As we emerge from being locked in during lockdown, there feels like nothing better than planning a blowout trip with a big experience for 2021.
As the trend towards adventure and outdoor travel grows, coupled with the increased desire for adrenaline-filled activities, we have compiled thrilling experiences from around the world to get travellers’ hearts racing.
From heliskiing in Canada, ziplining the highest line in America, bungee jumping off Japan’s highest bridge, swimming with sharks in The Islands of Tahiti and canyoning in Kyushu, we look at where will be wow in ‘21.
JAPAN
Ski the crater of an active volcano in Niseko
Mount Yotei is the highest mountain in Hokkaido and offers brave skiers the longest vertical descent in the region. Those who wish to attempt the mountain – also an active stratovolcano – must first scale the edge to the mountain peak which takes between 6-8 hours.
Around 100 skiers attempt this thrilling experience each year with a guide, the correct gear and the right weather conditions. Those who make it to the top can reward themselves with après ski Hokkaido style – a dip in volcanic hot spring baths and the famous Hokkaido plum wine. www.japan.travel/en/uk/
Bungee jumping in Gifu
Located in Gifu Prefecture is Japan’s highest bridge bungee jump. Situated between the mountains in Tabisoko Gawa Valley the Shintabisoko Bashi is the largest bridge in Japan with a total length of 462 meters. Get that adrenaline pumping and jump into the majestic nature ascending down to the flowing river below with Bungy Japan. Bungy Japan has been running for 10 years, jumping from nine different bridges and towers across Japan. www.visitgifu.com
Canyoning in Kyushu
Sarugajo nature park is located at the western border of Tarumizu on Kagoshima’s Osumi Peninsula. Here, visitors looking to get their adrenaline pumping can enjoy canyoning through the gorge. Enjoy traversing across the Sarugajo Gorge Michi no Eki Tarumizu combining hiking, climbing, swimming and abseiling.
Canyoning offers visitors the opportunity to explore the hard-to-reach areas of a natural landscape by following a water route carved through rock formations. Visitors will find themselves navigating paths along streams, pools and waterfalls where they will slide, jump and descend down through the gorge. www.visit-kyushu.com
Unforgettable Kayaking along the Tanesashi Coast, Hachinohe Region
Take to the waters of the Tanesashi Coast and enjoy some truly breathtaking views with a thrill. Start the day at Hachinohe’s Tatehana Wharf Sunday Morning Market, said to be Japan’s largest morning market. Explore numerous vendors selling crafts, local fruits and vegetables and seafood, as well as other Japanese delicacies. Walk along the coast through the Yodo pine grove and take in the stunning sights before ending the walk at Shirahama beach where sea kayaking is a must. This may not be adrenaline pumping but it is certainly thrill-seeking with the stunning uninterrupted coastal views on offer. www.visithachinohe.com
Walk between a 20-meter Snow Wall in Tateyama, Three Star Road
Located in Tateyama is the renowned snow wall at Murodo. Tateyama City is surrounded by rich nature with the Northern Alps as its background. Whilst travelling through the mountains of Tateyama, visit the snow corridor on the road. This snow corridor is open to the public from mid-April to the end of June to walk through. Additionally, there are hikes starting from Murodo for those wanting to get their fill of the mountainous area. www.mitsuboshi-kaidou.com
THE ISLANDS OF TAHITI
Swimming with sharks
There are 19 species of shark living in the crystal clear warm waters of French Polynesia. Known as ‘m’oan’ in the local language, sharks represent a protective force in local culture and have been protected by law since 2006. Head to the waters surrounding Fakarava Island, listed as a UNESCO Biosphere, and experience the Wall of Sharks.
July see’s an influx of sharks descend on this narrow passageway, creating an opportunity for divers to get up close and personal. For the ultimate adrenaline-fuelled experience night dives to the Wall of Sharks are offered by many top centres. tahititourisme.uk/en-gb
COLORADO, USA
Cloudscraper Zip Line
Situated 1,200 feet above the Arkansas River, the Cloudscraper Zip Line is the highest zip line in America. Not for the faint hearted, visitors soar across feet from one side of the Royal Gorge to the other. Those who can catch their breath are rewarded with incredible views of the famous Royal Gorge and its granite cliff faces, as well as the Arkansas River below. www.colorado.com
CALIFORNIA, USA
Mountain biking in Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is an action sports haven in both summer and winter. With some of the most radical mountain bike terrain in the country – 80+ miles of singletrack offering jumps, berms and drops – Mammoth Mountain boasts the biggest, baddest and best bike park in the US. Visitors will experience the epic terrain and sensational Sierra scenery. Stop off at Minaret Vista to witness a breathtaking view of Mammoth Lakes’ signature skyline. www.visitmammoth.com
Rock Climbing in Yosemite Mariposa
Yosemite Valley has been the site for almost every major development in the sport of rock climbing. Here, world-class climbers hone in on their skills, break records and change our understanding of human strength and endurance.
Half Dome is perhaps the most iconic symbol of Yosemite National Park. It stands at 1,360 feet from an elevation of 8,844 feet above sea level, offering unparalleled views of beauty. Be warned though that Half Dome and El Capitan are very much for climbing experts. But if you’re looking, you will find climbing options for even novices. www.yosemite.com
White water rafting in Yosemite Tuolumne County
The Tuolumne River provides one of the finest all-around whitewater rafting trip experiences. Spectacular scenery, thrilling Class IV rapids, great side hikes and beautiful white-sand beaches are hidden inside an 18-mile stretch of pristine canyon. Rafting trips are set to resume in Spring 2021. www.visittuolumne.com
FLORIDA, USA
Hop aboard a WaveRunner in Florida’s Paradise Coast
Consisting of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades, Florida’s Paradise Coast is a portal to adventure. An exciting way to explore the protected mangroves and get the adrenaline pumping is on a WaveRunner. Hop on the back of a WaveRunner to see mangrove forests and amazing wildlife including dolphins, manatee and exotic birds. Marco Island Watersports provide an expert tour guide to highlight interesting facts about the nature and geography of the region. www.paradisecoast.com
PITTSBURGH, USA
Get a bike dirty in Pittsburgh
Celebrate Pittsburgh’s new ordinance that officially permits bicycles off of the pavement and onto city parkland. Take a two-wheeler to Frick Park; the city’s best public space for pedalers who prefer their rides extra-bumpy. The downhill Iron Gate and Bradema trails are “must-rides” that mix the fast and fun with tough technical challenges. For mountain biking without the long drive, the Dr. J Freeride Trail in North Park is a well-maintained, quarter-mile downhill with BMX-style jumps on the hill behind the pool. The rocky ridges of Laurel Mountain State Park are home to the most extreme path in the area. The challenge is to stay. www.visitpittsburgh.com
CANADA
Heli-skiing in Alberta
CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures is the world’s largest heli-skiing and heli-hiking company. The company takes visitors to the area’s best off-trail, downhill skiing spots. Part of the Alterra Mountain company group, skiers can take a helicopter ride to various scenic points in the mountains. Visitors can then ski off piste on white powder snow and exploring virtually undiscovered areas. www.alterramtnco.com / www.ikonpass.com/