15 Unbelievably Unique Adventures You’ve Probably Never Thought Of
UNIQUE ADVENTURES
If you crave adventure but want something beyond the usual skydiving, bungee jumping, or backpacking through Europe, this list is for you. These 15 truly unique adventures will push your boundaries, ignite your curiosity, and give you unforgettable stories to tell.
1. Sleep Inside an Active Volcano’s Crater
Ever wondered what it’s like to camp on the edge of the Earth’s molten core? Some volcanoes, like Mount Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo, have accessible lava lakes where daring adventurers can spend the night in a crater cabin—close enough to feel the heat but (hopefully) not too close.
2. Walk Through an Underground Glowworm Cave
Forget stargazing—try cave-gazing. Deep within the Waitomo Caves of New Zealand, thousands of glowworms light up the underground like a natural galaxy. Take a silent boat ride through the darkness as the cave ceiling transforms into a mesmerizing, bioluminescent wonderland.
3. Chase a Total Solar Eclipse Across the Globe
Seeing a total solar eclipse is already rare, but chasing one is next-level adventure. Some dedicated thrill-seekers travel the world to catch every solar eclipse, planning trips to remote islands, deserts, or even flying in private jets to witness this celestial event from the perfect angle.
4. Stay in an Ice Hotel That Melts Every Year
Some hotels stay forever, but others only exist for a few months. The ICEHOTEL in Sweden is rebuilt from scratch every winter, made entirely of ice and snow, and melts away come spring. Guests sleep in ice-carved rooms at sub-zero temperatures, wrapped in thermal sleeping bags on reindeer hides.
5. Take a Silent Retreat in a Haunted Forest
Combine peace and terror by booking a silent retreat in Japan’s infamous Aokigahara Forest or Romania’s Hoia Baciu Forest. Known for eerie legends and paranormal activity, these forests offer meditative solitude—if you can handle the unsettling atmosphere.
6. Dive into a Sunken Ghost Town
Some towns don’t vanish—they sink. Places like Pavlopetri, Greece or Villa Epecuén, Argentina are submerged underwater, offering eerie, once-inhabited ruins for divers to explore. Swim through the remnants of abandoned homes, streets, and even churches, frozen in time beneath the waves.
7. Hitchhike a Cargo Ship Across the Ocean
Forget cruise ships—try sailing the world’s vast waters on a working cargo freighter. Some shipping companies allow passengers to book private cabins aboard massive container ships. With no tourists, no entertainment, and vast stretches of open ocean, it’s the ultimate off-the-grid voyage.
8. Run a Marathon in the North Pole
Marathons are challenging, but imagine running one in Arctic temperatures, dodging icebergs, and battling bone-chilling winds. The North Pole Marathon takes place on shifting ice over the Arctic Ocean, making it one of the most extreme races on Earth.
9. Visit an Island of Dolls That No One Lives On
In the canals of Xochimilco, Mexico, an uninhabited island is filled with thousands of old, decaying dolls hanging from trees. Originally placed there by a hermit who believed they protected against evil spirits, Isla de las Muñecas is now a haunting yet fascinating destination for the bravest explorers.
10. Ride a Bicycle Across a Tightrope Between Mountains
Think zip-lining is adventurous? Try cycling between two mountain peaks on a suspended tightrope. Places like Ecuador’s Banos Sky Bike let you pedal across the abyss, hundreds of feet above the valley floor, for an adrenaline rush like no other.
11. Search for Meteorites in the Middle of the Desert
Space rocks are scattered all over Earth, but only the boldest adventurers go hunting for them. The best places to search are remote deserts like Namibia, Chile’s Atacama, or Antarctica, where meteorites stand out against the barren landscape. Some lucky hunters even find rocks worth thousands of dollars.
12. Sleep in a Transparent Bubble in the Middle of Nowhere
For an unforgettable night under the stars, book a bubble hotel in the middle of Iceland, the Atacama Desert, or the forests of Finland. These see-through pods let you sleep in nature with no walls—just a clear dome separating you from the elements.
13. Explore an Abandoned Underground City
Most people know about ghost towns, but what about ghost cities beneath the surface? Places like Derinkuyu, Turkey—an ancient underground city carved into the rock—were once home to thousands. Today, daring travelers can explore miles of dark tunnels, staircases, and abandoned chambers.
14. Go Volcano Boarding Down an Active Volcano
Snowboarding is mainstream, but volcano boarding is an adventure few have tried. At Cerro Negro in Nicaragua, thrill-seekers can sled down the steep black slopes of an active volcano on a wooden board, reaching speeds of up to 50 mph.
15. Take a Long-Distance Train to Nowhere
Most people travel by train to get somewhere, but some of the world’s most epic train journeys are about the experience itself. Board the Trans-Siberian Railway, which takes seven days to cross Russia, or hop on the Indian Pacific Train, which stretches across the entire width of Australia. These trips are more about the slow, scenic journey than the final destination.
Which of These Unique Adventures Will You Try?
True adventure means stepping beyond the ordinary and into the unknown. Whether you're diving into a ghost town, cycling across a canyon, or sleeping inside a volcano, these once-in-a-lifetime experiences are for those who crave something different.