If you listen to the news, you may have heard about the two major injuries at this years’ Running of the Bulls (a day after the Spanish Matador who was recently gored to death during a bullfight, on live TV no less). Some of you may be wondering why anyone would even want to participate in an event like that, but for adrenaline junkies, an event like running with the bulls sounds like a dream vacation. If you’re one of those people, we’ve compiled 5 of the worlds’ most dangerous and exhilarating (in some cases idiotic) travel vacations.

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Driving the Death Road in Bolivia

The Bolivia Death Road, or North Yungus Road, is a favoured trek for thrill-seekers. Unsurprisingly, there are an average of 300 deaths along this aptly-named road per year. Despite this, nearly 25,000 mountain bikers visit the treacherous terrain every year, braving a 15,000-foot descent with a steep drop for almost the entire 40-mile route. Whether you are biking or driving along the narrow roads, your heart is likely to be pumping the entire time. Your reward? Breathtaking and incredible views at almost every turn.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8raLJHzWqVA&w=560&h=315]

Swimming with Sharks in South Africa

Nothing sounds more dangerous than being trapped in a metal cage with the most feared underwater creature trying to eat you. Yet, thousands of people every year embark on these tours. Whether you choose be enclosed in a glass tank or a metal cage, the fear factor is still high. If you’re brave enough to stare into the face (or jaws) of a shark, this once-in-a-lifetime tour is not something to miss out on, plus, talk about returning to the office with a good story.

Ledge Path on Huangshan

Cliff walking along Mount Huashan in China

Looking at images of fellow travelers conquering Mount Huashan in China is enough to make your heart race. Trekking Mount Huashan was originally a sacred trek as it led to several Taoist monasteries. Eventually, tourists caught on and began making the trek themselves. Today the monasteries are actually beloved tea houses where climbers can sit and enjoy a peaceful cup of tea after putting their lives at risk on the mountain. While it doesn’t take actual climbing skills to make the trek, it does require a love for thrilling and dangerous adventures, as there are certain areas of the path where the only thing stopping you from plummeting thousands of feet below is a small wooden plank.

Girl Volcano Boarding

Volcano Boarding in Cerro Negro, Nicaragua

Cerro Negro, or Black Hill, is actually an active volcano. The outside of the volcano is made up primarily of small grains of volcanic rock, making it ideal to hop on a small wooden board and ride down. If being on top of an active volcano wasn’t dangerous enough, the ride down can certainly be just as bad. Racing down at high speeds, you will not want to try and stop yourself as falling into the sharp little rocks will result in a bloody scrape or two. Of all the dangerous adventures you can go on though, this one definitely looks like the most fun.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA6Y9uSE5zc&w=560&h=315]

Swim with Jellyfish in Eil Malk, Palau

Swimming with Jellyfish in Palau is actually the only trip that is less dangerous than it sounds. During the Ice Age this unique lake was cut off from the ocean with hundreds of jellyfish trapped inside, hence the name. As a result of the seclusion, the jellyfish no longer had any predators, and over the years stopped producing stingers. This means you can swim among jellyfish with no worry of getting stung. The hardest part would actually be trying to get to this secluded location in the middle of the ocean.

With just over a month left in summer vacations, it’s not too late to make it one to remember.

 

See also:

24 reasons why I’m afraid to take vacation time
Canadian vacation times revisited: How much is enough?
Do Canadian workers need more vacation time?

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