Author: monkey

Top RV Camping Tips For First Timers

 

Camping trips are an incredible experience to share with your partner, a small group of friends or your entire family. They encourage you to explore and be adventurous by bringing you closer to nature. But camping in a tent is not for everybody, and that is why RV camping has seen such a surge in popularity. It adds a touch of luxury and home comforts to your camping trip that makes it, even more, enjoyable. Plus it gives you the freedom to easily travel around and protects you from the elements. Before heading off on your first RV camping trip, use these top tips to prepare you.

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Get some storage

It doesn’t matter if you’re renting an RV or just bought a brand new one from an RV dealer. You will always need as much storage as possible for your trip. If you have never experienced any kind of camping before, you may be unaware of how much you need to take with you for any eventuality. So having plastic boxes and bags in varying sizes are a must. They will keep your items neatly separated making it easier to unpack and organise your RV. Collapsible boxes are even better as they take up little room and can be assembled as and when you need them. Having some storage solutions will be incredibly handy and will keep the inside of your vehicle neat and organised.

Be smart with your packing

When packing for your trip, it can be tempting to put your belongings and equipment in any cupboard or drawer available. But it’s always best to pack your larger, heavier items lower down and lighter items higher up. This will help to balance the RV as you drive and prevent things from shifting about. Having equipment and your belongings being thrown out of cabinets as drawers as you drive can cause damage and create hazards. So be smart with your placements when you pack.

Stock up on the essentials

Making sure your RV is stocked up with snacks and drinks before you leave is essential. Instant coffee, tea bags and powdered milk are ideal for a quick caffeine fix. Also, remember to pack plenty of bottled water too just in case there is no fresh water available nearby. Dry foods such as chips and cookies will also be perfect for long hours driving on the road. You can also prepare some meals at home beforehand that you can take with you to enjoy when you reach your destination. If you arrive late at night or early in the morning, you may not find anywhere that is open to grab a bite to eat. So pre-prepared meals will be useful things to have with you. Also, remember to stock up on fresh food as and when you can to avoid costly trips to restaurants each day.

Even though this will be your first RV camping experience, these tips will make you feel like you’ve been doing it for years. It’s a fabulous experience that you will enjoy immensely if you do plenty of planning beforehand.

 

Top North American Trips for Adventure Lovers

North America is full of interesting locations that offer something unique to all kinds of adventure lovers. Whatever you want to do, there is a location that will be right for you in North America. Here are some top ideas for destinations that you should consider.

Scuba Diving in the U.S. Virgin Islands

The Caribbean waters surrounding the U.S Virgin Islands are clear and beautiful. They’re perfect for scuba diving too, thanks to the tropical fish and ocean wildlife inhabiting them. You can see all sorts of weird and wonderful fish without going far from the American coast. There are not many locations you can say that about. The island itself is a pretty stunning location too. The landscape is pretty rocky, so there are plenty of hiking and climbing opportunities as well if that’s your thing.

Colorado Zipline Holiday

If you really want to explore the American wilderness, there is nowhere better than Colorado. From the forests to the mountains and down to the rivers, the place is perfect for adventure lovers of all stripes. There are plenty of companies around to provide you with your perfect destination getaway. Arkansas river rafting has become especially popular, so has climbing and camping in the beautiful landscapes of the rocky mountains. And Colorado zipline tours are great too. This is my favorite thing about Colorado because the thrill you get is amazing. If you haven’t tried it before, you need to.

Boating on Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is certainly one of the most beautiful locations in America. And it’s a lot of fun to sit and admire it. But that doesn’t mean it’s not also a great place for adventure. It’s the perfect place for people who are looking to learn about boating. The waters are great, and all kinds of interesting water sports can take place on them. They are also very good for swimmers. There’s no better place in the country that’s better for people who want to spend time playing sport

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Hiking in Sedona

Sedona is a place that attracts passionate hikers. It’s one of the best locations in North America when it comes to hiking. The paths that you can explore are so varied and extensive that you can spend ages walking them. You’ll need to make sure that you bring the right equipment and shoes though. The landscape can be pretty tough and unforgiving for people who don’t really know what they’re doing. But for seasoned hikers, this is one of the must-visit places on the continent, so give it a try.

Exploring Anchorage

Anchorage offers visitors a playground of natural wonders that are ripe for exploration. The main task is fitting everything in before your vacation is over and you have to head home. The cliffs you find in Chugach State Park are fantastic for anyone who enjoys rock climbing and hiking. You can spend days on those activities and never get bored of the landscape surrounding you. There are perfect conditions for cross-country skiing as well. There’s even a novice coastal trail for families.

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Gap Year: How To Plan The Ultimate Trip

The gap year is an important part of any young person’s life, so you should take it seriously. After all, you lose the opportunity when you get older because you take on more responsibility. And that makes getting it right the first time essential. The last thing you want to do is regret the time you spent travelling the world when you look back on your life. With that in mind, here’s how your good friend at Adventure Monkey would recommend planning the ultimate gap year.

Plan It In Advance

There is a school of thought that says you shouldn’t plan anything when you travel, but that you should just go with the flow. Nonsense! Yes, you should open up your mind and do different things, but you should also have a plan in your mind’s eye. Without a plan, you may only stumble across a select few of the amazing sights and attractions. However, with a plan you can cover everything that you want to see while you are away. It doesn’t need to be a strict plan, but you should, at least, have a loose outline.

Go With A Friend

There is a lot to say about travelling alone, especially when you meet new friends. In fact, there is nothing like putting yourself out there and socialising with people you never knew twenty seconds ago. Still, travelling with a friend is even better because there is always someone there to share the experiences. Plus, you will meet new people regardless. And, there is always the added benefit of being a lot safer with a friend by your side.

Go Somewhere Amazing

Everywhere may seem amazing, but you should try and go out of your comfort zone for the best experiences. For example, Australia is an awesome country to visit, but it is made for travelling and that makes life easier. Often, the best times are when you are in a place that you would never imagine visiting in your life. To find these places, visit The Leap and take a look at their selection of posts and articles. In fact, the link will take you to a particular post that will blow your mind.

Volunteer

Gap years are often about the individual. That is not to say that you are selfish, but that you just want to have a good time. Let’s face it – who doesn’t? But, life is a lot better when you are helping others and not just thinking about number one. Volunteering, for example, is a great way to help those that are less fortunate than yourself and see the world. There is nothing like travelling while experiencing the emotion of watching someone succeed.

Do Something Incredible

Your gap year is a year to do something out of the ordinary and open your mind. So, anything that you wouldn’t do at home is something you should consider doing while you are abroad. A gap year is a fantastic excuse for a bungee jump or a skydive because you are on holiday.

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The year is all about having a great time, so don’t get in your own way.

 

Planning Your Amazing Australian Surfing Holiday

Always wanted to go surfing in Australia? We can’t blame you. Getting out on the waves is one of the best experiences you can get on a beach. Many love it so much that it becomes much more than a holiday activity. Maybe you’ll find the waves call to you, too, and end up going all times of the year, summer or not. But before that, you need to know how to plan for your big surfing excursion. Just follow our four steps and you’ll be surf ready in no time.

If you find yourself looking for other things to do while you’re there, we can’t get enough of Australia and we have plenty of material to help you out.

Location

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This is the most important one. There are all kinds of different scenes that are good for surfing. There are some better for beginners. Some have all the comforts of a good holiday spot nearby. There are also those that are more secluded but famous for the beauty of the surroundings and quality of the waves. There are lots of guides to good surf spots online, but we recommend looking here for an expert’s look at which are the best in Australia and why.

Surfboard

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Buying a surfboard can a daunting task for experienced surfers, never mind those who are completely new at it. First-timers are always recommended to try a soft-surfboard. But that’s not all you need to consider. Pay close attention to the condition of the board and accept nothing that’s not absolutely mint. Try seeing what accessories you can get with it such as a leash or a board bag. Also consider paying in cash as certain stores will be happy to give a discount for that. As for the store, don’t buy your surfboards at general sports stores. The staff in a surf shop will know a lot more about the kinds of boards on offer. For more advice on buying a board, check out this site.

Outfit

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When you’re going surfing, you will most likely want a wet-suit. Sure, you can get to the beach in a pair of shorts and go out like that, but you might find yourself freezing. Always check the weather reports of the area to see what temperature the water is. Chances are, however, you’ll want to go surfing no matter the water temperature. So if you’re on a surfing holiday, get yourself a wetsuit. As well as protecting you from the colder waters, it’s also good for those with sensitive skin.

Be prepared

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Having your first few (many) spills in the water is all part of the fun on your first surfing holiday. But that doesn’t have to be the whole experience! Keep these tips in mind when you’re learning how to surf. Also remember that surfing can be a pretty physically strenuous activity. Between balance and posture, you’re much more likely to own those waves if you’re in the right shape.

With the right location, equipment and a bit of preparation, nothing will stop you from taking on those waves. We hope to see you out there!

 

See The Best Of California In Two Weeks

If we had to pick our favourite state in America, it would have to be California. It’s a tough call, but the sheer diversity in California makes it a winner. It has beaches, national parks, and two of the world’s most wonderful cities, all within a day’s drive. If you’re planning a trip to the golden state, you’re in for a real treat. In this post, we’re taking you on a road trip through California, exploring all the best places along the way. There really is something for everyone here.

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LA – Los Angeles is famous for its Hollywood stars and its buzzy atmosphere. It’s a city that everyone should visit at least once in their lives. The Hollywood sign alone is worth the air fare! LA is a town of dreams, and you can feel the excitement and the optimism in the air. The food is also fantastic here, with some of the best eating establishments in America.

West Coast – Just a short drive from the buzzing heart of LA is the golden coast. We advise buying or renting a travel trailer, and snaking your way up the coast slowly. The views are phenomenal, and it’s worth taking your time on the coastal roads. Along the way, you can stop at Santa Barbara, Monterey Beach, and wherever else you choose! Here, the sea is warm, the beach is clear, and you can relax for a little while. If you like an adrenaline rush, try taking a surf lesson. You’ll find some of the best waves in the world here.

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San Francisco – At the north of the state sits San Francisco. Famous for its steep streets and iconic trams, the city is a top destination for California travellers. It has a much more cultural and bohemian vibe than LA, and is much more laid back. (The locals will also tell you the food here is tastier!) The state’s best galleries and museums are found in San Francisco. Don’t forget about the Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz prison either!

The National Parks – From San Francisco, it’s time to take our journey inland towards the national parks. California is home to one of the most famous parks in America: Yosemite. Yosemite National Park is a stunning forest, complete with waterfalls and awe-inspiring rock formations. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a black bear! We suggest renting a log cabin for a few nights, and making the most of this wonderful area.

Palm Springs – After a few days out in the wilderness, it’s time to head back towards civilization! Start driving south into the desert, destination Palm Springs. (You may want to stop off half way down in Fresno, as it’s a long journey!) Palm Springs the perfect place to relax and unwind for a few days before you head home. Palm Spring is famous for its golf courses and luxury hotels, so take your time, and enjoy yourself!

Finally, it’s back to LA to complete our round-trip of the golden state. California has such a wonderful variety of cities and attractions. Two weeks almost isn’t enough. Don’t worry, you can always come back for a second trip!

 

The Most Important Tool For Your Survival Kit

 

Let’s face it, when it comes down to basics, you might have nothing but the clothes on your back and your survival pack. You could make a list as long as your arm and beyond. But let’s imagine that you can only take with you just what you can carry in a small backpack. What is the one thing that you need over everything else? The one tool you need to survive in the short term. The one that really matters, is a knife.

Without this nothing else happens. That is a fact. A dependable knife lies just at the heart of everything you need to do. No one knife blade will do everything of course. But without it, let’s a face it, you don’t stand a chance. A knife will cut rope, assuming you have rope. If you don’t have rope a knife can help you make it. You know that you are going to need weapons of some description, and a knife is exactly what you will need to help you make them. Even something as basic as sharpening a stick is going to need a knife in order for you to do it. And a good sharp sturdy knife at that.

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A knife will open packages just like that. If you’ve ever tried to pull apart a box or package covered with tape, then you will know exactly what I’m talking about. A folding knife is a pretty handy tool to have around. It’s fit right in your pocket and is great for any number of small tasks. If you had nothing else then a folding knife could be a useful choice. A knife will just slip through the packaging and get your food or supplies out.

What though if you had to hunt, kill and prepare you own food? That wild pig won’t find his way into the pot on his own. You’re going to need a knife and folding knife, as useful as it can be, is not going to be enough. You are going to need a fixed blade hunting knife. Take a look at some hunting knife reviews before deciding which one would most useful for you. They’d make a great gift incidentally.

Making a fire is easy. When you have waterproof matches and firelighters. Even then it can be a bit of a pain. What is the most basic way of making a fire? Well of course it’s friction between two pieces of wood. For that to happen you need one thing. A knife. Just that one item could bring you heat and the heat will give you food and warmth. A knife can do all of those things.

You’ll need some shelter out there, that’s a fact. In order to get a shelter in this scenario, you are going to have to build it. And for that to happen, at some point you are going to have to cut down trees. You’ll have to cut rope or tape and a knife is going to be the one single thing that will help you do it. You might argue that a machete would just about be perfect for that task and you’d be right. But to my way of thinking, a machete is just another form of knife. And thinking like that might just lead us onto an axe.

But you can’t cut a bandage with an axe! Well you could try but it might take some time. For me every time I’ll take the knife. It’s at the bottom of that pack of mine and the top of every survival kit list. Make sure it’s a good one. Make sure you look after it. Above all make sure you keep it sharp.

 

Celebrate Your Way Around The World

It’s amazing to think that there is always a party going on somewhere. Why not try and build some of these into your travel plans? They could be places you are passing through or even destinations in themselves. It would seem a shame to travel halfway around the world and have a quiet night in! So get your party clothes ready and prepare to tick a few of these off your list.

Carnival time in Rio de Janeiro

Universally acknowledged to be the best party on the planet. The Rio carnival is everything you’d expect. It is held every year before Lent and is the biggest carnival in the world. It all started in 1823 and today regularly attracts two million people every day. Prepare to party street style. Filled with revellers, floats and colour, this is the street festival to beat them all.

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Chinese New Year

Imagine dragons, fireworks and lanterns. Just about anywhere where there is a Chinatown on in one of China’s growing metropolis. If you are around at the end of the Chinese year this is one colourful celebration.

Abuja Street Carnival

The up and coming and highly eclectic capital city of Nigeria hosts its colorful carnival in October. For diversity and colour this African party is well worth checking out. Check out Abuja news to keep updated about the city.

White Nights Festival St Petersburg

This is a real gem for Arts lovers. During the season of the midnight sun, you’ll see classical ballet, opera and a range of music events. The Scarlet Sails celebration is an amazing gathering attending by literally millions of students. It’s a stunning winter spectacle.

Bristol Balloon Festival, UK

Every August thousands gather to watch hundreds of hot air balloons create one amazing and colourful gathering. High over the skies of Bristol and Somerset. Bristol comes alive with a host of art events, and happenings at this time of year. It’s a great chance to explore the city that is only an hour away from London.

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World of Wearable Art Wellington, NZ

Wellington already had its name as the coolest little capital city in the world before the WoW exhibition came to town. Now the week of events has become a must-do for lovers of fashion and design everywhere. It has become an annual non-stop spectacular not to be missed and will make your visit here really memorable.

The Running of the Bulls. Pamplona, Spain.

This annual spectacle takes place every year in the early summer. It was made famous by the writer Ernest Hemingway in the 1920’s. Young and old men alike test their bravery as the bulls for that day are run down to the street towards the bull ring. Most injuries come from falling over, but it can be a gory spectacle all the same.

La Tomatina

Another Spanish delight and for lovers of tomatoes everywhere. Held in the town of Bunol near Valencia. This messy and sticky affair is a celebration of the tomato. Expect tomato fights as well as tomato slides.

Oktoberfest Munich

If you like beer, you’ll be right at home here for the world’s largest beer drinking celebration. 16 days and 6 million people and lots and lots of beer. What’s not to like?

New Year’s Eve Sydney

Sure Scotland is the home of Hogmanay and New Year but Sydney’s celebration is up there with best. Renowned as the best place to see in the New Year in the world, it’s firework displays are second to none. Prepare to party well past midnight. Nobody does it better.

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Travel By Air and Road with These Awesome Flydrive Destinations

With all the forms of transport available, travelling the world is easier than ever. You can fly, take a train or boat, and if you have a licence, you can drive. One of the most popular things to do is to combine a long-haul flight with car hire. You can reach your destination by plane, and then get the vehicle of your choice for an epic road trip. It enables people to do legendary journeys like Route 66 and have complete control. If you’re interested in a “flydrive” holiday, there are lots of incredible places you can see. Try some of these countries for an excellent experience.

USA

The United States is the mother of all destinations for a fly and drive trip. Its vastness and diversity mean there’s something for everyone. There are several journeys that are famous, like the legendary Route 66, which is a must for many. You can visit the west coast and explore the Pacific Northwest. Drive through Washington, Oregon and California. Or you could travel through the south, experiencing their rich culture, history and, of course, music. Anyone looking for a family holiday can go to Florida too, and enjoy all the things there are to do in Orlando. No matter what you like seeing and doing on your travels, you’ll find a journey that suits you in America.

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Faramarz Hashemi

Botswana

A lot of people look at safaris as something you do with a guide. But you can have an independent trip where you get to decide where to go and what to do. Botswana is one of the best countries to see some incredible wildlife. If you want to go on a flydrive holiday, Safari Drive explains how you can achieve it and how to stay safe. You may be a bit worried about going off on your own, but if you use your common sense and follow some guidelines, you’ll be just fine. If you choose a company to help you organise your trip, they will look after you.

Barbados

There’s nothing like visiting an island and having the freedom to explore it yourself. If you’re thinking about going to the Caribbean, don’t hide away in a resort. There’s a lot to explore in Barbados, and you’ll miss out by sticking to the tourist spots. By hiring a car, you’ll be able to get around, and you can still enjoy the incredible beaches. With the freedom to go where you like, you could discover things that everyone else misses out on. Maybe you’ll stumble upon an amazing café, meet some wonderful people or spot some wildlife.

New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the best places to explore on a fly and drive trip. If you enjoy driving, you’ll love it even more when you’re surrounded by the country’s amazing scenery. There are some fantastic natural sites to see, and plenty of towns to visit and things to do as well. For a great experience, plan to spend at least a couple of weeks there.

Flydrive trips give you the freedom to explore the whole world at your leisure. And remember that it’s not just about where you stop, but the journey to get there too.

Awesome Outdoor Activity Ideas For The Entire Family

No matter where you might find yourself, there are always lots of fun activities for the entire family. You might be at home wondering what you should do this weekend. You could be abroad looking for something to occupy your time. Either way, the ideas mentioned on this page are sure to keep everyone happy. Some of them cost more than others, and so it makes sense to consider your budget before booking. We guarantee all the suggestions in this article will help to create fantastic memories for everyone involved.

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  • Family Helicopter Rides

There is nothing quite like taking a ride in a helicopter. Those of you who are on holiday might want to take a trip over some of the most interesting tourist hotspots. Those of you at home probably just want to do something exciting. Helicopter rides could make the perfect family day out. You just need to find a reputable company with all the right insurance policies. There is no need to worry about anything because helicopters are safer than the car you drive. Nothing will go wrong, and you’ll all have a great day.

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  • Rock Climbing

Encouraging your kids to stay fit and healthy is always a good idea. Booking a rock climbing experience could be ideal. It will give them some thrill-seeking experience, and it will also help them to stay in shape. There are many companies that deal with outdoor climbing. You just need to get in touch with one that has a good reputation. Alternatively, you could try one of the many indoor climbing facilities around today. The latter is usually suitable for first-timers. However, there’s no reason you can’t head straight out to the mountains.

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  • Scuba Diving

Most kids are fascinated by the ocean. Indeed, they’ll do anything to spend longer in the waves when you take holidays. Even if you don’t live near the coast, booking scuba diving experiences is a fantastic move. You might have to travel for a few hours to take part, but it will be worth all the effort. There’s nothing stopping you from staying at a local campsite if you don’t want to drive home. You can locate the best scuba diving businesses online. You need to make sure the people looking after you follow standard health and safety regulations. Diving deep can mean your bodies are exposed to lots of pressure. Failing to use the right techniques and devices could mean you end up with an injury. So, you just need to be careful.

All of those outdoor activity ideas are suitable for your entire family. It doesn’t matter how young your children might be at the current time. In fact, it’s wise to get them used to thrill-seeking from an early age. That way, they won’t feel as scared when they take part in later life. At the end of the day, you only have a few precious years with the kids before they grow up. So, it makes sense to get the most out of your time together.

Have an amazing summer guys! Your children deserve the best possible upbringing. Now is the time to give it to them.

 

5 Incredible Adventures You Don’t Need to Leave the UK For

When you think of adrenaline-inducing adventure holidays, where springs to mind? Most people will think of places like the Grand Canyon, the Inca Trail, or Mount Everest. Very few adventure lovers will think of destinations right on their doorstep. However, if you want an incredible experience you don’t need to go far. Here are some of the best UK adventures.

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  1. Bungee Jumping

You don’t have to travel far and wide to experience something truly exhilarating. Bungee jumping is one of the wildest adventures you can have. And, you can do it right here in the UK! There are dozens of indoor and outdoor bungee jump locations around the country. You could even jump off the O2 if you fancy it. The highest bungee jump in the UK is 300ft, which you can do at Bray Lake. The best thing about doing it in this country is that our safety regulations are a lot better than some of the other European hotspots. Meaning you’ll feel a lot more secure, too.

  1. Sky Diving

If you want a bit more of an adrenaline rush, how about skydiving? There are centres located around the country, which specialise in jumping out of planes. You’ll be given full training and protective equipment before you make the leap. Imagine soaring through the British skies, coming to land in the quaint countryside. Or, on the beach. This is one adventure not to be missed!

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  1. Camping

For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground, there’s always camping. Pick the right place and this will be an incredibly wild adventure. Britain’s Best Breaks has an excellent list of places to camp in the UK. You can trek up mountains or through the countryside. Set up your base, toast some marshmallows of the campfire, and sleep under the stars. This sounds like my perfect holiday!

  1. Surfing

When most people think of surfing, it tends to be Australia that springs to mind. However, you can catch some serious waves on the coasts of the UK. In fact, we have some of the best surfing beaches in the world. As long as the weather is good, you’ll have the adventure of a lifetime. Autumn tends to be better for surfing than summer. This is because you’ll get decent sized waves to test your skills. Also, the beaches will be less packed. Sennen Cove in Cornwall is a must-visit if you want an incredible surfing adventure.

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  1. White Water Rafting

Yep, that’s right. You can go white water rafting in the UK! There are centres in England, Wales and Scotland that provide this one of a kind experience. White water rafting is quite a physical activity so you’re going to need to be prepared. You’ll also need to be able to swim quite some distance, in case you come flying out of the boat. Which, let’s be honest, is more than likely.

Did you know that you could experience these incredible adventures on your doorstep? The next time you need a rush of adrenaline, consider exploring a little closer to home. You may be surprised at what you find.