Adventure Trips You Need To Take Before You Turn 40

1. Swim with the jellyfish at Jellyfish Lake, Eil Malk Island, Palau

Take a trip to Palau and hop on a 20-minute boat ride to Jellyfish Lake. Once there, dive into the spectacular lake and snorkel with millions of jellyfish and other sea life. And fear not: These jellyfish won't sting you! According to the New York Times, "The aquatic habitat is considered one of the seven underwater wonders of the world."

2. Celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans

Experience the ultimate excitement and adventure of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Participate in the festivals, join in on the parades and even take a city tour. Then if you're up for it, go on a Cajun Pride Swamp Tour and venture your way through the Manchac Swamp; get a close-up look at alligators and giant bull frogs.

3. Ski the Swiss Alps

For some of the most incredible skiing in the world, visit the Swiss Alps. Experience a high-altitude resort, freestyle ski on slopes surrounded by incredible landscapes and take all the pictures you can. Bonus: Some resorts allow kids to ski for free!

 

4. Bungee jump off Bloukrans Bridge

Bloukrans Bridge is located in Western Cape, South Africa and stands 216m above the Bloukrans River. It's the site of the world's highest bungee jump. The oldest man to ever complete this jump was 96 years old. If he can do it, so can you!

5. Zip-line in Costa Rica

Take a trip to Costa Rica and go on a zip-lining tour through the region's incredible rain forests. The Montezuma Waterfall Canopy Tour will have you zip-lining through the jungle and bring you to the majestic Montezuma Waterfalls. Or, try the Sky Trek in Arenal for amazing views of the Arenal Volcano.  

6. Climb Machu Picchu in Peru

This may be difficult for some, but climbing Machu Picchu is definitely worth it. Perched above the Urubamba River, Machu Picchu is a once in a lifetime hike. You will have the opportunity to discover a piece of history and admire some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.

7. The Rhino Charge in Nairobi, Kenya

Visit Kenya for the annual motorsport competition. The Rhino Charge is 10-hour off-road race through the savannah. The event is organized to raise money to support the activities of the Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, which has been working to protect Kenya's mountain range ecosystems.

8. Rio Upano, Ecuador

Take an eight-day adventure trip to Rio Upano, Ecuador. Go Whitewater rafting in the Andes Mountains, paddle through rain forests and enjoy the beautiful Amazon River. The Upano River is great for people of all ages and skill sets and is open all year-round. Did you know that Ecuador has one of the world's highest concentration of rivers per square mile? This makes it one of the most incredible places to go whitewater rafting in the world!

9. Swim in the Great Barrier Reef

Head to Australia on your next vacation and swim, snorkel and dive in the Great Barrier Reef. The reef covers more than 1,243 miles along the Queensland coastline. Get ready to explore the world's largest coral reef, stroll through rainforests, and relax on the Witsunday Islands (Australia.com). Also, try Queensland Diving and experience the spectacular reefs and coral cays.

10. See the Northern Lights in Sweden

Last but certainly not least, check out the Northern Lights in Sweden before you turn 40! The spectacular light show appears in the beginning of September and continues to the end of March, but to really catch a good glimpse, make sure you're catching them on a cold winter night when the sky is clear. Places to view the spectacle include, Abisko National Park and the small villages Porjus and Jukkasjarvi.