Forget Bear Grylls – there’s more than one way to have an adventure. Whether you want to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, go rafting along the Colorado River, or cycle from one Loire Valley vineyard to the next, there’s a tour that will take you straight to the heart of the action.
Yet adventure holidays are about so much more than getting active – they give you the chance to uncover another side to a destination that most tourists never see. Meeting colourful local characters, eating in out-of-the-way restaurants or resting your head in family run B&Bs are all part of the experience on an adventure tour.
You’ll also be giving back to the local economy with journeys that have been specially designed to make sure the community benefits as much as you do, so you can skip the tourist crowds while knowing you’re doing your bit for the areas you visit. The environment gets a look-in too, with many companies offering a transparent approach to their eco-friendly credentials.
With small groups of like minded travellers and a friendly guide to lead the way, adventure holidays can be a great way to try out a new activity or challenge yourself to go further than you have before. You’ll also take inspiration from your fellow guests as you swap stories of where you’ve been and what you’ve done, so expect to come home with a travel wish list that’s at least twice as long as when you set off.
There are so many new adventure tours to enjoy across the UK, Europe and farther afield that the only trouble will be working out which one to do first!
