Adventure

Bosnia has had more than its faire share of conflict, especially in the past 20 years. Bullet holes and bomb damage in cities and villages across the country serve as a reminder of the war that killed 100,000 people and displaced 2.2 million. But despite the deep-seated scars of battle and genocide, Bosnia has managed to retain plenty of natural beauty and charm.  The historic capital, with its unique mix of Eastern and Western culture, contains stories that will make your jaw drop. And, as for the countryside, its lush green mountains and clear rivers make it the perfect destination for sporty adventures on a seven-day road trip.

It's morning and I am geared up for action in the far-flung east of Poland's beautiful Podlaskie Volvodship, Biebrza National Park is 60,000 hectares of marshy flatlands, gentle river valley and moose-concealing pine forests. This is a landscape of wetlands and peat bogs, bordering the Biebrza river and home to hundreds of different bird species, thousands of insect species, 900 moose, red deer, wild boar, hares, rabbits and even wolf packs and solitary lynxes. It's going to be a good day.

The Axarquia is the area of Malaga province which stretches from Rincon de la Victoria to Maro. It borders Granada province from the cliffs of Cerro Gordo, which offer unique diving and snorkelling opportunities, to the mountain range of the Sierra Almijara, Tejeda and Alhama, which stretches from the coast up to Malaga province's highest peak, La Maroma, measuring 2,064 metres above sea level.

Southern France’s Dordogne valley is the heart of walnut country, where the humble noix (nut) has been part of the landscape since the 10th century, when peasants would pay their debts with bushels of nuts. A weekend break in this picturesque valley will worth it, and good time to go is in early autumn when the temperature is moderate twenties and best of all, there are less tourist, so you are free to wonder unhindered.  Just next door to the Dorgogne, is the Lot department which boast the same golden stone villages and breathtaking views.

Uzbekistan is seen as top emerging tourist destination and with thousands of years of history this country is waiting to be discovered.  Tashkent is overlooked all too frequently.  In the clamour to reach the UNESCO treasures of Samarkand and Bukhara, most visitors skip the electric sights of Central Asia’s largest city. Tashkent boast more than 2,500 years of history.  On this Silk Road crossroads, you’ll not only find superb museums and striking architecture, but also vast markets and green parks.

A holiday to Jardon isn’t complete until you complete the Golden Triangle – Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Petra.  With all offering their distinct features: The seaside city of Aqaba is Jordan’s coastal gateway with historic sites on our doorstep, Wadi Rum – the valley of the moon offers glittering skies, undulating dunes and peace of mind, and Petra’s rich ancient past is an archaeological adventure.  Using the seaside city of Aqaba as your base, Petra is just a short drive away. And situated near the desert highway, only a minor detour between both Amman and Aqaba, lies Wadi Rum.

Tanzania has had its trouble internally and sometimes trouble from its neighbour Kenya spill over scaring visitors. But putting that aside Tanzania is one of Africa’s best kept secrets, with its searing temperature, Tanzania has emerged as the African destination of choice for those seeking a host of natural wonders, exquisite safari opportunities and a wealth of secret spots.  Here, we pick our favourites and throw in a few hidden gems.

As a destination for a city break, Tallinn has become very popular for many wanting a weekend break.  The Estonian capital’s old fishing district, Kalamaja, is has become one of the city’s coolest haunt. Come and explore the medieval Old Town’s cobbled streets, easy-on-the-eye architecture and colourful squares, the galleries (such as Kadriorg Art museum) and the churches (St Olav’s Gothic church and tower) – St Alexander Nevsky Cathedaral, built during the reign of the Russian tsars in 1900, it’s the most opulent Orthodox church in the city and its pop-up bars and warehouse parties.

Forget climbing to Everest Base Camp or mountain biking down Bolivia’s Death Road.  Go adventuring off the beaten track with our list of This year’s adventure travel destinations, and you’ll easily be the backpackers with the best story at the bar.  From sandboarding the world’s biggest dunes to climbing inside a volcano, here are the top ten adventurer’s travel destinations.

"Can you see the man's face?" asks the waiter in the plaza cafe, as he sets down my cafe con leche. I instinctively turn my head towards Ollantaytambo's central fountain, where taxi drivers sit awaiting their next customer and women in full-flowing indigenous dress are carrying babies on their backs.

"No, no," he says. "Look up!" In truth, until he came bearing coffee, I hadn't stopped looking up. Above us, sitting high in the Andean mountains that surround the town, are some of Peru's most impressive Inca ruins, dating back to the 15th century.