Adventure Vacations for Spring Break

Year after year, you go through the same old routine during spring break. This year, try something different. Go out and do something adventurous. Those are the kind of memories you will keep with you forever. I have personally challenged myself to go and do 5 adventurous things every year. This way, I won't have to look back at my younger days and have regrets. These 5 things will surely get your adrenaline pumping!

Adventure #1:

Skydive. I went skydiving for the first time this past year. I'll be the first to tell you that I am terrified of heights. The biggest thing is you have to get a group of people to go. Build the overall confidence of the group up, and you will definitely stay more positive. I went with a group of 6 people, and none of us were comfortable with the idea at first (then again, who in their right mind would be?) but we became confident as a group, and had an once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience. There is nothing out there that can emulate the feeling you can get from jumping out of a plane, so go out and do it! I promise you won't regret it. It's actually very safe since they won't let you jump out by yourself, but as a tandem. You will be tightly strapped to a professional, and he'll do all the work - you'll just happen to be along for the ride! Tandem skydive rates are around $180 per person depending on where you go, but if you have a party of 5 or more (usually, but they may require more depending on where you go) they will cut the fee down to about $155. I'll be the first to tell you that this is completely worth every penny. You may even purchase a Video Package, for an extra fee, in which they will tape you throughout the jump! I recommend this for anyone over 18 (it's the law) and basically anyone that doesn't have heart issues. Don't let the fear of heights stop you!

Adventure #2:

White Water Rafting. There is nothing better than to crash into a wild river on a hot and sunny day. White water rafting is very exhilarating, and is a personal favorite of mine. You sit on a boat for about an hour and ride some of the wildest rivers in the country. This will get anyone's adrenaline pumping! I went white water rafting this past year near the Tennessee/Georgia border. It happened to be the river that was used during the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. The waves were in a Class 5 Category (Out of 6). Needless to say, it had left my friends and I very satisfied. White water rafting packages start at about $100 but the Class 5 waves will cost you upwards of $150. Once again, these aren't things you will do every day (or even every year for that matter) so go out have some fun with white water rafting. I recommend this for teenagers and older.

Adventure #3:

Hiking. There are many, many trails out there that'll get your adrenaline pumping. My favorite is the Angels Landing in Zion National Park (Utah). The hike approximately takes 6 hours roundtrip, but the trail is very exciting. You will come across many animals on your journey to the top of what I consider to be the most beautiful National Park in the country. The pathways become narrow as you get closer to the top, and even have chains on the sides if one needed assistance! I climbed to the Angels Landing this past summer, but I still have vivid memories of the hike. If you were interested in hiking at a National Park, it's very inexpensive to do so since you only have to pay for entrance fees (roughly $20 for the entire party). I recommend that you be at least 16 if you were to hike Angels Landing as it can become very risky as there are no handrails on the trails!

Adventure #4:

Backpacking. Backpacking and hiking are very different. Hiking involves going up to the summit of a canyon or mountain, then right back down within the same or next day. Backpacking involves carrying a sleeping bag, rations, and other necessities for a few days of walking on trails. One must have the right equipment, such as Iodine to mix with the stream water, warm clothing, a sleeping bag/tent, and food supplies for a few days, and a medical kit. I backpacked my way through the Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee) for 3 days with a few friends, and the experience was quite unique. I think that the spring time is perfect for this since nature is basically coming alive after an arduous winter season. This a very inexpensive way of achieving an adventurous spring break, but you need some careful planning before you plan on taking on this challenge. Keep an eye on the weather forecasts as you probably wouldn't want to backpack during a rainy few days! I recommend this for individuals in their late 20's or early 30's if they need a getaway from their daily lives.

Adventure #5:

Scuba Dive. This is probably the most expensive of the adventurous things to do during spring break. It'll cost you about $500 total (with classes and equipment rentals) depending on where you go. I went off the coast of the Keys in Florida, and it was a very unique experience. Seeing the fishes up close and swimming with other species under water gives you a great feeling. I really enjoyed it and this is something that everyone should do at least once in their lifetime. I also boils down to where to scuba dive as well. Make sure you find a place that has life in it. You don't want to scuba dive in an oversized swimming pool with little or no fishes do you? I recommend this for everyone in the family. I think the kids would enjoy it (keep track of the laws where you plan to scuba dive) as should the adults.

These are 5 things that'll definitely spice up your life this spring. I think that these are things that everyone should do at least once in their lifetime, so go out there and do something! Keep the adrenaline pumping!

Source(s):

Skydive Midwest - Your Skydiving Home, closest Skydiving to Chicago! 05 Feb. 2009 .