Make your first time zip lining unforgettable — not regrettable

Key takeaways

• Zip lining offers a variety of thrill levels. You can choose between a more relaxed canopy tour and the signature high-speed adventure.
• When deciding what to wear, keep the harness in mind. Longer pants can help you avoid uncomfortable chafing — and don’t forget your closed-toe shoes.
• Secure your loose items so nothing flies out of your pocket. If you haven’t zipped it in or strapped it on, leave it on the ground.

It’s one thing to hike through nature and another thing entirely to fly through it. Zip lining lets you see the world from a new perspective as you feel the wind rush over your body and get that exhilarating stomach-drop sensation. It’s an experience you’ll likely remember years after your trip is over. But you want it to be memorable for all the right reasons, not the wrong ones.  

Whether you’re curious about when to book, worried about what to bring or unsure of what to wear, we have you covered.

Choose your thrill level

Zip line experiences come in two main types. Canopy tours are slower guided journeys, typically through the treetops of a forest. You’ll walk on bridges and platforms while connected to a harness, with the thrill coming simply from being eye-level with the towering flora and fauna.

In contrast, a speed zip line lets you feel like a superhero flying through the sky — just with a harness instead of a cape. Most zip lines go about 25 to 60 mph, but the more extreme options can reach over 100 mph. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is the one for you.

If you’re looking for a different type of thrill on your vacation, consider rafting or paragliding. Each can get your heart pumping, and the choice comes down to whether you’d like more time in the sky or in the water.

Some of the best places to zip line

While many destinations offer zip lining, these are some of the most extraordinary spots around the globe, each with their own unique selling points like breathtaking views or high speeds.

• Montverde, Costa Rica: Home of the famous cloud forest, this area has many amazing zip lines to choose from, and they’re typically nestled deep in the lush jungle.
• Anchorage, Alaska: For a cooler, alpine experience, the zip lines throughout Alaska offer stunning views of massive bodies of water surrounded by dense trees, where the wind carries the rich scent of fresh spruce wood.
• Niagara Falls, Ontario: It’s the perfect place to scratch off two bucket list items at once. On the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, you can fly above the iconic waterfalls and feel the mist against your skin.
• Caledon, South Africa: On the longest zip line in the world, you can fly headfirst down the rocky mountainside for nearly 2 miles toward the vibrant meadows below.
• Penrhyn Quarry, Wales: Soar over 100 mph down this old quarry on the fastest zip line in the world. Or should we say zip lines — with four separate lines, you can race your friends and family. 

What to consider before you book

Before you get to glide through the air, you’ll have to plan the zip lining experience that’s right for you and that fits your trip. Here are some things to keep in mind when browsing.

• Time of day: If you’re planning to zip line in a tropical environment, afternoon rain showers and thunderstorms are common. If it only rains, you’ll just have to dry off afterward, but thunderstorms will close the zip line. High winds can also cause closures, and wind speeds typically increase as the temperature increases throughout the day. Booking in the morning can mean less extreme heat, less pouring rain and less chance of a sudden closure.
• Safety requirements: Check the rules of the specific zip line experiences you’re looking at. Most include age and weight limits, along with health restrictions. For example, if you have back issues, the potential thrill isn’t worth the potential visit to the hospital. And zip lines are typically a no-go if you’re pregnant.
• The day of the week: Many zip line companies offer lower prices for midweek visits. And if you’re planning your zip line experience during off-season, you’ll likely have an even lower ticket price.
• Hotel savings: If you’re staying at a resort hotel, it may have a partnership with a local zip line experience where you can book directly with the hotel and get a discount. 

What to consider before you zip line

The last thing you want is for your big day of zip lining to be ruined because you failed to meet certain safety requirements or the tour was canceled. Here are some things you should keep in mind when getting ready.

• Wear the right clothes: Many zip line companies have safety requirements around what you’re allowed to wear, a big one being mandatory closed-toe shoes. But it’s not just about safety — comfort is also important. The harness can rub against your skin and lead to an uncomfortable rash, so it’s a good idea to wear pants or longer shorts. And when you’re flying through the air, the wind can make you feel cold even on a warm day, so consider a windbreaker to take the chill off.
• Protect your gear: You’ll probably want to grab a photo for your post-travel Instagram dump, but you don’t want your phone to literally become one with nature. Anything coming along for the ride needs to be strapped to your body or zipped up in a pocket. If it can’t fit, it’s best to leave it at the hotel. If taking photos or videos is a priority, consider a phone lanyard or a GoPro that can connect to your wrist or chest. And if you wear glasses, losing those could be a trip-ruining moment, so make sure to bring a strap.
• Check the weather: Ideally you have planned your zip line experience for the morning during a time of year with milder weather. But you truly never know what the weather has in store until the day gets closer. If it’s looking dicey, you can always call the zip line company the day of to confirm any potential closures. 

Don’t forget to listen to the safety briefing

When you finally get to your zip line adventure, the adrenaline running through your veins can make it hard to pay attention to the safety spiel. But everything your zip line guide will run through before you take off is important. You’ll learn about braking signals and the ideal body position, so you don’t injure yourself or get stuck halfway down the line.

Book your next adventure with Citi Travel

You know what else can be thrilling? Planning a getaway. From the dense jungles of Costa Rica to the sprawling mesas of South Africa, Citi Travel has you covered. If you have an eligible Citi® card, you’ll be able to earn ThankYou® Points on your bookings and redeem those points on future travel. Apply to become a Citi^® cardmember today or log in to your account to find your next adventure.  

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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