A third of adults are looking to become more adventurous with their holiday choices - with nature trails, wildlife safaris, and hiking topping the list of expected activities.
Research of 2,000 holidaymakers revealed 36 per cent are looking to broaden their travel experiences in the next 12 months, though 19 per cent tend to revisit the same destinations.
And from those looking to break away from their usual holiday routine and become more adventurous in 2023 and beyond, 53 per cent put this down to wanting to push themselves to try new things.
Snorkelling (31 per cent), husky sledding (23 per cent) and wilderness camping (22 per cent) also made the list of adventurous activities holiday goers want to do more of.
The research, commissioned by adventure travel company Hurtigruten Expeditions [https://www.hurtigruten.com/en-gb/expeditions/], also found snowboarding (21 per cent), cliff diving (19 per cent) and wildlife watching (18 per cent) were other activities in mind for upcoming adventures.
Though 30 per cent considered it bold to try a new dish abroad, 23 per cent saw anything less than exploring a truly remote part of the world or camping out in the wilderness as not ‘daring’ enough.
Anthony Daniels, UK general manager for the travel brand, said: “More than ever, travellers are looking to break away from their usual holiday habits.
“And as our research shows, we are continuing to witness the emergence of the adventure traveller who is looking to explore new destinations and experience once-in-a-lifetime trips.”
Audacious adventure
The study also found the average adult has travelled to 12 different countries in their lifetime and go on at least one holiday a year.
More than half (54 per cent) go on adventure holidays with their partner, while 26 per cent prefer to be adventurous with their friends.
And with 66 per cent wanting to try new things on holiday, even if they have to step out of their comfort zone, 61 per cent prefer the idea of doing so if they had an expert guide or helping hand, according to the OnePoll data.
Of those who do take the plunge, it makes them feel excited (37 per cent), happy (25 per cent) and proud (23 per cent).
While the characteristics most associated with an adventurer were found to be active (51 per cent), courageous (45 per cent), and spirited (40 per cent).
It also emerged that, in the past, a fifth considered going on a rollercoaster to be adventurous, but now, 49 per cent view exploring remote parts of the world as daring.
Visiting destinations such as Antarctica (57 per cent), the Galapagos Islands (50 per cent), South America (43 per cent) and West Africa (41 per cent) were also deemed audacious.
Anthony Daniels, from Hurtigruten Expeditions, which takes guests to some of the most adventurous parts of the world with excursions including camping in Antarctica, dogsledding through the Arctic and sea kayaking in Alaska, added: “With the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica featuring highly as adventurous destinations, these once-deemed fantasy escapes are now a reality for those looking to discover incredible parts of the world.
“With our Expedition team on hand to guide you, and state of the art expedition ships, our team take you to places you might only have dreamt of – where you can discover your inner explorer.”
Top 20 activities Brits expect on an adventurous holiday
- Nature trail walks
- Wildlife safari
- Hiking
- Island exploration/ hopping
- Snorkelling
- Trying a new dish
- Tasting local cuisine specialities
- Kayaking
- Jet Skiing
- Rainforest tour
- Quad biking
- Mountain climbing
- Paddle boarding
- Husky sledding
- Surfing
- Wilderness camping
- Skiing
- Stargazing
- Overnight jungle stay
- Snowboarding
