Sometimes, you book a vacation because you need to get away from the stress of work and just relax on the beach. Other times, you need to get rid of some of the pent-up energy that comes from working a desk job - that's when adventure travel destinations are your best bet for an exciting trip. Check out these extreme locations for an adrenaline rush of inspiration:
1. Gansbaai, South Africa
There's nothing more extreme than coming face to face with the many-toothed Great White Shark. The famous predator of the deep, which has remained basically unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs, is a common visitor of the Gansbaai waters. Located on the south-western coast of South Africa, this fishing village is the place to visit if you want to get up close and personal with a Great White, reported USA TODAY. Catch a cheap flight to Cape Town, then drive to the village where you can find a diving company that will guide you into the shark-infested waters - with a protective cage of course. It's the ultimate thrill!
2. Mawsynram, India
Mawsynram, a village in Meghalaya, India, is the wettest place on Earth. According to the Atlantic, the locals use living rubber trees to create bridges that get stronger and grow over time. A hike through the rainforest is an experience like no other, and because the vegetation grows so rapidly, no two trips will ever be identical. If you don't mind getting a little wet, Mawsynram is the ideal destination for a jungle adventure. Backpackers who like to get off the beaten tourist trail should definitely mark this one on their maps.
3. Petra, Jordan
The stone city of Petra was carved into the rocks of a mountain valley between the Dead Sea and Red Sea. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Petra was once a key trading point between the East and West. It was famously used as a location in the film "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," in which the temple at Petra was home to the Holy Grail. Although you might not actually find any ghosts at this site, it's still a wonderful adventure. Find a cheap flight to Amman, the capital of Jordan, then hitch a camel to this ancient city carved in the stone.
4. Atacama, Chile
The Atacama Desert is the king of all deserts - it's the driest place on Earth and rarely sees a single drop of precipitation. If you ever wanted to know what life on Mars would be like, this is where you go to find out. In the very center of the wasteland, you won't find one blade of grass nor will you even see a lone cactus, according to National Geographic. And yet you can still book a hotel here, and many people visit each year to view the barren, beautiful landscapes. There are plenty of white sand beaches in the world, but only one Atacama.
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