Throughout my travels, I’ve learned that sometimes it’s not about keeping things as cheap as possible. It’s the experiences, not expenses that you remember years later. Some travel splurges are worth making. While I may stress at the time about adjusting my budget for those tours, accommodations or meals, I am always glad I did it. Here are my favorite experiences I’ve had that were worth the cost.
Scuba Diving at Georgia Aquarium
A few weeks ago, I used my 24th birthday as the perfect occasion to go scuba diving at the Georgia Aquarium. I was able to see giant manta rays and whale sharks up close which is more than most people in the world can say. It’s a once in a lifetime experience that I highly recommend if you’re ever in Atlanta.
- Cost: $324.95 USD per person
- Related Post: Scuba Diving at the Georgia Aquarium
Helicopter Ride over Hawaii
During my trip to Hawaii a year ago, I saw many brochures for helicopter flights over various islands. While my mom, sisters and I were in Kaua’i, we splurged on a helicopter flight with Jack Harter Helicopters over the Na Pali coast, which looked like Neverland. Being in a helicopter without doors is a little terrifying, but I captured some of the best images I’ve ever taken.
- Cost: $269 USD per person
- Related Post: Flying High Over Kaua’i
Harbour Bridge Climb in Sydney
For my entire trip to Australia, I outweighed the pros and cons of the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. Some people told me it wasn’t worth it, but those weren’t the people who had done it. With a little money left over after my travels, I decided to take the plunge and book a Discovery Climb.
It’s one of the most surreal experiences and it’s worth every penny. You get to see views you can’t get anywhere else while learning the history of the bridge.
- Cost: $218 AUD for daytime Discovery Climb
- Related Post: Three Ways to See the Bridge
Bungy Jumping in Cairns
I knew throughout my entire east coast trip in Australia that I wanted to try bungy jumping, despite my insane fear of heights. On my last day in Cairns, I took the bus to AJ Hackett‘s location nestled in the rainforest. Once I edged my way off the ledge, I knew it was a high I wanted to feel again, which is why I did a second jump!
- Cost: Starts at $159 for one jump plus $10 levy plus fees for multiple jumps and photo packages
- Related Post: Conquering Fears in Cairns
Scuba Diving the Great Barrier Reef
Scuba diving is not a cheap hobby, but it’s something I knew I wanted to do because what other time would I get to experience the Great Barrier Reef? I signed up for an Open Water class with Cairns Dive Centre, which included two days in the classroom and another two days in the ocean.
- Cost: $680 per person for 2 days in the classroom and 2 days on the liveaboard ship
Scooteroo Motorcycle Tour in Agnes Water
I spent a few days in Agnes Water to break up the long bus trip up to Airlie Beach. While there’s not much to do in this sleepy town, apart from surfing and kangaroo spotting, they are home to Scooteroo, one of the most highly-rated tours on the east coast of Australia. I learned how to ride a motorcycle and got out of my comfort zone.
- Cost: $75 AUD per person
- Related Post: The Secret Life of a Bikie
A fear of heights and you did a bungee jump AND the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb?! I think the bridge climb would terrify me way more than the jump…if I did get up there, I’d freeze!
My biggest travel splurge…usually pretty simple, and it’s either a night out on the town or on accommodation. When it comes to sites and activities, I just like to wander, lay on the beach, or chill out in a cafe. Although theme parks…now they’re always tempting and don’t often come cheap!
Once you get up on the Bridge Climb, it’s not bad at all, mostly anticipation.
I spent a lot of money in New Zealand, there was just so much to do and I realized this was not the time to be frugal so I took a helihike on Franz Josef, went bungy jumping and pretty much every other adventure activity that they had and I don’t regret any of it.
Exactly! Some things are just worth it. Which reminds me, I need to get to NZ pronto!