If you fancy a holiday that offers more than a suntan and the chance to make your way through a mountain of books, there are plenty of action-packed, adventure-fuelled trips, many of which are completely new this year. Just don’t forget to purchase some international travel insurance before you go!

We’ve been looking into our adventures for the coming years and all of these have definitely tickled our fancy.
What do you think?

Cycling the Great Wall of China

You have a choice – join the hordes and be jostled along a few hundred yards of the Great Wall of China or cycle over 300 miles beside it with a group of just a few and truly appreciate its awesome length. Discover Adventure has run trekking trips along the wall for a few years but 2012 sees the inauguration of its cycle tour, which crosses mountains, passes through traditional villages and offers frequent views of the majestic wall.

Kitesurfing in Sri Lanka

Whilst the civil war raged, travelling to the Kalpitya Peninsula on the northwest coast of Sri Lanka was highly unadvisable. Luckily for avid kitesurfers, or just those who wish to give kitesurfing a try in a beautiful and unspoilt area, it is now safe so the great breezes off the Indian Ocean can be harnessed by all. Stay at Kitekuda Kitecamp in well-appointed bungalows on the beach and you’ll be within walking distance of the kiteschool and the strong breezes of Kitekuda Lagoon.

Hiking in Georgia

There are many destinations around the globe in which to embark on an epic walking holiday but Georgia doesn’t often crop up on top ten lists. It should. The Grand Caucasus Mountains, which stretch from the Black Sea to the Caspian, offer incredible mountain scenery, wildlife such as brown bears, golden eagles and lynx, warm and welcoming locals and an exhilarating remoteness. Book a trek with Wild Frontiers through the heart of the Grand Caucasus Mountains and you’ll camp in high pastures close to the Russian border, climb Geoorgia’s highest peaks, and cross the stunning Abodelauri Pass at a heart-thumping 3500m.

Kayaking in Sardinia

A beautiful island off the coast of southern Italy it may be but in the high summer months it is also packed with tourists. Avoid them completely by taking to the warm waters of the Mediterranean in a kayak, paddling to remote beaches on tiny islands, exploring sea caves and passing by stunning limestone cliffs. Go with an organisation and you’ll get to camp on isolated beaches whilst still enjoying fabulous Sardinian food and wine under the stars. Wilderness Journeys offer a great week-long itinerary of kayaking around the Sardinian archipelago.

Rafting in Sweden

Those with dreams of living a Huckleberry Fin style life should hot-foot it to Sweden where, on the Klarälven River, you will build a timber raft and float downstream. Fishing for your dinner and camping on the forested banks under the stars isn’t exactly adrenaline-pumping but an adventure it certainly is. Under the guidance of the Explore! instructors, who aid your raft build, you will also get the chance to search for elk, roe deer and beavers.

Horse Riding in Namibia

Tackle the second largest canyon in the world on horseback on this epic trip through Fish River Canyon in the Southern Namib Desert, close to the border of South Africa. Ride to the very edge of the rim of the canyon for mind-blowing views before descending to the base and following the Orange River. From here, the route heads across the open savannah where African game roam freely, before reaching Klein Aus Vista where you’ll get a rare chance to spot the desert’s wild horses. It’s the experience of a lifetime but you’ll need to be an experienced rider.