1. Swimming With Dolphins
There are so many people who will count the chance to swim with dolphins as one of the things that they would like to experience during their lifetime, and this is a great experience that is different to anything else in the world. These intelligent and attractive creatures are naturally clever, and will often appear to enjoy swimming with people and interacting as much as the visitors do, although it is important to choose a responsible operator for your trip.
There are some great places around the world where it is possible to swim with dolphins, including the Atlantic Coast of Mexico and the Florida coastline, while in Europe there are also several areas around the Portuguese coast where this is possible.
2. Hiking At High Altitude
An amazing hike into the high areas of the Himalayas or the Andes is one of the most exciting and inspirational things that any traveler can do, and from stunning landscapes to genuine peace and quiet, there is no doubt that a high altitude hike will provoke envy from friends and family.
Along with the scenery, the clear skies and the wildlife add to the experience, along with the encounters with the folk that live at such high altitude. This is certainly one for those with a good level of fitness, but hiking at high altitude is an amazing experience.
3. Going On Safari
While there are many different areas of the world which have areas where it is possible to go on safari, the vast majority will take place in Africa, where vast swathes of plain will have very little human population and a wealth of wildlife. While tourism hasn't always been a positive influence in these vulnerable areas, taking a safari with an ethical and ecologically sound company can actually benefit the local area and the wildlife.
Some of the best safari areas include the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya, where it is possible to spot all of the big five game animals, namely the lion, rhinoceros, leopard, Cape buffalo and African elephant.
4. Taking On A Bungee Jump
There are some wonderful natural experiences that can be enjoyed around the world, but for those looking for a genuine adrenaline rush, there is nothing quite like being bounced around at the end of a bungee cord. Having originated in New Zealand, there are now a variety of different bungee jumping sites around the world, from beautiful rural gorges to leaps of faith from immense buildings.
Some of the best places to bungee jump include The Nevis, which is near Queenstown on New Zealand's South Island, while the leap over the crocodiles in the Zambezi River makes the Victoria Falls bungee jump a particularly frightening one.
5. Learning To Dance Like The Locals
A fascinating part of any international experience is the chance to enjoy local culture, and the chance to try a local dance that is unique to a country or region is well worth embracing. It is a great way to meet new people, and is an interesting way to immerse yourself in the traditions and culture of the locals.
Learning the fierce war dance of the Maori, the Haka, is a great experience in New Zealand, while learning the Salsa in South America is another wonderful thing to try.