Discover the 12 most "peak" adventure travel experiences in the world

Below is a countdown list of the 12 most "peak" adventure travel experiences in the world that he has compiled:

12. Travel by 7-star train across Japan

Japan is famous for its extensive train system. The Seven Stars in Kyushu is likened to Venice’s Simplon-Orient-Express and South Africa’s Blue Train in terms of luxury. As it travels through the lush green landscapes of Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island, Jonathan is captivated by the stunning views and high-quality service on board, which includes a 10-course dinner, live music and a state-of-the-art cabin large enough to host his own cocktail party. It’s the perfect blend of old-world comfort and modern technology, all in breathtaking surroundings.

11. Fly into space like an astronaut at "space camp"

With July 11, 2019, marking the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, why not take your own leap and sign up for Space Camp? The facility, located next to NASA's base in Huntsville, Alabama, welcomes people of all ages for weekend sessions where you'll get to dress up like a real astronaut and get to know space in the most intimate way. You'll learn how to operate space shuttle simulators, walk in a simulated lunar gravity (1/6th scale compared to Earth), and perform basic repairs while floating in space. It's especially important to avoid alcohol the night before you decide to participate in this activity, as it will affect the entire experience.

10. Explore the "empty space"

Translated as “the empty land,” this is the heart of TE Lawrence’s Arabia: an ocean of sand covering a 400,000-square-mile muddy center that straddles parts of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Yemen. Explore its unspoiled splendor with experienced British experts from Wild Frontiers. “The empty land is one of nature’s most remarkable creations,” says Jonny Bealby, founder and leader of expeditions here. “Standing atop the world’s tallest sand dune, the sheer magnitude of the landscape and the utter silence of nature will blow you away. The silence here is absolute.”

9. go deep into the arctic

Unlike Antarctica – which has become a major frontier in recent years – its polar opposite remains a popular holiday or adventure destination. Quark Expeditions typically offers three trips a year to the North Pole on a nuclear-powered icebreaker from the Russian port of Murmansk. On Jonathan’s recent trip, he explored abandoned bases, saw polar bears on the hunt and even explored under the Arctic ice. Even on a dedicated ship like Quark, travel to the frozen north is only possible in July and August, with the entire 14-day journey taking place under the perpetual daylight of the Arctic summer.

8. Trekking in the cloud forests of Laos

Inside Asia Tours runs five-day trekking expeditions into the incredibly diverse cloud forests of northern Laos, at Phou Louey Peak or Forever Mountain. You'll travel through valleys and endless green forests, spot rare animals like sun bears, white-cheeked gibbons and clouded leopards, and stay overnight with hill tribes. "This is a remote corner of the country that few tourists ever visit, so you'll be one of the few who get to set foot in this area each year," says Chris Greener of Inside Asia.

7. Cycling on an active volcano

The Indian Ocean island of Réunion is set to be one of the hottest destinations of 2019 – and the good news is you can cycle to it! Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and it has dedicated trails that run along the summit for you to enjoy mountain biking. You can also create a fire and water experience by passing some spectacular waterfalls on the way down. The trail winds through volcanic rock, through jungle and then sugarcane fields before ending at the beach. It’s a fantastic journey with unique scenery that’s well worth the effort.

6. Slide down Table Mountain

At 1,000 meters above sea level, Table Mountain is South Africa's most famous landmark. With panoramic views of the city and the Cape Peninsula, you will feel a little scared with the precarious rock rims at first but it is completely worth it because of its amazing spectacularness. Once you have overcome this experience, the feeling of elation will surely stay with you for many days after because you feel like you have "mastered" yourself in front of the big world. This destination is a very reasonable reason to push yourself beyond your inherent safety limits.

5. Dive into the world's shallowest waters

Every June, one of the most thrilling animal kingdom fantasies takes place off the coast of KwaZulu Natal. The Sardine Run sees millions of sardines migrate north, following warmer waters towards the Indian Ocean. The migration of sardines often attracts hungry predators in the sea, from dolphins to sharks and whales. If you have the nerve and the ability to swim, Dive Worldwide can help you experience it in its truest form, spending five days at sea, diving deep with a super pod of dolphins, swimming with giant humpback whales and witnessing countless bait balls being attacked from every angle – a magical mess of nature.

4. Cycling on the most dangerous road in the world

It’s not called Death Road for nothing. Starting from the mountainside near the Bolivian capital of La Paz, Yungas Road has a notoriously high fatality rate. Today, much of the local traffic has taken a safer route, but the road remains – and mountain bike racing teams like Barracuda Biking still use it. Be warned, this is a very dangerous road, so keep your eyes open and your hands on the brakes.

3. Learn to be a skier

At Utah Olympic Park near Salt Lake City, after just a few days of training on small jumps, skilled skiers graduate to Olympic-level slopes. The trick is to lean forward and power up as you exit the ramp. The 40-meter takeoff is perfect.

2. Get lost to find yourself

Need a detox from the digital world and the hustle and bustle of modern urban life? Black Tomato will take you into the most pristine wilderness by helicopter, then drop you off... to fend for yourself. When you sign up for this Get Lost program, your exact location will be a secret (even to you), and it can be anywhere from Guatemala to northern Iceland. All you have is a small supply pack, a satellite phone, and a set number of days to experience. Clients can also choose the type of terrain they want to get lost in: polar, desert, mountain, or jungle, and will then be trained in the necessary survival skills before embarking on this activity that will change both your life and the way you see the world around you.

1. Camping in the Rocky Mountains

Colorado-based KMAC takes you on a cliffside camping experience deep in the Rocky Mountains, where you spend the night suspended 200ft (18 stories) above a rock face. After “gliding” down a predetermined section of the mountain, you’ll be given the comfort of a spot with enough space to lie down/sit, and stay there until morning. Jonathan himself said he fell asleep in a flash because he was so tired from the previous climb, but he said the breathtaking views of the mountains under the moonlight and the sunrise “killed” any lingering fears he had that night.

Quynh Anh