One card to rule them all—5 super cool certifications every travel enthusiast should try!

▲ To scuba dive, you must first get a license. (Photo / from LibreStock)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Most licenses and certifications are mainly for job hunting or exams, which can be a bit dull and uninteresting. But if you’re someone who loves going out and enjoys outdoor activities, maybe it’s time to get a different kind of certification. From underwater adventures and mountain climbing to flying in the sky, there are actually certifications for these activities that are almost universally recognized around the world—so traveling the globe will be no problem at all!

1. Diving License

For those who love marine life and water activities, if you're tired of just snorkeling, why not get a diving license and go deeper? And you don’t necessarily have to go abroad to get a diving license—places like Northeast Coast, Kenting, and Green Island offer related courses, with costs ranging from about NT$8,000 to NT$10,000.

▲ Many people who love underwater activities get diving-related certifications. (Photo / courtesy of Darz / illustrative image)

2. Rock Climbing Certification Card

Hiking and mountaineering are all the rage in Taiwan right now. Aside from fitness and health, the thrill is also a big draw for many. If you want to conquer more mountains and hidden spots at home and abroad, learning to climb might be quite helpful. Getting a rock climbing certification is also relatively convenient, as many climbing gyms offer related courses, with costs ranging from about NT$2,500 to NT$3,600 depending on class hours.

▲ Many climbing gyms offer rock climbing courses. (Photo / by reporter Li Zhongquan)

3. Ultralight Aircraft License

If every girl has a dream of being a flight attendant, then there must be plenty of guys who dream of being pilots too. Flying a small plane freely through the sky is nothing short of a dream. But getting an ultralight aircraft license is quite challenging—the training period is about two months, and the cost ranges from about NT$160,000 to NT$200,000. However, if you’re aiming to fly commercial airliners and get that license, the total cost could go up to over NT$2 million.

▲ Getting an ultralight aircraft license doesn’t come cheap. (Photo / by Xiao Sheng)

4. Lifeguard License

Don’t think that pool lifeguards are just standing around watching. They’re actually key figures in case of emergencies. Lifeguards need not only excellent swimming skills but also exceptional alertness to step in when needed. The lifeguard license training takes about 18 days, with costs ranging from about NT$3,500 to NT$5,000. Once obtained, this license is recognized by the International Life Saving Federation.

▲ Lifeguards need to have top-notch swimming abilities. (Photo / courtesy of Darz Images / AP)

5. Powered Boat (Yacht) License

Abroad, it’s not uncommon for the wealthy to park yachts at their doorstep instead of Mercedes. This trend of yachting as a recreational activity is gradually catching on in Asia too. Many people spend their holidays with friends out on the sea for some fun, and that’s where a yacht license comes in handy. The boat driving training course covers navigation skills, radio use, anchoring, emergency response, and more, with costs around NT$20,000.

▲ Driving a yacht is super cool. (Photo / screenshot from Lexus)