Best active holiday types for thrill seekers

Some feature wild encounters with big cats, tiny critters and everything in between. Some include soul-stirring hikes up to the ‘roof of the world’. And others give you the chance to suit up for some heart-pounding, knuckle-clenching, adrenaline-pumping experiences – the sort of things you’ll be talking about long after the trip’s over.

They’re not non-stop activity holidays, so they’re suitable for most levels of fitness (you can refer to our pace guide for info on fitness and mobility requirements – more on that at the end of this blog). You might be combining an action-packed afternoon with gentler morning exploring city sights or following up a day on the water with some time at leisure to reset and relax.

Hike a section of the Inca Trail in Peru

The most popular hiking route up to the mist-shrouded citdel of Machu Picchu is known as the Inca Trail. Walking it is an incredible experience, but it does require a high level of fitness (multiple days of hiking at altitude) and some pretty basic camping facilities.

If you like to stay active on holiday, but the full trek is a step too far, why not focus on one portion of the trail? Hiking the last section of the Inca Trail is a challenging day’s hike, but do-able for most people with a reasonable level of fitness. You’ll take the train to km 104 of the trail, picking it up for its spectacularly scenic final section. Expect 6-7 hours of walking over 11 kilometres, with views of valleys and waterfalls, not to mention a wow-worthy outlook over Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate.

Safari on foot in South Africa

Safaris are always a winner when it comes to active holidays. But don’t just stop at game viewing from inside your 4x4 – the most breath-stealing moments tend to come when you’re treading lightly through the long grass, eyes peeled for a glimpse of local wildlife.  

South Africa’s game reserves offer some fantastic opportunities to embark on walking safaris, led by expert rangers who know the lay of the land. They’re ideal for getting up close with smaller species, as well as finding brilliant birdwatching spots. Just remember comfortable (closed-toe!) shoes, neutral clothes (brown and khaki are good options) and plenty of insect repellent.  

Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge

New Zealand tends to hog the headlines when it comes to Antipodean activity holidays, but don’t discount Australia. You can dive or snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef. Learn to surf on Pacific or Indian Ocean swells. And, if you’ve got a head for heights, you can scale one of the world’s most recognisable bridges: Sydney Harbour Bridge.

It’s an easy enough climb, with the whole experience (including a safety briefing beforehand) taking around three hours. You’ll suit up and attach yourself to a harness, then follow your guide up a series of ladders and catwalks until you reach the summit of ‘the Coathanger’. Take a moment to appreciate your surroundings – you’ll have 360 views over the yacht-flecked harbour, the skyscrapers of the CBD and the iconic white sails of the Sydney Opera House.

Go on a nature trek in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a nature lover’s dream – it’s one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. The best way to appreciate its volcanic landscapes, cloud forests, mangrove forests and jungles is to explore them on foot. Hikes can be as easy or difficult as you like, making Costa Rica a great option for those who like their active holiday with a slightly easier pace.

During the day, you might spot howler and spider monkeys in Corcovado, sloths and anteaters in Manuel Antonio, and turtles and toucans in Tortuguero. At night, however, there’s a whole different cast of characters out to play – think noisy nocturnal birds, glow-in-the-dark frogs and nine-banded armadillos.

Jet boat along a scenic New Zealand river

Not sure what a jet boat is? Picture a smallish boat being shot across the water at high speed by a jet engine, water spraying up behind it, and you’ve got the gist. They’re a fantastic way to see some of New Zealand’s photogenic landscapes while getting a kick of adrenaline at the same time – they’re some of our favourite active excursions.

Some of the best jet boat locations include Shotover Canyons near Queenstown and the glacier-fed Dart River, which winds through the awesome Mount Aspiring National Park. Wear warm layers and a cosy hat – the wind will chill you, even on warm days.

Track lions in South Africa

The sprawling Mabula Game Reserve in South Africa is home to a staggering array of wildlife: 60-plus species of mammal and more than 300 species. There are leopards, elephants, cheetahs, giraffes and zebras, plus the ‘Little Five’ (elephant shrew, antlion, rhinoceros beetle, buffalo weaver and leopard tortoise).

A pride of lions also stalks the savannah – and one of the most exciting activities to do on holiday here is to track them under the guidance of a specialist ranger. You might spot a lioness lazing in the long grass, see cubs playfully wrestling, or even come face to face with a majestic male. Like most game drives, it’ll be a bumpy one, and you might need to be patient in your search for the big cats – but once you find them, you’ll be well rewarded.

Trek to Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest Monastery

If your idea of an active holiday includes small-group hiking, fresh air and spectacular views, Bhutan is your destination. This Himalayan kingdom boasts some of the best trekking in the world – and, best of all, you don’t need to be a serious mountaineer to enjoy a lot of it.

One of the most famous hikes in Bhutan is the walk up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a sacred Buddhist monastery which clings precariously to the side of a mountain. You can choose to walk up to the monastery itself, which involves climbing more than a thousand steps (it takes around five to six hours). Or, if you’ve not got the energy (or the altitude is affecting you), you can stop at the viewpoint (you’ll find it around the halfway mark), which still offers phenomenal views.

Watch for whales in Iceland

When it comes to activity holidays in Europe, Iceland is one of the best places to go – there are hot springs to swim in, lava fields to crunch over and waterfalls to hike to (not to mention after-dark excursions to catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring Northern Lights).  

One of our favourite things to do, though, is to go whale watching. Wrap up warm and step on board, then keep watch as you cruise out onto the icy waters, where minke and humpback whales play. If you’re lucky, you might also spot a few dolphins or porpoises too.

Float over Pamukkale or Cappadocia in a hot air balloon

Pamukkale’s cotton-candy landscapes and Cappadocia’s ‘fairy chimneys’ are surreal when experienced at ground level. But you’ll gain a whole different perspective if you view them from the air.

A hot air balloon is the perfect way to do so. You’ll be up before dawn and make your way to the launch site, then the flames are lit, the canopy rises and you’ll be off, drifting slowly over these Turkish delights. It’s not particularly energetic, but if it’s a thrill you’re after, these excursions will certainly deliver.

Enjoy river rafting in the Rockies

River rafting doesn’t always mean white-water (and white-knuckle). The Athabasca River – a designated Canadian Heritage River – flows through the scenic surrounds of Jasper National Park, and offers a more laid-back rafting experience.

A National Park licensed guide will provide commentary on Jasper’s history, while navigating you along the same route used by the fur traders over two centuries ago. You’ll float along calm stretches and navigate a few easy sets of rapids – the guides do all the rowing, so you can just sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery. There’s always a chance of seeing eagles, elk and bears too - always a treat in the Canadian Rockies.

Find a tour to suit your pace

Before you book one of our activity holidays, it’s worth taking a look at the pace grade we’ve given it. Every tour will have a rating between 1-4 to help you determine whether or not it’s suitable for you. Grade 1 is for our most leisurely tours, while Grade 4 tours are the most physically demanding (think challenging walks, areas of high altitude and busy, action-packed days). The full description for each grade can be found in our FAQs, under the heading ‘What is a pace guide?’.

For more travel inspiration, browse our holiday types.