The best part of enjoying a recreational outdoor activity in Europe is that it will not only show you the beauty and glamor of the city, it will also help you explore new things and leave your comfort zone. Let’s think about it for a minute, what wouldn’t you give to sleep under the Northern lights in Iceland? Or gaze at infinity while flying above the seas of the French Rivera?  Let that sink in, as we get started.

Travel is way more fascinating when you indulge in adrenaline filled activities that tickle your wild side. Outlined below are my top 10 outdoor activities in Europe for a budget traveler;

1.      Rafting / Kayaking:

The experience is invigorating! Permit me to say that rafting is every adrenaline junkie’s wet dream! 

If you are lover of water activities, you will opt for one of these activities. Depending on whether you like solo adventures or group adventures you opt for kayaking or rafting respectively. You know what’s amazing? Both rafting and kayaking are done on white rocky waters, usually with an amazing waterfall to keep you mesmerized.

*Tip – If you do not know how to swim, always go for a bigger and more stable inflatable raft.

Price Range – The average price for a complete 2 days rafting weekend starts from 40 euros. 

2.       Parasailing:

Ever wanted to feel like a bird? Well, then go parasailing! Parasailing is an amazing outdoor activity for the strong at heart. To parasail, you are strapped to a parachute like canopy attached to a fast moving speed boat. This suspends you in the air while been pulled along by the boat. This is a truly amazing adventure as you are suspended about 300 feet above sea leve. It brings to life the proverbial bird’s eye view LOL!

*Tip- For cheaper prices, you can choose to parasail in pairs or trios.

Price Range – The average price per person to parasail is around 40-50 euros, depending on the city.

3.      Karting:

I love watching Formula1 car races and I think Lewis Hamilton is absolutely cute. If you are anything like me then you will unequivocally love Karting. Karting is a motorsport where you are placed in a sort of sports car and allowed to race without fear of crashing. Advanced karting technology will have you moving at the speed of light (thanks to virtual reality). This activity can be enjoyed by both professional drivers and novices as it is absolutely safe and truly enjoyable.

Price Range – Starting from 10 euros you can create your own F1 experience.

4.      Bungee Jumping:

If you are not a true adrenaline junkie, you are about to experience the most terrifying but truly rewarding couple of seconds of your life.  Bungee Jumping, is an activity that involves jumping from a high surface while joined to a large elastic cord. The placemat is usually built on a very tall structure such as a high rise building or a cliff. It is not for the faint at heart…I repeat, it is not for the faint at heart!

Price Range – The average price to bungee jump starts from 45 euros.

5.      Water Zorbing:

Yes Jesus walked on water and now it’s your turn! Water zorbing is an activity where you are in a large inflatable ball that allows you walk on water. Did I hear a YES! Absolutely, this is an amazing water sport that keeps you fit and dry. So if your excuse is that you hate getting wet, or you react to the treatment in pools then go water zorbing.

*Tip – If you are scared of walking, lie down and roll the ball on the water

Price Range – For as low as 10 euros, you can go water zorbing.

6.      Rooftop Infinity Pool:

Swimming is great, be it a river or a lake or even a clam beach. But taking swimming up a notch is swimming on a rooftop pool. The secret to finding the perfect rooftop pool is to search for one with an infinity ending. (meaning it pours into a lower pool giving the impression that it has no end and will just throw you off should you venture to its end). Asides been truly beautiful, the view from a rooftop pool is iconic and very amazing. Everybody deserves an experience like this.

*Tip – Booking an all inclusive is the best way to get hotel deals that include infinity pools.

7.      Dinner in the sky:

Eating is something we do daily, sincerely it can get pretty boring right? Well, why not eat in the sky! A truly surreal experience, asides the sheer guts, the splendid view, the amazement and the thrill. Dining in the sky is an experience you will always remember with so much happiness.

*Tip – If you are scared of heights, avoid looking down during the experience.

Price Range – The average price for a dinner in the sky starts from 65 euros depending on the city.

8.      Zip lining:

Adrenaline pumping and absolutely insane. It’s one of the world’s most exciting adventures. I mean you officially are a junkie should you do this, but I assure you it’s rewarding and certainly increases your street credibility. Zip lining is an activity where you are suspended on a thick rope about 200 feet above ground level and made to cross a 1 km or more distance with the support of a thick rope attached to a body suit at your waist.  Once you embark on this daring adventure there’s no turning back, its either you finish the ride or you finish the ride. Talk about not having a choice.

Price Range – The average price to zipline starts from 45 euros depending on the city.

9.     Trampoline Jumping:

We all have an inner child that seeks to come out and play. Beyond that, it is impossible to be sad on a trampoline NO WAY! A great day of adventure should always culminate with a wide, bouncy trampoline. It’s definately one of the cheapest ways to have fun especially if travelling in groups. So, no matter where you are or what you do never resist a trampoline.

*Tip – To spice up the experience, try jumping to the rhythm of some music and in a group.

Price Range – The average price for a trampoline jump is around 5-10 euros.

10.   Hot air balloon ride:

One of the most relaxing outdoor activities. This is simply a quirky aircraft where a large heated balloon fixed to a basket is left to lift and fly around the air, the jolly happy fellows stand in the basket and enjoy the amazing sensations. In the similitude of skydiving, only this is by far peaceful and quite.

*Tip – To avoid phones from falling, opt to use the inbuilt selfie stick on the aircraft.

Price Range – The average price for an hot air balloon ride starts from 100 euros depending on the city.

So, Europe maybe everything quaint and classy but you can still enjoy an amazing adventure filled vacation. As you enjoy the slide of my outdoor adventures, let me know what you’ve tried and what you will like to try.