Adventurous travels

Adventurous travel

Sainsbury's

Despite the economic downturn, it seems our passion for travel remains undiminished. Brits took 39 million foreign holidays last year, a significant drop on the year before but still a staggering number.

And while all many tourists want is a warm beach to lie on, others are a bit more adventurous. The ease of long-haul flying and the availability of exotic options around the world mean that more and more people want a bit of excitement to go with their dream holiday.

And many people have decided it's worth splashing out on that once-in-a-lifetime experience. But whether you're funding your dream trip with loans or credit cards, or you've saved up for years, there are plenty of ways you can build memories that last forever. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

White water rafting in the Himalayas:
India has plenty to offer visitors of all types, but if you want to get the adrenalin flowing, why not try an exhilarating journey through some of the country's most exciting waterways. The emphasis is on the experience rather than luxury, so you'll be sleeping in tents that come with you on your journey. But there is the opportunity to make new friends and see a part of the world from a viewpoint that few people have seen.

Safari on the Masai Mara:
This Kenyan reserve is one of the most famous sites in the world for seeing the big five - lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo and rhinos - and being able to watch them in their natural habitat is something really special. Let's face it, there's no comparison between a proper safari and a visit to the zoo. If you go at the right time of year, normally around September, you may also be able to witness the great migration, where tens of thousands of animals move across rivers to different parts of the country. Safaris are never cheap, and it's worth going the extra mile to make sure you get the best guides and vehicles - check out Kicheche Mara camp, which is simply amazing.

Arctic cruise:
See one of the world's last great wildernesses with a luxury journey around icebergs and uninhabited lands. If you're lucky, you'll also get to see whales and polar bears, while there's often the chance to get off the ship and set foot on the ice - and on the land. Depending on the journey you take, you may also get to see the Northern Lights, an amazing display in the night sky.

Trek the Inca Trail:
The 45km trek up to Machu Picchu, the 'lost city of the Incas', is reckoned to be one of the best trails in the world. The journey normally takes four days - or you can do it by boring bus - and encompasses mountains, tunnels, jungle and, of course, the remains of an ancient civilization. The Peruvian government restricts the numbers of visitors each year in order to preserve the site for future generations, which means costs can be high, but everyone who visits - and doesn't suffer from altitude sickness - describes it as one of life's great experiences.

Scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef:
The world's largest coral reef is home to hundreds of tropical islands and tens of thousands of species - many of which aren’t found anywhere else. And the best way to see them is to swim with them. The reef is suitable for all levels of diver, from novice to experienced technical experts, and you can either base yourself in one of the many towns and cities on the coast, or opt for a live-aboard, where you stay on the dive boat for several days.

If you are taking your credit card with you on holiday, don’t forget to let your provider know before you go. Providers keep an eye on unusual spending patterns to reduce the amount of fraud, and if it knows you are in a different country, you are less likely to see your card get refused.