For most people vacation means chilling by the pool, soaking sun at the beach or sipping cocktails at the hotel bar. But if that’s not your idea of a holiday, you are not alone. If you are the type of couple who want adventure and want to explore once-in-a-lifetime kind of destinations, there are lots of options for you. Here are 7 exciting and crazy destinations for adventurous couples for a great vacation.
Waitomo Caves, New Zealand
A must-see on any adventure seeker’s bucket list, a caving trip to the Waitomo Caves is one of the most extraordinary natural experiences in the world. Million years of volcanic and geological activity has lead to the formation of these limestone caves. Thousands of glowworm inhabits the caves covering the walls and radiating a luminescent glow. Rushing water has caved passageways with waterfalls, streams, and whirlpools. You will be taken deep into the cave system in a boat under the supervision of an expert. It is an adventure quite unlike anything else in the world. Silently gliding over the river and watching those glow worms in the depths of the cave is truly a mesmerizing experience.
Oudtshoorn, South Africa
If you are looking for a crazy adventure, crocodile cage diving in Oudtshoorn is the perfect activity for you. Taking a cue from shark diving, this activity in South Africa is slowly gaining popularity. Not for the faint-hearted, crocodile cage diving is an exciting way to see those reptiles from close quarters. You can even see their thick skin and jaws. Encounter the fascinating Nile crocodiles from the safety of your cage as they surround you and size you up as a potential prey. Freeze this moment by getting yourself photographed underwater. Crocodile cage diving was first introduced by Cango wildlife ranch that houses more than a thousand crocodiles.
Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
One of the prettiest groves on earth, a walk through the bamboo forest feels like entering a different world. Tall stalks of bamboo plants form a canopy and as the wind passes, woods creak and leaves rustle, a lovely sound enhances the aura of the place. A stroll with your partner through the wooden path is a joy to senses. Photos cannot capture the magic of this place. The path starts from Tenryu-Ji Temple and leads slowly to uphill to the sublime Okochi-Sanso Villa which is another favorite tourist attraction of Kyoto. You can also enjoy a rickshaw ride in the forest. The best time to visit Arashiyama is during spring at the time of cherry blossom when the region brightens up with magical colors. Autumn is also a great time for traveling to Kyoto.
Amalfi Coast
One of the most scenic coastlines in the world, Amalfi Coast offers the most exciting driving experience. With fascinating landscape, scenic hillsides, picturesque villages and panoramic vistas over the turquoise waters, the route stretches between Sorrento City and Amalfi Village. If you plan to drive around the Amalfi Coast, spend a day or two exploring the nearby villages and visiting the beautiful cathedrals. Amalfi, Revello, and Positano are some of the most popular attractions. Salerno is the most convenient access point. Roads are winding and steep but a drive through this pretty coastline is an adventure that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Masai Mara, Kenya
class=”s1″>Kenya is a popular destination for wildlife safari and game-viewing. With picture-perfect savannas and a high wildlife density, Masai Mara wildlife reserve is the ultimate place to go on a safari if you want to spot the Big Five. The best time to visit is during the great migration in the months of July and October when thousands of zebras, gazelles, and other wild animals travel from Serengeti to Mara and then return back to Tanzania. A wildlife safari at the time of migration is also exciting because you might witness hunting of animals by predators like lions and hyenas.
Aurora Borealis, Iceland
Most mysterious and alien, the spectacular lights of Aurora Borealis are the most stunning natural wonders of the world. It is the result of charged particles from the sun with the gases on earth’s surface. The burst of these colored northern lights can last for seconds and vary in colors usually being green in color but may turn to blue, orange and purple. It only appears in the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemisphere, Iceland being the best place to witness the phenomenon. Spend your nights with your partner in a luxurious glass igloo and watch the light perform a sort of concert and illuminate the clear skies. It is truly a magnificent sight worth sharing with your better half.
Lake Argyle, Australia
The fascinating lake argyle in the Kimberley region is the perfect place to enjoy a vacation with your partner. Dive into the sky-high infinity pool and blur the line between you and the view. The pool overlooks the breathtaking scenery and soaking into the pool is the perfect way to beat the heat. Spend your evenings sipping cocktails while enjoying the view. Lake Argyle is the second largest freshwater man-made reservoir in Australia.
So what are you waiting for? Go on an adventurous trip with your partner to one of the destinations we have suggested and get ready to enjoy a crazy, adrenaline-fuelled vacation.
He is an expert travel advisor and enthusiast. He has traveled extensively in the USA, Central American, South America and Europe. He has visited every Sandals Resort and is one of a select few Diamond Elite members of the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club.
Dan graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. Later he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on people and culture.