9 Death-Defying Activities You’ll Only Try While On Vacation
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Looking for a bit of adrenaline on your next vacation? There are plenty of places to visit that have heart stopping, blood pumping adventures that allow you to take the thrill factor to the next level!
1. Skydiving In The Rockies, Colorado
Throwing yourself out of a plane at 18,000 feet? Talk about adrenaline! There’s no surprise that jumping in one of the skydiving mecas of the world, with some of the highest, longest free falls in the country made this list.

2. The Running of The Bulls, Spain
Running of The Bulls (aka The Encierro), is an annual event that always falls on July 6 to July 14. So keep your eye on the dates in case they fall middle of the week or on a weekend. There’s truly nothing that compares to Sanfermin Festival in Pampolona, Spain. It is notably one of the greatest festivals in the world. The Running of The Bulls is the best-known event at the festival and definitely worth your time if you’re seeking a serious adrenaline rush. The Encierro takes place in the heart of the Sanfermines and is a spectacle that is as colorful, crazy and fun as it gets. Whether you’re participating or watching from the sidelines your heart is sure to race either way. History states, The Running of The Bulls started from the need to get bulls from outside the city into the bullring. The course is half a mile or 875 meters, the distance between the bullring and the corral. The run only lasts three to four minutes and is sure to get your heart pumping. You have to be at least 18 years of age to participate and we would highly encourage a little training beforehand. If you decide to run, it’s recommended you have quick reflexes, be physically fit and have cool nerves because it’s a risky endeavor. Runners typically wear all-white with red bandanas or neckercheifs and red sash belts. This is a traditional local custom, but it also ensures maximum visibility for the bulls, other runners, and spectators. There have been 15 deaths in The Running of The Bulls, so have your wits about you and be careful!3. Bungy Jumping, New Zealand
Want to test your fear of heights? Bungy jumping is the thrill you need. At the Nevis Bungy outside of Queenstown, New Zealand the trolly cart to the top of the 134-meter platform is just the beginning of the thrill.

4. Via Ferrata, Italy
Want to get your blood rushing while also enjoying world-class views AND getting exercise? Then the Via Ferrata in the Dolomites in Italy should be next on your list.


5. Swimming with Sharks, Hawaii
Oahu, Hawaii is the number one location in the U.S. for shark sightings. So it makes sense that it would be the number one place in the world for people that want to take the extra risk to swim with them. In Oahu, divers generally run into galapagos sharks, sandbar sharks, and the occasional whale or tiger sharks and there are snorkel tours and outfitters that allow swimmers and divers to get up close and personal with these deadly creatures. At Ocean Diving in Oahu, they teach swimmers and snorkelers to swim with sharks without a cage, which to some divers is unheard of! Typically, the cage between the diver and the shark is the only thing keeping them alive. But, at Ocean Diving, they teach divers to be calm and collected when swimming with less aggressive sharks without a cage. They also teach divers the history, and biology of the animals and educate customers on the surrounding habitat. The tour leaders do not use chum to attract sharks, nor do they protect the divers in cages, in an effort to have the experience be as real, and positive as possible. It is not uncommon for the sharks to be accompanied by sea turtles, a plethora of fish and even dolphins. At Ocean Diving the goal is to have divers to be thrilled, educated and excited to share their love of the dive and adventure with others.6. Race Car Driving, Nevada
Got the need for speed? Do you ever watch Fast and the Furious and feel like YOU should be driving that car? Me too. Speed Vegas has everything you need to drive fast, get your heart rate up and fulfill your dreams of driving in a Lamborghini Huracan or Ferrari 458. There are a plethora of fast, sexy cars you can choose from and packages that include five or more laps on the Speed Vegas raceway. Speed Vegas has a package called Adrenaline Rush where drivers can experience an American muscle car or a finely German engineered car. The package includes professional coaching, access to the pit area, 5 laps on the exclusive Speed Vegas racetrack, and complimentary round-trip transportation from any Las Vegas Strip hotels. I would suggest testing out the Shelby Mustang GT which has a 456-horsepower engine and goes 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Speed Vegas track is the longest driving track in Las Vegas totaling at 1.5 miles. There are 12 challenging turns, 60-feet of total elevation change and NO SPEED LIMIT.7. Cliff Jumping, Vermont
Cliff jumping is one of the most fun and high risk activities that you can do as a thrill seeker. Red Rocks Park in Burlington, Vermont is one of the most popular and has some of the most adventurous, risky jumps in the country. And, it’s not just the height that makes these jumps so exciting it’s the jagged rocks and freezing cold water takes these jumps to the next level of thrill-seeking.
8. Volcano Boarding, Nicaragua
You’re probably wondering, “What the heck is volcano boarding?” Well, first off it’s a sport for the slightly insane and adventure-seeking daredevil and second, you have to hike up an active volcano to do it. In Cerro Negro, Nicaragua you can try this dangerous endeavour, although it’s not for the faint-hearted. Do you dare? Volcano boarding or surfing as some call it is a sport performed on volcano slopes. Riders hike 45 minutes to an hour up the side of a volcano and slide down standing or sitting on a thin plywood or metal board. The full ride is about is almost 2,400-feet and takes less than three minutes to get down. Icing on the cake? The volcano is STILL ACTIVE and even though it’s activity is monitored regularly and the volcano hasn’t erupted since 1999, it still could. You can go as fast as you want, but be prepared for scrapes and burns, volcanic rock pieces in your arm and bruises everywhere if you happen to take a fall. Even though you’re kitted out with a jumpsuit to protect against the unforgiving volcanic terrain, there’s a good chance you’re still going to walk away with a couple scrapes or bruises. Another crazy thing about this activity is it only costs $30 per person… so you’re only paying a whopping $30 to risk your life and get your heart pumping faster than it ever has before.9. Rafting The Grand Canyon, Arizona
Most rivers have rating systems for rapids on an I-V scale, but The Grand Canyon has its own rating system which is on an I-X scale. If that doesn’t get your heart pumping, I don’t know what will. OARS is a top-ranked outfitter that leads trips down the Grand Canyon ranging anywhere from 5 to 17 days. If you’re going to make the commitment to raft the Grand, you might as well go for as long as possible with the best guides around. They don’t call it the GRAND Canyon for nothing. Known as one of the most spectacular wonders of the world, rafting the Grand Canyon is sure to be an unforgettable adventure. There are rapids that would make your head spin like Lava Falls or Crystal and sites that would blow your mind like the first time you see blue color The Little Colorado River and all its beauty or when you get to play in the Redwall Cavern.

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