If you’re looking to take your family on a high-octane holiday of a lifetime, then there are a number of different adventures you might choose. Adventure travel provides a means of expanding your horizons, and earning an adrenaline rush that other kinds of travel can’t match. But only if you choose the right activity!
Skiing the Alps: Conquer the Slopes in Chamonix, France
During winter, ski holidays are enormously popular, and with very good reason. You’ll be able to spend time exercising outdoors, surrounded by some of the world’s most inspiring scenery. You’ll be able to build up a skill that will stay with you and your children for life. When you get to a certain level of competence, you might even push yourself further, with things like off-piste and heliskiing.
Whitewater Rafting the Grand Canyon, USA
The Grand Canyon is among the world’s most iconic national parks. Within its boundaries, you’ll be able to enjoy all manner of activities, including cycling, hiking, and paragliding. But one of them stands out as particularly worthwhile, and that’s white-water rafting.
You’ll be able to pass through the canyon via the Colorado River, which will take you through some of the most challenging and inspiring white water sections in the park (including, if you want, Class V rapids that are just one step below the effectively impassable Class VI ones). It’s an experience that will stretch over several days – and it’s one that you’re not likely to forget!
Glacier Hiking & Ice Caving in Iceland
Iceland is a truly authentic wilderness. Take a hike through some of the remote ice formations of the Vatnajökull National Park, and you’ll truly feel like you’re journeying into another world. Conquering the glaciers, and trying your hand at ice climbing, will often require the support and guidance of a competent guide – so make sure that you hire one before you make the attempt.
Wildlife Safari & Sandboarding in Namibia
If you want to get out into the natural world, and see some of the world’s most impressive animals in their natural habitat, then a journey through the Etosha National Park in Namibia might be tempting. One of the most compelling ways to get around the Namib desert, and Sossusvlei in particular, is by sandboarding – which is a little bit like snowboarding, except that you’ll be doing it up and down massive sand dunes.
Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua
There’s another spin-off of surfing that’s worth considering, and that’s volcano boarding. The black slopes of the Cerro Negro volcano, in Nicaragua, might provide exactly the required backdrop for this astonishing pastime. For adventurous families looking for an alternative to traditional skiing, this might be exactly what’s required.