Soar to Epic Heights: 10 Ultimate Aerial Adventures Worldwide
To celebrate Lonely Planet’s sponsorship of the iconic 1917 Curtiss JN-4 ‘Flying Jenny’ Biplane’s commemorative air tour this summer, we’re exploring aviation's rich history and its lasting influence on travel. Discover 10 extraordinary ways to take to the skies in the world’s most stunning destinations, drawn from Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Adventures.
Track the Jenny’s progress across the USA and learn about this historic aircraft at www.friendsofjenny.org.
Paragliding over Pokhara, Nepal
Photo: Paragliders over Pokhara, Nepal by momo. CC BY 2.0.
Launch from Sarangkot Hill and glide with sweeping views of the Annapurna Range. Soar over Pokhara Valley’s lush lake and hidden paradise-like scenery nestled amid towering peaks. Once grounded, base yourself in this Nepalese adventure hub for world-class Annapurna trekking.
Optimal conditions from September to April allow daily flights.
Heli-Hiking on Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Franz Josef offers unparalleled aerial vistas paired with thrilling hikes. Depart from the West Coast village, soaring over rainforest before ascending to snow-capped peaks. Land on the dramatic Franz Josef Glacier—a frozen cascade—and explore its crevasses and azure ice formations on foot. This is glacier adventuring at its finest.
Heli-hikes run up to three times daily (seasonal), lasting about three hours. Details at www.franzjosefglacier.com.
Skydiving into Kamchatka’s Volcanoes, Russia
Photo: Helicopter on landing pad in the ‘Valley of Geysers’, Kamchatka by Einar Fredriksen. CC BY-SA 2.0.
Dubbed the ‘land of fire and ice,’ remote Kamchatka demands experienced skydivers for jumps into volcanic calderas. Plunge toward steaming craters amid jagged pinnacles. Post-jump, unwind in hot springs and tackle volcanoes, glaciers, and geysers.
Kamchatka Travel Group (www.kamchatkatracks.com) offers jumps for qualified groups plus other pursuits.
Hang-Gliding above Interlaken, Switzerland
A short run launches you into the wind, diving and spinning over Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. Interlaken’s toy-like town and Bernese Alps unfold below. Switzerland’s adventure epicenter also features rafting, kayaking, and biking—but nothing rivals the aerial perspective.
Hang Gliding Interlaken (www.hangglidinginterlaken.com) provides daily tandem flights for €195, averaging 25 minutes.
Hot-Air Ballooning in Wadi Rum, Jordan
Dawn light bathes Wadi Rum’s rugged peaks and dunes in soft oranges and pinks from your basket. Witness why it’s the ‘Valley of the High Places.’ Follow with a camel trek for a classic desert experience.
One-hour flights cost about €145 per person. See www.rascj.com.
Helicopter Tours of the Grand Canyon, USA
Photo: Inside the cockpit of a helicopter over the Grand Canyon by big-ashb. CC BY 2.0.
Bank over cliffs into the mile-deep chasm, tracing the Colorado River through rust-hued rock. Only from above does the canyon’s vast scale hit home. Continue with hiking or rafting on the ground.
Tours from US$300 per person depart Boulder or Las Vegas.
Paragliding in Ölüdeniz, Turkey
Glide from coastal cliffs over Ölüdeniz lagoon’s turquoise waters and sands. Ascend Baba Dağ for tandem flights amid perfect thermals—ideal for first-timers.
Daily flights April-November cost €40-€60, including transfers.
Hot-Air Ballooning over Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Photo: Ballooning over trees in the Serengeti by Brandon Daniel. CC BY-SA 2.0.
Elevate your safari: Spot zebras, gazelles, and big cats from above as the vast plains reveal themselves.
Year-round dawn flights average US$500 per person.
Skydiving at Victoria Falls, Zambia
Fly near the thundering falls, then freefall toward the Zambezi. Livingstone, Africa’s adventure hub, offers bungee, rafting, and more—but skydiving delivers unmatched views.
Tandem jumps via www.skydivevicfalls.com from US$230 (10-second freefall).
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