death http://www.trifter.com/tags/death New posts about death The Legend of Piper's Hole http://www.trifter.com/USA-&-Canada/Newfoundland/The-Legend-of-Pipers-Hole.132701 British ships were a common sight off the coast of Newfoundland in the 1800's and from time to time would have to enter one of the numerous inlets that littered the barren coastline, to replenish their supply of drinking water. On one such ship was a young man who was very adept at playing the bagpipes, and during many long nights he would entertain his fellow shipmates with the music of bonnie Scotland.

One day the ship lay at anchor in a tiny passage at the foot of Placentia bay. The piper and another sailor asked for and received permission to spend the afternoon exploring the nearby hills. The terrain was difficult, and at some point in the afternoon they suddenly came upon a steep cliff, the piper lost his footing and fell to his death. The other sailor returned to the ship but being afraid he might be accused of playing some part in the pipers death, decided not to tell the true story. He explained instead, that they had become separated and after searching for more than an hour, he had returned to the ship, hoping that his friend may have done the same. The following day a search was carried out but without success, and the ship left, eventually returning to England, without finding the pipers body.

Around that same time visitors to that area of Placentia bay began to report hearing music coming from the nearby hills, as the strains of the bagpipes were carried over the winds. The stories continued for years and the tiny inlet became known as Piper's Hole. Many ships refused to anchor there, but gave the area a wide berth.

More years passed and the piper's companion, now an old man, lay at the point of death in a London hospital. The old man desperately wanted to tell someone the truth about what happened that long ago afternoon at Piper's Hole. Clasping the hand of the visiting clergyman, he poured out his story - this time the truth, and passed away with a burden that had followed him for years, finally lifted.

Meanwhile far across the Atlantic, in Piper's Hole, the bagpipes fell silent, never to be heard again.

]]> Mon, 02 Jun 2008 03:47:23 PST Not So Alone in the Jungle http://www.trifter.com/Asia-&-Pacific/India/Not-So-Alone-in-the-Jungle.127054 Mount Abu, 1977. The rain was heavy and unrelenting and lay knee-deep in the town at the bottom of the hill where passengers arrive by train. I'd had to stay the night in that town, but next day I was able to get a ride in a truck to the small village at the top of the mountain, and there things were a bit brighter.

The attractions advertised didn't do much for me - temples, temples, more temples, and a water tank. Late in the afternoon, and feeling a little dispirited, I took a walk along a path that skirted the village. It ran around the peak of the mountain, with a drop on one side down through thick jungle onto the plain, and more thick bush on the other side too.

It was a scenic walk, as I'd been assured. Beneath me the plains of Rajasthan stretched out as far as I could see and the sun was just beginning its quick descent. That worried me. I had already been walking about twenty minutes and was beginning to feel the bush closing in on me. The light was fading, and I remembered my fear of snakes, a fear born of experience. I was alone. The walk was supposed to take thirty minutes, just ten minutes more left, so there was no sense in backtracking. I walked resolutely forward, appreciating with fear all that was around me.

Every movement in the bush was suspect - it had to be a snake, or maybe a big, wild cat. Then as I turned a corner hoping to see the village that was meant to be not far off, I was confronted by something terrifying, mysterious and compelling. Just yards in front, in the direction I was walking, a storm of color and dust hovered above the ground. It was like a miniature tornado developed in a science lab and was accompanied by a fury of squawking and flapping. I froze. Thoughts charged through my mind about retreat, escape, death and defeat. This dervish moved along the ground, throwing up dust, laced with scarlet, green and black, squawking and squealing and tearing leaves off trees.

After a few seconds the colorful, flapping torture lifted further from the ground. The hideous noises had stopped and the tangle began to free itself to stretch back into its normal shape. Bit by bit, when the dust had fallen away, the flapping shock evolved into a bird with an enormous wing span. It flew up from the bush, above the trees, and dangling from its claws, as it swung away from the mountain, hung the limp figure of a snake that it had snatched from my path.

]]> Mon, 19 May 2008 22:47:14 PST Invitation to the Death: The Most Dangerous Roads of the World http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Adventure-Travel/Invitation-to-the-Death-The-Most-Dangerous-Roads-of-the-World.118287 However, some of them are due to the roads. The roads mentioned in this article invites the people to death. Driving on these roads are extremely dangerous and risky but adventurous.

Yungas Road (Highway of death in Bolivia)

Yungas Road is one of the most dangerous roads of all world. It is placed in Bolivia, between La Paz and Coroico cities. Since this region is called as Yungas, naturally this road is named as Yungas Road.

This road is used by heavy trucks, buses and lorries. Naturally, if you go to there,you can see the wreckages of many lorries and buses. In last years, it is also preferred by cyclists and motorcyclists. ”Gravity Assisted Mountain Biking” is one of the extreme sports made by on this road. Every month, more than 200 people die on Yungas Road. Annual death toll is more than 3000.

Guoliang Tunnel Road (China)

Guoliang Road is one of the most well-known killer roads .It was built by the villagers living in Guoliang region. Total length of the road is almost 1200 meters. It is located in Taihang mountains in China. To finish complete road took 5 years of villagers. On the road, there are tunnels with 5 meters height and 4 meters width. This road is known as death machine.

Pasubio Road (Italy)

Pasubio Road was constructed in Vicenza, Northern Italy. Once upon a time, it was really a dead machine. Currently, it is only used for motorcycling activities.On the road, there are hairpin turns and tunnels. The existence of the roads twisting into tunnels and hairpin turns makes this road interesting.

]]> Fri, 02 May 2008 10:20:57 PST Top 10 Places to See Before You Die http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Adventure-Travel/Top-10-Places-to-See-Before-You-Die.87635

  • The Pyramids and the Sphinx, Egypt

    You have to visit this amazing place, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Pyramid of Giza.

    1. The Great Pyramid of Khufu (or Cheops)
    2. The Pyramid of Kafhre
    3. The smaller Pyramid of Menkaura.

    There are three main pyramids in Giza: Each Pyramid is a tomb to a different King of Egypt. In front of the pyramids lies the Sphinx (or Abu al-Hol in Arabic, "Father of Terror"). Carved out of a single block of stone, this enormous cat-like sculpture has mesmerized millions of visitors.

  • Santorini, Greece

    Santorini is one of the Cycladic islands, created by the eruption of the volcano. (Thought by some to be the famous island of Atlantis). Due The Island has a versatile landscape with steep rock formations, lush beaches and small white villages. It also boasts remnants from the old Roman including baths, theatres and markets. Santorini is a group of islands in a circle about 10 KM across - the rim of a large volcano that is still producing small islands in the centre. Settlements are scattered around the islands as a series of small villages. The famous white buildings are huddled close to one another on and over the cliff of the central caldera. Hiking paths and trails lead all over the island, but an interesting time can be had walking the paths that connect the settlements, talking to the friendly locals and exploring the shops.

  • Stonehenge, England

    Stonehenge is a well-known stone monument located on a world heritage site in Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, England. The site as is quite large and contains many other structures from the Neolithic period and the Bronze Age. Stonehenge is considered one of the most archaeologically rich sites in Europe, with many Neolithic and Bronze Age finds. It is also the site of one of the biggest Chalk grassland reversion projects in the world. Stonehenge has been occupied since around 8000BC with early work at Stonehenge beginning in 3000BC when an outer ditch and embankment was constructed, and standing timbers erected. From about 2500BC, Neolithic and Bronze age man started to bring Bluestones and Sarsen stones from Wales and the Marlborough Downs, it was completed in 1600BC. A nearby hill fort was built during the Iron Age, and there is evidence to suggest that the area was extensively settled by the Romans. The reason behind the structure still remains a mystery with many theories developed to explain the phenomenon.

  • Italy

    Italy has a lot to offer its visitors. Italy is a modern country with deep Roman Catholic roots, full of interesting stuff for the casual tourist and even more for the educated visitor. In the north, next to the Alps and the flatlands of the Po river, both cultural jewels and highly developed industrial cities attract. In Lombardia's capital Milan, city of haute couture and business, you can easily spend weeks without being bored. Bergamo is only an hour away and has an upper Old Town.

    The most famous tourist attractions in the north-east are Venice and Verona, that both let you think of romantic love affairs. To discover the beautiful landscapes around, for example, the Verona province may be even more fascinating. For wine lovers, Piemonte is directly connected with Barolo and Barbaresco, the most famous wines made out of the Nebbiolo grape. Piemonte's capital, Turin offers more than just a starting point to visit these wine regions. Lots of museums, modern art, book and music fairs make Turin one of the leading Italian cities concerning cultural life. The coastal region of Liguria is another highlight.

    The Riviera delle Palme has no reason to envy its French counterpart. Beaches, countryside, the right climate and old towns like Genoa make this region a must to visit. The Lunigiana region, Albenga and Ceriale are worth a visit and an even longer stay. Gourmets should not miss the Emilia Romagna, Italy's culinary centre. Bologna, "La Grassa" like the Italians say, is a must see as well as Ravenna with its impressive mosaic works and the Byzantine architecture and last but not least Rimini, on the Adriatic Sea. For Tuscany words fail to describe its beauty: You have to go there to see, smell and experience the beauty of the old towns and lovely valleys yourself. Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Prato and Siena, offer more cultural highlights than some countries as a whole. The way of living does the rest to attract every year millions of visitors. Elba, the island of Napoleans first exile, is only one of seven Tuscan Archipelago islands.

    Rome, The Eternal City, with its monumental palaces, churches, squares, and fountains still fed by aqueducts with ancient water sources, has to be visited by every Italy traveler. To discover Rome, "A lifetime is not enough". Campania has attracted visitors over the centuries: Capri, Ischia, Sorrento and Amalfi became the chosen destinations of visitors from many countries. Sicily the largest island in the Mediterranean has been influenced by the culture of the Greeks, the Romans, the Arabs the Normans and many others. For those who enjoy walking and climbing, go to the Dolomites, this is the Mountain range in Northern Italy that sperates it from Austria and extends westwards to join the Alps. Major centres include Cortina, further South and West is Arco and a few kilometers from the Northern tip of Lake Garda.

  • Loch Ness, Scotland

    Loch Ness is the largest of three lochs located in the Great Glen which divides the North of Scotland along a line from Fort William to Inverness. The loch is large by British standards, being 23 miles long and a mile in width, and averaging 600ft in depth. Its catchment is hilly and wet, and is drained by 6 major rivers which flow into the loch. It contains over 2 cubic miles of fresh water, and the River Ness outlet, although only 5 miles long, is one of the greatest in Britain for average flow and of course is the home of the famous monster of lore

  • Pyramid of the Sun and Moon, Teotihuacán

    Towering and mysterious, the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon rise above silent Teotihuacán, an empty city that once bustled with as many as 200,000 people and stood at the center of Mexico's pre-Hispanic empire. Erected by a virtually unknown culture in the first century B.C., the city sprawled over an area larger than imperial Rome. But by A.D. 750 it had been abruptly abandoned, perhaps because of disaster or drought. Five hundred years later the Aztecs came upon Teotihuacán -- with its pyramids, temples, apartments, and ball courts -- and adopted it as a center of pilgrimage. At roughly 210 feet high, the Pyramid of the Sun ranks as one of the largest pyramids in the world. (It is about half as tall as the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.)

    The builders raised the Pyramid of the Sun around A.D. 100, somehow transporting and erecting three million tons of stone, brick, and rubble without benefit of the wheel, beasts of burden, or metal tools. In 1971, archaeologists found a previously unknown entryway some 320 feet long that leads to a cave directly beneath the apex of the pyramid. At one time the cave held a natural spring, and there are still piles of charcoal in the chamber -- perhaps indicating ceremonies involving water and fire. No one knows, although scientists enjoy speculating.

  • Incan Ruin - Machu Picchu, Peru

    Machu Picchu, The lost city floating in a kingdom of clouds, high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, a mysterious settlement that the Incas built, occupied, and deserted, all in less than a century. For hundreds of years the city was hidden in the jungle. Then, in 1911, Hiram Bingham led a university expedition to the Peruvian Andes. On a valley floor along the Urubamba River, he met a farmer who guided him up to the ruins of the hidden city, the only Incan site that hadn't been looted or destroyed during the previous four centuries.

    Machu Picchu spans a mountain saddle between green jungle peaks. The settlement has only 200 residences, suggesting a population of about 1,000 people. The city contains a large number of religious buildings that were constructed with great care. One of them, the Temple of the Sun functioned as an observatory focused on the heavens. A mark cut on a rock at the center of the tower lines up, through a window, with the exact spot where the sun rises on the June solstice. In the temple's recesses the Incas placed religious statues or offerings.

    Another small cave at Machu Picchu served as an observatory for tracing the December solstice. Ritual religious bathing may have been done at the Fountains, a series of 16 small waterfall baths where the sacred focus may have been water. But the principal shrine at Machu Picchu was probably the intihuatana, the "hitching post of the sun", a stone that the Incas may have used to observe the heavens and mark the seasons. No one knows for certain how the stone was used. Near the settlement lie other intriguing sites. The Intipunku, or Sun Gate, is a notch cut in a mountain ridge that frames the rising sun during fixed periods on the calendar. The famous Inca Bridge is located along an ever-narrowing mountain trail that, at some places, is cut into a sheer cliff. The builders cleverly left a gap in a buttressed section of the trail that they could bridge with two logs. As needed, the logs could be removed to make the road impassable to outsiders. Perhaps it is no wonder that this nearly inaccessible mountain city remained hidden and unknown to outsiders for centuries after the Incas abandoned Machu Picchu.

  • The Golden Pavilion, Japan

    The pavilion is probably the most recognizable temple in Japan as it is entirely covered in gold. Shining in the light, the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji, looks like beautiful jewel box. In 1950, a disturbed Buddhist temple novice burned the 14th-century pavilion to its foundations. Within five years, however, the Golden Pavilion rose again. On the new roof, appropriately, perches a phoenix. The pavilion was originally built as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, who, after withdrawing from public life, exercised power in the background by installing his ten-year-old son as shogun.

    When he died, his retirement villa was converted into a temple, in accordance with his wishes. The much-admired pavilion rises in three stories, each having a different architectural style and reflecting a different aspect of the shogun who built it. The first floor is a residential palace, complete with a covered dock for the shogun's pleasure boat; the second is a Buddhist prayer hall or samurai house; and the third is a small Zen temple with sliding doors and bell-shaped windows. Set on pillars, the Golden Pavilion extends over the pond, a popular design of the Shinden style during the Heian period of Japanese history. A person approaching sees two pavilions, as the water reflects the image. On the exterior of the graceful building, a layer of shimmering gold leaf creates an unforgettable picture.

  • Bimini: The Road to Atlantis

    Famed American psychic Edgar Cayce predicted that evidence of the lost continent of Atlantis would appear in the Bahamas in 1968 or 1969. In 1968 pilots photographed structures that looked like buildings, walls and roads under the waters off of Bimini Island. Others have claimed to have seen pyramids and stone circles on the sea bed, but the only thing that has been confirmed for sure is what has become to be known as the Bimini Road. Skeptics claim that the Bimini road is merely a unique natural formation. There is no denying, the "roads" are straight and look man made.

  • Iceland

    Iceland was settled in the 9th century by Norse Vikings. The first settlement and major city is Reykjavik. Reykjavik has a bustling nightlife, an exciting arts scene, and offers visitors the opportunity to explore the countryside in short trips to areas such as Thingvellir, Gullfoss and Geysir. If you are interested in nature, Iceland is a great place to visit. The terrain in Iceland is so rugged due to centuries of volcanic activity; this is where the US tested their lunar landing module that eventually drove on the moon. Because of Norse woodcutting and volcanic activity, there are virtually no trees on the island. There is one small "forest" that is a national landmark.

    Iceland, Greenland's neighbor, benefits from the gulf and jet streams with huge 100mph winds constantly blowing, being sustained for more than a day. Most travelers go to Iceland in the summer, however, Iceland in the winter is equally as beautiful, and there is the added bonus of less tourists and tones of snow. The interior of Iceland is not assessable in the winter months but the ring road is always passable, but careful driving and a 4WD is needed in the ice and snow. Over the Christmas period there is hardly any traffic on the roads in the South and the drive from Reykjavik to Vik is stunning. Glaciers, mountains, volcanoes and countless waterfalls keep the six hour drive interesting. Hofn is a good place to stop to explore Iceland's biggest glacier. Better still, Hoffell is a remote town close by, which, is very close to the foot of the glacier. In Hoffell you can also find naturally heated hot tubs, perfect for sitting in to watch the northern lights away from any artificial light, if the conditions are right.

    • ]]>     Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:26:35 PST     10 Most Affordable Extreme Things To Do Before You Die http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Adventure-Travel/10-Most-Affordable-Extreme-Things-To-Do-Before-You-Die.50999 Everyone deep down inside wants to experience the thrills of adventure before they die and these “10 most affordable extreme things to do before you die” are the ultimate adventures for the average person. Staring death in the face does not have to cost you your firstborn child anymore.

    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.

    ]]>     Wed, 10 Oct 2007 10:09:45 PST     10 Most Incredible Things to Do Before You Die http://www.trifter.com/Practical-Travel/Adventure-Travel/Ten-Most-Incredible-Things-to-Do-Before-You-Die.50475 It would cost a pretty penny to engage in most of these activities, but what the heck, you can't take it with you anyway and if you should die in pursuit of completing this list, then you'll have died doing what only a handful of other people have done in their lifetime.

    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.
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