Most of us spend far too much time at our desks. Home office has not made us fitter. Why should we go on vacation and just lazily lie on a beach again? After all, we've been secretly dreaming of adventures like the ones we've seen in movies or read about in books since childhood. Social media inspire us with ideas for unusual destinations. There are photos that take your breath away - out of enthusiasm, but also because you ask yourself: would I dare to do that?

The good news: many adrenaline kicks can be realized more easily than you think. There are numerous providers worldwide who specialize in making adventures possible safely and with a lot of experience. Most of them are people who have a passion and want to share it with others. They clarify in advance what is possible and what is not; tap us for weaknesses and strengths in order to put together the right adrenaline package.

Stormy seas: surfing in Tasmania can be quite a challenge - for daredevil surf pros, it's paradise. © Getty Images

But why should you put yourself through this stress at all? If you leave your comfort zone, you will be rewarded with feelings of happiness. It's a matter of overcoming your inner lazy bones, for example, getting fit for surfing in Australia but also to mentally deal with what it might be like to dive with sharks or jump down a waterfall. Everyday life also benefits: if you plan to climb an exotic volcano at night, you'll feel more inclined to go on a hike. And bragging rights don't hurt either, of course. You're guaranteed to bring back breathtaking photos from these vacations - then others have to ask themselves whether they're brave enough. But, beware: vacations with a kick can be addictive!

8 travel ideas for an adrenaline rush:

Surfing in Tasmania

Let's go wave riding: In Tasmania, pro surfers find their wave. © Pexels

Waves as gigantic as skyscrapers are the ultimate thrill for pros: beginners marvel at the wave monsters that tower up on Tasmania's surf beaches. Shipstern Bluff is legendary; the bravest and best surfers in the world meet here. It is not without reason that this place is also called Devil's Point. The monster waves are as high as a multi-story house, each wave formation is different and cannot be calculated. Sounds like the ultimate adrenaline kick? It is, but deadly for amateur surfers. Better to look for an easier destination. In Australia, you'll find surfing opportunities for every level. 

Suitable for:

Shipstern Bluff is a no-go for laymen! But there are many corners in Tasmania, which are suitable for beginners as well as for advanced surfers.

Absolutely note:

Never just surf it, always first ask locals if the area is safe for your surfing skills.

Highlight:

In Down Under, surfing is not just a sport, but a way of life. You have to feel it - not only in the water.

Coastrider Surf Academy
Clifton Beach Road 461, 7020 Clifton Beach, Tasmania, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)419 324 921
Web: coastrider.com.au
Price: For a single lesson in surfing: € 50,-.

 

Submarine diving in Solomon Islands

The reefs around the Solomon Islands are habitat to numerous fish species - and perfect for diving. © Cookson Adventures

In this chic Submersible James Bond sends his regards. The Solomon Islands are located in the South Pacific and consist of 922 islands. Those who get to dive here will never forget it for the rest of their lives. Pristine reefs, over 500 species of coral, huge schools of fish and even hammerhead sharks can be found in this underwater paradise. But why take a diving course when there are dive boats? The futuristic watercraft look like something out of a James Bond movie, and many reach depths where even experienced divers would have trouble. How exciting to go to the bottom of the sea in a submarine! An expert on board explains what there is to see. 

Suitable for:

People who love the sea and are not afraid to be underwater - the boats seem smaller than they feel.

Absolutely note:

When it goes down very deep, it can also become dark, with only the light of the boat shining. You should be mentally prepared for this.

Highlight:

Are you in space or under water? A fascinating feeling of weightlessness sets in, you float like an astronaut on a research expedition.

Cookson Adventures
Clearwater Terrace 2, W 11 4XL London, England
Tel: +44 (0) 2077 360 452
Web: cooksonadventures.com
Price: Upon request

 

Ballooning in Cappadocia 

Everyone knows the pictures, hardly anyone has experienced it: the balloon rides in Cappadocia are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. © Getty Images

At dawn the balloon takes off, gliding over an unreal volcanic landscape. Cappadocia in central Turkey is a place straight out of a fairy tale. Millions of years ago, ash was deposited by volcanic eruptions, which now reveal layers that have different colours. The full splendour of this surreal landscape is best experienced from the air: there is nothing more peaceful than a balloon ride, it is as quiet as a mouse, except for the hot air sent into the envelope. The basket is stable - even those who are a little afraid of heights feel safe. A feeling of calm sets in because you glide along so organically with the wind.

Suitable for:

Surprisingly, the fear of heights is kept within limits in the balloon basket, it stands still in the air. Nevertheless: You should not have extreme fear of heights.

Absolutely note:

The balloons take off around four in the morning in summer and around six in winter. It can still be cool then, but in the balloon basket itself, you don't feel the wind. So don't dress too warm!

Highlight:

The colours at sunrise are incomparable, and the other balloons in the air also look like a surreal production.

Turkiye Balloons 
Asya Dükkanlari 4, Avanos, Nevsehir, Cappadocia, Turkey
Tel: +90 384 271 3222
Web: turkiyeballoons.com
Price: For a private flight (8 persons, 1 hour): approx. € 225,-.

 

Surfing in the Sahara

Sandboarding is the new trend sport - a must-try for adventurers! © Getty Images

In search of the perfect wave, which also exists in the desert. If you've ever skied down a dune, you know you can pick up speed quickly and glide along as if weightless. Sandboarding and sandskiing are a crazy adventure - it feels like you're on the slopes in winter, but instead you're riding a dune. The closest thing you can compare it to is riding in deep snow. The only drawback: there's no lift; climbing up a sand mountain with equipment is quite sweaty. But that's exactly part of the adrenaline rush: first an arduous climb, then a feather-light descent in a bikini! 

Suitable for:

All skill levels - beginners, but also experienced skiers and snowboarders have fun on the sandy slope.

Absolutely note:

Don't try it in the heat of midday, you'll quickly run out of breath in the desert when the sun beats down mercilessly!

Highlight:

The ascent is arduous, but going down you feel like you're flying. And falling down is also less bad than in winter.

Mouhou Tours
Merzouga, Morocco
Tel: +212 667 850 421
Web: mouhoutours.com
Price: For the guided sandboarding tour: approx. € 20,-.

 

Waterfall - Jumping in Costa Rica

Don't go chasing waterfalls? Not at all: In Costa Rica, jump into the cool water. © Getty Images

Close your eyes and just jump: equipped with a helmet and rope, you first climb up the slippery rocks. This is already exciting and sweaty enough. Fortunately, everything is discussed before the ascent to the waterfall (even more impressive from above!), because you can't even hear yourself with these water masses and the spraying droplets. The final jump requires some overcoming - ten meters feel higher than they actually are. Pure adrenaline ...

Suitable for:

People without fear of heights, who are sure-footed and also curious to experience climbing.

Absolutely note:

Only jump in where the guide allows it, because there are also shallow and dangerous places.

Highlight:

The free fall. It's only a few seconds, but it feels great.

Gravity Falls Costa Rica
Central Park La Fortuna, San Carlos, Costa Rica
Tel: +1 (855) 818-0020
Web: gravityfallscostarica.com
Price: For a waterfall adventure (six hours) under professional guidance: approx. € 185,-.

 

Diving with sharks in the Bahamas

See the peaceful sea creatures up close in the Bahamas. © Cookson Adventures

See the kings of the seas up close and marvel at how calm everything is down here. Sharks are fascinating creatures - how elegantly they glide through the water! Many providers put their customers in a cage and let them watch the kings of the seas from there. The sharks are then lured with food. This looks spectacular and dangerous but feels wrong. Nothing is more beautiful than moving naturally among the animals, swimming with them, not seeing them as a danger, but experiencing them in all their beauty. After all, that's what it's all about: seeking an adrenaline rush and finding total tranquillity... 

Suitable for:

People who already have diving experience and are not afraid of big fish.

Absolutely note:

Stay calm, no frantic movements. Gently contact the animals and do not startle them with excitement.

Highlight:

Looking a shark in the eye; swimming with the wild animals and seeing how curious and smart they are after all.

Cookson Adventures
Clearwater Terrace 2, W 11 4XL London, England
Tel: +44 (0) 2077 360 452
Web: cooksonadventures.com
Price: Upon request

 

Night hiking on a volcano in Indonesia

Climbing a volcano at night? Sure: In Indonesia, the giants are waiting to be climbed. © Getty Images

Close to the origin of the world in impressive crater landscapes: Indonesia has a high density of volcanoes that are suitable for trekking tours. Extremely impressive, for example, is Ijen on Java, which is famous for its blue lava; sulfur is still mined here. Mostly it is narrow paths that lead steeply upwards, the view into the crater makes you dizzy. There is something archaic about volcanoes - the way they spew magma from the bowels of the earth is awe-inspiring. The smell of sulfur in your nose, the starry sky above you, and then a courageous look into the crater: it doesn't get much more adventurous than that. 

Suitable for:

People with trekking experience and the appropriate hiking equipment.

Absolutely note:

Take enough water with you - the climbs are usually pretty tough.

Highlight:

When the sun rises red and the volcano spits fire, you feel as if you are at the beginning of time, when the earth was created.

Semeru Tours
Email: semerutours@yahoo.com 
Web: bromosemerutrekking.com
Price: For the Mount Bromo Midnight Trekking Tour: approx. € 140,-.

 

Swings in Bali

The jungle swing in Bali gives you goosebumps. © Getty Images

An ideal Instagram photo is guaranteed on the jungle swing. Influencers love this motif: on a swing, you float above the jungle. "Bali Swing" is the name of the most famous swing in the world. But don't worry, there are 13 swings at different heights (10 to 78 meters). Some look like birds' nests, one like a sailing ship lost in the air. The free swing is spectacular - the safety ropes are hidden so they don't interfere with the photo. You quickly forget the altitude because you're busy trying to get a cool picture. Only afterwards do you think to yourself: crazy, I did that! 

Suitable for:

People without fear of heights - especially the highest swings cost quite a bit to overcome.

Absolutely note:

It's less about the swing experience and more about the perfect photo. The queue is long; registration is sometimes necessary and always recommended.

Highlight:

The finished photo looks pretty good. Definitely a new Instagram profile picture to be proud of!

Bali Swing Tour
Jl. Tukad Sari Kuning 24b, Panjer, Denpasar Selatan, 80115 Bali, Indonesia
Tel: +6281 999 531 222
Web: baliswingtour.com
Price: For a four-hour Bali Swing Tour: approx. € 30,-.