“Life is a daring adventure, or it is nothing,” Helen Keller once said. Any true thrill-seeker would agree. But when searching for the next adrenaline rush, it’s difficult to find true thrills outside of roller coasters and theme-park rides. Whether you want a blood-pumping climb or an exhilarating dive, skip the theme parks and make your next adventure one of these primo thrill-seekers’ destinations.
1. China’s Glass-Bottom Bridge
Bridges aren’t normally a source of excitement, but China’s Haohan Qiao is an exception. This glass-bottom suspension bridge measures 300 meters long over Shiniuzai National Park. But while your brain may think you’re in danger, you don’t really have any reason to worry. This bridge is actually 25 times stronger than regular glass.
2. Mexico’s La Quebrada Cliffs
Book your next trip to Mexico to base jump the La Quebrada Cliffs, 136 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Not scary enough for you? “The timing of a jump is literally the difference between life and death because the waves below swell to a safe depth for only five seconds,” according to BuzzFeed. If you’d rather watch than dive, come to the cliffs at about 1 p.m. to see brave young thrill-seekers risk their lives jumping into the waves.
3. The World’s Most Dangerous Road
You might think I’m kidding, but “The World’s Most Dangerous Road” is the real name of the bike path just outside of La Paz, Bolivia. It’s aptly named because about 300 people die riding the road yearly. But that doesn’t stop some of the most courageous thrill-seekers from attempting it. Down for the ride? Contact Gravity to earn your biking stripes.
4. Peru’s Skylodge Adventure Suites
If you’re the type of person that wants to seek thrills even when you sleep, you have to stay at the Skylodge. The clear pods that make up the Skylodge are bolted to the side of a cliff, so for just $300 per night, you can go to sleep and wake up to cliffside views. Dinner, breakfast, and equipment are all included in the cost.
Compared to the adventures above, theme parks rides are child’s play. If you’re seeking real thrills, you can’t miss these top four adventure spots around the world.
Photo: China’s Glass-Bottom Bridge. Credit: unge255_photostock / Shutterstock.com