Dog Sledding in Sisimiut, Greenland © Greenland.com
Vagabondish is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Read our disclosure.
When planning a summer adventure, I am not as we say at iExplore, a travel lemming. I want truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make all my friends jealous and to cross as many things off my bucket list at possible.
While there’s a time and a place for the standard beach vacation (I would never knock a good frozen umbrella drink or the chance to hop over to Cabo), these unique outdoor adventures are a true adrenaline rush. Not for the faint of heart, get them in while you’re young because they will push you to all extremes-mentally and physically.
#1: Become a Certified Viking (Iceland)
Based in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, this intensive seven day multi-sport tour includes a breadth of intense outdoor activities that will push you both mentally and physically.
Begin your journey at Þingvellir National Park, Geysir Hot Springs and the Gulfoss Waterfall, and then ramp up the adrenaline with a white water rafting adventure through the glacial rivers. Continue with a guided glacial walk, ice climbing, treasure hunt, horseback riding, and ATV-adventure on the volcanic Reykjanes peninsula.
Upon successful completion of the Scandinavian challenges, you are issued an official certificate highlighting your achievement. If that isn’t a resume builder I don’t know what is.
#2: Learn to Fly a MiG 29 (Moscow, Russia)
One of the most advanced jet fighters in the Russian Air Force, the MiG-29 “Fulcrum” was designed for gaining and maintaining air-superiority.
Learn to fly like a pro with advanced aerobatics in maneuvers such as Flying Inverted, the Hammer Head, the Roll, the Loop, and the Low Level Pass. With a G-forces range between 3G and 7G, the total death-defying excursion lasts only 3 hours.
A pricier trip, this program runs upwards of $16,600 USD and yes, they will check your blood pressure before departing.
#3: Earn Your Dog Sledding License (Greenland)
Even though it’s technically summer in Greenland, the dogs are out to play in the higher altitudes. Learn to race and lead a team of 12 adorably aggressive huskies through the vast rugged wilderness and snow covered landscape. Feel the rush in the area is known locally as “The dogsled districts”. This includes Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq, the two most southerly towns on the west coast where it is possible to drive dogsleds during the winter and spring, though the best months are February, March and April. After only a couple days of training, you can earn your license.
#4: Heli-Yoga (Alberta, Canada)
Coined “natural Namaste,” embark on a chopper and journey up Canada’s mountainous landscape with beautiful close-up views of the lakes, waterfalls, wildflowers, snow-capped peaks, and free-roaming wildlife. After a scenic thirty minute flight, become one with nature with a truly serene yoga session unlike any other. Every pose will stretch your body and heighten your awareness as the sounds of running water and clean air envelop you.
#5: Wallaby Rehab (Queensland, Australia)
The Bridled Nailtail Wallaby is one of the most endangered creatures in the world today. Volunteers with an interest in animal conservation can help the survival of about 130 wallabies at a care facility in central Queensland. Daily activities may include preparing food for the animals, cleaning enclosures, checking out suitable release sights and conducting health checks. A truly remote outback location, you will live on the farm site and may get to go into Marlborough, the closest city, about once a week.