Feeling a little bit more daring? Are the usual beaches, theme parks, and museums just not doing it for you anymore? Then perhaps it’s time to liven up your itinerary with an extreme sports vacation.

Try something different for your next trip. Veer away from the tour buses and sight-seeing, and actually BE a sight to see.

If you really want to take a break and get away from your everyday life, a good adrenaline rush would definitely do the trick. Not sure where to get your rush from? The following destinations are good places to look into.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil(Various activities) – This vibrant location offers a range of extreme sports that you can choose from. Whether you’re looking to get doused in water or want to experience a more land-based adventure, Rio de Janeiro will have something to get your heart pumping. This city offers optimal surfing, diving, and sailing conditions, and it has several beaches to cater to your extreme water sports needs. If you prefer to stay dry, you can sign up for rock climbing, BMX, rappelling, paragliding, canopy zip-lines and more.

The Skeleton Coast, Nambia (Shark Fishing) – This coast is known for incredible shipwreck and survival stories, that will get your heart rate up just by hearing the tales alone. But the Skeleton Coast’s extremeness doesn’t just lie in stories. It is also home to some of the best fresh and saltwater species in the globe. Fishing in this part of Nambia isn’t like any other fishing experience in the world, because you won’t just be reeling in regular fishes. You will get a chance to fish for sharks, some of which can weigh up to 400 pounds. (So be sure to strengthen your upper body muscles before heading here.)

Stillwater, OK (Motocross) – This destination’s numerous hills and extreme elevation changes makes it one of the best locations for Motocross sports. It is home to Cooperland Raceway, a 160-acre off-road racing terrain that brings in numerous competitive racers from all over. You can also do your thing at the Stillwater Motorcycle Park (aka: The 500), which is a 500-acre off-road motor biking location.

Skydive San Marcos in TX (Skydiving) – So far this post has discussed extreme water and land-based activities. But if you’re looking to go much more higher, then perhaps skydiving is the way to go. Skidive San Marcos in Texas is one of the best skydiving spots in the world, mainly because the area is flat and gives you the chance to catch a great view in just about every direction. Additionally, it is the “No. 1 skydiving center in Central Texas, the closest drop zone to Austin and San Antonio and the ONLY skydiving facility for 100 miles that operates a fast turbine powered TWIN engine aircraft."

North-Central State Park, FL (Cave Diving) – Scuba diving not enough for you? Consider cave diving instead. This activity takes scuba diving to a whole new level, and thus requires more skills and well, guts. Aside from going deep into the body of water, divers will explore underwater caves where light is extremely limited and spaces are tighter. You’ll be experiencing a whole lot of darkness and depth, but if you’re up for it, you’ll be in for one heck of an adventure.

Image credit: asafantman on Flickr