Do you like risky activities? Here are some dangerous destinations to try once in a lifetime. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can swim with sharks or climb the highest peaks in the world…
Half Dome, Yosemite National Park – California
This 1525-meter climb to the top of Half Dome is one of the most dangerous destinations because it is the most demanding hike in Yosemite Valley… And the last 120 meters are the most dangerous. It’s a near-vertical climb, and while there are a few metal cables that serve as ladders to help you climb to the top, falling off could be fatal. Let’s also not forget that the Half Dome is a lightning magnet; in 1985, 5 climbers were electrocuted on the summit, killing two of them.
The Cliffs of Moher – Ireland
With its breathtaking views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions. However, it is also one of the most dangerous, and a single misstep could result in a fall of more than 213 meters into the Atlantic Ocean! The safest way to enjoy the magnificent view of the cliffs is to stand on the path or on one of the three platforms provided for this purpose.
L’Encierro, Pamplona – Spain
Thousands of thrill-seekers travel to Pamplona every year to run with the bulls. Surprisingly, only 16 people have died at the Spanish festival since 1910 according to the official website of the Encierro. Instead, you’re likely to get hurt by jostling with other runners, even if the chances are slim.
Mount Everest – Nepal
Even if a trip to the top of Everest isn’t on your bucket list, more than 1,200 climbers make their way to the world’s highest mountain every year.
However, according to the New York Times, only half will make it to the summit and a few will die along the way. With the 5 deaths in 2018, a total of 300 people are believed to have died on Mount Everest. The causes vary: freezing temperatures, falls at high altitudes or other health problems.
Devil’s Pool – Zambia
During the driest months of the year, the water level of the Zambezi River drops drastically and reveals an incredible pool at the end of Victoria Falls, the highest waterfall in the world. However, you should only try your luck from mid-August to mid-January. Otherwise, Zambia’s tourism warns the reckless: “Anyone foolish enough to swim would be instantly swept away and then killed by the current.” It’s not for nothing that it is one of the dream pools around the world!
The Trift Bridge – Switzerland
Believe it or not, the Trift Bridge in the Swiss Alps is much safer than it looks. This modern bridge, inspired by Nepalese three-rope bridges, was built in 2009 with sturdy wood and metal. Attention individuals suffering from acrophobia: this may not be your dream destination. At 90 meters high and 170 feet long, the Trift Bridge is one of the longest and highest suspension pedestrian bridges in the Alps. You’ll need to take three cable cars to get there.
New Smyrna Beach – Florida
The town of New Smyrna Beach in Florida’s Volusia County attracts hundreds of surfers every day. In fact, the more people there are in the sea, the higher the chances of a shark attack. That’s why Florida is known as the shark attack capital, with 16 attacks reported in 2018 by the University of Florida.
Note that you are still 75 times more likely to be struck by lightning than to be attacked by a shark in the United States, so there’s no need to give up surfing…
Villarrica Volcano – Chile
Visiting an active volcano always involves a certain amount of risk… Just ask tourists who visited the summit of Villarrica volcano when it was spewing lava in 2017.
Fortunately, the eruption did not injure any individuals and it is still possible to visit the place to this day. For those interested, one company offers a bungee jump from a helicopter into the crater of the volcano. This is what we call a more than dangerous activity!
Yellowstone National Park – Montana
Park officials warn that you should be prepared for a bear encounter when hiking, camping, or visiting Yellowstone Park.
However, it is very rare for a face-to-face encounter with a grizzly bear to result in a violent conflict. In the park, the average is only one bear per year. Considering that more than 100 million people have visited Yellowstone Park since 1980, your chances of being injured by a grizzly bear are 1 in 2.7 million. Reassuring, right?
Death Valley – California
Dehydration is the most dangerous factor when visiting Death Valley, which is the hottest place in the national park, dry and low in altitude. It is recommended to drink at least one gallon of water per day, not to walk in the heat, and to stay on paved roads. The recommendations are valid all year round, not just in summer when temperatures can exceed 48 degrees Celsius.
Despite the extreme temperatures in Death Valley, there are more deaths caused by car accidents than by the heat. According to the park administration, only 1 or 2 people die from heat exposure per year in the park.
The Formula Rossa Roller Coaster – Abu Dhabi
Do you like speed? Formula Rossa is the fastest roller coaster in the world at 240 km/h. Powered by a hydraulic launch system, the ride traverses the 1.6km course in just 92 seconds, giving the impression of being in a real Formula 1 car. There’s no real danger in riding this roller coaster unless you tend to get a heartache easily!
The Contra Dam
One of the highest bungee jumping points in the world is the Contra Dam in the Verzasca Valley. It is also known for its appearance in the movie “GoldenEye”, where James Bond dives into it. Adrenaline junkies can recreate Agent 007’s stunt by bungee jumping at night.
The almost 220-meter drop may seem risky, but you’re more likely to die riding a bike than bungee jumping.
