Ziplining, skydiving, hiking, and parasailing are among the top travel attractions in many places. Things like balloon rides or Dubai’s famed Dinner in the Sky bring travelers from all over the world to experience exciting heights and thrill.
But for some people, these activities sound underwhelming – or even fear-inducing. An estimated 6% of the world’s population has a form of acrophobia, a fear of heights, whether mild or intense. If heights aren’t your thing, here are 7 bucket-list-worthy, height-free things to do around the world to consider when planning your next vacation.
Visit a Cannabis Coffee Shop in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is popular for its legalized recreational cannabis use and its cannabis coffee shops. The shops, similar to a traditional bar, allow guests to smoke at their leisure inside the space. Most cafes are tobacco-free but allow cannabis use, including edibles and smoking, and often have a food menu along with nonalcoholic drinks. A few notable places include The Bulldog Coffeeshop and the laidback Prix d’Ami Coffeeshop.
Go Dune-Bashing in Dubai
Desert safaris are a prime tourist attraction in Dubai, and dune bashing is a highlight of the activity. Guests ride in a jeep while the driver maneuvers over and around large mounds of orange-red desert sand. The inside of the jeep is built for a topsy-turvy kind of excursion and has multiple places for guests to hold on during the thrilling ride. At times, the dunes are so high, it might feel like the jeep will fall over.
Dine in the Ocean in Belize
In San Pedro, Belize on Ambergris Caye, a popular attraction known as Secret Beach offers visitors a chance to dine in the ocean. Tables and chairs are set in the water among fish, sand, and the ocean’s embrace. Guests can order food and drinks – some places even offer hookah – and experience a meal in the ocean. A few Secret Beach hot spots include Blue Bayou and Maruba Beach Club.
Go Snorkeling in St. Croix
St. Croix is well-known for its crystal-clear ocean water where visitors can see nearly to the bottom. Snorkeling in St. Croix’s more calm waters can produce some once-in-a-lifetime views of marine life set against the hills of the island.
Ride ATVs in Punta Cana, DR
Journey through the jungle, dry land, and even some water on an excursion in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on an ATV ride. Plan to ride with a partner or solo, and see the landscape on wheels. The activity takes riders through various terrain at different speeds.
Chase the Northern Lights in Iceland
Reykjavik, Iceland’s biggest city, is a destination unlike any other, and it’s a great place to see the famed Northern Lights. The best time to see the lights is between September and April. Reykjavik offers various tour options to get a glimpse of the natural light display.
Get Splashed at Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls State Park is home to one of the most famous waterfalls in North America, and visitors can get up close to the natural beauty on a boat tour. Many tours even go close enough – or under – the falls for guests to experience the water itself.