbike adventure. The race is not for motorcycling novices as it is known for being one of the most dangerous races in the world.
This doesn’t deter people as the Isle of Man is one of the best places in the world for motorsports. The racetrack is actually the island’s public roads, making it the perfect spot for motorists all year round. With contenders such as Dean Harrison and Peter Hickman representing the sport, you can’t go far wrong.
Cruise Fiordland National Park
New Zealand‘s largest national park has some of the most incredible cruises that will take you on a tour of all the wildlife, including animals such as the New Zealand fur seal and Fiordland crested penguin.
Take part in fun kayaking adventures or hire a small boat to explore the park further.
Trek the Corcovado rainforest
Perhaps one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, Costa Rica is home to the Corcovado rainforest. With over 23 miles of beaches and hiking trails as far as the eye can see as well as campsites for anyone wishing to extend their visit, this national park has it all.
Try and spot the native wildlife including the sloth, monkeys and dangerous poison-arrow frogs. Make sure you brush up on your survival skills.
Raft the Grand Canyon, USA
Sure we all know what it looks like from up above, but have you ever thought of going into the Grand Canyon and exploring its numerous crevices and river lines.
Head down to the colorado River and book yourself on a commercial rafting tour that will take you through the Grand Canyon for anywhere up to 3 weeks. Do not miss out on this spectacular once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Now you’re all set up for your next big adventure. With all the options out there, you’ll never be short of ideas for your next big trip exploring all that the world has to offer. Always make sure you’re prepared!