Jamaica vacations offer the best of many worlds, and adventure travelers continue to flock to this location for their next jaw dropping experience. Here are some of the island’s best offerings for those who don’t mind having their heart skip a beat:

Get closer to nature and camp in the wild

If you love nature and want to get up close and personal with the creatures of the jungle, consider a camping trip to a serene location in the Jamaican mountains. Hop on one of the cheap flights to Montego Bay and you’ll be well on your way to seeing the jungle like you never have before. A guide can take you to the best camping locations and also provide you with some rental gear.

Zipline your way down the Jamaican mountainside

The zipline is a popular activity throughout Jamaica. You’ll be able to zoom down the hillside, over a tropical valley, or around the lush jungle canopy as you dangle from a rope from point A to point B. The great thing about ziplining is it can be appropriate for the whole family. When you zip down the mountain with your kids right behind you, you’re guaranteed to bond like you never have before.

Cliff jumping for a rush into the ocean

Don’t be surprised if you are minding your own business only to look over to see a Jamaican local doing elaborate cliff dives for your entertainment. For the not-so-faint-of-heart, cliff jumping can be the ultimate thrill. Some pools in Jamaica are built right into the cliffs so jumping is as convenient as ever! Remember, cliff jumping can be dangerous and if you do decide to take the plunge, make sure someone with experience explains any rocks or other water concerns you should be aware of. Otherwise, prepare to feel your heart drop (and try to avoid a belly flop).

Ride the ravenous rapids

The sun is scorching and a river rafting adventure is just what you need to wake up and cool down. A variety of guided rafting tours is available for those that dare to ride the rough waters of the Jamaican rivers. Most tours start out slow as you enjoy the beautiful jungle surroundings. But before you know it, you’ll be hit by the bumpy waves that toss your raft around like a ragdoll. Feel the rush as the water splashes from every angle.

ATV your way through a jungle safari

You thought your cheap flights to Jamaica were the way to travel, but ATVs are a great travel option for navigating through Jamaica once you are there. Experience the exotic jungle up close and personal with your own ATV that will roll through the rough terrain and even some rivers. You’ll be able to discover the local flora and fauna, secret villages, remote waterfalls and crystal clear pools. You’ll love having an ATV that can get you through just about anything to find the hidden treasures of Jamaica.

Courtesy:  ARAcontent

Adventure travel is typically defined as experiencing the culture and tradition of a destination in an adrenaline-pumping approach. No souvenir shops or museums here! According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, the adventure and experiential travel market is a $165 billion per year industry, and it’s growing.

Scotland is frequently an exciting travel destination because of its deep history, rugged and varied terrain and a myriad of options ranging from hiking to canyoneering. Activities are available for everyone from daring singles to families and groups of friends and include:

Hiking

Despite its relatively small size, Scotland has a wide variety of hiking options. Whether you’re in for a day hike or a week-long trek, there are trails and lodging options for all levels of interest. Scotland’s coast offers dramatic sea cliff walks in areas such as Shetland and, inland, Loch Ness. The open woodlands of Perthshire and the Isle of Skye also offer a great range of hikes.

Kayaking

Scotland is known in adventure circles as one of the best kayaking destinations on the planet. From your sea kayak, it’s not uncommon to see wildlife such as eagles, puffins, fox, otter, seals, dolphins and Minke whales intermingled with cliffs and ancient castles. Scottish outfitters can provide you with gear and a guide that will take you paddling in places like the rocky eastern coast, among the island archipelagos in the northeast and exploring the white sand beaches of the west.

White Water Rafting

Of the so-called “adrenaline sports,” white water rafting is one of the most prevalent. Using large rafts, six to eight people, with the help of an experienced guide, will travel down rivers with rushing rapids that range from tame to downright dangerous. The River Garry, the River Tay and the River Tummel are popular, challenging and exhilarating rafting destinations.

Mountain Biking

Scotland’s terrain offers exciting and bone-crushing mountain biking opportunities. In eastern Scotland, aptly called “Whisky Country,” the Cairngorms are some of the highest mountains in the country. But nothing beats the famous Scottish Highlands for spectacular sights and forested routes best experienced on a bike.

If just one experience isn’t enough and you’re really looking to find your inner warrior, the search is on for teams of modern-day rebels to take place in the ultimate challenge: the Drambuie Pursuit. Taking place in April 2009, the Drambuie Pursuit is a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventure race across the Scottish Highlands that retraces the legendary journey of Scotland’s Bonnie Prince Charlie, for whom the bracing spirit was created in 1745.

Teams of four adults will have a chance to win an all-inclusive free trip to battle against one another in speedboats and dirt buggies, scale mountains, kayak and raft through rushing rapids and bike over the punishing terrain from the Isle of Skye to Inverness. For more information on the Drambuie Pursuit, visit www.Pursuitof1745.com to register for free.

For more information on travel to Scotland, visit www.VisitScotland.com.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

White-water rafting and kayaking: They define Colorado adventure, help forge friendships and, right now, are roaring into action. Thanks to this winter’s snow, Colorado’s 13 river systems are in tiptop shape for the state’s white-water season.

The rivers change in shape and feel each year because of the melted snow, or run-off. So water-lovers keep coming back each season for more surprises. From families seeking mellow float trips to experienced, death-defying thrill-seekers, people from all walks of life flex their paddle power on Colorado’s rivers.

River experts say rafters and kayakers will be able to enjoy sustained flows throughout the entire season on the Cache la Poudre, Arkansas, Animas, Yampa, Green and Colorado rivers.

Flows are expected to be at their best across the state from mid-May to the end of June. Early season, in April, is the perfect time to catch the wildest white-water and beat the crowds, however. It also is the best time to catch the early-season deals. Toward the end of the season in July and August, meanwhile, is when smoother waters prevail – making it perfect for float trips.

To experience a white-water adventure in Colorado, trek to the high country for an overnight trip, or take a day trip as part of a camping adventure to the mountains. Alternatively, gather a troop of weekend warriors and cash in on group discounts offered by most outfitters throughout the season.

Once there, get ready for the ride of your life. Colorado river guides know the rapids like the back of their hands, but they’ll also make you laugh, cook for you and educate you on some of the flora and fauna indigenous to the area. Most river outfitters provide all of the gear you’ll need. They are professional leaders and safety experts as well, so even if you are not a pro on the rapids, you can rest assured that someone is watching your back.

The cool spray of white water is the perfect way for you to wake up the action hero within. Contact the Colorado River Outfitters Association at (303) 280-2554 or www.croa.org to launch your adventure today.

For complete Colorado vacation information or to order a free official state vacation guide, log on to www.colorado.com or call (800) COLORADO.

Courtesy: NewsUSA