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1. Take a gander at the colorful CHE currency! Unlike the rather staid Euros, Swiss Francs are psychedelically vivid.

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Everyone knows some element of the William Tell story, whether it be the famous apple-shooting scene or the ubiquitous overture from Rossini’s opera (later appropriated, of course, as the theme song of The Lone Ranger). But few would guess that this tale of martial defiance originated in neutral Switzerland.

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As a budget traveler, you’re probably equipped with a heavy pack, a Let’s Go travel guide, and of course, an adventurous spirit. If you’re looking to flex some muscles other than your wallet, what better way to experience a town than trying its unique extreme tourism? While high insurance may make taking the lunge a pricey investment, the unforgettable memory of free-falling or gliding through waterfalls is well-worth the splurge. Make sure to err on the side of caution and mind the fine line between “extreme” and “extremely dangerous”—safety should always be your #1 priority. Here’s a list of examples of unique sports from around the globe:

Canyoning- The winding, water-filled canyons of Interlaken, Switzerland are perfect for canyoning (known as canyoneering in the US), which involves rappelling down a series of gorge faces, jumping off cliffs into waterfalls and pools of churning water, and swinging from ropes and zip cords through canyons. Wet suits provide protection against the cold and the harsh edges of rocks, and a guide will be present every step of the way to navigate. Canyoning will put you back $100-200, but you’ll be able to witness crevices of the Earth that few humans ever see. See Let’s Go: Europe 2009 for more information.

Glacier Walking- For those who want a slower pace and less risk, glacier walking is the perfect mix of adventure and scenic beauty, making it one of Southwest New Zealand’s top attractions. Don’t worry if you don’t own your own ice pick—guide companies will provide all the necessary equipment and training to walk on the frozen terrain and explore caves along the way. Prices vary based on difficulty of the walk. Visitors have the option of an easy 2 hour hike ($60), or the harder challenge of mountaineering or ice climbing ($200-300). See Let’s Go: New Zealand for more information.

Coasteering- Cornwall, located on the rocky western coast of Britain, is perfect for those who like their adventure sports with a dose (or gallons) of water. Adventurers put on a wetsuit and helmet, and dive into the water, using the cliffs, caves, and waves as a natural playground. Make sure to bring a pair of water shoes or old sneakers with you to protect your feet from any sharp rocks. Once again, a guide will lead you around the coast and help you design your own adventure. Thrill-seekers can cliff-jump, while more risk-averse people can partake in cliff climbing and adventure swimming instead. (Half-day around $80, full-day around $110)

Army Boot Campin’- In the Yaroslavl region of central Russia, tourists have gladly signed up for a 48 hour boot camp experience. For a cool 3000 rubles (about $130), the camp gives plain old civilians a little taste of what it’s like to train for the Russian special services. While it doesn’t perfectly fit into the category of “adventure sport,” this camp will certainly test the limits of your endurance fitness. Along with sporting stylish army fatigues and withstanding bullying from army veterans, the recruits get the full army experience—right down to eating fish and potato soup and porridge, and doing 50 knuckle push-ups for any disobedience.  It’s certainly more interesting than bumming around a hostel for two nights!

Blokarting- If you feel more comfortable behind the wheel of a vehicle, try this unique combination of driving and sailing in the Atlantic breeze of Lisbon, Portugal. Invented in 1999, a blokart is a three-wheeled go cart attached to a huge sail that is also very easy to maneuver. The wind acts as a natural propeller, and it only takes 8-10 knots to get an adult going to speeds up to 100mph! Most blokart programs include a lesson, a helmet, gloves, and protective eye gear—soon you’ll be able to race and do figure eights on the tracks.  ($100-200 for 3 hours)

Remember that you can’t climb glaciers in Hawaii or go surfing in Antartica, so choose sports that highlight the best qualities of each region. There are plenty of other adventure sports to try in the world—it’s up to you to find out about them. Enjoy! 

Sources
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3737202.stm
http://adventure.thedefinitiveguide.co.nz/glacier.html
http://www.tyf.com/?c=act-coastering
http://www.portugal-sport-and-adventure.com/adventure-in-portugal.html

I dressed up as Lance Armstrong on my first night out in Geneva.  Full spandex, U.S. Postal Service jersey, bike helmet—the whole kit.  I even wore a sign in case anybody missed the reference: “Je suis Lance.”  While the outfit would have definitely fetched sideways glances at the ritzy lakeside bars, the tights were a hit at the local college parties.  After all, it was la Fête de l’Escalade, a night that feels like Halloween, Bastille Day, and New Years all rolled into one.  In most European cities, my broken French, patriotic garb, and nervous smile would make me a tourist.  But in Geneva, land of Rolexes and ex-pats, I was a star.

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Let’s Go interviewed Beat Schwiezzer, an Interlaken, Switzerland, native and Founder of Skydive Interlaken, and Andrew Pfeiffer, tandem skydive instructor from Australia.

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