I Took 7 Wild Rides I’d Relive Anytime And 7 I’ll Never Do Again
Travel’s a wild ride-sometimes literally. I’ve chased sunsets on mountaintops and held my breath through turbulence that felt like a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. For every moment that made me feel alive, there was another that made me question all my life choices.
These are the stories I still tell-some with a grin, others with a wince. From unforgettable highs to chaotic lows, each one taught me something. Ready to buckle up for the rides I’ll never forget?
1. Helicopter Over Kauai
Soaring over the Na Pali Coast revealed Hawaii’s most jaw-dropping scenery from an eagle’s perspective. Emerald cliffs plunged dramatically into turquoise waters while hidden waterfalls cascaded through lush valleys unreachable by foot.
My knuckles turned white during sharp banking turns, but the views were worth every moment of nervous excitement. The pilot’s commentary about filming locations for Jurassic Park added a fun layer to the experience.
Though pricey, this aerial adventure delivered the most spectacular vistas I’ve ever witnessed.
2. Dog Sledding in Alaska
Mushing through pristine snow-covered forests with eager huskies leading the way felt like stepping into another century. The dogs’ enthusiasm was contagious as they barked and jumped with excitement before racing across the frozen landscape.
Wind nipped at my cheeks while the sled glided silently except for the rhythmic padding of paws and occasional commands from our guide. Meeting the dog team afterward and learning about their training and care added depth to the adventure.
This authentic Alaskan experience connected me to both wild nature and working animals in a profound way.
3. Paragliding in Interlaken
Running off a Swiss mountainside required serious trust in my tandem pilot and equipment. That leap of faith rewarded me with the closest feeling to being a bird I’ve ever experienced.
Alpine lakes sparkled like sapphires far below while snowcapped peaks surrounded us at eye level. The peaceful silence interrupted only by wind currents created a meditative experience despite being suspended thousands of feet above ground.
My instructor even let me steer briefly, spiraling through thermals with gentle pulls on the control lines – an empowering thrill I’d repeat in a heartbeat.
4. Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia
Floating silently above Turkey’s fairy chimneys as the sunrise painted the rock formations in golden hues remains etched in my memory. The gentle sway of the basket contrasted with the dramatic landscape below.
Our pilot pointed out ancient cave dwellings while serving champagne at 3,000 feet. The sensation of drifting wherever the wind took us felt both peaceful and exhilarating.
The early wake-up call was worth every yawn for that magical morning perspective of Cappadocia’s otherworldly terrain.
5. Sandboarding in Peru
Carving down the massive dunes of Huacachina felt like snowboarding without the freezing temperatures. The sand’s surprising speed caught me off guard as I zoomed down golden slopes toward the desert oasis below.
Wiping out meant a mouthful of sand but also fits of laughter as I tumbled. The climb back up was a workout that made each descent feel earned and all the more thrilling.
As the sun began setting, the shadows created dramatic patterns across the dunes, transforming our playground into a photographer’s dream landscape.
6. Ziplining in Costa Rica
Flying through the rainforest canopy revealed a hidden world of biodiversity normally reserved for monkeys and birds. The longest line stretched nearly a mile across a verdant valley, providing breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush like no other.
Howler monkeys watched curiously from nearby branches as I whizzed past. Between lines, our guides pointed out sloths, toucans, and tiny poison dart frogs hiding in plain sight.
This exhilarating perspective of Costa Rica’s cloud forest combined speed, height, and nature education in perfect harmony.
7. White-water Rafting in Colorado
Bouncing through Class IV rapids on the Arkansas River combined teamwork, adrenaline, and spectacular Rocky Mountain scenery. Our guide’s commands became our mantra as we paddled in unison through churning whitewater with names like “Widow Maker” and “Seidel’s Suckhole.”
Cold mountain water drenched us completely during particularly wild sections. The quiet stretches between rapids allowed for wildlife spotting – we saw bighorn sheep perched impossibly on cliff edges.
Muscles ached pleasantly afterward, but the shared triumph of conquering the river with newfound friends made this adventure unforgettable.
8. Bungee Jumping in New Zealand
Queenstown’s Kawarau Bridge jump seemed like a good idea until I stood at the edge, toes curling over 143 feet of nothingness. The mental battle before leaping was worse than the actual fall – my brain screamed warnings while the countdown continued.
That stomach-dropping sensation lasted an eternity. The bounce-back hurt my ankles and left bruises despite proper harness adjustment.
While the certificate and bragging rights were nice, the combination of terror, physical discomfort, and steep price tag makes this a one-and-done experience I’m glad to have survived but won’t repeat.
9. Rickshaw Ride in Delhi Traffic
Weaving through Delhi’s chaotic streets in an open-air rickshaw quickly transformed from charming cultural experience to white-knuckle nightmare. Vehicles of all sizes missed us by inches while our driver fearlessly squeezed through impossibly narrow gaps.
The combination of pollution, noise, and constant near-misses left me stressed beyond belief. Horns blared continuously as motorbikes, trucks, and even cows contested for every inch of road space.
Though affordable and authentic, the sensory overload and genuine fear for safety makes conventional taxis worth the extra rupees in India’s bustling capital.
10. Camel Ride in the Sahara
Romanticized notions of desert exploration quickly evaporated under the Moroccan sun as my camel lurched unpredictably with each step. The uncomfortable saddle created bruises in places I didn’t know could bruise.
Hours of swaying atop the temperamental beast left me sore for days. My particular camel seemed to harbor a personal vendetta, attempting to bite me whenever I dismounted.
While the desert sunset views were undeniably spectacular, next time I’ll admire them from a 4×4 vehicle rather than perched atop a moody, spitting animal with questionable steering.
11. Scooter Ride in Bali
Renting a scooter seemed like the perfect way to explore Bali’s lush landscapes until I encountered the island’s lawless traffic patterns. Locals zipped by carrying impossible loads – families of four, stacks of chickens, even a refrigerator balanced precariously on one scooter.
Rain turned roads into slippery death traps while potholes appeared without warning. My minor accident left me with road rash and a hefty repair bill that the rental company insisted wasn’t covered by insurance.
The freedom wasn’t worth the danger on unfamiliar roads with unfamiliar rules and questionable vehicle maintenance.
12. Jet Ski in the Maldives During Storm Season
Crystal waters turned menacing when unexpected storm clouds gathered during my jet ski excursion. Waves grew from gentle ripples to frightening swells in minutes, tossing my watercraft like a toy.
The rental operator’s casual attitude about weather forecasts became alarmingly apparent as lightning cracked too close for comfort. Visibility dropped to nearly zero in the sudden downpour, making navigation back to shore terrifying.
My drenched return came with a newfound respect for checking weather conditions and a firm resolution to avoid water sports during regions’ storm seasons, no matter how sunny the morning begins.
13. Roller Coaster in Dubai in Extreme Heat
Formula Rossa at Ferrari World promised the world’s fastest coaster experience, but 115°F temperatures transformed metal handrails into branding irons. Waiting in line became an endurance test despite misting fans attempting to cool the queue.
The actual ride’s G-forces combined with dehydration left me dizzy and nauseated. Metal parts of the coaster had absorbed so much heat that even brief contact through clothing felt uncomfortably warm.
While the engineering was impressive, theme parks in desert climates during summer months create a perfect storm of discomfort that no amount of record-breaking thrills can justify.
14. Overnight Bus Through the Andes
Saving on hotel costs seemed smart until our ancient bus began climbing narrow mountain passes in darkness. Hairpin turns sent passengers sliding across seats while the driver navigated by the dim headlights and seemingly boundless confidence.
Sleep proved impossible between the altitude sickness, freezing temperatures, and constant fear of plunging off cliffs. The bathroom situation became increasingly dire as hours passed, with facilities that would make a gas station restroom seem luxurious.
Though the morning views were spectacular, no scenic vista is worth a night of genuine terror, physical discomfort, and sleep deprivation.