While some people want to enjoy a holiday that allows them to relax and unwind, others are looking for unforgettable adventures that will forever change their outlook on life. If you fall into the latter, you have come to the perfect place. Check out the eight outstanding travel experiences that will change your life.

1. 
   

   Tackle Mount Kilimanjaro

A Mount Kilimanjaro hike is a test of endurance, determination, and passion. Only those focused and brave enough will make it to the peak of the summit. To reach the top, you will need to hike through not one, not two, but five unique climate zones, which will each have different weather patterns, wildlife and vegetation. Yet, you will undoubtedly feel a great feeling of satisfaction after you have trekked through rainforests, walked through an alpine desert, and finally reached the snow-capped peaks. If you can do this, you can do anything.

2. 
   

   Take a Road Trip Along the Pacific Coast Highway

There is nothing more liberating than hiring a car and taking to the open road, with no idea of the sights that lay in store for you on your travels. You’ll feel a great sense of freedom as you book into motels, grab dinner in diners, and stop at different gas stations throughout the journey.

America offers a great range of picturesque roads for you to choose from, but the Pacific Coast Highway is easily one of the best. The route, also known as Highway 1, runs for 1000 km through the Californian coast, you will be passing through various fantastic attractions, such as San Francisco Bay, Big Sur, Santa Barbara, and Monterey. You will love experiencing the rocky cliffs, mesmerizing views, and wild nature. It’s a travel experience unlike any other.

3. 
   

   Cruise under Niagara Falls

What better way to experience the majesty of Niagara Falls than to jump into a boat and voyage to the very heart? With a staggering vertical drop of 50m, Niagara Falls flows from four of the five Great Lakes: Michigan, Huron, Erie and Superior, with over 600,000 gallons of water traveling down every single second. You board the luxury boat in Canada, with the cruise bringing you face-to-face with the powerful Falls. You can even take the trip in the magical starlight, and experience the incredible illuminations with the ultimate Falls cruise. Don’t forget your waterproofs though!

4. 
   

   Drive Through the Australian Outback

Challenge yourself by taking a drive through the vast stretches of road located through the Australian Outback. You can drive for miles and miles, and still not see a car or a soul, so you should take the opportunity to step outside your vehicle and simply breathe in the immeasurable silence. You will have never have felt more calm and alive in your life. However, you must stock up on plenty of water for your travels, as the heat will be intense, which is often the biggest challenge you will face. You must also phone ahead so residents in the next town will realize if you are overdue and will quickly travel to you to provide much-needed assistance. It’s an experience not for the faint-hearted.

The roads will also allow you to drive into the heart of Australia and meet the indigenous people, who could challenge any preconceptions you may have had, and you’ll definitely learn more about Australian culture.

5. 
   

   Take an Overnight Train in India

You haven’t experienced tough overcrowded public transport until you have taken an overnight train in India. Embrace the culture by battling your way through a crowded train station and identifying where you need to board.

The train carriage will also be a unique experience, as it’s almost like a city within a city because it’s alive with people, conversation, food, and the beautiful aroma of fresh coffee. Local merchants will also make their way throughout the train to offer mouthwatering dishes you’ll want to try. If you have no problem giving up your personal space, it’s the ultimate way to experience life in India once the sun goes down, and you’ll learn about the kindness of strangers, as thoughtful locals might be happy to share their food with you. It might be challenging, but it is anything but boring. You’ll never experience anything quite like it again.

6. 
   

   Experience a Safari on the Masai Mara

Going on safari is not about taking Instagrammable photographs of hippos and elephants, as the experience will increase your understanding of nature and the circle of life. The Masai Mara is an eye-opening experience, as you will get up close and personal with some of the wildest animals in Africa, which will be one of the exhilarating moments of your life. You’ll also learn more about the survival of the fittest with the animals so that you will become more familiar with nature’s food chain.

7. 
   

   Step Inside Rome’s Colosseum

The Colosseum is one of the biggest buildings in all of Rome and is almost 2000 years old. You might have seen photographs of the historic landmark, but you cannot fathom the enormity of the Colosseum in both scale and history until you have stepped inside. You’ll learn more about how emperors shaped the world and the exceptional achievements of the Romans. You’ll walk away with an informed view of world history, which can be a humbling experience.

8. 
   

   Experience Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan

It’s impossible for Holi not to change your life. The Hindu festival is, after all, based on the spirit of forgiveness of yourself and others. The temple towns of Mathura and Vrindavan will be alive with color in spring, as a free-for-all of colored water and powder will make everyone look like walking rainbow. You’ll have never had more fun in your life than throwing colors at your friends and strangers during the festival. While the festival has since spread across the world, it is here that it will hold special significance, as it is Krishna’s birthplace.