To escape dull everyday life, there is no need for a full two-week vacation out of the country. Sometimes, one intense weekend can replace your valuable holidays and refresh your mind.

With price ranges that fit everyone's budget, here are 10 ways to add a little adventure to your life.

Helicopter Skiing (http://www.helicopterskiing.com/)
Skiing was yesterday. Today's more challenging skiing is helicopter skiing. A helicopter takes you to remote and untouched places in snowy mountains where you can go skiing without borders. No more waiting for the ski lifts or beginners, heli-skiing is for advanced skiers only. The three-day package costs $3,800 and includes lodging and meals.

Dude Ranch (http://http://www.duderanch.org/)
Get out of the big city and enjoy nature the Wild West way -- on a ranch. Ride a horse, go fishing, drive cattle and sleep in a comfortable lodge on the prairie. With a family, friends or on your own, the ranching experience is suitable for everyone. Also, the prices are affordable -- reaching from $1,000 to $1,800 for seven days.

Racing school (http://www.skipbarber.com)
To hit the track with a racing car is a common childhood dream. But in order to be able to perform at racing speed, special training is required. For those who enjoy the adrenaline of high-speed, special racing schools provide workshops for one or several day packages. When you are done with theory, it is time for intense race starts, drafting and racing in the rain. Prices depend on the length of your stay and are $1,000 and up.

Underwater hotel (http://www.jul.com/ )
In Key Largo, Florida, Jules Undersea Lodge provides a deep unique experience -- an underwater hotel. Guests have to snorkel to the 21-feet underwater entrance and can then enjoy a comfortable lodge in the submarine flair. Prices are at $475 per person a night including breakfast and dinner.

Weightless Flights (http://www.jul.com/)
Experiencing zero gravity does not require traveling to outer space. With a so-called parabolic flight curve, a special airplane can provide the same gravity as on Mars, the moon or zero gravity. The flights provide 15 parabolic arcs that can last up to 30 seconds during which you are free to enjoy weightless activities like flying around. Pricing for one person are $3,500.

Dog Sledding (http://www.alaskadogsledding.com/)
Traveling through the snow on a dog sled provides winter fun par excellence. During the tours reaching from one to several days, including lodging, you can enjoy nature and freedom. No downhill skiing experience is needed when traveling with several dog-sledding powers through the beautiful timbered landscapes of Alaska or Minnesota. With trips from $200 upwards, a dog sled adventure is also very affordable.

Ghost hunting (http://www.appalachianghostwalks.com/)
If you are interested in ghost stories and haunted places, a ghost-hunting trip could be a perfect getaway for a weekend. The Appalachian region in Tennessee is said to be especially attractive for ghost hunters, but other regions and cities offer those kinds of tours. The trips are in general not very expensive and can be a good addition to your vacation. Especially in a group of people, expenses will drop. And even when no haunting ghosts appear, these tours can be nice guides to historically interesting regions.

Off-road driving school (http://www.sedonajeepschool.com/)
An SUV is fun -- but do you know how to drive it off-road? Learn from the professionals in a newly opened Jeep School how to access highly challenging terrain with either your own or a rented 4x4 vehicle. Contrary to most beliefs, most of these vehicles can even access terrain that is hard to access via foot. Prices for the courses start at $185, depending whether you bring your own SUV or use a rented one. Afterward, you should be prepared for your off-road challenge you can then start on your own. Prices for the tours are about $100.

Tornado Chasing (http://www.f5tornadosafaris.com/)
Tornadoes are a dangerous force of nature. However, many people are fascinated by their pure energy. Thus, specialized tornado hunters provide for adventurers a close and safe view to these thunderstorms. Since most of them occur in the Great Plains, tours usually reside there. For around $3,000, you could experience a mind-blowing adventure.

Hotel Galactic (http://www.galacticsuite.com)
An outer space experience for more wealthy people could be available by 2012. Then, six people in total will share the unique experience of 15 orbits per day and another sunrise every 45 minutes. Eight weeks of training and preparation are included as well as the actual voyage and with a price of around $4 million.

Before you take off and rush into the adventure, here are some general tips for preparation:

1. Focus on your purpose: Be sure you know what you want to do. Are you looking for a personal challenge or do you want to relax? Do you want to experience nature or go on an adventure trip? Then you should proceed and look for the right offer.

2. Plan in advance: Most tours or companies have limited capacities. Try to place your reservation as soon as possible to make sure you can do the getaway when you want or need it.

3. Check requirement: Adventurers always have the items they need. So be sure to check whether you have the appropriate clothing, skills and equipment for your trip. You also might want to bring a camera to take snapshots for yourself and your family and friends. With these simple steps in mind, you are set to go on your getaway and have a great and refreshing time!