Hawaii
Hawaii is a mecca for death-defying adrenaline junkies. Every big swell, they flock here to test their skills against some of the heaviest and most infamous waves on the planet. But while the surfers are chasing tube time and frothing over throaty barrels, another breed of daredevils is chasing thrills 15,000 feet above the sea. Sweeping vistas overlooking jagged volcanic cliffs, black sand beaches, pounding surf, migrating whales, and dense jungles offer an unparalleled eyeful for skydivers. So why not say aloha to your trepidation, head out to the islands, and take the leap of a lifetime?
Interlaken, Switzerland
While the rich come here for the accommodating banks, thrill-seekers head to Switzerland to invest in adventure. After deciding whether to jump from a helicopter or airplane, divers zip down through the clouds into the crisp cathedral of the Alps. With glaciers, stunning lakes, and craggy mountain peaks stretching off to the horizon in all directions, few views can match those you’ll see 15,000 feet above the deck in Interlaken.
The Nepalese Himalayas:
Fancy getting really high? Then head to the highest jump zone in the world, at the base of Mt. Everest. Not only will you be astounded by the vistas you see as you descend through the most mesmerizing mountain range on the planet, but the journey to the jump site and back is sure to be an adventure you’ll never forget.
Namib Desert, Namibia:
If the Alps and Himalayas aren’t quite your speed, perhaps you’ll want to turn up the heat by heading out to the stunning Namib Desert on the southwest coast of Africa. With shadow-shifting sand dunes rolling straight to the edge of the sea and stretching inland as far as the eye can see, dropping into this gorgeously desolate landscape is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Mauritius:
After you’ve tackled the Namib Desert, take a trip out to the nearby island nation of Mauritius, where you can freefall down into one of the most biodiverse environs in the world. Beaches, sugar plantations, dense jungle, and green mountainsides offer unique views you won’t soon forget. And if you’ve got them, bring the kids! Mauritius is one of the only places on Earth where children as young as 10 can share in the adventure.
Fox Glacier, NZ:
Not only are Kiwis some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Not only is their country one of the most insanely beautiful places on Earth. And not only does this island paradise offer some of the best travel experiences to be had anywhere. But New Zealand is also a top destination for extreme sports. Jumping into the landscape around this stunning forest-flanked river of ice at Fox Glacier is an experience that simply can’t be matched.
Jumeirah, Dubai:
To turn up the heat even higher, there is no place like Dubai. As you enter the airspace above Jumeirah, you’ll get an eyeful of some of the most impressive architectural accomplishments in modern times: towering skyscrapers, man-made island complexes, and a stunning metropolis rising from one of the most inhospitable desert landscapes on the planet. While these seven unforgettable destinations are sure to take your breath away, they represent just a fraction of the innumerable amazing jump zones scattered across the globe. So stop making excuses, and start chasing the adventures that will define your life. With so much to see, and so much excitement to be had, there is no better time than now to embark on the skydiving journey of a lifetime.
