IT'S that time of the year when we can finally let our hair down - and even more so this year without any kind of Covid-19 restrictions. For many of us, that means basking by the pool with our biggest concerns being which book to read, whether to have that third glass of wine, and if it'll reaaaally make a difference if we have another one of Aunty Mavis' mince pies.
But there are those among us who prefer an adrenaline rush to reclining in the sun, for whom a dash of danger is far more fun than a curl-up on the couch.
And there are plenty of hair-raising options for these thrill-seekers to try we take a look at a few.
SCORCHING SAND & HECTIC HEAT
DANAKIL DESERT, ETHIOPIA
Even the most ardent heat-seekers among us might balk at these temperatures - it can reach 63°C. Yet the desert is frequented by adventurous tourists who want to explore the enigmatic landscape.
Visitors are mesmerised by the lakes in the desert, which are surrounded by strange formations. The largest, Dallol, is surrounded by yellow and purple rock formations and the water is a scalding 110°C.
There are also three volcanoes of which one, Erta Ale, has regularly erupted since 2005.
This destination isn't for the fainthearted by any measure - the air can be toxic and you could lose consciousness if you inhale it for too long.
You wouldn't want to pass out in the sand either, considering it reaches a blistering 70°C.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HOW TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST
With more and more of us struggling with our mental health, here's a common-sense guide to coping with life's ups and downs
SPUD: THE MAGIC CONTINUES
John van de Ruit tells us why he decided to write a sequel - and shares how his first book helped him find enduring love
SEX CONTRACT GONE WRONG
A Cape Town couple have been charged with using a young woman as a sex slave-but some say she lost the job she signed up for and now has a grudge against them
LIAM LAID TO REST
More than a month after One Direction singer LIAM PAYNE (31) tragically fell to his death from a balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his loved ones finally got to say their goodbyes.
SHILOH HANGS OUT
THE two young women look like any pair of good friends chatting and laughing as they leave their dance class in Los Angeles.
LEO IN LOVE
He's just turned 50 and it seems Leonardo DiCaprio may finally be ready to settle down
PACKING A PUNCH
Irish actor Paul Mescal beefed up for his role in the blockbuster epic Gladiator II - and fans are loving it
I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BE A LOVE CHILD
As the illegitimate daughter of the king, she fought to be recognised as part of Belgium's royal family, but Princess Delphine says she still feels unwelcome
'I STILL HAVE NIGHTMARES'
A bite from a spitting cobra 13 years ago nearly killed her but Mikayla survived - and she's made peace with her scars
THE CLAWS ARE OUT!
Things have grown frosty between the Beckhams and the Sussexes as Becks comes out in clear support of William