Top Places to Experience the Thrill of Adventure Holidays

Craving an adrenaline rush? Adventure holidays take you beyond the ordinary. Whether it's skydiving in the desert, whitewater rafting in the jungle, or snowboarding down an active volcano, there are places on this planet made for pure, pulse-pounding excitement. These aren’t your average getaways—they're the kind of trips you'll never forget.

From high-altitude hikes to deep-sea dives, we’ve rounded up the best extreme sports destinations for adventure holidays across the globe. So buckle up, because things are about to get wild.

What Makes Adventure Holidays So Popular?

Adventure holidays offer more than just a change of scenery. They challenge your limits, give you a sense of accomplishment, and deliver unforgettable stories. There's also a growing trend of travellers wanting more than just rest. They want meaning. They want movement.

Whether you're a seasoned thrill-seeker or trying something bold for the first time, these kinds of trips create lasting memories. Many also offer the chance to connect with nature and local cultures in a deeper way.

There's also a growing appetite for high-adrenaline sports, with platforms like Red Bull's Extreme Sports hub showcasing just how varied these adventures can be.

Queenstown, New Zealand – The Adventure Capital of the World

Nestled on New Zealand’s South Island, Queenstown is a magnet for thrill-seekers. Surrounded by towering mountains and crystal-clear lakes, the natural playground offers everything from bungee jumping and jet boating to skydiving and paragliding.

Try the Nevis Bungee Jump, one of the highest in the world at 134 metres. Or soar over the Remarkables with a tandem skydive for unmatched alpine views.

Stay at: Matakauri Lodge

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Lake Wakatipu, Matakauri Lodge offers luxury suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and exceptional service.

Thinking of making Queenstown your next big thrill? Ask us about exclusive offers to this New Zealand gem.

Interlaken, Switzerland – Alpine Adventure Holidays Done Right

Interlaken sits snugly between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, surrounded by the Swiss Alps. It’s not just beautiful; it’s a hub for outdoor activities like canyoning, glacier trekking, hang-gliding and high-altitude skydiving.

Winter sports lovers flock here for snowboarding and ice climbing. In summer, paragliding from Harder Kulm gives you a bird's-eye view of the stunning landscape.

Stay at: Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

With views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks, this hotel combines classic grandeur with modern comforts.

We've got great packages to Switzerland. Get in touch to see how we can tailor your alpine adventure.

Moab, Utah – Red Rock Wonders and Extreme Sports

Moab is a desert dream for rock climbers, mountain bikers, and whitewater rafters. Arches National Park and Canyonlands provide the surreal backdrops for outdoor pursuits.

Try BASE jumping from the cliffs or off-roading in a 4x4 through the desert. The Colorado River offers intense rapids for thrill-seeking rafters.

Stay at: Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa

This rustic-chic resort on the banks of the Colorado River is perfect for winding down after a day of pushing your limits.

We offer custom itineraries to Utah’s red rock paradise—ask us how we can build your Moab escape.

Cape Town, South Africa – Where Ocean Meets Extremes

Cape Town fuses sea, city, and mountains. Go cage diving with great white sharks, kite surf along Bloubergstrand, or hike Table Mountain for unforgettable views.

You can also go abseiling down its steep cliffs—a dramatic way to enjoy the cityscape.

Stay at: The Silo Hotel

Located above the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, The Silo blends cutting-edge design with sweeping views over Table Bay.

Let us help you plan the perfect mix of luxury and adrenaline in Cape Town. We’ve got offers that are hard to beat.

Patagonia, Chile and Argentina – Untamed Wilderness

Patagonia’s raw beauty makes it perfect for trekking, ice hiking, and kayaking. The Torres del Paine National Park is a standout, where winds can knock you sideways and views take your breath away.

Try a guided ice trek on the Perito Moreno Glacier or paddle through fjords teeming with wildlife.

Stay at: Explora Patagonia

This award-winning eco-lodge blends seamlessly with the surroundings and includes all your guided activities.

Patagonia isn’t just for hardcore explorers—we can tailor this wild experience for all levels. Ask us how.

Chamonix, France – Europe’s Mountaineering Mecca

Chamonix sits at the foot of Mont Blanc, offering alpine thrills year-round. Think heli-skiing, ice climbing, trail running, and high-mountain paragliding.

The Vallée Blanche off-piste run is a bucket-list experience for expert skiers.

Stay at: Hôtel Mont-Blanc

This charming hotel blends Belle Époque elegance with modern alpine style. The outdoor heated pool is a welcome treat after a cold adventure.

We know the best times to visit Chamonix for both summer and winter action. Let us help you plan the ideal season.

Victoria Falls, Zambia & Zimbabwe – Water-Based Adventure Holidays

The Zambezi River near Victoria Falls offers world-class whitewater rafting, kayaking, and riverboarding.

Above the water, try bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge or microlight flights over the falls.

The roar of the falls and the thrill of the rapids combine for an unforgettable adventure.

Stay at: Royal Livingstone Hotel

This riverside retreat offers colonial charm, wildlife encounters, and direct access to the falls.

Let us customise your Victoria Falls getaway—with adventure levels to suit your style.

Hakuba, Japan – Winter Adventure Holidays in Asia

Located in the Japanese Alps, Hakuba is known for deep powder, steep terrain, and off-piste excitement.

Snowboarders and skiers love its freeride options.

You can also try snowmobiling or even ice climbing in nearby valleys.

Stay at: Hakuba Tokyu Hotel

With traditional Japanese touches and Western comfort, it’s the ideal base for snowy escapades.

We can package your winter adventure to Japan including lift passes, gear hire, and cultural extras.

Baños, Ecuador – South America’s Hidden Extreme Playground

Baños might be small, but it's packed with wild experiences. Set beneath the active Tungurahua volcano, this energetic town in Ecuador is a top pick for travellers chasing high-stakes fun.

Start your day ziplining across jungle canyons, then hop on a mountain bike and follow the “Ruta de las Cascadas” to visit a string of powerful waterfalls. Fancy defying gravity? Try the famous “Swing at the End of the World,” where a wooden swing lets you soar out over a cliff's edge.

For water-lovers, the fast-flowing Pastaza River offers whitewater rafting trips that range from splashy fun to full-on fury. If you prefer heights, canyoning through waterfalls and rappelling down sheer rock faces will certainly get your heart racing.

Stay at: Samari Spa Resort

This historic monastery-turned-luxury-hotel blends old-world charm with tranquil gardens and modern spa facilities. It’s the perfect balance between adventure and indulgence.

Planning an adventure holiday to Ecuador? We can tailor the perfect mix of thrill and culture with flexible packages to suit every comfort level.

Dubai, UAE – Adventure Holidays in the Desert

Dubai is often known for shopping malls and skyscrapers, but it also delivers serious action for thrill-seekers. This desert city offers extreme sports with a luxury twist.

Take a 4x4 desert safari and try your hand at dune bashing, sandboarding, or even quad biking across golden landscapes. You can also go skydiving over Palm Jumeirah for one of the most iconic views in the world.

For something truly different, try flyboarding above the Arabian Gulf or ziplining through Dubai Marina at speeds of up to 80 km/h.

Stay at: Atlantis The Royal

A modern icon on the Palm, this ultra-luxurious resort offers direct access to a private beach, a huge water park, and VIP service throughout. It’s an oasis of style after a day of desert heat.

Ask us about our offers to Dubai. We can build a tailor-made itinerary packed with adventure, luxury, and a touch of glamour.

Exploring Different Types of Adventure Holidays

Not all adrenaline-fuelled escapes look the same. Choosing the right adventure holiday starts with identifying what kind of thrill you’re after.

Here are a few popular types:

• Water-Based Adventures – Includes whitewater rafting, scuba diving, surfing, canyoning, and kayaking. Perfect for those who love fast currents or deep-sea mysteries.
• Mountain and Snow Adventures – Think snowboarding, skiing, heli-skiing, or mountaineering. These offer breathtaking views and intense physical challenges.
• Airborne Adventures – Includes skydiving, paragliding, hang-gliding, hot air ballooning, and ziplining. Great if you're not afraid of heights and want a bird’s-eye perspective.
• Jungle and Wildlife Adventures – From trekking through rainforests to going on high-speed safaris, these give you close encounters with nature and often involve off-the-grid locations.
• Desert and Dune Sports – Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel trekking, or night camping under the stars provide a different kind of thrill in scorching landscapes.

Understanding your preference can help us design a trip you’ll love from start to finish. Our job is to make sure it’s exciting, comfortable, and completely personalised.

Snowdonia, Wales – High-Adrenaline Adventures Closer to Home

You don’t have to fly halfway around the world to find heart-racing experiences. Adventure holidays in the UK can be just as thrilling—and Snowdonia tops the list.

Located in North Wales, Snowdonia National Park offers a rugged landscape of mountains, lakes, and forests, ideal for all kinds of outdoor sports. Climb Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, or take the faster route up on the Snowdon Mountain Railway and hike your way down.

One of the most popular thrills here is Zip World, home to Velocity 2—the fastest zipline in the world. You’ll soar over Penrhyn Quarry at speeds reaching over 100 mph. You can also explore underground adventures in disused slate mines with caverns, trampolines, and zip courses.

For water lovers, Bala Lake and the nearby Tryweryn River are hotspots for whitewater kayaking and canoeing. Rock climbers also flock to Tryfan and the Glyderau range for challenging ascents and incredible views.

Stay at: Palé Hall

This Victorian mansion-turned-country-house-hotel offers peaceful luxury after a full day of action. With award-winning dining and plush rooms, it’s an ideal contrast to the outdoor extremes of Snowdonia.

If you’re craving a UK-based adventure without long flights or time zone changes, Snowdonia offers the perfect balance. Speak to us about tailor-made options for Wales and other British hotspots—we’ve got ideas to suit all levels of thrill.

Jamie Says:

“Adventure holidays don’t have to mean discomfort. With the right planning, you can experience the thrill of a lifetime while enjoying great service, reliable protection, and personal touches throughout. That’s what we specialise in.”

The Protections You Get with Jamie Wake Travel

We know that adrenaline doesn't need stress. That’s why every tailor-made holiday you book through Jamie Wake Travel comes with full financial protection.

• We're members of Protected Trust Services (PTS), so your money is safeguarded in a secure trust account.
• We hold an ATOL licence, giving you peace of mind when booking air-inclusive holidays.
• We include Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance on every tailor-made trip.

It means that even the wildest trip is rooted in reliability. We make sure you're covered from take-off to touchdown.

Why Choose Jamie Wake Travel for Your Adventure?

• We tailor every trip to your interests and comfort levels.
• You get access to exclusive offers from over 200 trusted suppliers.
• We do the planning, you enjoy the thrills.

Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trek or a multi-stop tour full of activities, we can create a trip that matches your style.

Adventure holidays are meant to be unforgettable—for all the right reasons. Let’s make yours count.

Need help booking? Call us on 01495 400005 or use our enquiry form online.

Want to browse and book yourself? Our bespoke holiday builder lets you craft an adventure that’s as unique as you are. You’ll find it on every page of our website.

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