As a self-proclaimed adventure seeker, the whistling wind, close calls weaving between treetops and teary-eyed aerial views that surround you as you skid down a zipline are exhilarating. And submerging to discover a peaceful azure-tinted underwater world with nothing but a mask and an oxygen tank fills me with wonder.
If, like me, you’re drawn to the stomach-dropping rush of propelling down glistening mountainsides blanketed with snow and huddling up against the biting wind as you ascend on a ski lift to do it all over again, then Chubb Premier Travel Cover is your ideal travel insurance.
Even better, from now until 3 September 2024, you’ll earn a minimum of 500 or the equivalent of HKD1 = 1 in mileage rewards with no upper limit when you purchase Chubb Premier Travel Cover *.
The policy covers recreational activities on your trip, including skiing, scuba diving up to a maximum depth of 30 metres (for divers who hold a PADI certification or similar qualification, or are diving with a qualified instructor), paragliding and water sports. If these are part of your ideal itinerary, we have a few recommendations for your next adventure below.
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Accessible via a domestic flight upon landing in Jakarta, Raja Ampat is a well-known archipelago made up of more than 1,500 islands, home to around 75 per cent of the world’s coral species. Gliding across calm glassy waters is a great way to discover lush islands and secluded bays at your own pace – or paddle ashore to admire the view of the isle-studded Coral Triangle from the beach.
Papua Diving Resorts offers guests several boating excursions, for example, snorkelling or diving tours of coral gardens and wreck sites, as well as land-based adventures further from the ocean. These include birdwatching and trekking through jungle to reach Kali Biru or “Blue River” – a striking winding stream bordered by tropical forests – where you may be able to glimpse the rare tree kangaroo.
For more diving sites to visit around the world, check out our guide to the best scuba diving destinations.
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Looking for an adrenaline rush? Two hours from Zurich by train lies Interlaken , one of the most popular places in the world to parachute – and for good reason. The town lies in the centre of the Swiss Alps between two magnificent lakes, making your dramatic descent towards picturesque spruce-covered valleys and Lego-sized houses nothing short of spectacular.
For more aerial adventures, see our picks for Asia’s best paragliding routes.
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Just a two-hour drive away from Vancouver lies Whistler Blackcomb : North America’s largest ski resort encompassing two mountains with more than 200 marked runs. When you’ve had your fill of crisp air, clear skies, and slicing your way down the powdery slopes, relax in the lively Whistler Village with a gooey slice of oven-baked pizza or warm up with a hot drink at a slopeside bar.
For more on skiing, check out our review on winter resorts in Japan.
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Before planning any adventure, it’s important to evaluate the risks involved. Some extreme sports and activities inherently present a higher level of danger and aren’t covered by your insurance plan. These include (but are not limited to) cliff jumping, horse jumping, running events longer than 10km, stunt riding, backcountry skiing, big wave surfing, canoeing down rapids and private whitewater rafting above grade four. Any type of climbing or mountaineering that requires the use of specialised equipment like crampons, pickaxes, carabineers and lead-rope is also not covered.
There’re still plenty of daring activities within the intersection of comfort and thrill, so take your time discovering them around the world.