Travel Like A Bonafide James Bond
The legendary James Bond has experienced the world like no other person. Not only has he toured every continent and visited some of the most obscure places on earth, he has truly experienced these destinations. His adventures are exotic, exciting, and always classy. Despite the fact that Bond is a fictional character played by multiple men since he first hit the big screen in 1962, his legend and lifestyle live on through each of these actors. While his adventures are not for the faint at heart, why not take a few tips from his playbook? Here are some ways to experience the world like a true bona fide James Bond.
Bungee Jump off a Dam in the Swiss Alps
For a true 007 experience, Bond fans can bungee jump off the very same dam as James Bond did in Goldeneye. Bond’s jump from the Verzasca Dam, located in the Swiss Alps, is considered by many to be one of the best movie stunts of all time. Adventurers who really want to feel what it is like to be James Bond, at least for a few exhilarating moments, can free fall 220 feet from the top of the dam. Verzasca Dam, also known as Contra Dam, creates the river Lago di Vogorno, upstream from Lake Maggiore in Switzerland’s Ticino region. To celebrate their Bond-style boldness, bungee jumpers can gulp down cocktails to calm those post-jump nerves at one of the local bars in nearby Locarno’s Piazza Grande.
Take a Drive Thru Italy’s Countryside in an Aston Martin
In the opening scene of Quantum of Solace, Bond races around Italy in an Aston Martin. He zips through tunnels and around Lake Garda to outrun his chasers. It is possible to enjoy the curves of the Italian roads like Bond by renting an Aston Martin from a luxury car rental location. Fans can see Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, for themselves. The lake is surrounded by majestic landscapes and lush vegetation such as cypress trees, olive groves, and oleanders. For another Bond-style experience, take this high-performance vehicle through the Dolomite Mountains, which are nestled in the northeastern corner of Italy. Wine aficionados can tour the vineyards of the Veneto region in luxury in an Aston Martin. Just remember, Bond would surely stop and enjoy a glass of Prosecco.
Become a High Roller in Rozvadov, Czech Republic
The city of Prague is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in all of Europe with its rich history and treasures such as the Astronomical Clock. Bond fans can visit the Strahov Monastery library here where scenes between the 007 agent and M took place. And there are other breath-taking towns worth seeing here as well. Since Casino Royale was primarily shot in the Czech Republic, a true Bond fan should experience a little casino action while touring this country. In Rozvadov, guests can enjoy a Bond style evening at the town’s one-of-a-kind casino. Here they can enjoy one of the many exciting 888Poker tournaments with events around the Deutsche Poker Tour and German Championship of Poker. Of course, for a full-fledged Bond experience, 007 fans must play a game of Baccarat and order a martini with a twist of lemon that is “shaken, not stirred”
Experience a Birds-eye View of Brazil on a Cable Car
The Sugarloaf Cable Car rides high above Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. James Bond wrestled with a spy in Moonraker on top of this cable car before hang gliding over Iguazu Falls. Naturally Bond would experience one of the world’s most famous attractions that has seen over 37 million visitors. 007 fans can experience these same breathtaking views of Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. On this three-stage tour in the sky, visitors will rise to an altitude of 528 meters and get a bird-eye view of famous landmarks such as Christ the Redeemer. And the perfect ending to a 007 day must include sunset drinks at an upscale restaurant in Rio’s Jardim Botanico District.
Cruise Over to Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica
Of course, one of the sexiest movie scenes of all times involves James Bond. In Dr. No, Bond and the beautiful Honey Rider take a dip at Dunn’s River Falls, just outside Ochos Rios in Jamaica. What makes these falls so unique, and the reason geologists call Dunn’s River Falls a “living phenomenon” is that the sediments that are in the spring water rebuild them continuously. Many tourists visit each year to swim on the shore or take the one and a half hour climb to the top of the falls. But a true 007 fan can tour the falls in secret-agent style by chartering a private boat. Not only will Bond fans enjoy a luxurious tour of the falls, but will have the opportunity to stop at the private Laughing Waters Beach where Bond first encounters Honey.
Kayak Around Khao Phing Kan Island in Thailand
This island, off the coast of Thailand, is such Bond landmark that it’s now called James Bond Island. Featured in The Man with the Golden Gun and Tomorrow Never Dies, the island is actually two forest-covered islands with steep shores. About 40 meters from the islands, a large limestone rock called Ko Tapu protrudes into the sky. Bond’s antagonist in The Man with the Golden Gun, Frank Scaramanga, described it as the “mushroom-shaped rock”. This name has stuck with Ko Tapu over the years. The best way to discover these islands is on a kayak tour. Kayaking offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to discover the island’s secret lagoons and majestic caves.
James Bond is now and will always be a legendary figure. And Bond-style adventures can be found all around the globe. What is the key to enjoying a true Jams Bond experience? As Bond himself would say, “Don’t think. Just let it happen.”
Like this Article? Share it!
