As climate change, human damage and the need for sacred sites to remain pristine occur, there is a limited window of time to experience some of the world’s most amazing adventures.
90 per cent of people have reported that they live with a major regret. And as the famous poet, Ted Hughes, says
‘The only thing people regret is that they didn’t live boldly enough, that they didn’t invest enough heart, didn’t love enough. Nothing else really counts at all.’
Missing out on life-changing amazing adventures can be a very real regret. So don’t leave it too late to transform your life and your perspective.
Epic road trip through the Arizona-Utah National Parks
This stretch of country, rich with history, national parks and geological delights, is an iconic road trip that is begging to be ticked off your bucket list. In one fell swoop, you can see breathtaking natural wonders including including the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Zion and Arches National Parks and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Not to mention awe-inspiring waterfalls aplenty.
The vastness of the land and the scale of the wonders that litter this journey will forever change the way you feel about the world.
Good to visit if: you have a penchant for freedom and want to feel like you’re living out a movie.
Cruise the arctic waters of Greenland
Get up close and personal with ever changing icebergs that show off a magnificence that is hard to put into words. The flawless scenery and stark landscape will change the way you view the world and how nature creates. All with a surrealist tinge that will have you wondering if you’re dreaming.
However, because of the grievous threat of climate change, the ice is melting at a rapid pace and is transforming the environment before our very eyes. Be sure to experience this amazing adventure before the icebergs melt.
Good to visit if: you seek remote corners of the world, can handle the cold and want to see current, real world impacts of climate change.
Pilgrimage to the holy city of Haridwar, India
If you’re into all things spiritual, it’s wise that you make the pilgrimage to the holy ancient city of Haridwar in Uttarakhand, India. Stated to be the gateway to the gods, it is home to many temples and sacred sites. Locals and tourists alike offer prayers of worship and devotion at auspicious times. With temples at every turn and places steeped in spiritual significance, it’s the kind of city that you can’t walk away from unchanged.
Good to visit if: you are ready to connect on a deeper spiritual level.
Take a ‘Lord of The Rings’ hike in New Zealand
If you, like millions of people, are a true Lord of the Rings fan, you’ll have dreamt about this before. This is a once in a lifetime hike that takes you through the very mountains and movie sets where the grand saga movie was filmed.
Feel like you’re part of one of the most epic journeys to hit books and big screen by tracking through the southern alps in New Zealand.
Good to visit if: you are a lover of legend and want to rewrite your own narrative.
Safari the savanna, Kenya
Witnessing animals in their own habitat doing their own thing is truly one of life’s greatest gifts. The heart racing experience of seeing big game up close and personal is truly adventurous. But the threat of big game hunting can only spell endangered species if it keeps up. Be sure to visit these beloved animals in their own home while they still exist.
There are also some very serious dangers to the ecosystem that are present, which does not bode well for the savannas’ future.
Good to visit if: you wish to embody the traits of big game animals and need a little adrenaline kick.
Crossing the Sahara Desert by camel
A tradition that harks back to the 9th Century (at least) is a trek by camel across the Sahara Desert, which is pretty much the size of China. The vast silence and endless views of nothing but burnt toffee coloured dunes are truly a sight to behold and can force you to reflect on the wonder that is nature, survival and resourcefulness.
The interesting thing is, where we are losing many otherworldly wonders due to climate change, the Sahara is increasing in size. Even as much as ten per cent, data shows.
Good to visit if: you are seeking a different perspective on how nature can thrive.
Explore the medieval villages of Europe by moped
Filled with charm, Europe is synonymous with magical looking villages and townscapes. The winding cobblestoned streets, majestic castle like buildings and steeples piercing the sky adds a touch of old world whimsy. Let the 12th century architecture transport you back in time so your imagination can run wild.
Weave and duck your way through the alleyways on foot or, do it in true Euro style on a moped. But be sure to discover these European secret villages before it’s too late and they are overrun by tourists.
Good to visit if: you want to use your imagination to hurl you out of stagnation.
4WD the Gibb River Road, Kimberley
The Gibb River Road is a 660 kilometre track in Western Australia that is home to some of the most iconic Australian landscape and nature that you’ll ever see. There’s everything from true Aussie stations to spectacular gorges and waterholes.
Home to some of the oldest indigenous art in existence, you’ll come away from these destinations with a newfound appreciation for beauty, storytelling and cultural significance.
Take a four wheel drive, get off the beaten track and journey through this remote part of the country to experience things that you’ve only ever seen in movies.
This is the kind of adventure that has something for people of all ages, with a range of activities to do along the way. And if you wish, you can choose to see the landscape all from the comfort of your vehicle.
Good to visit if: you feel something is missing from your world and want to connect to the land.
Camp under the Aurora Borealis
Aurora Borealis is a spectacular marvel that continues to incite wonder in many. This incredible lighting display typically lasts a few minutes to a few hours each night and is a natural phenomenon where solar wind and magnetic sub-storms create an amazing showcase of light.
The aurora is at its most active around the equinoxes in March and September and you’re able to camp underneath this extravaganza, making it one of the most amazing adventures for astrophiles.
Good to visit if: you are feeling cynical and want to open your mind to the whole universe.
Balloon over Cappadocia, Turkey
Göreme National Park and the rock sites of Cappadocia are home to some of the world’s most intriguing volcanic peaks and honeycombed hills, uniquely created landforms that contain dwellings, caves and monasteries created by early village people. The stone formations hold as much history and tales as you can imagine.
And sure, you can walk through these villages but what better way to take in the complexity and uniqueness than an unforgettable hot air balloon ride. The best thing about hot air ballooning is it offers a level of accessibility that may not be available to some people with mobility issues.
Like everything in our fragile world, nothing lasts forever and increasing tourism, threat of earthquakes and wind erosion means that these awesome sights may not always be around.
Good to visit if: you are seeking innovation and inspiration from those before us.
Trek the rainforests of Central and South America
The rainforests of Central America are some of the world’s most luscious and fertile environments ever in existence. They are absolutely teeming with wildlife, plant life and tropical abundance.
It’s believed that thirty per cent of the world’s species exists in these jungles. Trekking through these exclusive ecosystems will get you up close and personal to exotic orchids, paradise lagoons and gorillas. But amazing adventures like these are not for the faint of heart because you might just spot an anaconda or two!
However, as you’re probably well aware, these jungles are in peril. With deforestation, human inhabitance and agricultural farming they are at huge risk of becoming non existent.
Good to visit if: you get lost in your own head too much and want to build an inner resilience.
All of these adventures hold the possibility to change your perspective and the way you think – not just on the journey but for many years thereafter. But hurry… because nothing lasts forever!
Whether you prefer to experience your amazing adventures from the comfort of your couch or you’re just looking to scratch those itchy feet, take a break and explore our diverse collection of travel photography.
