From Spain To Portugal By Zipline

As I previously wrote, I'm not a big fan of ziplining ( or as it's also called zip trekking ). But I believe it's an awesome way to have fun at a new destination.

Many people simply love riding something that gives them a thrill, an element of danger. Since ziplines travel high in the air above the ground, it is a favorite adventure of those who are somewhat “daredevils.” Even though ziplines are ideal for those who enjoy an element of danger, riding a zipline is completely safe.

And some of the ziplines around the world are absolutely unique and amazing !

Take for example Limite Zero zipline that connects Spain and Portugal !

10 Amazing Places Around The World To Go Ziplining

Don't know about you, but for me, zip-lining is boring. As my favorite TV show characters said : " It was like having the life sucked out of you. That's all it is, sliding down a cable." ( check out the video here, it's hilarious ! ).

Personally, I don't consider zip lining an extreme sport or even an outdoor activity. It's more like a touristy thing to do while visiting a new place. This way, zip lining is a great way to learn about the place you're visiting, while taking in all the beautiful views around you ( and let's face it, a healthy doze of adrenaline hasn't killed anyone yet :)).

My first time trying out zip-lining ( or zip-trekking as they call it in Whistler, BC ) was pretty amazing ! The activity itself ( and being in a tourist group ) did suck the life out of me, but the scenery around was jaw-dropping !

So next time you're traveling and visiting a new place, give zip-lining another chance. It will still suck, but I guarantee  the views will be different !

Below, check out some of the most amazing pictures of places to go zip-lining around the world :

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping During Bridge Day In West Virginia

Do you know how many official and unofficial "national days'', festivals and holidays we have ? 365 !

National Dress Up Your Pet Day , Public Sleeping Day, Be Nasty Day, Blame Somebody Else Day...( here is the full list ). Don't believe it's true ? Just Google one of those days.

But the craziest, most exciting, adrenaline -filled day/celebration would be Bridge Day in West Virginia.

Bridge Day is an annual one-day festival in Fayetteville, West Virginia held on the 3rd Saturday of October that commemorates the 1977 completion of the New River Gorge Bridge.

But it's not just that. Bridge Day is one of the world's largest extreme sports festivals that celebrates the outdoors with a show you've got to experience to believe.

On this day, all four lanes of the bridge are closed to automobiles and opened to hundreds of spectators and adventure seekers. One day festival is packed with adventures of all kinds: BASE jumping, skydiving, whitewater rafting, rapelling, ziplining/highlining. Check out the vedeo

10 Adventures To Try In The San Juan Islands

The Essential San Juan Islands Guide

I call the San Juan Islands - "Hawaii of the Pacific Northwest" !

The coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest, between mainland Washington and Vancouver Island, contain hundreds of islands, some little more than sandbars, others rising 3,000 feet. Among these, the San Juans are considered by many to be the loveliest.

The San Juan Island offer something for everyone. The islands are especially attractive to adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.

We spent a few gorgeous early fall days, exploring the two of the most fun islands - Orcas and San Juan. Below, I offer a few suggestions if you plan to do more than just sitting on the beach and enjoying the sun :

Never Too Old For Adventure

...true what they say: " Age Is Nothing But A Number"... Nowadays, there are many seniors who refuse to submit to ageist stereotypes, and continue to inspire younger generations to step out of their comfort zone and try out new things.

Old age clearly hasn’t stopped this cool grandma from living life to the fullest. She's 90 (!!!), and it was her first time zip-lining.

 

What extreme sport/outdoor activity/adventure have you thought about trying, but never did because you thought you were too old to do ?

“I Should Have Never Gone Ziplining”

After watching this South Park episode, I'd have to agree, ziplinning sucks...

"It was like having the life sucked out of you. That's all it is, sliding down a cable."

I've also realized what exactly was turning me off so much about "guided tours" -

“The brain has to work overtime acting nice and pretending to care about people on the tour.”

Best zip lines in U.S and around the world

The first time I heard about ziplining/ziptrekking was from a friend of mine, who just got back from his trip in Costa Rica. Since then, ziplining for me, was in many ways synonymous with that country. Gliding on steel zip lines from platform to platform high in the treetops at astounding 100 miles per hour ( the maximum speed known for any existing zip-line in the world is in South Africa) sounds like a thrilling adventure.

After I did my ziptekking in Whistler last year...I was a bit disappointed. Don't get me wrong, I love Whistler ( especially in winter) ! But as an "outdoor adventure " ? It was ...just OK.


But it doesn't mean I wouldn't do it again...somewhere else.

National Geographic Traveler lists three best zip lines around the globe, including the famous South African's "Unreal " Extreme Adventure Slide:



If you can't afford a trip to South Africa ( or Costa Rica, or China ), there are many zip lines across US that not only offer a great adventure, but will also save you money. Read here about companies that offer ziplinig in Atlanta, California, Utah, Colorado and New England.

Also, you might be surprised to find out that we might have our own zip line in Washington....

Ziptrekking In Whistler, BC

Ziplining in Whistler, B.C. is a year-round high-flying adventure. While ziplining is in Whistler is awesome at any time of year, I think it’s particularly special in winter. 

When the rivers are frozen and the trees dusted in snow, soaring above the silent valley in an experience like no other. So here’s my guide to everything you need to know to choose the perfect winter Whistler zipline adventure :

See the wildlife

Take a treetop tour

Zip above  the he old-growth rainforest

Experience the breathtaking Fitzsimmons Creek in winter

A truly heart-pounding adventure !

Two tour guides will accompany guests

7,000 feet of pure eco-exhilaration!

Whistler, B.C. is home to the longest zipline in USA, and Canada !

Ziptrek Ecotours hosts a selection of breathtaking tours. There are 4 distinct zipline tours, and the TreeTrek canopy walk. Their wilderness area is located directly above Whistler Village, in the spectacular temperate rainforest valley between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

Breathtaking tree-top adventures and an award winning ecological curriculum have earned Ziptrek Ecotours the international reputation as Whistler's year-round, must-do outdoor activity.

The company offers 4 different tours, that vary in length and the amount of adrenaline. The breathtaking Eagle Tour ( my choice ) features five different ziplines, including a 2000-foot, awe-inspiring monster that drops 20 stories.

But for me, actually, it wasn't the tour itself that was fun. The tour guides - Greg and Kristine made the experience fun, informational and educational.

Other features I liked about the tour were: the ability to book the tour on the same day; the option to book it online, directly through the company or at the Visitors Information Center; and the proximity to the Whistler Village.

Before you book your winter zipline with Ziptrek, here are a few things to bear in mind:

• Ziptrek zipline prices start at $99 for children and $119 for adults ( as of 2019 )
• All guests must be between 65 lbs and 275 lbs to take part in the Bear Tour. For all the other tours, minimum weight is 75 lbs There is a chance for smaller children to fly tandem with a guide on the Bear Tour, just ask your guide.
• Kids must be at least 6 years old to take part, and anyone under 15 will need to be with an adult
• All tours do include some physical exertion – walking, climbing stairs, and being outside in the cold for a couple of hours.
• Tours run from around 9am every day – you can check on the website or call guest service for exact times.
• Most tours take between 2 – 4 hours, so prepared to be outside for a while!

Ziplining in winter is a pretty memorable experience. Even if you’re not a ski bum or an adrenaline junkie, you’ll sure be glad you took to the treetops and found out what it feels like to fly like a bird. Just beware: you might get hooked !

Check out this blog post in case, later on, you'll want to go ziplining somewhere else - "10 Amazing Places Around the World To Go Ziplining"

For more ziplining posts click here...