Five Amazing Travel Adventures Across the World

If you aren't the typical tourist and prefer a little more adventure than shopping and the average top ten attraction that every vacationer hits, here are five exciting vacations to get your blood rushing, your heart pounding, and make for a travel experience you'll not soon forget.

Vancouver Island kayaking adventure

For an international destination that's not too far from home, Vancouver Island, British Columbia is a wonderful option. The island lies just off the mainland west of the city of Vancouver, and is home to the province's capital, Victoria. The island's surrounding waters are home to one of the largest population of orca whales in the world, and on the northeast region, you'll find Telegraph Cove, a town offering some of the best whale watching excursions on the planet.

There are several tour operators offering sea kayaking excursions that include a kayak tour along with overnight camping. On my journey, within minutes of leaving the dock at Telegraph Cove, there were Orcas spotted along with an abundance of Bald Eagles, sea lions, and even a few black bears. A mother killer whale and her two babies, swam right underneath my kayak, and maybe 50 feet away, she put on quite the show, playing and jumping much to everyone's delight.

In the evening, our guides made an incredible meal of fresh vegetables and salmon that was pulled right from the cool waters of Johnstone Strait. In the tent at night, the sounds of the whales could be heard calling, and it was certainly an experience of a lifetime.

Norway Northern Lights Safari

Your northern lights adventure in Norway starts in Oslo, but takes you on a journey to the Arctic and to the northern city of Tromso. You'll experience a gourmet meal before taking an adventurous wilderness trip where you're likely to gaze upon the spectacular northern lights. During the day, take a five hour excursion by dog sled with a stop for a warm meal in a Sami tent.

Hiking and caving in New Zealand

New Zealand is home to some of the most magnificent scenery on earth, and the north island is filled with active volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, waterfalls, and unusual flora and fauna. By getting off the beaten bath on a hiking adventure, you can trek to gorgeous and remote towering falls or explore impressive caves, and relax in a hot soaking pool in the evening. Getting in shape for this adventure is well worth the time and effort for its amazing rewards.

Shark diving in Fiji

If you're very adventurous, love the water and tropical destinations, consider taking a shark dive in the best location in the world. Beqa Adventure Divers in Fiji is operated by diving legends Ron and Valerie Taylor, and here you'll experience up to eight different species in the wild, yet in a safe and exhilarating environment.

World-renowned Beqa Lagoon is home to some of the most brilliant reefs on the planet, and is teeming with all types of marine life. Pacific Harbour, Fiji, offers a long and peaceful beach on one side, and a magnificent rainforest on the other. Brightly colorful birds, including parrots, fill the trees while numerous turquoise lagoons dot the landscape. It won't take long to figure out why it's considered Fiji's adventure capital.

Galapagos Islands adventure

The Galapagos are home to some of the most unique wildlife on the planet. Adventure tours that include a tranquil walk off-the-beaten bath, snorkeling and paddling through this island paradise are, for many, a life-time dream fulfilled.

Leave crowds behind and visit mangroves as well as the historic lava-stone Wall of Tears. Of course the incredible 500 pound tortoises are the stars in this amazing adventure. In sea kayaks, you'll glide across the tranquil azure colored waters over manta rays and reef sharks below.

So many exotic places to visit on earth, so little time.