Travel is laced with danger, seen and unseen, just like life.  When you are making your future vacation plans think adventure….   By adding an element of challenge to your itinerary you can create experiences that turn into family legends.

Zip lines seem to be an easy way to push your comfort level.  High above the tree tops and natural terrain, a spider web of steel cable suspends your mostly exposed posterior in a sling like piece of heavy rubber that mimics a playground swing.  As you seemingly fly over the beautiful vistas that this adventure affords you, you feel a rush of adrenaline that supercharges your senses.  It’s affordable and a blast.  Older participants get extra points for just going out on a limb, so to speak, and trying something new.   Many vacation destination areas offer this little adrenaline rush.
When I was in college, in the early 70’s, I took advantage of an international study program that offered short studies in London, Paris and Rome.  We arrived in Paris all starry eyed and much to our surprise when we entered our room the bed was tosseled, as if it had just been used.  We were exhausted, who cared.  Much to my surprise and horror, a couple of nights later I found myself picking crabs out of my pubic hair.  Disgusting—yes, and as innocent as it was, it felt terribly dangerous, it was quite unexpected and clearly memorable.
For some, just navigating a city by car or taxi is an undertaking filled with suspense and danger.  If you’re a rookie in the Big Apple or any major city, pay attention to your taxi route—if you see the same building more than three times it is a bad sign.   Jean got lost in St. Louis several years ago while trying to navigate that metropolis in a rental car and could not get out of the city—she is directionally challenged.  It was terrifying none the less.

Many people avoid travel because it feels to them that there is an element of danger somehow lurking in even the safest itinerary.  If you are one of those people then start small.  Maybe an outing to a neighboring town that has some special charm is more appropriate for you.  At least it will get you going in the right direction—out and about.

Those of you itching for a super thrill can go to Montana and drive 100 miles per hour (legally).   Heading to Pamplona, Spain for a stroll with the bulls should awaken your pulse, but it is too extreme for most of us.  If the adventure mood hits you, just Google “dangerous vacations”,  there is a plethora of enticing offers.  Be MOST cautious of the island get-aways it offers.  We are slightly perplexed with how the “danger” part fits into that senerio—they must be thinking about the rum.