When you go on an adventure, you want to take it all in, but in doing so there could be some risks and you won't guess one of the most dangerous tourist activities.
When you think of popular things to do on summer vacation, or even things to do as a local in Fort Myers, Cape Coral or Naples, you may think of a dolphin cruise or a deep sea fishing adventure. Possibly renting a kayak or a waverunner. Or a winter vacation of skiing or ice skating. And while you're there to enjoy a vacation, there could be some risks that come along with these activities. Now, these all sound a little tame compared to the extreme thrills that some people seek out. Think the Titanic exploration mission. Or flying into space.
I try, when on vaca, to have a mix of fun and relaxation. I do tend to do more adventure type things like kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, things like that. But I stay away from the extremes. My goal is to have fun and come back in one piece.
Travel site Nomadic Yak put together a list of 30+ of the most dangerous tourist activities you can do while on vacation looking at how many people have died doing them in the US, UK, Australia and Europe. Before you freak out, it's important to know that even the deadliest thing on the list only has a 0.032% chance of death. But some things on the list might surprise you. Like eating (#11) or zorbing (#32). To see the full list, click here. Below are the top 10.
Top 10 Deadliest Tourist Activities:
10. Running of the Bulls
I never understood why people voluntarily do this. The chance of death? 1 in 111,111.
9. Sky Diving
I understand the thrill people get from this. I personally, am content staying on land. The chance of death- 1 in 90,909.
8. Motorcycle Riding
Obviously this can be risky anywhere, not just on vacation. Chance of death is 1 in 58,823.
7. Hiking
Hiking is one of my favorite things to do. There are some things to consider though like falling off the edge or a chance encounter with wildlife. Chance of death is 1 in 50,000.
6. Mountain Biking
I know plenty of people who have suffered severe injuries while mountain biking. Thankfully none as serious as death. Fatality rate = 1 in 28,571.
5. Paragliding
Every time I see paragliders it makes me want to try. It looks so freeing and fun, but can also be super dangerous. Chance of death is 1 in 13,513.
4. Horseback Riding
To me I feel like this is a pretty low risk activity. But I guess all it takes is to be thrown off or stepped on. Chance of death is 1 in 10,000.
3. Driving
We all know here in Florida, taking to the roads is risky, especially when half the population can't see over the steering wheel. Chance of death is 1 in 7,142.
2. Cave Diving
My biggest fear is that if I were to cave dive that for some reason I wouldn't make it back out. Maybe I've seen too many movies. Chance of death is 1 in 3,333.
1. Mountaineering and Rock Climbing
And the deadliest tourist activity- mountaineering and rock climbing. Should be saved for those with experience and not on a whim. Chance of death is 1 in 3,125.