When I have more money saved, when my workload eases, when the kids are in high school...It’s so easy to put plans on hold and hit the pause button, isn’t it? Even the fun, once-in-a-lifetime experiences seem to take a back seat. The truth is, there is no right time to do anything, so you might as well just do it.

Here, 6 exciting travel adventures which will shake your world up and leave you more rested and renewed than you thought possible.

Antarctica
If you’re willing to travel 40 hours-plus to the end of the earth you clearly mean business. The very silent (and very uninhabited) Antarctica appears on most bucket lists, and for good reason: it is literally the coolest place on earth, a truly precious beauty that is free from man-made structures and wildlife not found in any other continent.

It is also a land of extremes. Test your mettle by signing up for the Polar Plunge. There’s nothing quite like jumping into -2 degree water with the local inhabitants looking on to
put your life into perspective. 

Nepal
Another bucket list adventure, trekking to Everest Base Camp is one of the most sought after treks in the world, you don’t need to have any mountain climbing experience to take on the trek, but the fitter you are, the easier it will be. Grab a backpack and your hiking boots and follow in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary.

China
Visiting China for the first time is an unforgettable experience - the history, the food, the culture - eating Peking Duck in its homeland is an experience in itself. But when it comes to seeing the attractions, don’t follow the hordes, enjoy them with a difference. The mighty Great Wall - all 21,000 km of it - is a spectacular sight, but why walk it when you can run? The Great Wall Marathon, considered one of the hardest on the circuit, will be held in May this year - plenty of time to dust off the cobwebs and get training! 

Turkey
A land-based adventure is one thing, climbing into a small basket supported by a balloon is something entirely different. While hot-air ballooning isn’t considered the most extreme of activities, if you’re going to do it once, do it in the hot air ballooning capital of the world - Cappadocia in Turkey. The Cappadocian landscape is best seen from the skies - there’s nothing like it. Expect breathtaking valley views and otherworldly rock formations - you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re on the moon and not central Turkey. Once you’re on firm land, you’ll be rewarded with a champagne and a ballooning certificate - totally worth it and another bucket item ticked off the list.

Jordan
Everyone loves a pamper session but instead of going to a spa, why not go straight to the source? The Dead Sea in Jordan has long been known for its mineral-rich waters, taking a dip here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience: you can’t sink (it’s 10 times saltier than the ocean), you can’t open your eyes or mouth and you need to avoid taking a sip (or gulp) at all costs. For your own 5-star DIY mud treatment, slather mud all over yourself (dig it up from the shoreline or ask your hotel) before taking the plunge. 

Egypt
You may have visited the Great Pyramids, but have you quad biked around them? You won’t be ‘let loose’ Indiana Jones-style though. Once you’ve completed a training session you’ll be whizzing by the pyramids of Cheops, Chephren and Mykerinos and the Sphinx in no time. Prefer a more sedate, classic Egyptian experience? Sail down the Nile in a felucca, a traditional wooden boat with a cushioned deck, and soak in the towering palms and pastel-coloured buildings with drink in hand.