The Gift of Thrill: Why Extreme Experiences Are Better Than Sweaters or Phone Chargers or Chia Pets!
by Lu, OTL Seat Fillers
If you're like me, you've struggled to find the "perfect" gift. I'm talking about something truly meaningful that wouldn't just end up gathering dust in a closet. I'm tired of SU sweatshirts and that one peach candle (thank you, Saturday Night Live!).
The best gifts aren't things you can hold, but experiences you can feel. And, if experiences are awesome (and they are... just look at our OTL Seat Fillers club!), extreme experiences are extremely awesome!
Whether it's the heart-pounding rush of flying a fighter jet simulator, the serene beauty of a hot air balloon ride, or the sheer terror and triumph of a trapeze class, I've got some unforgettable adventures that transform an ordinary day into a life-defining memory. If you want to give a gift that truly lasts, stop shopping and start booking (and why not join 'em?!)
TIP: I've got website links for the following 20 experiences, but many experiences are replicated under different brands in various cities. So, do a quick Google search if you see something that catches your eye. Don't let the location limit you.
Adrenaline and Speed Experiences (U.S.)
"I feel the need... the need for speed!"
Supercar Track Driving
Get behind the wheel of a high-performance exotic car like a Ferrari or Lamborghini and push its limits on a real racetrack.
Locations: Las Vegas, Nevada; various tracks nationwide (e.g., Exotics Racing)
Website: Exotics Racing
Indoor Skydiving
Experience the thrill of free-fall inside a vertical wind tunnel, offering the sensation of skydiving without ever jumping from a plane.
Locations: Various locations nationwide (e.g., Atlanta, Chicago, San Diego)
Website: iFLY
OTL Seat Fillers Pricing & Locations
US & UK Event Calendars (no seat filler status required)
Off-Road Baja Truck Experience
Drive a real-life Baja-style race truck on a dirt course, learning how to handle jumps and high-speed turns.
Locations: Henderson, Nevada (near Las Vegas)
Website: Vegas Off-Road Experience
Whitewater Rafting
Navigate challenging rapids on a guided inflatable raft, providing an intense and wet adventure in a beautiful natural setting.
Locations: New River Gorge National Park, West Virginia; Grand Canyon, Arizona
Website: ACE Adventure Resort
Fighter Jet Ride/Simulation
Take a flight in a real fighter aircraft (with a qualified pilot) or pilot an ultra-realistic simulator designed for intense aerial maneuvers.
Locations: Fullerton, California (simulated); various locations for actual flights
Website: Fighter Combat International
Unique Stays and Views (U.S.)
Treehouse Glamping
Spend a night suspended among the branches in a luxurious, handcrafted treehouse retreat, offering a unique perspective on nature.
Locations: Treehouse Point, Issaquah, Washington; various locations on Glamping Hub
Website: Treehouse Point
Stay in a Restored Vintage Train Car
Sleep in a beautifully restored and unique vintage train caboose or railcar, often set in scenic or historic locations.
Locations: Chattanooga Choo Choo, Chattanooga, Tennessee; Izaak Walton Inn, Montana
Website: Hotel Chalet at ChooChoo.com
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Soar silently high above the landscape at sunrise or sunset, offering a breathtaking and serene yet thrilling perspective.
Locations: Boulder, CO (and most US states)
Website: Hot Air Ballooning in Boulder (3 providers)
Immersive Entertainment and Challenge (U.S.)
Trapeze Class
Learn to fly and swing on a full-size flying trapeze rig, culminating in a catcher swinging you in mid-air.
Locations: Chicago, IL
Website: Get a Grip Trapeze
The Great Gatsby Immersive Experience
Attend one of Jay Gatsby’s infamous Roaring 20s parties, where you become a guest, mingle with the cast, and explore the lavish, multi-room mansion set.
Locations: Everywhere! Add your name to the list so you're alerted at the next big reveal!
Website: The Great Gatsby
Zero Gravity Flight
Experience true weightlessness by flying on an aircraft that performs parabolic arcs, simulating the feeling of space travel.
Locations: Various locations, including Florida, California, and Las Vegas
Website: Zero-G
Extreme Escape Room
A high-production, physically demanding escape room that goes beyond puzzles to include climbing, crawling, and intense story elements.
Locations: The Speakeasy at The Exit Game, Los Angeles, California
Website: The Exit Game
F1 Race Weekend Experience
Attend a Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend with special hospitality or access packages that may include pit lane walks or meeting drivers.
Locations: Circuit of the Americas, Austin, Texas; Miami International Autodrome, Miami, Florida
Website: F1 Experiences
Extreme Speedboat Thrill Ride
Take a high-speed, jet-powered boat ride involving full-throttle slalom runs, sharp turns, and 360° spins, providing a roller-coaster experience on the water.
Locations: New York City (The Beast NYC), Chicago (Seadog), San Diego (Patriot Jet Boat)
Website: The Beast
Dive with Sharks (Cage/No Cage)
Get up close and personal with sharks in their natural habitat or in a large aquarium setting, either inside a protective cage or free-diving with a professional guide.
Locations: Jupiter, Florida (free-diving); The Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, Georgia (cage)
Website: Georgia Aquarium
Extreme Experiences (U.K.)
Zip World Velocity
Ride the world's fastest zip line, soaring over a quarry at speeds up to 100 mph, offering an intense adrenaline rush and incredible views.
Locations: Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda, Wales
Website: Zip World
Up at The O2 Climb
Climb over the roof of the iconic O2 arena on a suspended walkway, providing panoramic views of the London skyline.
Locations: London
Website: O2 Climb
The Bear Grylls Adventure
Participate in a range of challenging survival and adventure activities, including high ropes, diving, and indoor skydiving, inspired by the survival expert.
Locations: NEC, Birmingham, England
Website: Bear Grylls Adventure
Bungee Jump (Crane or Bridge)
Take the ultimate plunge with a bungee jump from a high structure, such as a bridge or purpose-built crane, for a classic, terrifying thrill.
Locations: Various locations nationwide, including a high crane jump near Windsor, Berkshire
Website: UK Bungee Club
Sleep in a Luxury Geodome
A unique glamping stay in a futuristic geodome, often featuring clear panels for immersive stargazing from a luxurious, nature-focused base.
Locations: Various locations in Scotland and England
Website: Canopy and Stars
