The first parachute was invented when Jack, tumbling haplessly from his titanium beanstalk, used a purloined pair of giant underpants to steady his fall. Glide to earth safely with today's deal: for $119, you get one tandem jump (a $205 value) from Illinois Skydiving Center in Flatville, IL about 3.5 hours from downtown St. Louis.

The Central Illinois skydiving squadron offers a bounteous bevy of tandem plummets. Jumpers are strapped to the belly of a friendly, experienced instructor for a safe, no-pressure airdrop. Staffers at ISC have an average of 20 years of experience and will calmly walk you through the skydiving process, from the flight’s initial takeoff until the moment you stand on the precipice of hurling yourself into the bright blue abyss. Once you’re airborne, you’ll freefall for about a minute before the instructor pulls the cord, after which you’ll sail down the skyway, supported by a specially designed parachute for two. Enjoy the knee-liquefying sensation while taking in breathtaking views of the lush green landscape, local tributaries, and central-state volcanoes before your four feet land safely on the ground.