Afraid of heights? Time to find out. Hike world-famous (or shall we say “infamous”) trails along cliff edges that drop thousands of feet to the ground below. Hold tightly to loose chains leading the way up the narrow spine of desert rock, watching rocks you have knocked loose tumble over the edge and into the abyss. Don't worry, it’s worth it. Your bravery is rewarded with epic 360-degree views of deep slot canyons stretching out into the distance and you can finally breathe again.

So many heart-stopping moments to be found here. Catch the gaze of a jaguar. Snorkel at the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Hike through the ancient ruins of Tikal to the distant sound of howler monkeys. Perhaps most nerve-tingling of all, experience total absence of light in caves far below the earth’s surface, feeling the whooshing of bats all around you—a darkness so thick it feels like a heavy blanket being pulled over you. Is your heart racing yet?

What’s the best way to finish a high-speed, adrenaline-pumping, two-wheeled descent from the coastal mountains of Croatia? Isn’t it obvious? Get in that beautiful blue Mediterranean water as quickly as your legs can carry you. Hop in a kayak, grab a snorkel, free-dive to the white sand holding unseen treasures or simply leap from the top deck of the sailboat that is carrying you from one island and hidden cove to the next. If you’re heart isn’t beating fast, it must not be beating at all. This is Croatia at its finest.

Want to adventure to the edge of the earth? On our Newfoundland Hiking & Walking Tour, we do just that, journeying to the far-flung Fogo Island, where North America ends and the rugged Atlantic Ocean begins. With breaching whales in the distance and crooked, colorful fishing huts as our companions, we discover this off-the-beaten-path destination in classic Backroads style—enjoying the awesome power of Mother Nature along with the eye-opening luxury of one of North America’s coolest and most stylish hotels, the Fogo Island Inn. Come discover this coastal wilderness with Backroads for a windswept adventure you’ll never forget.

Out of the Ligurian Sea on the Italian Mediterranean rises a rugged and sun-drenched coastline, home to the famous hiking trails that connect the five fishing villages known as the Cinque Terre. Once used only by brave locals to access cliffside vineyards, these trails now carry intrepid hikers from one village to the next, by way of steep, narrow trails offering truly breathtaking views. If that’s not enough to jumpstart your heart, join adventurous (and questionably sane) locals to leap from the cliffs into the sea.

Are those tribal drums you hear in the distance? No, it’s the sound of your heart beating in your chest as you step into your harness and prepare to leap off the platform, high above the jungle floor, zip-lining at breakneck speed with the wind howling in your ears. Had enough? Now let’s go rafting in Class III white water and hop on our bikes to blaze along some jungle trails before we call it day. Better get some rest before we get up to surf some early morning waves. Good thing the coffee here is world-class.

Sometimes it’s not about the cliff heights, the wild animals, the volcanic eruptions or the vision-blurring speed. Well okay, maybe it’s still about the speed. But here in the French and Spanish Riviera, gliding along beautiful winding country roads, powering up the climbs and swooping over and down to the next village, vineyard or sweeping coastal view, the heart beats fast. Maybe it’s the feeling of falling in love. Or maybe it’s the fear of ever leaving. Regardless, enjoy it. Soak it all in. It’s only a dream if you wake up.

These stunning islands nestled off the southern coast of Spain are laced with endless hiking trails that offer spectacular access to all the quintessential treasures of the Mediterranean—rugged mountains, quaint historic villages, terraced olive groves, stoic monasteries, sweeping coastal vistas, flowing vineyards and soft sandy beaches. Hop into a high speed Zodiac raft and fly out across the blue sparkling water, skirting the coast as you race the sun to your next “pinch me if this is real” moment. 

Looking to experience the “wild” in wildlife? Here in the heart of the Rockies you could very likely come face to face with a bear, elk, moose, bobcat, mountain lion or yeti around any curve of the trail. Don’t panic. Stay calm and make sure you always hike with someone who runs slower than you do. Want more? Hop in a raft and shoot down the Athabasca River braving rapids and refreshingly cool churning water. Don’t forget to take a look around—some of North America’s most jaw-dropping scenery swirls around you.

In Iceland, the ground you stand on is literally being stretched as the tectonic plates beneath you drift apart. Ready for what comes next, here in the land of fire and ice? Giant gleaming icebergs, volcanic features, hot springs, waterfalls, lava beds and more. This is a land of extremes, especially when you find yourself strapping razor sharp crampons to your shoes, grabbing your ice ax and and venturing out onto the face of the glacier to begin your ascent. Watch out for those crevasses...