Many people think of a vacation as an opportunity to relax and take it easy. Others think of it as a chance to embark on an adventure.

What is an adventure vacation?

An adventure vacation is anything you want it to be: popular activities include hiking, canyoning, white-water rafting, rock climbing, skydiving, assisting on an archaeological dig, crewing a sailing ship, working on a ranch or volunteering with endangered wildlife. The one thing that adventure vacations have in common is that they involve some element of hard work, risk, and yes, adventure.

How to select an adventure vacation

Be realistic about your capabilities. For instance, don't sign up for a week-long construction project in the high wilderness if you have a bad back. Think about the level of risk you are comfortable taking. Some people are driven to push themselves to the edge and consequently they look for extreme adventures like base jumping.

Safety

Check the qualifications of the outfitter running the adventure. Conduct some research into their certifications (if applicable), safety record, client satisfaction, specialized training and length of time in business. Be cautious about any outfitter that is not willing to be forthright about this information or does not have a good safety record. Read the fine print and disclaimers carefully. You may be required to pass a physical fitness test or provide specific pieces of equipment for your use. Pay special attention to areas of liability and insurance. If you are injured while on the adventure vacation, who pays for medical care? Check out our insurance pages for all you need to know about insurance, and World Nomads to get an instant quote for specialist cover.

Look for an adventure vacation that really sparks your passion. Think of something you have always wanted to do or some place you have always wanted to go. Chances are if you look around enough you will find at least one adventure vacation centered on your interests.