Thousands of ancient stone jars can be found in Laos' Plain of jars. Each jar is large enough to fit a person inside. Archaeologists are not sure who made them and why.

Spectacular water towers dominate the skyline of Kuwait City. The water towers are part of desalination plants that turn seawater into fresh water by removing the salt. Freshwater is scarce in Kuwait, and these plants are its main source.

If you think the unusual design of this luxury hotel looks like a ship under full sail- you are right. Built in 1999, the Burj al Arab (meaning “Tower of the Arabs”) sits on an artificial island just off shore in the Persian Gulf. It's the world's tallest hotel

The Millau Bridge in France is a cable-stayed bridge. With its roadway 885 feet above the River Tarn, it became the highest road bridge when it opened in 2004. The top of its highest tower reaches a height of 1,125 feet, higher than the Eiffel Tower.

Ruined Buddhist Temples rise from the plain at the Ancient Myanmar. Founded in AD 849, the “City of a Thousand Temples” covered a vast area. It was partially destroyed by a Mongol Army invader.

From the walls of an Inca fortress at Sacsayhuaman, near Cuzco, crowds usually watch modern descendants of the Incas celebrate the “Festival of the Sun.”

How their ancestors move these huge stone building blocks from the quarries remains a mystery.

The Iron Gates are spectacular wall of rocks in the Samaria Gorge, on the island of Crete. This is Europe's largest ravine.

Black Rocks rise from the shallow waters of Lake Myvatn in Northern Iceland. They were formed from the cooked lava of ancient volcanoes. Iceland has over 200 volcanoes, many of them active.

The snow never melts on spectacular Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps. A road tunnel had been bored through the mountain that links France with Italy.

The jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites look like fantastic cathedral spires. This northeastern mountain range, which is more than 10,824 ft or 3,330 m, is a branch of the Alps. Its sheer rock faces and wonderful views attract rock climbers, hikers and tourists.

Ridges of ice edge down the Southern Alps, forming the huge Franz-Josef Glacier. This is one of over 360 glaciers in New Zealand. It was first explored in 1865, and today is popular with hikers and tourists.

The sea ice around Ellesmere Island, Canada's most northerly point, break up for a few weeks around June. There is 24 hour sunlight during this time, and the waters become a rich feeding ground for migrating whales and seabirds.

Bright lights twinkle against the sun at the fishing village of Angmagssalik on the east coast. Much of Greenland does not see natural daylight for several months in the winter because it lies north of the Arctic Circle.

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is dark in the middle of a winter day. Like other Arctic countries, Finland is dark for most of each day in winter and light throughout midsummer nights. This is because of its northerly location.

Along the Arctic Circle there is one day each year during which the sun does not set, about June 21. The sun does not rise above the horizon on approximately December 22.

At the North Pole there are 6 months of continuous daylight from March 21 to September 23 and 6 months of darkness from September 23 to March 21.

Along the Antarctic Circle there is one day each year during which the sun does not set, about December 22. The sun does not rise above the horizon on approximately June 21.

At the South Pole there is 6 months of continuous darkness about March 21 to September 23 followed by 6 months of daylight from September 23 to March 21.

Islands of salts form in Lake Assal in Djibouti, the lowest place in Africa, when the lakes salty water evaporates in the hot sun, leaving a salt crust.

Hope you enjoyed your brief tour from these beautiful and wonderful places from around the world.

Estonia

Estonia is a wonderful way to see the essence of Europe. To the east is Russia, to the north is Finland, on the west side sits Sweden, and to the south, there is a land border with Latvia. The small nation enjoys a Baltic Sea coastline. Estonia was oppressed for decades under the U.S.S.R.'s ruling, after World War II.

In 1991, it was finally declared a separate nation. The national language Estonian enjoys a fully, 100%, literate population. Sometimes it is referred to as “E-sonia,” seeing as it is highly wired for the Internet and technology.

Throughout Estonia's history, it has often been in the middle of battles, strictly on account of its geographical location. It is a country that was taken over by Hitler in 1941 and then lost its identity again as part of the U.S.S.R.

While visiting Estonia, be sure to check out Hiiumaa Islets Landscape Reserve, a national park and island; Kiek-in-de-Kök, a fortress and a museum; and Naissaar, an island and war memorial in a lush natural forest.

The capital of Tallinn is a favorite destination for many seasoned globe trotters that know what they like. Estonia is full of beautiful churches and countryside.

The ideal season to check out this enchanting locale is from June to September, as the winters are quite frosty. Estonia is known to have a great deal of character and charm, without breaking the traveler's bank account. Some visitors find it similar in quaintness to Prague as it was 20 years ago.

Estland

This is Estonia

Nicaragua

Nicaragua is in Central America, and while the country did recently endure a civil war, it is peaceful now. Nicaragua is a beautiful and scenic tropical spot that is not a tourist trap. It lies between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean.

This Spanish-speaking country is a place of thick green tropical rain forests, vast beaches of blue water and remarkable volcanoes and mountains. As this is a rainforest, the best time to visit is the dry season, from November to April.

Who wouldn't want to visit an unspoiled and still pristine part of the world with exotic animals, gorgeous beaches and postcard perfect natural splendor? Many travelers return to this country for the hospitality of the “Nicas”, the people of Nicaragua.

Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha is an island about 200 miles off the coast of Brazil. The island is largely in a natural and conserved state. It is another stunning, unspoiled place for explorers looking to stray away from the usual island tourist crowds.

To keep the island from becoming overcrowded, less than 500 visitors are allowed on the island at one time. Although the remoteness of the island is more expensive than what you would pay on the mainland, the seasoned tropical visitor will find it to be truly fabulous. Seventy percent of this island is appointed as a national park, and wildlife abounds. Sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, exotic birds and manta ray all share the habitat in and around this island.

The archipelagos a favorite place for diving enthusiasts. Unfortunately, it is becoming quite expensive to stay on this island, as the natives are rumored to be enjoying the foreign cash. However, even if you could stop off for a few nights, it would be worth the splurge to be so close to a perfect ecosystem of such intense beauty.

Fernando De Noronha

Fernando de Noronha National Park - Brazil

Fernando de Noronha - A hidden and lonely beach in Brazil

Beach - Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Greenland

Greenland. You are thinking, the land of ice? Yes, it is “that” Greenland, and it is actually showing more greenery than ever, thanks to climate change, and revealing is what lies beneath.

Crime is completely unknown in this area of the world, so if you value safety, this may be the place for you. Greenland is the world's biggest island. 85 percent of Greenland is ice cap. This ice cap is used by ten percent of the Earth's population as a water source. If these ice caps melt, the level of the oceans would rise by more than 20 feet.

Greenland has the most daylight hours in the summer, with a 'midnight sun,” visible from May until late July. The highest summer temperature is about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Whales are frequently seen by tour boats, whose passengers will be able to view some of the most beautiful humpbacks, pilot whales, sperm whales and narwhals very easily.

The Northern Lights are best in August and September. There is fishing and golf on the island, and many quaint inns for lodging. Nature lovers will become addicted to this spot, as there are a variety of fantastic outdoor activities, such as ice climbing, dog sledding, and kayaking. Greenland is probably the most isolated place left on the planet, hence the serenity is the most beautiful aspect of a journey to this seemingly mystical land.

Aurea Borealis and Animals on Greenland

2004 Greenland

Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

Tasmania

Tasmania is an island off the coast of southeast Australia. About 40% of the island is protected land and reserves. Less than half a million residents call Tasmania home. It is about 26,000 square miles in size. Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is from December until February. The trees on the island of Tasmania are some of the oldest on the planet.

Tasmania is full of lush rain forests, alpine meadows, mountain peaks and large clear lakes. Cradle Mountain and Lake St. Clair National Park are some of the most beautiful places to see on the fabled island.

The best time to visit Tasmania is between the months of October and April. The Tasmanian Devil is found only on the island of Tasmania, and cartoons, of course.

Tasmania: A Visual Experience

Soothing Sunrises on the Shores of Tasmania

Tasmania In Spring

These little known and lesser publicized destinations will surely create many memories of adventure and stunning views for those who dare to venture off the well-traveled path.

Stonehenge

Located at the English county of Wiltshire.

The mystery of Stonehenge still remains unanswered as historians are still searching for answers, why was it built? What purpose did it serve? How did our ancestors lift such heavy stones (some of them weighting up to 50 tonnes each!) in it's position?

Colosseum

Located in the city centre of Rome, Italy.

The Colosseum was used to host gladiatorial shows as well as a variety of other events. Sometimes execution took place in the form of drama, where the hero (the condemned person) was killed in a gruesome manner for example being mauled by beasts or burned to death.

Taj Mahal

Agra, India.

Tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal

Jali screens surrounding the cenotaphs, it is inlaid with semiprecious stones on the surface.

A love story between a king and his queen. There is a story that is inspired by Rabindranath Tagore's description of the tomb as "one tear-drop… upon the cheek of time" where once a year, during the rainy season, a single drop of water falls on the cenotaph.

The Great Wall of China

It has been estimated that between 2 to 3 million Chinese died as part of the project of building this defensive wall.

The watch towers were important as communication was passed from one tower to another in times of impending attack.

Someone claimed it was "the only man made structure that is visible to the naked eye from the moon." Do you know where to look? This photo is taken from the Space Shuttle in April 1994.

The Porcelain Tower of Nanjing

It is also known as a "Temple of Gratitude". A beautiful octagonal tower laid with white porcelain bricks was designed by the Chinese Emperor Yongle. The suns rays would be reflected in the day, and at night as many as 140 lanterns were hung on the tower to illuminate it.

It was destroyed during 1856 by the Taiping, to prevent the hostile fraction to use the tower as an observation post. The ruins have lain forgotten until recently, as some works are being carried out to try to rebuilt this landmark.

Hagia Sophia

Located in Istanbul, Turkey.

It was first a patriarchal basilica, then a mosque and now a museum.

Fountain (Şadirvan) for ritual ablutions

The mihrab located in the apse where the altar used to stand, pointing towards Mecca

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

It is a free standing bell tower of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa. Due to poorly laid foundation and loose substrate, the tower is tilting in the southeast direction.

On February 27, 1964 a team of historians, mathematicians and engineers came together to try to stabilize the tower. In May 2008, engineers have announced that the Tower has stopped moving for the first time in history!

1. Alta Igloo

   
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   This is located in the Lapland region of Norway. This hotel features 30 rooms including two suites, two bars and lounge area. It is decorated with ice sculptures and ice furnishings. This hotel also contains an ice chapel and ice gallery. The theme of this hotel changes every year. You can stay here for around $300 per person based on double occupancy. This includes one-night's stay, round trip transfers to the city of Alta, a two-course dinner, breakfast and a morning sauna. This hotel also offers day trips, snowmobile safaris, astronomy tours and wildlife viewing.
   
   
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2. Jukkasjarvi

   
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   This is the first ice hotel of the world which was built in Jukkasjarvi village near North Lapland in Sweden. It has 85 rooms and suites, a bar, reception area and church. Each room is unique and the architecture of the hotel changes every year. The hotel charges around $150 to $220 depending on season and days.

3. Ice Hotel Chapel

   
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   This hotel is near Quebec, Canada. The hotel features 85 beds, 13 suites, a movie theatre, two art galleries, a night club, the Ice Lounge, and a romantic Ice Chapel. An overnight package includes one-night's accommodations in the queen room, a welcome cocktail, a gift certificate per person worth $10, access to the Nordic-style relaxation space with hot tubs and sauna, a hot beverage in the morning, a full buffet breakfast and complete equipment for the night including sleeping bag, blanket and a pillow for around $550 to $670 depending on the day of the week.
   
   
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4. Igloo Dorf

   
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   Igloo Dorf is another variation on the ice hotel theme with small igloo villages built each winter in five different locations in the Swiss and German Alps: Zermatt, Engelberg, Gstaad, Scuol and Zugspitze. The Zermatt village features four beds, four romantic suites, one whirlpool and an igloo bar. At Zugspitze, there are 50 igloo beds, four romantic igloos, two whirlpools and an igloo bar. Each igloo village offers saunas and an igloo bar serving meals. Rates vary from $120 to $175 depending on the season and days.

5. Aurora Ice Museum

   
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   This restaurant cum museum is in Alaska. Here everything including bar glasses and chandeliers are designed as fine art work. The cost of the package is $449 per person based on double occupancy which includes accommodation for two nights, Chena sled dog kennel tour and ride, geothermal renewable energy tour and ground transportation to Fairbanks and the resort. Though it has only four rooms, each room has quite a unique style.
   
   
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No doubt, these hotels all give a memorable experience for the visitors. Hence they became popular places for birthdays and wedding day parties. These are especially wonderful honeymoon spots for newly wedded couples.

This is a leftover product of quaternary glacier which has a record of 3 million years. It is found in Chongqing, China.

This is a rare and extraordinary view of a rainbow after rain.

This is Qiaogeli Peak, situated in the northern part of Pakistan. It is regarded as the world's second highest peak. The Western climbers refer it as K2 Peak while Chinese authorities officially refer it as Qogir or Qiaogeli Feng.

This is a rare scene of a water tornado occuring in the city of Kunshan in a province of Jiangsu, China.

This is a rare sandstorm that swept through the sky of a city in Jiayuguan in Gansu Province, China.

This "strange hoop of barley field" was discovered in the southern region of Russia. It is regarded as a new discovery by the local people there.|

The photo shows a volcanic eruption that took place in the Eastern part of Java Province in Indonesia. This Buluomo Volcano spews high temperature ashes, dust, and smoke as high as 3,000m.

This is Kilauea Volcano, the world's most active volcano, situated in the island of Hawaii, which lies against the southeast flank of much larger Mauna Lao Volcano in the United States. Its eruption is always accompanied with extremely hot steam plume and lava. The hot lava flows in the lava tube and may flow to cover a local road.

This is a splendid look at a meteor and its aurora. The meteor is a meteoroid that falls to the Earth in a fiery tail which is a bright glow observed over the night sky.

This is a combination scene of comets and aurora over the sky of Alaska. The comet is a mixture of dust and frozen gases that is usually dark and in a solid body that sweeps across the space. The comets appear star-like and they look like tiny balls to our naked eyes in this picture.

This is a faint, but sporadic, atmospheric phenomenon seen in the night sky from locations at high latitudes. This aurora may develop into steady greenish arcs, swirling curtains of yellow green light.

This is an incredible lenticular cloud formation on the top of this mountain. It has the shape of a mushroom.

This is a near-death star which is surrounded by a nebulae resembling a ladder.

This is the world's tallest waterfall called Angel Falls. It is also known as Qiulumeilu Falls. It is located in the Gran Sabana region of Bolivia State, Venezuela in the Canaima National Park. Its total height is at 979m (3,212 ft) with a height of the longest drop of 807m (2,648 ft).

This is Iguazu Falls which is one of the top attractions to visit in South America. It is located on the border of Argentina and in Brazil that is 23km upstream of the converging point of Iguazu River and Parana River respectively. Iguazu Falls has the shape of a horseshoe and is 82m in height, and 4m in width. Its width is four times wider than the Niagara Falls in North America, and is slightly wider than Africa's Victoria Falls.

This is the Aconcagua volcano which is situated in Argentina. It is an extinct and inactive volcano and also the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere with its elevation of 6.959m.

This is a rare look at double rainbows that appeared over the sky of Lhasa, a traditional capital of Tibet, China.

These are a series of spectacular lightning occurrences!

This is an amazing scene that shows a thousand birds flying over the sky of the National Parks of Costa Rica during the evening hours. The sun gradually sinks beneath the earth.

This photo shows how a black hole devouring a star in the universe.

This is an icy scene near the mouth of Huang He River, China.

Best Steel Roller Coaster: Millennium Force

Cedar Point Sandusky, Ohio

This coaster has an 80-foot drop at an 80-degree angle, almost straight down! The “train” moves mostly without motors because of the great amount of change from potential energy to kinetic energy. The highest point on the ride is about 310 feet high: the same height as 763 soda cans stacked on top of one another.

The Best Ride in the Dark: The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man

Islands of adventure Orlando, Florida

The indoor ride used 3-D glasses and special effects to put you in the middle of New York City. When Spider-Man jumps at you he's not really there, he's just an image that forms an illusion in your brain. To make all the images of the ride, they use 25 film projectors and 13 screens.

Best Indoor Ride: Rock "n" Roller Coaster

Disney-MGM studios Orlando Florida

The ride is mostly upside down and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. It is six cars long and uses electromagnetic power. By placing many magnets close to each other you can shoot the coaster like an arrow. Each limo train (six cars) features 120 speakers that blast Aerosmith music.

Best Wooden Roller Coaster: Boulder Dash

Lake Compounce, Bristol, Connecticut

The boulder dash is the only wooden roller coaster built entirely on the side of a mountain. So instead of climbing up the mountain, you can just ride up your way. At the beginning of the ride a chain pulls the coaster up the hill and when it begins to descend, gravity sends the coaster the rest of the way-no motors needed. This ride features almost a mile of track.

Click Here for the ride of your life!

Best Water Park Ride: Master Blaster

Schlitterbahn Water Park Resort New Braunfels, Texas

Unlike most water rides the Master Blaster takes you uphill and downhill. At the bottom of each drop there is a gust of water shooting out to push you forward. The reason why it has enough force to bring you up is because; water comes from a large tube to a small tube, thus creating high-pressure water blast. The ride is made out of 25,869 nuts, bolts, and washers, wow.

Blue Cave

Pandalin Cave is one of the largest caves in Myanmar with a cylinder of calcium carbonate hanging from the roof and a cylinder of calcium carbonate projecting upward from the floor . Inside the cave, there are more mural paintings and stone weapons of ancient prehistoric people.

Padalin Cave

The lake-cave Alepotrypa is located 200m to the East of the sea cave Vlyhada. The cave of Alepotrypa is also known as the natural museum of the pre-historic man. The area of the cave is 6500 square meters. This cave is valuable because there are objects, tools, bone, skulls of pre-historic man that were discovered.

Lake Cave of Alepotrypa

The Cango Cave is one of the greatest Natural wonders of the world and located in Oudtshoorn South Africa. The climate here is hot at about 18 degrees Celsius and wearing light clothes are definitely recommended. Inside the cave, there are guides and plenty of lights that makes it possible for you to roam around the place with confidence. You can take pictures because it is allowed. It was developed for all visitors visiting the place.

Cango Cave

The Chislehurst Cave became a major tourist attraction early this century and located in the woodlands of Chislehurst. The passageways of the cave is totally dark.. However, there are guides with lamps that can tour you around and discuss everything about the cave. You can also see the Caves Church, Druid Altar, Haunted Pool and much more! You can also find restaurants, gift shops, licensed café and large free car park.

Chislehurst Cave

Some caves are hard to explore and some are easy because those were developed already. These caves are very important in our history because during the ancient years, caves serve as shelters of some pre-historic people. It gives information on what had happened during the early years.

DRIVE A PROFESSIONAL NASCAR STOCK CAR

NASCAR is considered to be one of the most widely viewed sporting competitions in the USA and due to its popularity a cottage industry was created to fuel the ultimate fan demands. Now fans can visit a racing school to learn how the car(s) work and learn how to actually drive them under racing conditions. After several hours of classroom time and a few quick laps around the racetrack with an instructor, then you will be let loose on the track to take your solo laps. Can you even imagine the pure excitement you will get pushing the petal to the metal and racing around the racetrack at 160 mph.

There are racing schools located all over the United States and prices do vary depending on which racing package that the customer chooses. Prices typically range from $399.00 (8 laps) - $2899.00 (100 solo laps) and there is even a package for the people who would prefer to ride and not do any driving starting at $129.00.

This extreme sport is not only affordable, but also extremely dangerous in an exciting way.

GO SKYDIVING

Skydiving is a high-speed aerial sport that exposes its participants to the real risk of injury and death, however it is this kind of risk coupled with the sensation of diving towards the earth at over 200 mph makes this extreme sport worth doing.

Prices do vary depending on what package the client selects, but you can expect to cough up about $85 to $200 (for a static line jump) and up to $300 for a tandem jump (that's with an instructor attached to your back). Skydiving equipment, airplane ride and instruction is usually included in these prices. Always ask travel agents or skydiving instructors about all associated costs before reserving a seat on the plane.

BUNGEE JUMP OFF OF THE BLOUKRANS BRIDGE

Bloukrans is the largest and highest bridge in Africa, the third highest bridge and the largest single span arch bridge in the world. The Guinness World Records has recognized the Bloukrans Bridge as the Highest Commercially Operating Bungee in the World suspended at 216 meters (708.6614 feet) over the Bloukrans River.

Bungee jumping from these heights requires a life and death attitude even before stepping out onto the specially designed catwalk located just beneath the road surface. Whether you decide to make the leap on your own accordance or you are like me and will need a gentle nudge off of the platform, the heart-pounding rush of adrenaline must be unimaginably freeing to the soul.

Taking a leap of faith like this is not all that expensive if you are already visiting Africa. Again, prices do very depending on which package is selected, but an inexpensive package generally starts at R580.00 (USD $85.08466 currency rate on October 09, 2007).

More about this bridge, then checkout this site that I had found while doing research. After I discovered David Barrett's website and blog, I was totally impressed and engaged with his travels and experiences that he shares with the world.

SHOT OVER JET BOAT RIDE (NEW ZEALAND)

If you are a boating enthusiast, then taking a Shot Over Jet Boat Ride is absolutely an insane water thrill ride. The Shot Over Jet Boat hydroplanes across water only a few inches deep, barely avoiding sharp rocks and canyon walls all the while reaching top speeds of 55 mph. You tell me that this ride would not be a total mind-blowing ride of a lifetime.

Not including travel expenses to New Zealand, reserving a seat on board a Shot Over Jet Boat starts at $69.00 (for children 5 to 15 years old) and $109 (For Adults) and for more information go to Shotoverjet.com.

WHITEWATER RAFTING (THE OCOEE RIVER)

Whitewater rafting is one of the most thrilling water activities on the planet. The Ocoee River is no tame beast by any stretch of the imagination as rafters are repeatedly faced with a new set of terrifying challenges around every bend. Experienced whitewater rafters are the only ones allowed to paddle this river solo and everyone else must attend a short safety course usually lasting about one-hour, then everyone is issued life jackets and paddles, before boarding the raft. A raft can carry 6 or 7 people including the river guide, but some outfitters do have larger boats that carry more people.

“The Ocoee River offers two separate sections of big waves, large drops and surging whitewater. This Tennessee River was the site for the whitewater canoe and kayaking events of the 1996 Olympic games. The Ocoee River produces the most continuous stretch of Class III and IV rapids of any river in the country”, according to Rolling Thunder River Company.

Price Range: $38.00 per person to $80.00 per person (depending on package type)

HIKE THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL (THRU-HIKING)

Hiking in general is not considered to be an extreme sport, but that old clique goes right out the window as soon as hiking the entire distance of the Appalachian Trail comes into play. The Appalachian Trail covers a distance of 2,175 miles from Maine to Georgia and hiking the entire length of the trail is a mammoth feat of endurance and skill. Hiking this distance usually takes six months navigating various types of terrains and overcoming all that Mother Nature has to throw at you along the way. Only 1 out of every 4 hikers ever finish this extreme hiking experience.

Depending on how much hiking and camping gear that the hikers already own, then the cost of this trip will vary from $3000.00 to $5000.00 per individual hiker to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Along the trail hikers can visit towns and cities that dot the landscape and take a hot shower, purchase more supplies and send out mail.

HANG GLIDING

Flying like a bird and soaring through the sky while skillfully navigating the unseen wind is one of the coolest places to be. Hang gliding is a sport that can cost an estimated $6000.00 in training to gain the required skills to fly as high as 10,000 feet, but there are places around the country that offer tandem flights for as little as $120.00. This is an adventure that will deliver the adrenaline at an affordable price.

ICE SAILING ACROSS A FROZEN LAKE

This is undeniably one of the most insanely fast land sports (without wheels) that an individual can do. Blazing across a frozen lake bed at speeds approaching 100 mph riding on nothing more than a blade-supported sailboat, just a few inches from the ground sounds frighteningly exciting. Let's not even think about wiping out at these high speeds.

Equipment Rental Price Range: $50.00 (half-day rental) - $120.00 (full-day rental)

ALPINE DOWNHILL SKIING

Whoosh to the right and swoosh to the left and lift-off over that slope. Tuck the arms in and bend the legs and speed over the cold, white snow at over 60 mph. Ok, maybe not that fast just starting out, but plenty of spills along the way while getting use to your ski legs. The great thing about skiing is that there is a bunny hill for the beginners and that there will always be that one guy who will blindly try the big hill, before he's ready. Look out for that tree!

Price rates vary according the ski package selected. Skiing still decently affordable for most middle income Americans and tourists.

STORM CHASING ADVENTURE

We have all seen those crazy people who chase after devastatingly powerful tornados and storms. Usually parked a few hundred yards from an approaching funnel cloud, then slowly and suddenly a tornado starts to twist the storm clouds about and the mighty wind bouts about everything that stands in its way. Now this experience can be yours for the low price of $2500 for 6 fun-filled days of tempting fate one tornado at a time.

Yes, it is totally true. There are several companies on the Internet that offer storm chasing tours that are designed for the public. Of course, these are professional storm chasing outfits and safety is the number one goal, so relax and enjoy a storm.

1. GO SKYDIVING

   
   
   Skydiving has to be the most incredible ride of a lifetime. Taking a leap-of-faith out of the cargo hold on a B90 King Air airplane at an altitude of approximately 30,000 and free falling for about 2 minutes requires courage or just an “I am dying anyways” attitude. At this height, it requires breathing pure 100% oxygen, so to prevent getting the “bends” that could result in death.
   
   Can you imagine the rush that skydiving is falling at more than 120+MPH straight towards the earth, knowing that there is a chance that this jump could possible be your last?

   Fact:

   Skydiving is statistically safer than scuba diving.

2. DOCK WITH THE INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

   
   
   Can anyone spare a little extra change of about $20 million to book a trip to spend a week on board the International Space Station. Wow, this vacation would be the trip of a lifetime. Just imagine, staring out from the International Space Station and gazing at the awesome blue marble that we know as Earth and experiencing weightlessness would be a hoot, too. You'll be sent a postcard or an email or something for your donation.

   Fact:

   The International Space Shuttle has taken more than 293,141 images of the earth. The Space Shuttle has taken more than 287,116 images, the Mir with 2,512 images and the Skylab with a mere 37 images that are stored in NASA's databases.

3. EDGE OF SPACE SUPERSONIC JET RIDE

   
   
   Ok, you don't have a spare $20 million to spend for a 7-day trip to the International Space Station. That's fine, but you don't have to give up. How about considering a trip to the edge of space in a British Jet Fighter called the Lightning? Just think about it for a minute. Imagine flying 60,000 feet high over the earth at a speed of 50 thousand feet per minute and seeing the curvature of the earth. Now, that would fill a barf bag up with a stomach full of excitement.

   Fact:

   To put 60,000 feet in perspective, it's like stacking 41.29 Empire State Building one on top of another and still fall a little short of the height that this flight would take you.

4. TAKE A RIDE ON A RUSSIAN MIG-FIGHTER JET

   
   
   The modern-day cold war will just have to wait until after we get our chance to take a ride on the legendary MiG-29 or the extraordinary MiG-31 Foxhound, while pulling G's way beyond the speed of sound. The best thing is that the Sokol Aircraft Plant in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia is not that far from Alaska, so if we book this adventure right, then we have the chance to see Alaska, too.

   Fact:

   The MiG-31 Foxhound can travel at a top speed of 1,865 mph using its power- plant of two 34,171-lb after-burning thrust Soloviev D-30F6 turbofans.

5. DIVE TO THE TITANIC ON-BOARD A SUBMARINE

   
   
   If you feel more comfortable exploring the mysteries beneath the oceans, then visiting the world-famous Titanic must be at the top of any things to do list before you die kind of thing. For a mere $35,000 you could be one of the chosen few to see first hand probably the world's most famous shipwreck. Traveling down to 3800 meters to the ocean's bottom where light is a stranger this deep below the surface and the beast are tough.

   Fact:

   Only 706 passengers and crew managed to overcome the tragic sinking and the elements out of more than 2222 passengers and crew.

6. CLIMB THE GREAT PYRAMID OF EGYPT

   
   
   Following in the footsteps of King Khufu and travel back in time to 2720-2560 BC to marvel at the engineering masterpiece of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramid of Giza. An estimated 2.6 million blocks weighing as much as 70 tons apiece were used in the construction of the Great Pyramid. Can you imagine the sense of achievement that it would be to climb to the top of the 482-foot Great Pyramid and panning the vast desert landscape?

   Fact:

   The subterranean chamber leads to a passage that descends 345 feet beneath the earth. It's foundation covers thirteen areas and has lost 33 feet of all of its dimensions due to erosion of its marble encasing that once was used to protect the pyramid from the brutal desert elements.

7. VISIT THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA

   
   
   The Great Wall of China was built in the Qin, Han and Ming dynasties as defensive fortifications during the Warring States Periods of the Yan, Zhao and Qin dynasties. However, it did not become known as the Great Wall until the Qin dynasty. The construction required an army of labor that included soldiers, prisoners and average people to complete the more than 4163 miles of the wall. With a history of more than 2000 years, this is on destination that cannot be missed out on.

   Fact 1:

   It took The China Great Wall Academy 45-days to survey all of the 101 sections of the Wall in different provinces. That's one time-consuming job.

   Fact 2:

   The Chinese call the Wall “Wan-Li Qang Qeng” when translated 10,000-Li Long Wall, which 10000 Li equals about 5000 km. It was built solid with a thickness of 30 feet at its widest area and a mere 15 its narrowest sections.

8. COVERT OPS

   
   
   Live out your wildest dream of becoming an ultra-secret covert agent and assigned a mission to take down the enemy hideout and complete the mission. No, you don't have to join the military to experience the action of a realistic covert operation and receive covert ops training before the mission begins.
   
   Incredible-Adventures.com offers such a vacation for the most extreme vacation adventurers among us. I found this website while researching for this article and was amazed at what some people are willing to do, just to add a little adventure in their lives. Sure, combat pistol training and high-speed evasive driving excises sounds might exciting and becoming secret agent 021 (3 times more lethal than 007) has always captured the attention of may young men and boys the world over.

   Fact:

   Dropping down behind enemy lines operating under deep cover and carrying out missions only a few high-level government officials have approved is normally referred to as Covert Ops (Covert Operations).

9. DIVING WITH SHARKS

   
   
   After watching the movie Jaws, it seemed like the perfect extreme vacation that would scare the heck out of you and overload the senses with unthinkable excitement. Great white sharks circling the cage like a prehistoric stealth bomber planning its attack. The only thing that is between you and them is a stainless steel cage. Every time the sharks crash into the cage with the power of truck the strength of the engineering is being tested. Diving with sharks is on this list, because the attraction can eat the spectators.

   Fact:

   The world-record for the largest Great White Shark was caught in 1948 and measured at 21 feet long almost 5 feet longer than the average size Great White Shark.

10. TAKE AN AFRICAN SAFARI

    
    
    One of the coolest vacations that a person could ever take is booking an African safari. Just think how amazing it would be to actually observe nature's magnificent beasts roaming free in the wild. Loins resting under the shade, while hippos waddle about in the mud holes and elephants standing guard out in the distance. Look! There is a pair of giraffes grazing on those trees and checkout those rhinos as they charge. Pilanesberg National Park is South Africa's fourth largest national park comprising 212 square miles of nature at her best.

    Fact:

    Pilanesberg National Park is the home of Africa's Top Five animal attractions including lion, leopard, black and white rhino, elephant and buffalo, not to mention the zebra, hippo, giraffe and crocodile that an adventurer may be faced with on an African Safari.