For adrenaline junkies, there are few things more exciting than jumping out of a plane. Ironically, something about hurdling towards the ground, even if only for a short period of time, just makes you feel more alive than if you’re being perfectly safe.
If you’ve never tried skydiving and have no serious health problems or fear of heights (which would be a real problem), you should definitely try it out sometime. Being in existence as a sport for around 60 years means it has become a solid industry with expectations, limits and advances. The people who do it are trained professionals and in many cases do it themselves multiple times a day (if tandem skydivers), so you’re in good hands. It’s one of the few chances you’ll have in your life to go over 200 km/h without being in a vehicle and after about a minute, you get to just hang out there, floating down to the ground. It can’t get much better than that!
Here is a list of some of the more notable skydiving locations around the world. It’s a great way to do something crazy and different if you’re on vacation somewhere and it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget.
Wollongong, Sydney, Australia
Jumping out of a plane down-under would seem to put you right side up (ha ha) but in reality it’s an incredible thrill ride for under $300. Highlights from this dive include the incredible Australia coast line, a rapidly approaching view of Sydney and maybe even a front-row seat to various marine life performing just for you. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in Australia.
Hawaii, U.S.A.
The jumps here can see you saving the earth by using energy efficient planes, so good for you if you choose it. Diving towards this Pacific paradise will let you see pretty much the entire island for under $200 in some circumstances.
Mount Everest, Nepal
If you want ultimate bragging rights and you have a newly unlocked trust fund, why not take a $15 000 skydive above the tallest mountain in the world? You’ll need to book it in advance, as there are less than a handful of trips a year, but hey, someone’s gotta do it!
Lake Wanaka, New Zealand
Tucked away on the South Island about maybe a 30 minute drive from Queenstown is Lake Wanaka and its entry to the top things you need to do before you die. To skydive Lake Wanaka is to have your mind blown as you will witness from 12-15 000 feet the majesty that is the New Zealand landscape. With prices starting around $250, it’ll be that thing you brag to your friends back home about how your trip was something out of this world.