The popularity of adventure excursions are one of the major trends in the travel industry that continues to grow. Combining everything from trekking and mountaineering to rafting, zip-lining and bungee jumping with uniquely individual cultures and exotic surroundings, these destinations have just about everything an adventure traveler could ask for. The following are some of the very best places to fulfill your desire for adventure.

Canyoneering in the French Alps (Moderate)

Canyoneering is basically descending through a mountain canyon by climbing, rappelling, swimming and jumping through slippery waterfalls and ravines. Depending on the height of the cliffs it can provide a fair level of adrenaline and is recommended for someone with a moderate level of fitness.

It can be done where ever you might find a decent mountain canyon (Such as Italy, Switzerland, New Zealand, and in the U.S. Utah and Colorado) Pricing will depend on the location, but I paid about 40 Euro (around $60) for a day trip which included all gear rental, transportation and a guide.

Climbing (The Himalayas - Nepal/Tibet/Bhutan)

One of the most strikingly picturesque ranges on the planet, the renowned Himalayas offer some fantastic hiking tours, outrageous paddling junkets, and the most demanding mountaineering excursions around. Combine these features with the area’s singular culture and spiritualism and you won’t be disappointed with a trip to Nepal, Tibet, or Bhutan. Each has its own individual charm and in order to explore any one of them, you’ll have to pass through Katmandu, a city that is as varied and diverse as the Himalaya mountain range itself.

Caving (Budapest Hungary) (Moderate)

Because of the complex system of underground thermal activity in Hungary, you can find caves underneith many parts of Budapest and surrounding cities, which leads to another great activity for those not afraid of the dark or confined spaces.

Making your way through tiny crevices, rappelling down narrow ravines, and not quite knowing when you will reach the bottom is not for the claustrophobic, but there are alternate, easier paths you can take as your guide leads you through the system.

Scuba Diving (Red Sea, Egypt)

If you want to visit an entirely new world, try scuba-diving. There are many diving centers that will allow a “try dive” which does not require any training or certification (other than a quick lesson on and off the boat of how to use the equipment.)

You will be with a guide the entire time (who will hold your hand and be constantly checking your equipment) and you will only dive to a maximum of 10meters (around 30 feet.) Diving is not for everyone, but this is definitely a great way to decide if it’s right for you.

With its mild Mediterranean climate, incredible coastline, spectacular islands, amazing mountainous ranges, scenic national parks, as well as charming cities and towns awash with history and culture - adventure holidays in Croatia are never boring! Whether you’re just off on a weekend break or planning on a longer visit, you’ll definitely find many exciting things to do. Here are just a few of the amazing activities you can enjoy.

Walking the Walls Of Dubrovnic

This marvelous city, popularly referred to as the Pearl of the Adriatic, is considered such a gem that it has been named a UNESCO heritage site. What could be more inspiring than walking the high city walls built to protect it from its enemies, losing yourself in the history while being amazed by spectacular views on all sides? To the south are the electric blue waters of the Adriatic, while the north presents charming views of romantic, red-roofed cottages with quaint balconies. A walk on the walls is definitely a great way to warm up your adventure holidays in Croatia! Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes, however, as the walls are two kilometres in total.

Island Hopping Off the Dalmatian Coast

With over 1000 spectacular islands off the coast of Croatia, there are a great number of beaches (from family-friendly to nude) to explore, whether for picnics or just lounging around sunbathing. There are also ample opportunities for more strenuous activities like diving, snorkeling, sailing and more. Spend an extra day and you can enjoy adventure trails that snake throughout the area doing some hiking and climbing as well. It’s the perfect spot for adding the adventure into your adventure holidays. In Croatia, there’s always something new to discover around every corner.

Mountain Biking/Cycling

For those whose interests run to the two-wheeled kind, adventure holidays in Croatia offer a great many opportunities for bike riding on spectacular trails and paths. One of the favourite biking spots is Mljet National Park. This park sits in the midst of a lush, green setting where one can enjoy the unspoilt beauty of nature, complete with dense forests and two interconnected saltwater lakes. And that’s just one location; there are countless more in the different islands, towns and mountains, especially in Istria where many tour specialists offer intensive mountain biking tours.

Those, of course, are only three of the many possibilities for adventure holidays in Croatia, and just a taste of the bigger and better list of activities available in this delightful holiday destination. Discover the magic of a short haul adventure tour in this magical land - and find yourself coming back for more.