Are You an Extreme Tourist?
Extreme tourism, also known as shock tourism, is defined as the recreational travel to engage in dangerous or physically risky sports or other activities. This niche form of traveling has become increasingly popular among thrill-seeking enthusiasts. Luckily there are plenty of extreme tourist attractions all over the world to fully satisfy your craving for gut-wrenching adventure.
→ 7 Extreme Tourism Trip Ideas
→ 8 Best Cities for Extreme Tourism
If you think you’ve got what it takes to be an extreme tourist, you’ve come to the right place. Our team of gut-wrenching, extreme-traveling, adventure-seeking experts have put together a guide to get you started for your next trip. Whether you’re just looking for a cool location, packed full of extraordinary activities to do, or specific ideas for an extreme tourism trip, we’ve got it!
7 EXTREME TOURISM TRIP IDEAS
For all the extreme travelers out there looking for a little inspiration to get you started on your next trip, below is a list of 7 ideas that are sure to satisfy your craving for adventure!
1. Storm Chasing in Tornado Alley
What started out as a dangerous job, quickly turned into a popular extreme tourist attraction. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to witness nature’s wrath first hand, join the pros at any of the places below and experience the thrill of a lifetime!
2. Bungee Jumping Over Victoria Falls
This famous bungee jump sends you 111 meters out over the Zambezi River with beautiful Victoria Falls as your backdrop! This adventure is operated by the Zambezi Adrenaline Company off of the Victoria Falls Bridge on the border crossing point between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Zambezi Adrenaline Company offers single and tandem jumps so you don’t have to go it alone!
3. Flying a MiG-29 Over Russia
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to fly a fighter jet in Russia, Incredible Adventures has just the experience for you. Incredible Adventures is the only company in the world that offers the opportunity to fly an authentic MiG Fighter Jet. The adventure begins and ends in Moscow and the jet flying itself takes place in historic Nizhny.
4. Taking the Trans-Siberian Railway
From Moscow to the Eastern borders of China, the Trans-Siberian Railway covers over 5,500 miles. At midnight, every other day, a train leaves from Moscow for what will be a week-long trip through Russia’s major cities. The train makes multiple stops between Moscow and Vladivostok, Russia’s main port city on the Pacific Ocean.
5. Walking Spain’s El Caminito del Rey
El Caminito del Rey, meaning The King’s little pathway, is an extremely narrow walkway (3.3 ft wide) situated along the walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro. This walkway rises 330 ft. above the river below and is constructed out of concrete resting on steel rails. Much of the walkway has seriously deteriorated over time resulting in open gaps that are bridged only by narrow steel beams or other support fixtures.
6. Experiencing Parabolic Zero-G
Zero Gravity Corporation provides the unique experience of “weightlessness” without actually going to space. Tourists board a specially modified Boeing 727 where parabolic arcs are performed to create a weightless environment as if you were flying through space.
7. Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro
The highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain on earth, Mount Kilimanjaro is situated inside the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania. This 7-10 day walk up the mountain sends climbers through 5 different climactic zones. There are many organizations with teams of experts to guide you up the mountain, so gear up and book your spot!
8 BEST CITIES FOR EXTREME TOURISM
1. Wengen, Switzerland
Located in central Switzerland at an elevation of 1,274 meters above sea level, Wengen has a variety of opportunity to all kinds of tourists who come to visit.
Tobogganing at Dusk:
To take part in the weekly toboggan run, gather at the train station, grab a toboggan, and take the train up to Wengernalp where you will be instructed by guides how to steer your toboggan back down the mountain to Wengen.
Mannlichen Kleine-Scheidegg: The hike from Mannlichen can be reached by a five-minute cable car ride from Wengen. This hike consists of a winding prepared path that weaves through alpine meadows covered in flowers along the mountainside of the Tschuggen and the Lauberhorn over to the Kleine Scheidegg.
2. Brisbane, Australia
As the third most popular tourist destination in Australia, Brisbane offers an exciting cultural scene with never-ending activities to check out while you’re there. While in Brisbane make sure to visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s first koala sanctuary. Another popular attraction is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the South Bank Parklands. Brisbane is also home to over 17 miles of biking paths, the Story Bridge adventure climb and rock climbing at the Kangaroo Point cliffs.
3. Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is filled with a variety of outdoor activities for all types of tourist adventurers. To get the full Queenstown experience, be sure to check out all the wonderful hiking opportunities. From quick walks along the shore to strenuous hikes lasting a couple of days, hiking in Queenstown is an excellent way to see the area. While you’re at it, make sure to hit up the Kawarau Gorge for some thrilling bungee jumping. For those looking to get a glimpse of the area from above, take a ride on the Skyline Gondola up Bob’s Peak for breathtaking views of Queenstown and the surrounding areas.
4. Boulder, Colorado
Boulder offers plenty of things to do all year round. Located at the foot of the Rocky Hills, this mountainous terrain provides great ski and snowboard opportunity during the winter and awesome rock climbing in the warmer months. While you’re here check out the Rocky Mountain National Park, home to 415 miles of outdoor adventure, and the great sandstone rock climbing at the famous Eldorado Canyon State Park.
5. Swakopmund, Namibia
Located on the coast of western Namibia, Swakopmund has a ton to offer. If you’re looking for an opportunity to see some of the native wildlife, check out the 3 ½ hour boat tour at Walvis Bay for a chance to see pelicans, dolphins, whales and seal. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, try skydiving at Ground Rush Adventures or take to the dunes and hop on a board (either standing or lying down) down the sandy dunes of Swakopmund.
6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Other than beautiful beaches and soccer, Brazil has a lot of fun outdoor adventures to offer. Rio de Janiero is home to the Tijuca National Park, which covers 8,300 acres of urban rainforest where you can try out hang-gliding, go hiking or just come for some good old wildlife watching. If you want to keep exploring the wildlife that Rio has to offer, check out the Jardim Botanico, which sprawls over 350 acres and is home to more than 6,000 indigenous, exotic species.
7. Bournemouth, England
This large coastal resort town located on the south coast of England makes it a great area for water sports. In addition to the exciting water adventures Bournemouth’s 7-mile strip of beaches have to offer, you should also check out the Segway tours in Moors Valley and visit the 65 acres of primate sanctuary at Monkey World.
8. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is a hub for adventure seekers. While exploring all the city has to offer make sure to hop on a cable ride up Table Mountain. If you’re feeling up for it, abseil back down the mountain along a 112 meter rope. Cape Town is known for its highly shark populated waters making this one of the best locations for adrenaline junkies to experience the exciting opportunity of diving into shark infested waters.
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