Hot Air Balloon Ride
While visiting Temecula (CA), you can check two things off of your bucket list: touring a winery and taking a hot air balloon ride. This small town in Southern California isn't only home to some of the best American wineries, it offers a unique experience in sightseeing by air as you float over the mountains and rolling hills of this lush wine country. The charming town sits about 60 miles north of San Diego and 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles (Cityoftemecula.org). Let your worries drift away with the gentle breeze of a hot air balloon ride during the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival, which draws about 38,000 people and offers live music, food and drink.
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Helicopter Tour Through Kauai
Do something that takes your breath away. The answer to that is a helicopter ride through the majestic island of Kauai in Hawaii. Adventure Hawaii (.com) reports 90 percent of the island's waterfalls can't be viewed any other way. You will see lush cascading waterfalls, naturally sculpted canyons, a sea cave and an ancient volcano. Viewing The Garden Isle by helicopter is an exhilarating adventure — plus, you're in Hawaii. Other bucket list items to cross off: swimming with sea turtles, zip lining, snorkeling and stand up paddling, just to name a few. The beauty of sightseeing by helicopter is that you have a professional pilot not only flying the plane, but describing the lay of the land and its history.
Fly on Your Own
Grab life by the yoke (column control) and "fly a plane." There are many places that will take you up, instruct you and let you take the reigns. Typically, a 2-place or 4-place (passenger) plane is the common vehicle for a newbie and there's always an instructor to help if your hands slip off the controls, because you've gone into a cold sweat.
Hang Glide
Want to feel like a bird gliding with the wind? Experience the peace and solitude of hang gliding. Launch from a hill or cliff from your unmotorized aircraft (glider) and watch your worries float away with the wind. You'll be amazed at the vantage point as you look down upon the beautiful earth. It's important to find a reputable company when you search for your hang gliding instructor to be sure you're properly trained and outfitted with the right safety equipment (parachute, helmet, rope, radio and first-aid equipment). Get recommendations and check their business status.
Island Hop the Georgia Coast
If you've never experienced the lower Colonial Coast of Georgia, you must before you "kick the bucket." One of the best-kept-secrets of the East Coast, the barrier islands are rich with natural history and are full of life. Charter a plane or helicopter, and visit Tybee Island off the coast of Savannah; explore the upscale St. Simons Island for white beaches and lush golf courses; jet on over to Gould's Inlet for bird watching, then travel to Jekyll for marshes, maritime forests and, best of all, view nesting loggerhead sea turtles, advises Worldtravelist.com. The islands offer a once-in-a-lifetime leisure travel experience. |
