10 Crazy Things to Try on Your Next Trip

Every trip has the potential to be life-changing, but only if you embrace the unexpected. Instead of sticking to the usual tourist attractions, why not shake things up? Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, a cultural experience, or just a great story to tell, here are 10 crazy things to try on your next trip.

1. Eat Something You Can’t Even Pronounce

Food is one of the best ways to experience a new culture, but if you always stick to what’s familiar, you’re missing out. Find the most unusual dish on the menu—whether it’s fermented shark in Iceland, balut (duck embryo) in the Philippines, or live octopus in South Korea—and give it a shot. Even if you don’t love it, you’ll have a great story.

2. Go Completely Off the Grid

Try ditching your phone, social media, and even your itinerary for a few days. Head into the mountains, rent a cabin in the middle of nowhere, or camp in a place with zero Wi-Fi. Without distractions, you’ll experience your surroundings in a whole new way—and maybe even rediscover what it’s like to be fully present.

3. Take a One-Way Ticket and Figure It Out Later

If you’ve ever dreamed of throwing caution to the wind, buy a one-way ticket and plan the rest of your journey on the go. No fixed itinerary, no rigid schedule—just pure adventure. It’s a travel style that forces you to be flexible, meet new people, and embrace the unknown.

4. Say Yes to a Stranger’s Recommendation

Forget Google—let a local tell you where to go. Ask a stranger for their favorite hidden spot, restaurant, or must-do experience. Whether it’s an underground jazz bar, a secret beach, or a local festival, these unplanned moments often turn into the highlights of your trip.

5. Ride in the Most Unusual Mode of Transport

Skip the taxis and public buses—try a form of transportation you’ve never experienced before. Whether it’s a tuk-tuk in Thailand, a gondola in Venice, a camel in Morocco, or a hot air balloon over Turkey, traveling in a unique way makes the journey just as exciting as the destination.

6. Crash a Local Wedding or Festival

If you want to experience a culture in its rawest, most joyful form, find out if there’s a local festival or celebration happening. In some cultures, weddings and public events welcome guests—even uninvited ones. Just be respectful, bring a small gift, and be ready to dance!

7. Spend a Night Somewhere Totally Weird

Forget traditional hotels—book a night in a place that’s totally out of the ordinary. Sleep in an ice hotel in Sweden, a treehouse in Costa Rica, a desert tent in Morocco, or even a converted airplane. The weirder the accommodation, the more memorable the experience.

8. Face One of Your Fears

Travel is the perfect time to do something that scares you. Afraid of heights? Try skydiving or bungee jumping. Scared of deep water? Go scuba diving. Nervous about speaking another language? Force yourself to order food in a language you barely know. Pushing past fear is what makes travel transformative.

9. Travel Without Booking a Place to Stay

If you’re up for an adventure, arrive in a city without a hotel reservation and see where the night takes you. Maybe you’ll find a last-minute Airbnb, crash at a hostel with new friends, or even sleep under the stars. It’s a thrilling way to let the journey unfold naturally.

10. Create Your Own Local Tradition

Find something special to do in every new destination—whether it’s writing yourself a letter from each city, collecting a tiny souvenir from every country, or taking the same quirky photo pose everywhere you go. Having a personal tradition makes every trip feel even more meaningful.

Travel is about stories, surprises, and pushing boundaries. The more you step outside your comfort zone, the more unforgettable your adventures become. So next time you pack your bags, throw in a little spontaneity—your future self will thank you for the crazy, incredible memories.