75 (Life-Changing) Adventure Ideas For Any Wild Spirit

In a mid-life crisis? Or just looking for a life-changing adventure? Well in this article you will find the best adventure ideas that will make you feel satisfied with your adventure spirit.

PS: This isn’t a typical guide. In this, you will find TRUE adventures that can completely change the direction of your life. Thanks for reading!

The opposite of happiness is not sadness, it’s boredom. Get out and adventure!

What Are the Best Adventure Ideas?

In this article, I only included adventure ideas that I believe could truly change anyone’s life. What most of these do is open up a world of passion that can be developed far deeper.

Let’s get started!

1. Become Scuba Certified

Scuba diving is an adventure that anyone can enjoy, regardless of their age or physical ability. By becoming scuba certified, you can explore the depths of the ocean, discovering a whole new world.

As an added bonus, it will only encourage you to travel to some of the most beautiful places on earth.

2. Hike A Long Distance Trail

Hiking a long distance trail is the perfect adventure for anyone looking to explore the world and challenge themselves. Not only does it allow you to appreciate nature and its greatness, but it also requires a great deal of physical and mental endurance.

There is no need to do it alone if you don’t want to; you can take friends or family members along for the adventure.

3. Drive To Alaska

Driving to Alaska is an adventure like no other. It gives you the opportunity to explore vast landscapes and experience the beauty of its wild, untamed nature. Driving to Alaska also allows you to engage with the locals, learning about their culture and way of life.

Driving to Alaska is an adventure you can take at your own pace, allowing you to really savor every moment and appreciate what nature has to offer.

This was one of my biggest dreams as a kid and I finally achieved it in the summer of 2022!

4. Take A Survival Course

Survival courses are an excellent way to learn life-saving skills, such as creating shelter in the wilderness, finding food and water, navigating without a compass, and so much more

Plus, you’ll be able to gain knowledge about the environment and its delicate balance.

5. Take A Polar Expedition Training

Taking a polar expedition training will give you the unique opportunity to explore some of the most remote and untouched areas of the world, including the vast white tundra of the Arctic and the mysterious terrain of Antarctica.

You’ll also learn essential skills such as navigation, polar traveling, living in extreme cold, and more.

6. Become A Certified Freediver

Ever wondered how people can stay underwater for minutes without air? Me too.

Taking a freediving course makes the underwater world much more of a playground. And, it opens up the world of spearfishing and underwater self-reliance.

7. Forage For Wild Edible Plants

No matter where you live, you can go out and find wild edible plants. Some of these aren’t too exciting (but still healthy), whereas others can be tropical tasting like my favorite- Pawpaw.

8. Spend A Week Backpacking Somewhere Alone

Backpacking alone allows you to explore a destination at your own pace and in your own way You can push yourself outside of your comfort zone.

You can take time to connect with nature, appreciating its beauty and understanding the environment around you.

I would also say that backpacking covers the basics of all adventure as it teaches you what is necessary to be self-reliant in the wilderness.

9. Try A Liveaboard

Liveaboard adventure trips are a unique way for adventure seekers to experience the world’s most beautiful and isolated destinations. With a liveaboard adventure, you can stay on a boat while exploring different places.

A liveaboard gives you the opportunity to enjoy snorkeling, diving, and many other adventure activities.

10. Join A Search And Rescue Team

Being on a search and rescue team can be incredibly rewarding. Not only will you have the chance to use your skills and knowledge to help save lives, but you will also be part of a great team that is dedicated to keeping people safe in the wilderness.

Although very challenging and sometimes sad, you have the opportunity to change lives for the better.

11. Become A Wilderness First Responder

Becoming a wilderness first responder is a great adventure for anyone who wants to help others in the most remote areas of the world. Being certified as a wilderness first responder means you have the knowledge and skills to provide basic medical care in remote locations.

You learn how to respond in an emergency situation and how to manage difficult terrain.

12. Go Dogsledding

Going dogsledding for an extended period of time can teach you a lot about how many people traveled long before the use of snowmobiles.

It is always an added bonus when dogs are involved.

13. Go Ice Fishing

Going ice fishing can allow for those with the fishing bug to enjoy being in unique and cold places.

14. Plan A Snorkeling Trip Somewhere Exotic

One of my favorite things to do in my life is snorkeling in exotic locations such as Maui, Hawaii. The amount of living things hiding beneath the surface of the water was mind-boggling to me.

Plus, it is free, and if you live or travel to a place where snorkeling is possible, it gives you hours of free fun.

15. Practice Bushcraft And Build Your Own Shelter In The Woods

Wilderness self-reliance can teach you many things. Learning how to build your own shelter and sustain yourself while in the wild can open up a world of possibilities.

16. Visit Hot Springs

Visiting hot springs can be a great adventure for those looking to relax and rejuvenate. Not only will you be able to soak in natural, healing waters, but you can also explore the rugged terrain. Plus, many hot springs offer stunning views and unique wildlife.

Check out this map of hot springs locations in North America.

17. Go Wilderness Horseback Riding

Horseback riding in the wilderness is a great adventure for adventure seekers who want to explore unique and remote places. Horseback riding provides a unique way to explore the wilderness, and it always feels more special when you get to share the experience with a beautiful animal.

18. Live In Your Car For A Month

I lived in a Toyota Tacoma for 3 months while living in Alaska. If I can do it in that teeny truck, you can do it in yours too! It definitely wasn’t always comfortable, but it was a life changing time.

19. Go Hot Tent Camping

With hot tent camping, you can camp in any weather condition and have a warm place to call home regardless of the outside temperatures.

Many people are scared of camping in winter but it can be even more enjoyable depending on how you do it!

20. Take A Sailing Course From ASA

Taking a sailing course from ASA can be an incredibly rewarding adventure for anyone looking to explore new places and experience different cultures. Sailing courses offer the chance to adventure in a unique way and sail on different bodies of water.

It might only inspire you to sail around the world to tropical destinations. Many people do it and you could too!

21. Take A NOLS Course

NOLS courses can and have changed many people’s lives. From backpacking in the Himalayas to mountaineering in Alaska, they have options for everyone.

22. Paddle A River

Paddling the length of a river can be very rewarding and scaled to whatever kind of adventure you are looking for.

Whether you decide to paddle a 7 mile river or the entire Mississippi river, there are options for everyone.

23. Bikepack A Famous Trail

Maybe hiking isn’t your thing, or maybe you just love bikes. regardless, there are many trails around the world like the Colorado trail that you can bikepack.

Bikepacking allows adventure seekers to explore more than they could on foot and in shorter time frames.

24. Start Your Own Garden

Gardening provides a sense of self-reliance and adventure that you can enjoy with each season. Planting your own seeds, growing food, and harvesting vegetables all make for a great adventure right in your backyard.

25. Go Urban Camping

If you have ever wanted to do something a bit unique, you can always go camping in very untypical environments. In fact, suprisingly, urban camping has seemingly became more popular over the years.

26. Take A Month To Explore A New Culture

Travel to a new country and explore its culture. Learning about a unique and different way of life can be eye-opening and inspirational. Tours, adventure guides, and conversations with locals are all great ways to learn about different cultures.

27. Take A Sea Kayaking Trip

Sea kayaking is like the backpacking of the ocean. This adventure gives you the chance to explore remote and beautiful parts of the world.

With the right equipment and knowledge, you can even camp on islands and explore for days on end.

28. Backpack Europe

This seems like a staple for adventuring as it allows you to experience so many different cultures in a short period of time.

Whether you are looking to complete the popular Camino de Santiago route or just wander around, backpacking Europe is adventure that everyone should experience.

29. Trek To Everest Base Camp

You see this on every list, and for good reason. Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a once in a lifetime adventure that many adventure seekers strive for.

30. Visit Antarctica

Although insanely expensive, many people make it a life long goal to visit this magestic continent. There are tons of adventure opportunities here like ice climbing, kayaking, and polar plunging at the end of the earth.

31. Move Temporarily To Learn A Language

This is something I am planning on doing soon. Moving to a different country and practicing a different language through a local language learning school.

32. Live With Monks

Living with monks can be a once in a lifetime adventure. You live with them, learn from them, and practice Buddhism principles alongside them.

33. Travel To See The Northern Lights

I think that we can all agree, this is on most of our bucket lists. Well, reality is that you can pair this with many other buckit list items in this article.

34. Visit A Goroka Show

I wasn’t familiar with this adventure idea until recently, but I did some research and found out that these are traditional ceremonies are put on by the Goroka tribes in Papua New Guinea.

It is believed that these shows are always full of adventure, culture, dancing, and entertainment. So if you ever get the chance, why not?

35. Ride A Camel In The Sahara

The Sahara is one of the last great remaining wilderness areas on earh and adventure seekers can explore it on the back of a camel. Not only does this provide an unique adventure, but you get to witness some jaw-dropping earth formations.

36. Fly In A Bush Plane

If you are looking for a remarkable flight experience, look no further than the bush plane. With its smaller interior compared to airliners, passengers can enjoy an exciting intimacy with the environment and breathtaking views as they travel to remote places that would otherwise not be accessible by larger planes!

37. Visit The Amazon Jungle

Visiting the Amazon jungle and experiencing the cultures within, should be a dream everyone has. With adventure activities like jungle treks, indigenous culture, river trips, and incredible wildlife watching there is plenty to do in the Amazon.

38. Take A Mountaineering Course

People dedicate there lifetimes to mountaineering. It is considered one of the most difficult adventure sports but also one of the most rewarding- hence the addictive factor.

Before attempting any major mountain adventure, it is important to know what you are getting yourself into and take a mountaineering course.

39. Learn And Live With Indigenous People

Before these unique and vibrant cultures vanish forever, there are still a few places around the globe where you can immerse yourself in its heavy indigenous culture. In my opinion, this should be at the top of everyone’s bucket list when they have an opportunity to do so.

40. Create An Off-Grid Homestead

This is a life long dream of mine, and surely something that takes years to build. But, you can start small and work your way up one step at a time.

I have already been diving into gardening and wild foraging.

41. Take A Bushcraft Course

A bushcract course can teach you the essential skills and knowledge needed to be able to survive in the wilderness.

Learning how to start a fire without matches, build shelters, and hunt for food are all skills that stem from indigenous techniques. For someone passionate about wilderness self-reliance. I would absolutely recommend taking one of these courses.

42. Start Your Own Adventure Blog Like This One

Starting an outdoor adventure blog is hard. Really hard. But it is also really rewarding and 1,000% worth it even if it takes you many months to make money from it.

Who knows, you could eventually quit the job you’re at and adventure for your career.

43. Visit Australias Great Barrier Reef

Visiting the Great Barrier Reef in Australia should be on everyone’s adventure bucket list. It is the largest coral reef system in the world, and one of the most diverse ecosystems on earth.

You can explore this underwater adventure by snorkeling, scuba diving, boat trips, or even a helicopter ride!

44. Visit The Australian Outback

The Outback is one of the world’s largest remaining wilderness areas, and there truly is nothing like it. There are adventure activities for everyone, from adventure sports to wildlife watching to exploring ancient aboriginal culture and history.

45. Dive At The Great Blue Hole In Belize

The Great Blue Hole in Belize is an awe-inspiring dive site. This enormous sinkhole spans 300 meters across and reaches depths of 124 meters, making it a must-see for the adventurous diver.

This is really high up on my dive list!

46. Travel Through Russia’s Remote Siberian Arctic

Similar to Canada’s Boreal forest, the Russian Siberian arctic is a cold, remote, and unforgiving place. That said, experiencing a vast wilderness like this could be incredibly unique.

47. Visit The Maldives And Snorkel/Scuba Dive

I think none of us need a reason why to visit the Maldives. It seems to be up at the top of everyone’s adventure bucket list.

48. Try Knife Only Survival In A Wilderness Location

If you have the training and are passionate about wilderness self-reliance and bushcraft. Trying knife-only survival can be a humbling experience and might help you learn more about the resources around us.

49. Plan A Snowshoeing Trip

Try traveling the way that people have for hundreds of years before us. Snowshoeing opens up many locations around the world that might typically be considered inaccessible in the winter.

50. Visit A Wild Place You Have Always Wanted To

This adventure idea leaves a lot of room for personal preference. What have you always wanted to see in the wild? Find it, and adventure there!

51. Dive With Sharks

Cage diving or a more extreme adventure, like freediving with sharks, can be an incredible and life-changing experience.

The coolest part is that WE are in cages versus the other way around.

52. Plan An Expedition

Planning an expedition can be small or as big as skiing to the South Pole. Maybe you want to adventure somewhere that very few have ever seen before.

While working for a polar explorer, I learned a bit about planning expeditions and it can be challenging but rewarding.

53. Camp Below 0 Degrees

You will need the right gear, food, and mindset to make it work, but camping in cold weather can be an adventure like no other.

If you want to take it up a notch, try doing some winter camping in an igloo or snow cave.

54. Hike The Tour du Mont Blanc Trail In Europe

Join an unforgettable journey around the iconic Mont Blanc Massif, one of Europe’s and even the world’s most renowned hikes. This multi-day journey traverses through France, Italy, and Switzerland – all while providing stunning views of majestic mountains.

55. Visit America’s National Parks

The USA is home to some of the world’s most beautiful adventure destinations. From the Grand Canyon in Arizona to Yellowstone in Wyoming, America’s national parks are a must-see adventure destination.

56. Spend A Month Alone In The Wilderness

The first time that I spent a month alone in the wilderness, my life changed. I realized many things and learned to think in a different way.

Spending that much time alone shows you how normal society constantly clutters you with different thoughts.

57. Fish And Forage For Your Food

Learning how to fish and forage from the wild can be a great adventure. Not only will you learn about nature but also how to utilize it for food.

You will also have a better appreciation for the natural environment and the resources that it provides us.

58. Apply For A Survival Show

If you can handle it, applying to a survival show like Alone is a life achievement for many. However, it takes many years to develop the skills and experience necessary.

59. Take Your Parents To Your Favorite Wild Place

This adventure idea is more of a sentimental one. Taking your parents to the place where you have made some of your most treasured memories can be a great adventure.

60. Go On A Wildlife Photography Tour

Wildlife photography tours can take adventure seekers around the world to some of the wildest and most beautiful places and is an excuse to see the world’s most majestic animals.

If you walk away with photos, you will have a tangible asset that you will be able to look at forever.

61. Suprise A Loved One With An Adventure

This adventure idea may require a bit of secrecy and surprise but can be an adventure for the entire family.

Take a loved one on a special adventure to a place they have always wanted to go or explore something new together.

62. Build Primitive Tools

I know not everyone is into primitive survival skills like me, however, there is something empowering about creating tools off the landscape. Give it a shot- maybe you will find value in it!

63. Hike The Appalachian Trail In The United States

For those seeking an awe-inspiring experience, the Appalachian Trail offers a journey unlike any other and is considered to be one of America’s most iconic trails.

Spanning across fourteen states from Georgia up through Maine, this trail takes adventurers over two thousand miles on an unforgettable adventure.

Although I have only hiked sections, it has still proved of being well worth it.

64. Flyfish Somewhere Around The World

Fly fishing can be both a relaxing adventure as well as intense. Not only is it a great way to explore rivers and streams but also to catch some fish.

65. Hike The John Muir Trail In California

When I was 19, I hiked the John Muir Trail solo, and took 26 days to do it. Let me tell you- it is one of the most magical trails I have ever stepped foot on and the scenery changed what felt like every hour.

It is hard to get a spot to hike it, but if you do- you will have the time of your life.

66. Start A Fire From Friction

Starting a fire from the friction is challenging and might take some guidance to achieve.

However, once you get the first ember and produce your first fire, you will have a memory that you will never forget.

67.Hike The Inca Trail In Machu Picchu

For any adventurer, the Inca Trail is a legendary passage that simply cannot be missed.

As you traverse through this sacred path, you’ll discover breathtaking views and centuries-old ruins crafted by the ancient Incas.

68. Visit All 7 Continents

This adventure idea may take some time, but it is totally worth it.

As you explore the different cultures, climates, and wildlife around the world, you will find new perspectives and will ultimately grow significantly as a person.

69. Visit A Deserted Island

To experience adventure at its finest, set out to explore an uninhabited island.

This adventure can take a few days or even weeks and will allow you to completely disconnect from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.

70. Spend A Week With Native Sami People

Spending a week with the Sami people in Northern Norway is sure to be an adventure like no other.

From reindeer herding to snowshoeing, the Sami have been living off the land for centuries- and are always eager to share their knowledge.

71. Swim Or Scuba Mexico’s Cenotes

If adventure is what you are looking for, Mexico’s stunning cenotes provide a unique opportunity to explore the unknown.

72. Go Antler Hunting

Antler Hunting puts you in really cool and wild places and gives you a reason to be there. I will never forget searching for Caribou antlers North of the Arctic Circle in Alaska.

73. Rent An RV And Travel North America

The United States doesn’t have a train system like Europe’s. However, the great American road trip is very much so alive and real!

74. Climb One Of The Seven Summits

Climbing one (or all) of the Seven Summits is a true adventure, and it’s a journey that takes you around the world.

75. Go Scuba Diving At Night

Exploring the depths of the ocean can be an adventure in itself, but add night diving to the mix and you have a truly thrilling experience.

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