Live Vicariously: The Singaporean Road Trip Edition
Picture this: “I’m so bored, there’s nothing to do, and I can’t travel.” Sound familiar? It’s the vibe that’s been echoing through the cafés and offices of the Lion City for the past few weeks. Of course, we’re living in a first‑world comfort zone—no shortage of Netflix, but the desire for a real adventure is thirsty.
Why a Shortcut to Happiness Works
- Adventure has science‑backed perks: stepping outside your comfort zone can lift spirits, crush fears, and keep the monsters of anxiety and depression at bay.
- Even when you’re stuck at home: seeking new sensations keeps the brain happy. Think of it as a mental gym session.
Roller Coasters: The #1 Pick for a Natural High
Did you know the first American roller coaster was actually a strategy to steer people away from “bad” distractions like bars and brothels? (Yep, that’s how the industry started!)
- The rush: you’re tossed around, your heart races, and the track pickles your senses.
- The uncertainty: you never know when you’ll hit the peak—does the world think neutralizes the electrifying experience?
- The swoosh: your stomach flips into your throat as you ride the descent—classic thrill‑inducing physics.
Can’t splash out on a season pass?
Instead of paying a fortune for a Universal Studios roller coaster, you can enjoy the joy of world‑class thrills psychically through other rides’ videos.
- Stomach‑churning videos of the world’s most thrilling coasters let you experience vicariously the adrenaline rush.
- They give you the theme‑park bucket list you need for the day we’re all back traveling.
Why this matters for us Singaporeans
When you sip a latte in a quiet corner and watch a roller coaster video, maybe it’s the spark you need to plan your next road trip—or you just enjoy a bit of vicarious joy from the comfort of your sofa.
So, next time you’re feeling stuck in the routine, remember: a world of thrills is just a click away. The adventure is waiting behind the screen, and that’s worth it, right?
1. Fujiyama
<img alt="" data-caption="A view of the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park.
PHOTO: Facebook/Fujiq” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”e5e5270c-a998-4831-8d49-d97203ae7731″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20200811_fujiyama_fb.jpg”/>Once upon a time, this rollercoaster in Japan’s Fuji-Q Highland amusement park was the tallest and fastest coaster in the world.
But while it’s been overtaken by other height and speed monsters, nothing can replace the awesome view of Mount Fuji that you get from the ride on a clear day.
This video by Aussie YouTubers Our Worlds captures the view perfectly:
Recently though, Fujiyama hit the headlines for something else – encouraging rollercoaster riders to “scream inside their heart” instead of out loud, in view of Covid-19 infection risk.
To, um, spread the message, Fuji-Q Highland released this hilarious video of two of its top executives solemnly riding Fujiyama in masks, which has since sparked a #seriousfacechallenge on social media, of people filming themselves trying to get through a rollercoaster ride without screaming:
2. Hollywood rip ride rocket
<img alt="" data-caption="Hollywood's Rip Ride Rockit Roller Coaster at Universal Studios.
PHOTO: universalorlando.com” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”bbd2feb2-9632-42a3-87a0-3b3cff06f834″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/19657_305487491326_2342039_n.jpg”/>Take a ride with Jimmy Fallon and Kevin Hart on the Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit in Universal Studios Florida.
One of the world’s biggest coasters, this is also one of the world’s most interactive, with cameras mounted on each row and LED lighting.
Riders can use a built-in touchscreen at each seat to select the music that they hear during the ride, from an aptly curated selection of hits that includes Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive to Finger Eleven’s Paralyzer.
Of course, you won’t be able to do that by watching the video, but you can listen to Hart scream…
3. Leap the-dips
At 118 years old, this wooden rollercoaster is probably older than your grandmother. It opened in 1902 and is the world’s longest-surviving coaster, operating in Pennsylvania’s Lakemont Park.
Leap-The-Dips travels at just 10 miles per hour (compare that with the world’s fastest coaster, Abu Dhabi’s Formula Rossa, which has a top speed of 149.1 mph!), which sounds leisurely at first…until you find out that this rickety train has no seatbelts, lap bars or headrests.
Take a ride with specialist rollercoaster reviewer East Coaster General’s ride here:
Incredibly, while it was built over a century ago, Leap-The-Dips is still inspiring innovations today.
Elon Musk’s proposed Loop traffic system – which can be used to move vehicles underground via an elevator and speedily transport them on a track to their destination – apparently takes a tip or two from the coaster’s technology.
This article was first published in Wonderwall.sg.
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