8 Extreme Holidays You'd Never Dare to Experience

Want to discuss this article? You may do so in our forum »

When you hear 'Extreme sports' what do you think of? Bungee jumping? Mountain hiking? Jet skiing? Paragliding? There are hundreds of ways to get the adrenaline flowing, the pupils dilated and the hands a little sweaty, but you don't always want to travel hundreds upon thousands of miles just for one day of excitement, do you? Luckily for the thrill seekers amongst us there are holiday makers who have designed trips based entirely around these sports, and here are eight of the best...

1. Rock climbing in Brazil

It can't be argued that hanging from the side of some of Brazil's highest mountains really gives you a feel for and an understanding of the planet which we live on, and just how momentous our lives are. In and around Rio de Janeiro is the place to go if you're looking for specifically designed climbing holidays.

There are fortnight-long introductory courses on offer for just over £1000 which will set you up and teach you everything a beginner might need to know about the sport. If, however, you're already experienced in rock climbing then head for the Serra dos Orgaos expeditions which last from 5 to 10 days and cost around £600.

Although temperatures in Brazil can reach up to 40ºC from November to March, it is still an incredibly popular country for rock climbing, with most climbs taking place between June and August when the weather is not only cooler but also drier.

2. Canyon trekking in Peru

So you fancy yourself as a bit of an explorer huh? If you want to venture further a field than your own country and sample some of the greatest exploratory landscapes then hop on a plane to southern Peru's Andes mountain range.

Exploring the Andes canyons doesn't just mean hiking either. There are caves, precarious rock edges, suspension bridges across the Cotahuasi River and the itinerary includes resting those hard working and aching muscles in thermal baths. That's not all either, there's sightseeing a plenty along the way where trekkers will visit the Valley of Volcanoes, see Inca petroglyphs (rock engravings) which are over 3 millennia old and of course the incredible views over the Peruvian mountains. This incredible experience costs trekkers around $2800 and is available during late summer to early autumn.

3. Hot air balloon across Egypt

Flying above anywhere in the world in a hot air balloon is an experience which is not to be forgotten, but imagine hopping into the basket and soaring hundreds of feet above the river Nile and Egypt's Valley of the Kings?

Companies are offering flights which begin before sun rise, so that you see the sun peeping over the al-Qurn peak (which mimics the Pyramidal structure) before it bursts into the sky and bathes the serai limestone landscape in light. Many of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs were buried in their tombs which were carved out of the rock, including Tutankhamen.

For less than £50 you could be seeing the Valley of the Kings as it was never imagined possible by the ancient Egyptians themselves. It's an awe inspiring and staggeringly beautiful ride that's well worth the money.

4. Bungee jumping in Normandy, France

When the man who designed the Eiffel tower, Gustav Eiffel, saw the building of the Viaduc de la Souleuvre (another of his achievements) do you think he imagined that one day people would be throwing themselves from it attached by just a bungee rope? Extreme sports didn't exist back in 1893, so probably not.

Today this 200 foot high Normandy viaduct is one of the most popular places in the world for bungee jumping enthusiasts and it's no wonder why. The thrill of jumping and hurtling towards the ground from 61 meters is guaranteed to pump you full of adrenaline. There is a wide range of different types of jumps available at the Souleuvre Viaduct such as 'extreme', tandem, solo or 'crazy'. It's entirely up to you how you live life off the edge!

5. White water rafting in Australia

Thousands of holidayers and thrill seekers find themselves hurtling down the rocky rivers of South America every year, but did you know that Tasmania is also an incredibly popular region for this very sport as well?

For a whole 11 days keen rafters are taken down the winding waters of the south eastern Franklin River. The journey also includes walks through the Tasmania Wilderness World Heritage Area, camping and unsurpassed views of the luscious green mountains.

These holidays cost around £1200 and are available during the early part of the year (January to April) when the weather is warmer and there are more hours of sunlight. This is due to the fact that temperatures can drop considerably during the night later on in the year and this can have negative effects on camping conditions.

6. Paragliding in Spain

One of human kind's most prevalent dreams is to be able to fly like a bird. Up until 1853, when George Caley flew the very first glider, it was generally accepted that a human could not fly without the aid of an airplane. Today people are climbing into their paraglider harnesses which are attached to a fabric wing. As they launch off from the ground using their feet the fabric wing supports the weight of the person with air pressure.

Spanish paragliding holidays usually cost just under £700 and last for one week with full training from professionals. For a lot of beginners, purchasing their equipment on holidays with entitle them to free tuition so that's definitely worth bearing in mind. The price also includes flight transfers, transport and self catered accommodation. Learning how to paraglide in Spain is not just a once in a lifetime experience, it's one that you can relive again and again once you've been trained, and trust me - you'll want to!

7. Skiing or snowboarding in Austria

On the south eastern border of Germany lies the landlocked country of Austria. On its western side Austria contains much of the Alps mountain range which makes it the perfect destination for ski and snowboarding resorts, particularly those that reach up to a dizzying 2000 meters above sea level.

Groups of 6 are required for Austrian skiing and snowboarding holidays which is why they are so popular with groups of friends rather than families. At a duration of 7 nights including flight and transport transfers within Austria, a ski pass and accommodation there is the opportunity to learn a hell of a lot. Costing just £97 per person these holidays end up being a huge bargain and an exceptional thrill!

8. Scuba diving in the Dominican Republic

Diving below the surface of the sea and swimming amongst tropical species of fish and great coral reefs is something that dreams are made of, yet it's not impossible! The Dominican Republic provides the ideal diving environment with sea temperatures staying at around 27ºC all year round, some incredible species of aquatic life and clear waters.

Holidays lasting 4 to 5 days in the Dominican Republic, near Puerto Rico are offering open water courses which include training from professionals which enable divers to gain a diving certificate. This means that complete beginners are very welcome and since group numbers are a maximum of two, you are guaranteed to get paramount guidance.

If you're a water lover then taking your enthusiasm one step further with a diving holiday in the Dominican Republic will be an experience you'll take with you forever more. The beauty of the marine life coupled with the refreshing seas and the experience of learning something new is certainly worth the journey and the price.

Learn more:
Australia Car Hire