If fly-and-flop beach escapes just aren’t doing it for you, it’s time you embarked on one of our action-packed adventure holidays. From thrilling tours around India to mountain-biking holidays in the Slovenian mountains, here are 10 adventure travel destinations we think you’ll love, and what to do while you’re there.
1) Hike glaciers and mountains in Norway
Dramatic fjords, snow-dusted mountains, jagged coastlines and some of Europe’s largest ice caps: Norway’s landscapes will stir the explorer in all of us.
This adventurer’s playground offers activities to satisfy every thrill-seeker. There’s white-water rafting in summer and skiing in winter, but if you’re looking for something truly different, take to the raw wilderness of Noway’s glaciers and mountains.
2) Experience the chaos and colour of India
India is truly incomparable. As captivating as it is chaotic, this is a country that doesn’t do adventure by halves.
For a real culture shock, throw yourself in the deep end on a trip to Rajasthan – a colourful region in Northern India that’s home to the iconic Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s ‘Pink City’ and the holy pilgrimage city of Pushkar.
It’s here that you’ll also discover some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and arguably the most delicious street food in the world.
3) Go on an adrenaline-fuelled adventure in Slovenia
If nature is calling, Slovenia is the answer.
Blessed with outstanding natural beauty, it’s the perfect place to get back in touch with Mother Nature and try some activities you never thought you’d try. From mountain biking and hiking to zip-lining and white-water rafting, Slovenia’s great outdoors invites adventure of all shapes and sizes.
Bovec, an unspoilt mountain town in the north, is a great place to start. Cradled by snow-capped mountains, forests and glacial lakes, it’s the perfect backdrop to an action-packed adventure.
4) Discover a winter wonderland in Finland
Experience the soothing stillness of Finnish lapland at wintertime, and get involved in an array of winter activities that make the most of the region’s thick carpet of snow.
Try husky-sledding or explore Finland’s fairy-tale forests by snowshoe, looking out for moose and reindeer as you go.
5) Try horse-riding in Bulgaria
A melting pot of natural beauty and age-old traditions, there’s more to Bulgaria than first meets the eye. The rural landscape here is blessed with lakes, mountains, meadows and caves – the perfect playground for outdoorsy tourists.
The horse is a sacred animal in the culture of old Bulgaria, so naturally one of the most authentic ways to explore the country’s wonderful scenery is by horseback. Whether you’re a keen equestrian or have never ridden a horse before, there are horse-riding tours to suit every skill level.
6) Explore Peru’s ancient Incan empire
Every inch of Peru is ripe in adventure, but Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan citadel perched high in the Andes mountain range, is a must-visit.
Built in the 15th century, but only discovered around 100 years ago, the mysterious maze of buildings, plazas, and platforms continues to bewilder historians and archaeologists – who are still trying to understand its original purpose.
7) Go on safari in Kenya
Adventure and wildlife often go hand in hand, and where better to experience rare and wonderful wildlife than Kenya?
On top of the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo), a Kenyan safari drive will bring you face-to-face with herds of migrating wildebeest, zebra, flamingos in their thousands and plenty more.
8) Trek Europe’s biggest volcano in Sicily
Monstrous Mount Etna is not only the largest volcano in Europe, it’s also the most active.
Having been erupting for the past 3,500 years, the volcano has a rich history and continues to expel ash plumes and streams of lava to this day.
Trek to the top to see the crater and soak up the incredible views over the island of Sicily.
9) Camp overnight in the Sahara desert
Imagine falling asleep beneath a glittering tapestry of stars, on the outskirts of the Sahara desert.
Then imagine waking up the next day and trundling around the Sahara’s dunes – some of which can rise to 150 metres high – by four-by-four, and of course, seeing the desert from the back of a camel.
We have good news: in Morocco, a country in North Africa which is surprisingly close, you can make your dreams of a desert adventure come true.
10) Embark to Antarctica
A trip to Antarctica, the most remote region on Earth, truly is the adventure of a lifetime and makes sure you leave no continent unexplored!
Cross the Drake Passage and travel to where few have ventured before. Touch ice-bergs with your bare hands and look out for waddling penguins, seals and – if you’re lucky – a breaching whale.
