Sure you can go kayaking at the lake, but doesn't kayaking with humpback whales in Greenland sound just a little more exciting? From mountain biking to rock climbing and whitewater rafting, we've scouted out the world's best destinations for taking your hobby to the next level.
Our Adventure Travel Bucket List.
Canyoning – Go "kloofing", as the locals call it, under the South African sun in scenic Nuy River Gorge, near Cape Town. Perfect for first-time kloofers and acrophobes, you'll wade through icy streams, scramble over boulders, jump from waterfalls and abseil down rock faces – but only if you want to. Up The Ante: Thrill-seekers should try nearby Suicide Gorge, where 10-metre waterfall jumps and daring rock climbs demand a certain amount of intestinal fortitude.
Hiking – Most come to Hong Kong expecting a city stay, but it's possible to get away from the concrete jungle and enter a real one. The 100km MacLehose Trail begins along the eastern shore before retreating into tropical mountainous terrain and cutting through undulating countryside for a series of climbs and descents that will have even the fittest hiker pausing for breath. Up The Ante: 3 words – Great Himalaya Trail. If 45,000km of the world's most formidable mountains doesn't get your blood pumping, we don't know what will.
Kayaking – Head to Greenland, the birthplace of the kayak, to paddle among icebergs under the midnight sun. Expect to see stunning fjords, cliffs and even the occasional humpback whale as you navigate remote islands, bays and inlets in places like Ammassalik on the east coast, or Disko Bay along the western coastline. pgigreenland.com, greenlandtours.com Up The Ante: Couple a kayaking expedition in East Greenland with guided hikes to view the dramatic fjords from above.
Sailing – Adventure travel doesn't have to be all grunts, groans and adrenaline. Steal away to Australia's Whitsunday islands to combine sport (sailing, hiking, swimming, diving and snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef) with bouts of absolute indolence laying on spectacular white sand beaches.
Where do you prefer your adventure travel experiences?