Fitness
Exploration
13 adventure trips you need to take this summer
Now the good times are back, it’s high time you planned a life-affirming adventure getaway. Start with one of these epic trips...
Sharpening your elbows to bag the best sun lounger around the pool at some all-inclusive hotel really won't cut it anymore. Holidays are now all about maxing your valuable time and exploring as much as you can, immersing yourself in different cultures, pushing yourself physically, making new friends and feeling on top of the world.
And let's be honest guys, the Leaving Cert weather will end. So get your fill of sunny adventure with one of these epic trips...
1. Lost City trekking in Colombia
Go discover some lost worlds
© G Adventures
This seven-day Lost City Trekking tour will take you through lush, dense jungle and sweeping river valleys, with nights spent camping under the stars high in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Swimming in natural pools, exploring Indigenous Wiwa and Kogi villages and hiking the 1,200 steps to the Lost City of Teyuna – dubbed ‘the new Machu Pichuu’ – travellers can learn more about the history of this mystical region from their own indigenous guide. Book here.
2. Freediving in Ibiza
Over this two-day course, the super experienced freedive instructors will fully immerse you in all aspects required to get to grips with this serene sport. It’s ideal for complete beginners, so don’t worry if you’ve no prior experience – you’ll be taught breathing techniques, psychological tips, undergo pool-based training, and of course enjoy plenty of sea-based action too. Even total newbies to the sport achieve freedives of 10 to 20m. Book here.
3. Hiking and trail running in Verbier
The Swiss Alps are a runner's paradise
© Verbier Official
Who says Verbier is all about the piste? These jaw-dropping Swiss mountains offer over 400km of hiking and running trails, taking in 2,800m+ peaks, challenging paths, rare animals and various species of plant. And if you get a bit hot under the collar, there are some huge lakes for refreshing and bracing swims when you fancy it. Time your trip for early July and you can even sign up for the annual Trail St Bernard – around 2,200 runners take part in this super hardcore ultramarathon, with a range of options from 29km to 111km in distance. Book here.
4. Kayaking and wild camping in Stockholm's archipelago
Stockholm's archipelago is a stunning place to fall in love with kayaking
© Much Better Adventures
An hour and half's drive from Stockholm airport lies the beautiful and untouched Swedish Saint Anna archipelago. Comprised of thousands of islands, inlets and reefs, it's considered by many as one of the world’s finest spots for kayaking and outdoor life. For this adventure, everything you need is provided – kayaks, tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment etc – so you’re all set. Go fish, go swimming, go explore, and with Sweden’s “right to public access” you’re free to make any island you wish home for the night. Book here.
5. Multisport adventure in Montana's Rockies
The Rocky mountains make for a stunning adventure sport backdrop
© Archie Books, IGO
Set in Whitefish and Glacier National Park, USA, this is big country; a land of pristine wilderness, elk, bison, grizzly bears and total paradise for outdoor lovers. This week-long adventure, suited to every fitness level, is centred around four action-packed days where you’ll cover a marked course of around 150km – a swim/run, mountain bike, kayak, hike/run – camping under the stars each night around a campfire. This is the definition of ‘adventure trip’. Book here.
6. Climbing Rainbow Mountain in Peru
Rainbow Mountain.jpg
© Flashpack
Few parts of the world are as ripe for adventure as Peru. Do it all: climb over 5,000 metres to the colourful summit of the Instagram-friendly Rainbow Mountain, camp out beneath the stars, go on a boat ride through the Amazonian jungle at midnight, amble through the jungle itself à la Indiana Jones on hanging bridges, or take a bike past Inca Ruins. Tour operator Flashpack, catering to solo travellers in their 30s and 40s, run an adventures package for all these activities year-round. For any other type of traveller, go to Visitperu.com.
7. Cycling like a pro on Norway's Maserati Haute Route
Even cycling newbies can feel like pros on these majestic roads
© Maserati Norway
The Haute Route is renowned for holding the world’s most prestigious amateur cycling events, where riders of all abilities are essentially treated like pros (we’re talking motorcycle escorts, live timing, Mavic support vehicles, massages!). This inaugural three-day Norway edition – with two classic road stages and a time trial – will see you travel a total of 300km along fjords and perfect roads, with climbs totalling 5,000m+. If your skill is up to it, enter here.
8. Surfing and yoga in Sri Lanka
On the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, you'll find the perfect launchpad for surfing, where you can also explore the culture and diverse nature of the region. Also, with plenty of yoga classes and meditation on offer, this is where it’s at if you’re after a more restorative adventure; you’ll come home feeling more chilled than Shackleton's whisky. Book here.
9. White river rafting in Nepal
Where white knuckle meets whitewater
© Much Better Adventures
Seven days of rafting and camping out on one of the most isolated whitewater rivers in Nepal, through unspoilt mountains and jungle, could be the life-changing experience you need. Not only is the river a gem for its whitewater rafting – including a 7km gorge – but you're in with a chance of seeing deer, leopards, tiger, jackals, mongoose, monkeys and small brown bears. Book here.
10. A multisport getaway in Utah's Moab desert
Utah's beautiful desert terrain provides numerous running challenges
© Gemini Adventures
Set in the heart of adventure mecca, Moab, USA, this four day and three night multi-activity package is thrilling. You’ll be hiking, running, mountain biking and canyoneering, all set against the region’s dramatic peaks and canyons. Just get yourself to Moab, and everything else is taken care of; gear, evening meals and accommodation in nearby towns. It’s ideal for between three to 12 people and you can do it anytime between March and November. Book now.
11. Overlanding from Kathmandu to Delhi
Mehrangarh Fort clogging the horizon in Jodphur, India
© Dragoman
The leader in ‘overlanding’, Dragoman is a tour operator offering fully immersive cultural experiences travelling big distances on land in their purpose-built expedition vehicles. Its 16-day itinerary will see you explore the stunning temples of Kathmandu, visit wildlife safaris, National Parks and a wetland area of 20,000 lakes. You’ll also take in forts, the Taj Mahal, the city of Jaipur (above), and finish up drifting down the Ganges at dawn. This is sensory overload, in a very, very good way. Book here.
12. Paddleboarding in Slovenia's National Park
Go at your own pace amid idyllic surroundings
© Much Better Adventures
If you’re into paddleboarding, yoga, or just love being fully immersed in the unspoilt outdoors, try this. An awesome three day and two night's camping adventure set in Slovenia’s stunning mountains and emerald-coloured lake, you’ll pitch your tent by the lake, hike to remote viewpoints, check out waterfalls, practice yoga in silent woodland and practise fun activities in the lake. Book here.
13. Wakeboarding at Europe’s highest wakeboard park
Europe’s highest-altitude wakeboarding park is opening in Switzerland
© Gstaad
After a successful crowdfunding project, Gstaad, Switzerland, opens its doors in June 2018 to Europe’s highest-altitude wakeboarding park (1,800m). Suited to beginners and pros alike, the new 120m-long lift’s speed can be adjusted to your ability, and elements like ramps and rails are on tap for more experienced wakeboarders. There’s also 300km of hiking and running trails, 500km of GPS tours for mountain, road and e-bikers, as well as river rafting, mountain expeditions, tennis, rock climbing, fishing and paragliding. Basically, you've no excuse not to find adventure. Check out more information here.
