Activity and Adventure Holidays
Whether it's walking, biking or kayaking, there are endless options for taking an adventure holiday
Adventure holiday is a phrase that means different things to different people. An active holiday may include grade-5 white water rafting and sky diving out of a plane, or it may be as gentle as planning an interesting walking holiday for your family. Whatever adventure means to you, we can help. We have dedicated adventure travel guides, tailor made travel options and over 470 adventure holidays operating in over 70 countries. As far as adventure companies go, we think that our 25 years in the business makes us travel experts. Read on for some inspiring adventure and activity holiday suggestions, or if you'd like to speak with us directly, go to our contact us page and we will happily help with any queries.
Adventure Holidays – why it's better than booking a resort
I work all year (I hear you saying), why shouldn't I just laze next to a swimming pool somewhere hot? If you're new to the concept of an adventure holiday, it can seem like a bit of hard work and I know some people are intimidated by the thought of doing an active holiday abroad. The unusual thing about this type of holiday is that, even though you are doing and seeing more than you would from the hotel pool, you come back more refreshed and invigorated than if you'd done nothing for two weeks. Visiting exotic locations and getting out of your comfort zone is addictive and refreshing. You'll have better travel stories, better photos and a better outlook on the world.
That's not to say you can't sneak in a bit of lazing by the pool. After all, it's still a holiday! Ideally we like to find a balance between relaxing and activities. We certainly don't want to send you back to work more tired than before your holiday!
Am I fit enough for an Activity Holiday?
Activity holidays are not just for athletes and gym bunnies! Technically an adventure holiday is available to all fitness levels as it can be whatever you want it to be. The important thing is that you're willing to be taken out of your comfort zone, try something new and travel somewhere exciting. You will have the opportunity to meet locals and immerse yourself in another culture. Some active holidays include more challenging elements, such as a multi-day hiking trails (the Inca Trail is a good example) or overland tours where you set up camp each evening. If you have specific concerns about fitness, contact our travel experts and they will answer your questions.
Walking Holidays
Some of the most popular activity breaks are walking holidays, as you often don't need any previous experience and they allow you to arrive at breath-taking locations that may be inaccessible by other means. Depending on your general level of fitness and the difficulty of the walking trail, you may want to complete a training program or do several practice hikes before you leave. Unless you're a seasoned hiker, booking your walk with an experienced adventure company and walking with a guide is advisable. Even if you walk a lot at home, you will be unfamiliar with the terrain, weather patterns and potential risks in another country. Walking holidays can be extremely rewarding though... as you watch the clouds lift and the sun rise over Machu Picchu at the end of a gruelling four-day hike, the feeling of elation and personal achievement is difficult to beat.
Rock Climbing Holidays
Slightly more specialised than walking tours, rock climbing adventure holidays are probably best suited to those that already have experience with the sport. If you've been climbing for a while at home, maybe a rock climbing trip abroad will help you expand on your skill and rejuvenate your love for the sport. Top rock climbing destinations include Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, and several locations in Central and South America. We offer tailor-made options that can include rock climbing excursions. Contact our travel experts to find out more.
Diving Holidays
There is so much marine diversity throughout the reef systems of the world, it's natural that diving and travelling would go hand in hand. It also makes sense to book your dive holiday with a professional company, as you will need special dive equipment that you probably won't be able to bring with you on the plane. There are several places we visit on our adventure holidays where you can dive, such as Caye Caulker in Belize and the Red Sea in Egypt. You can either incorporate a day of diving into one of our main itineraries, or look at planning a tailor-made activity holiday with a focus on diving.
Cultural and General Adventure Holidays
Not everyone has just one activity they want to do when they're abroad. Most people want to see some interesting sites, get to know the culture, do one or two activities such as sand boarding or hiking and have a bit of down time to relax as well. If you count yourself among this group, then one of our main adventure holidays will suit you perfectly. There are plenty to choose from, so it's a good idea to start with a particular destination, time of year, or highlight in mind and start planning from there. For example, if you've always wanted to see Angkor Wat (that amazing complex of temples in Cambodia out of the Tomb Raider movie), then plan a trip to South East Asia. Or to go hiking in Patagonia, look at booking some time off work in December to March during the southern hemisphere summer. A good place to start is to order a brochure. This will give you something to flick through while you're looking for ideas and hopefully provide some inspiration. You can also contact our offices to ask for advice. We're staffed by super keen travellers who will gladly take the chance to tell you all about their own holiday experiences and give you ideas for your own adventure holiday!
Trip Search Adventure
Enquire About This Tour Code FGG Gorillas & Game
Duration: 16 Days Route: Nairobi to Nairobi Style: Overland Tours Price: US$2,599.00
Kenya, Uganda
What more could you ask for on an African overland safari tour than the chance to visit world-famous game reserves, stunning lakes and to trek to meet one of our closest relatives? Mountain gorillas are endangered but are making a comeback in the Virunga Mountains of Uganda, where they are protected and roam the forests in small family groups. Join a trek to visit a silverback and his harem of females, their juvenile offspring and perhaps a cheeky infant or two.
Explore Africa 15% Discount available, Explore Africa 20% Discount available
Enquire About This Tour Code RTKCH6 Mt Kilimanjaro Trek – Machame Route 6 Day
Duration: 6 Days Route: Arusha to Arusha Style: Add-ons Level: Standard Price: US$1,769.00
Tanzania
Close to the northern Tanzanian city of Arusha, the majestic ice-capped Mount Kilimanjaro sits on the equator towering 5,896 metres above sea level. Eagerly conquered by hundreds of reasonably fit people every year, this trek offers you the chance to ascend Africa’s highest mountain following the Machame route and enjoy spectacular views of verdant farmlands, forests and heather moorlands in the national park below the three volcanic peaks.
Enquire About This Tour Code ECBG Ecuador and Galapagos Highlights
Duration: 17 Days Route: Quito to Quito Style: Expedition Cruises Price: US$3,279.00
Ecuador, Galapagos
Combining the main highlights of Ecuador, with the remote and incredible Galapagos Islands, this tour starts and finishes in the world's second highest capital city, Quito. You will visit the Amazon rainforest in dug-out canoes, have a chance to walk through stunning countryside, browse markets amid colourful Indians, get the opportunity to experience roasted guinea pig and other local delicacies and get up close to the Galapagos' wildlife, from the friendly sea lions and iguanas on the beaches, to the turtles, whales and dolphins.
Enquire About This Tour Code PIT Inca Trek
Duration: 7 Days Route: Cuzco to Cuzco Style: Adventure Tours Price: US$1,199.00
Peru
Approach the awe-inspiring ruins that are Machu Picchu in the most authentic way possible trekking through the land of the Incas. The Inca Trail Trek will take you over high Andean passes and across original Inca stone pathways before you arrive at the Lost City of the Incas. The Inca Trail is the primary route of this package when permits are available. If no permits are available this tour will still run but will follow the Lares Trek.
15% Late-Space Special available on 21 May 13 departure(s)
Enquire About This Tour Code RNABC Annapurna Trek
Duration: 14 Days Route: Kathmandu to Kathmandu Style: Add-ons Level: Standard Price: US$869.00
Nepal
Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp gives you the chance to hike in some of the world's most spectacular mountains and breathe some of the freshest air, for the ultimate Himalayan adventure. Walk through scenic Gurung villages, staying in tea houses during the trek. Assisted by porters and an English speaking guide, you can enjoy spectacular views of the immense snow-covered peaks.
Enquire About This Tour Code NCR Nature Trails
Duration: 9 Days Route: San José to San José Style: Adventure Tours Price: US$849.00
Costa Rica
Take a tour through captivating Costa Rica and experience the natural beauty this Central American wonderland is famous for. Witness the Arenal Volcano then take a dip in the hot springs nearby. In Monteverde Cloud Forest you can take a thrilling zip line, flying over the cloud forest between giant trees. Explore Manuel Antonio National Park’s beautiful lagoons, palm fringed beaches and lush green forests.
15% Late-Space Special available on 02 Jun 13 departure(s)
Enquire About This Tour Code MOMS Morocco & Sahara
Duration: 8 Days Route: Marrakech to Marrakech Style: Adventure Tours Price: US$959.00
Morocco
Take a step back in time and explore medieval medinas, colonial French architecture, Middle Eastern history and African atmosphere on this tour of Morocco. Delve into the souqs of Marrakech, try some ‘Berber whisky’ on an overnight camel safari into the Sahara, and hold the fort of Ait Benhaddou.
Enquire About This Tour Code PIL Jungle to Andes
Duration: 12 Days Route: Lima to Lima Style: Adventure Tours Price: US$2,429.00
Peru
Immerse yourself in the many facets of Peruvian culture and enjoy bustling colourful markets, astonishing wildlife, ancient Inca ruins and friendly locals. Explore the desert city of Lima, spot incredible wildlife in the Amazon Jungle, discover the mysteries hidden throughout legendary Inca ruins and stay overnight with friendly local folk on Lake Titicaca.
15% Late-Space Special available on 21 May 13 departure(s)
Enquire About This Tour Code RUGT1 Gorilla Trek
Duration: 3 Days Route: Kampala to Kampala Style: Add-ons Level: Standard Price: US$1,539.00
Uganda
The mountain gorilla is a rare and gentle species living in the forests of Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo. Meeting a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat is a moving, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed. During your trek in Uganda you may see the silverback patriarch carefully watching over his harem, mothers nursing their young, other females building nests, foraging and eating or grooming each other and juveniles playing.
Enquire About This Tour Code PFI Fire & Ice
Duration: 20 Days Route: El Calafate to Ushuaia Style: Expedition Cruises Price: US$8,089.00
Argentina, Patagonia, Chile, Antarctica
Combine the rugged landscape of Patagonia with an expedition into the Antarctic. Visiting the infamous National Parks on the mainland, Fire & Ice will sail you passed the marine life to the barren expanse of one of the more remote and extreme places on earth.
For our 21 day Adventure Tour click here
For our 22 day Adventure Tour click here or here
