17 Endorphin-Enriching Travel Experiences Around the World

Over the years adventurous travel has become increasingly more popular; from heli-skiing in Canada to hit-to-hut hiking in Colorado, travellers participate in adventurous activities to experience a destination to its fullest

Snowy adventures

Heli-Ski in Whistler

With endless terrain and zero lift lines, heli-skiing is the ultimate ski or snowboard experience. Skiers and boarders must be strong intermediate, advanced and experts on the snow. www.whistler.com

Ski with an Olympian at Deer Valley, Utah

This resort offers a ‘Ski with a Champion’ programme where skiers can hit the slopes with one of six Olympic athletes based in the area. Guests will spend the day exploring the mountains, picking up pro tips along the way.www.deervalley.com 

Husky sledding in Hokkaido, Japan 

Visitors can experience the joy of being pulled through the winter landscape at 30 km/h by incredible Alaskan and Siberian huskies. The breeds have the best characteristics for sled pulling – quickness, strength and high-energy. www.japan.travel/en/uk 

Backcountry skiing in Aspen Snowmass 

Aspen Snowmass is home to some epic steep runs and expert slopes, but those looking for an extra rush should explore the Colorado background with an Aspen Mountain Powder Tour.  www.aspensnowmass.com 

Make waves

White-water rafting in Sacramento 

Whitewater Adventures offer a 1-day rafting excursion from  – the Upper Cache Creek – a Class III white-water run through a volcanic canyon. The tour travels eight miles through wilderness, towering canyons and meadows and is available for a range of abilities. www.visitsacramento.com

Kayak through the centre of Pittsburgh

Travellers can see the city’s impressive skyline with a Venture Outdoors kayak adventure. The calm waters make for excellent kayaking conditions so guests can explore, enjoy the scenery, and create lifelong memories. www.visitpittsburgh.com 

Wakeboarding in Hungary

Near Budapest, visitors can take part in wake boarding at Lake Omszk. Additionally, there are wakeboard tracks in Siófok, Balatonfüred and Vonyarcvashegy around Lake Balaton, and at Lake Velence in the city of Velence. www.visithungary.com

Chasing Maverick in Half Moon Bay, California 

California is blessed with some truly epic waves, but those looking for a real challenge should head up the Central Coast to Half Moon Bay, just north of the famous surf town of Santa Cruz.www.visitcalifornia.com 

Reach new heights

Skydive in Yosemite

Dives can be reserved from 10k, 12k and 14k feet, and include options such as an aerial tour of Yosemite National Park and professional video as divers tug that ripcord amid the roar and rush of adrenaline.  www.yosemite.com

Cliff camping in Slovenia 

Guests can abseil down the Debelo Čelo cliffs to a 180m suspended ledge, where they can enjoy the incredible Alpine views whilst tasting local Slovenian delicacies. At the end of the experience, adventurers can swim in the warm waters of the Nadiža river, which is said to have healing powers.  www.slovenia.info/en 

Paragliding in San Diego

The historic gliderport offers tandem flights where guests get to experience incredible birds eye views of the Torrey Pines neighbourhood, world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course, and the magical Pacific Ocean.  sandiego.org 

Underwater action  

Swimming with sharks in The Islands of Tahiti

Adventure travellers can swim with sharks in Bora Bora as well as many other islands including Moorea, Rangiroa and Fakarava. Thrill-seekers can also take part in shark diving to see larger species such as hammerhead sharks and silvertip sharks. www.tahititourisme.uk

Explore the land….by foot, hoof and wheel

Mountain bike next to the city skyline in Seattle, Washington

The trails offer a variety of riding styles and include everything from singletrack cross country to bike park jump lines with surrounding trees and amazing landscapes. Visitseattle.org

Hut-to-hut hiking across Aspen, Leadville and Vail, Colorado 

Spreading across a 350-mile route and located in a triangular area between Aspen, Leadville and Vail, the network of 36 huts are a unique way for travellers to connect with the outdoors. www.colorado.com

Horse riding on the Tanesashi Coast, Hachinohe, Japan

Previously a horse pasture, this slice of the Sanriku Reconstruction National Park and Tanesashi Coast is now a place where visitors can take a tour of the dramatic coast from horseback. www.visithachinohe.com/en 

ATV over sand-dunes in SLO CAL, California 

The last remaining coastal sand dunes are open to off-highway vehicles in California and provide an outdoor playground of about 1,500 acres to off-roading enthusiasts. For a thrill ride, rent an ATV, real dune buggy or other off-road vehicles to help you explore the sand, complete with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. www.slocal.com 

Hiking and backpacking in Mammoth Lakes, California 

The Mammoth Lakes Basin is one of nature’s most spectacular playgrounds. Located only minutes from downtown Mammoth Lakes, the basin is a hiker’s wonderland of pine forests, jagged mountains, blooming wildflowers and crystal clear water. www.visitmammoth.com 

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