Most groups of friends talks about having the ultimate holiday that you can only do before you have major life commitments. Few ever get down to it, usually because they don’t know where to begin. When planning a trip with friends, you’re mainly looking to enjoy the company you’re with and to have fun together. If all of you share the same spirit for adventure, the following ideas may be a start to finally going through with your holiday. Here are some activities that will get your heart pumping, but, keep in mind, they only bring you as much fun as the people you do them with. This is the trip you’ll be telling your grandchildren about in the future!
1. Go skiing in Niseko, Japan (from 90 USD)
Best known for its ski resorts, Niseko is fed by weather fronts coming from Siberia that give it light, powdery snow that is extremely pleasurable to ride on. It consists of 6 ski areas, 4 of which are interconnected and can be skied on with one ski pass. That translates to more areas for you to play on for a lower cost. In Niseko, there’s fresh powder on the slopes more days than not, so if you’re only used to skiing or snowboarding on the packed white stuff, you’re going to have to take some time to get used to being on powder. Once you’ve gotten accustomed to the powder, race each other on the slopes and take turns in spraying one another with the dry, fluffy snow. Night skiing is also popular in Niseko, with people remaining on the slopes way after the sun has set.
The town gives off a laid-back vibe and comes equipped with dozens of Japanese hot springs, known as onsens, to help soothe your aching body after a whole day of skiing. If you want something else to do in the evening, head down to Bar Gyu+, a welcoming place to get a drink. Warm colours fill the interior and a vinyl player takes the spotlight from the rows of single malts. Oh, and the entrance to the bar is a fridge door! Sounds like something right out of Narnia!
Bar Gyu+
Address: 167-21 Aza Yamada, Kutchan, Hokkaido, Japan 044-0081
Opening Hours: 7pm - 12am (Winter season only)
Contact: +81 (0)136-23-1432
Website: Bar Gyu+
Ride a snow mobile in the wild nature of Niseko, Hokkaido!
Price: from 90 USD
Duration: around 1 hour required
2. Desert driving in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (from USD 520.0)
Think of the fun you have with your friends during a road trip, and multiply that by 10; the result is what you will get driving 4x4s in the deserts of Dubai. This is a fun and exhilarating driving experience for those behind the wheel and even more so for the passengers being thrown around in the rear. Race across sand dunes while you traverse the open plains and explore an ever-changing landscape. For those without a driver’s licence, quad-bikes are an excellent alternative that ensures no one misses out on the fun.
At night, take to the streets of Dubai and hit the vibrant clubs that host some of the biggest DJs of today. Can’t let loose or bust a move without any alcohol? Fret not. Although the UAE is a Muslim country that abides by Sharia law, consumption of alcohol by tourists is tolerated by the state. But of course, you can only drink in the right places, such as bars, restaurants, and hotels holding appropriate licences. Drinking in public and drunk driving is absolutely prohibited, and don’t even think about drink driving in the desert!
Dubai Self-Drive 4WD Desert and Dune Bash Safari
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
3. Tube down the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng, Laos (from USD 329.0)
Known as a budget destination with loads to explore, Laos is one of those Southeast Asian countries that is perfect for a summer holiday or a spring break. Leave your valuables in the accommodation, rent a tube, and float down the Nam Song River, stopping at the bars perched along the riverbank. Have a blast meeting people of different nationalities and partying with your friends! Think of it as a pub crawl without the walking.
Entertaining games are played along with the usual beer pong, and everyone is invited to join in on the fun! Once you’ve had your fill, carry on floating down the river in your tube and enjoy the gentle breeze and the scenic views around you. Keep an eye out for one another though as accidents do occur from time to time.
In the past, Vang Vieng played host to a wild, and rather dangerous, party scene. Since then, a huge effort has been made to ensure a fun yet safe environment for all. It’s definitely less rowdy nowadays; rope swings of questionable construction have been taken down and bars are regulated. However, the spirit of partying is still very much alive in Vang Vieng.
Check out the video below by Global Degree. Jump to 06:24 to cut to the chase, but try and watch the whole video if you’re serious about visiting Laos.
2-Day Vang Vieng Tour from Vientiane
Duration: 2 days
4. Hike along the Appalachian Trail, United States of America (from USD 202.0)
The Appalachian Trail is a marked hiking trail in the eastern United States that stretches all the way from Georgia to Maine. The trail is scenic and beckons the heart of anyone who loves exploring and nature. The entire trail is a knee-shivering 2,200 miles (3,510 kilometres) long and it takes about 5 to 7 months to traverse the trail in one go. People who attempt to complete the hiking trail from one end to the other in a single season are called are called thru-hikers. Thru-hiking requires an immense amount of preparation and logistical planning, not to mention dedicating half a year to walking.
If you and your buddies can’t sacrifice that amount of time, you could always do sections of the Appalachian Trail. One such section is the Franconia Range, parts of which are pictured above. The Franconia Range is located in the White Mountains in the State of New Hampshire. Once you make it past the forested areas, you will be presented with a spectacular view from the summit. Even if you’re not planning on a thru-hike, be diligent in doing the necessary preparations, such as studying the weather, to know when the best time to start your hike is. The accomplishment achieved with your friends will be unforgotten and will give you something to talk about for years to come.
Standing Indian Mountain Hike plus Wine Tasting
Duration: 5 to 8 hours
5. Catch a wave together in Lagos, Portugal (from USD 48.0)
The picturesque Algarve in Portugal is the home of many surf schools. Surfers of all levels come here to ride the waters, and beginners often find the waters of Lagos suitable for them as well. A variety of waves can be reached within a 30-minute drive of the town, including Praia da Arrifana (Arrifana Beach), where low tide conditions are ideal for beginner surfers. After your surf session, refuel at one of Lagos’ many cheap but delicious restaurants where you can stuff yourself with quality food for under 10 EUR (11.20 USD).
Apart from the surf, Lagos is also known for its beautiful natural scenery, most notably the limestone caves and grottoes along the coastline. Take some time to explore the caverns and cliffs on days that aren’t great for surfing. At night, be a part of the vibrant summer nightlife and party the night away with beautiful people. Cocktails and beers are relatively cheap, so have a toast with your buddies when you’re there because you finally made your trip happen!
The Surf Experience
Address: Rua dos Ferreiros No 21, 8600 Lagos, Algarve, Portugal
Contact: +351 282086012
Website: The Surf Experience
Algarve Coastline Walking Tour: The Path of Dona Ana
Duration: 3 hours
The best adventures are the ones shared with friends
All the activities above are best enjoyed with good companions. Some of them are even potentially dangerous if done alone. So, drag your closest friends to head out for an adventure you’ll never forget. During your trip of a lifetime, remember that, when it comes to friends, it’s not about where you are or what you’re doing, but rather who you’re with. Have a blast!
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