Adventure holidays: 10 of the best

IT’S that time of year again, and for many, adventure holidays are far more appealing than lazing on the beach all day.

Whether it be trekking through Peru or discovering Jordan’s Dead Sea, the market for adventurous breaks has expanded to suit all tastes and budgets.

Here is a guide to 10 of the best adventure holidays you can choose from this year, that will challenge even the most seasoned of explorers.

1: Chiang Mai Hill Tribes Trek

If you’re looking to go back in time, a Chiang Mai hill tribes trek offers an incredible experience for more adventurous travellers. You can learn about the jungle way of life (including sampling tasty local food), and ride an elephant through the forest before floating downriver on a handmade bamboo raft.

2: San Francisco To Yosemite Mini Adventure

For a thrilling taste of America, a trip from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park taking in The Golden Gate Bridge and Lake Tahoe is just the ticket. Here you can embark on an endless list of activities including; hang gliding, hiking, cycling, kayaking, horse riding and rock climbing.

3: Costa Rica

Adrenaline junkies should head to the beautiful Republic of Costa Rica, for an intriguing and exciting trip. Visitors can enjoy taking a rainforest boat excursion, hiking to a volcano site, plus an adrenaline fuelled day designed to make Action Man look weak, including rafting, horse riding and zip wiring.

4: Australia Nullarbor Wildlife Tour

For those of you who have many interests, and find it hard to choose just one, why not take a trip to Australia’s Nullabor Plain, where you can combine activity with nature. Highlights can include swimming with dolphins and Australian sea lions, extreme sand boarding, hiking, camel trekking and surfing lessonsfor those who want to improve their water sports skills.

5: Tigers And The Taj

If you’d prefer an Indian adventure, why not try a tour of India’s ‘Golden Triangle’ of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. This includes visiting the Taj Mahal and experiencing amazing wildlife up close on a jeep safari. Visitors can also opt for a romantic sunset visit to Balas Sanctuary, or take the whole family to game drives in Ranthambore National Park.

6: Kayaking For Beginners

For something a bit closer to home, a kayaking for beginners trip in the southern French Alps is the perfect escape, and will still provide you with that eagerly sought-after adrenaline rush. Starting at a tranquil mountain lake, you’ll navigate white water rapids in the alpine rivers. If this isn’t enough of a thrill you can also choose from canyoning, rock climbing and mountain biking.

7: Inca Trail Tour

For the wild at heart, a rumble in the jungle can be had while visiting the Amazon Rainforest on a Inca Trail tour of Peru. The Inca Trail is a fantastic destination for those on single holidays, as you can join up with a group of like-minded travellers and take on the challenge together. Here you can take part in river expeditions; exploring the jungle, visiting the famous Sanctuary of Machu Piccu and Lake Titcaca.

8: Canyons And Waterfalls

If you’re mad about horses, try a canyons and waterfalls tour in Brazil. For intermediate and advanced riders, tours generally go through the canyons in Aparados de Serra National Park and last up to six hours. Wannabe cowboys will enjoy the farm stay accommodation too.

9: Jordan

Having children doesn’t have to stop you from having an action-packed holiday. After all, why not put their excess energy to good use during the day, and send them to bed early at night? On a trip to this magical kingdom you can explore the lost city of Petra, float in the Dead Sea and sleep under the stars at Wadi Rum.

10: Norway

Not every holiday has to be in the sun. For an adventure in the Arctic, head over to Norway for an unrivalled view of the Northern Lights. Whilst on the ice, take part in dog sledding, snow mobile safaris and relax with ice fishing. Tours run between January and April.

With these adventure holidays now as easy to book as a week away in Spain, there’s no excuse not to get packing. Even if none of these quite take your fancy, you can always have the trip you’ve always imagined custom-made by a tour operator, and then prepare yourself for the adventure of as lifetime.