A. Whilst for many people the idea of the perfect holiday is escaping from the routine and stress of everyday life to a faraway deserted beach, for a growing number of travellers this type of holiday no longer holds its appeal. For these adventure seekers, the chance to participate in something much more daring or dangerous is attracting more tourists each year. This type of extreme tourism involves travelling to some of the most far-flung and inhospitable corners of the earth or taking part in risky sports or activities. The most intrepid holidaymakers combine the two; dangerous activities in a hazardous environment. Here are just a few examples of the type of holidays available.
B. This must be the ultimate in extreme travel destinations but is fast becoming a reality for those for whom money is no object. So far only a handful of space tourists have taken to the skies but already a number of companies are competing for the custom of the few who have the cash. All potential space tourists must go on an intensive training course prior to departing on this unique trip. The course will prepare them for the weightless environment and cramped conditions of a £1 million-a-night space hotel where, from the windows, they will be able to view the earth and see the sunrise every 80 minutes.
C. Few people can actually claim to have seen Antarctica so this is really a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This inaccessible region, whose only human residents are scientists and researchers, holds records for being the driest, windiest and coldest continent, with temperatures below freezing all year round. Travellers to this region will experience 24-hour sunlight and see magnificent icebergs as well as colonies of penguins. For the most adventurous, there are plenty of unexplored mountains to climb and skidoo riding across the desert snow is also popular.
D. At over 9,400,000 square kilometres, the Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, spanning North Africa from the Red Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Trekking on foot is not the only travel option and camel rides and 4 x 4 vehicles are also used to venture into the wilderness, where temperatures can reach 50°C during the day but can fall rapidly at night. Accommodation is under canvas in a traditional Bedouin tent and there will be little in the way of creature comforts with common hazards including sandstorms and scorpions.
E. This adventure is for climbing enthusiasts looking for the ultimate challenge. At 8,850 metres high serious training is needed to reach the top of Everest and it can be difficult to acclimatise to the high altitude, but the Himalayas are fast becoming one of the ultimate tourist destinations. For those who don't wish to try for the highest summit there are plenty of opportunities for challenging climbs around Everest base camp.
F. South America's spectacular Amazon basin is one of the most humid places on earth and is home to a huge array of flora and fauna. In some places rainfall here is over 2,000 mm a year and temperatures can reach around 32°C. Adventurous tourists can trek into some of the most remote and uninhabited areas of the rainforest to spot wildlife including alligators, monkeys, parrots and anacondas. There may also be opportunities to experience the way of life of some of the indigenous communities that inhabit the Amazon basin.
G. For adventurers keen to get up close to the natural world, this holiday to South Africa gives travellers the chance to observe the wonders of the ocean depths including tropical reefs, whales, turtles, dolphins and sharks. The highlight of this marine safari must be the thrill of the great white shark cage dive where divers are surrounded by these amazing creatures, only separated by the bars of a reinforced cage. Not for the faint-hearted!