India is a country of diversity - famous for its oriental culture, colourfulness and complete uniqueness, this country attracts thousands of tourists weekly because it can offer more than any other tourist destination in the world. But for the thrill seekers, the perfect destination should include something so rare and unique that an ordinary person will not even consider it when going on a vacation. Well, India can offer you exactly what a thrill seeker would need.

Nature and wild life can bring people such an experience that a word like thrill will just not be enough. This is why the Indian natural world is the perfect spot for thrill seekers - especially the South-Western forests and coasts of the country where nature and wild life are completely preserved and almost untouched by civilisation, places so wild and fascinating that remain in a person’s mind for quite a lot of time and always pull him back to that magnificent experience.

Elephant riding is among the many thrill activities you can experience in India - get yourself a nice guide who knows the are perfectly and you have the perfect thrill vacation. You would not only ride an animal that is among the hugest mammals living on earth, but you would also be quite astonished by the places you are gonna see from its back - the wild forests, the thousands of species in their natural habitat, natural formations like waterfalls and rocky areas so unique and beautiful that they will take your breath away.

So if you are bored of the standard Ski holiday in france, then why not see what India can offer for thrill seekers - there is quite a lot to see, quite a few places to explore and many activities to enjoy that you would have the chance to only in this amazing country.

Croatia is a country of diverse culture and life. Situated in the west of the Balkans and on the Adriatic coast, it is the perfect location for your amazing holiday and for thrill seekers, it is a place full of opportunities and hundreds of ways to get your adrenaline boiling or explore the beauty and the nature of that place.

For the fond adrenaline addicts, the Croatian coast offers the best cliff diving conditions on the Balkans - the curly coastline is full of rocky cliffs that bend over the sea -the perfect place to dive from more than 20 metres of height. And if that is not enough, the underwater caves and the fast sea water channels will give a hundred more ways to satisfy that adrenaline hunger of yours.

But Croatia is much more that - during the summer it is one of the few places in Europe that can offer you the ultimate jet ski experience. It is the sea terrain and the rocky mountain endings that merge with the sea bottom that form amazing jet ski tracks. At quite a reasonable price, a tourist can make the most of his summer when jetskiing - the conditions, the warm sea water and the amazing tracks, will satisfy the expectations of everyone eager to have some adventurous stay in Croatia.

Not to forget the amazing mountains of Croatia - for every tourist they offer a range of opportunities - hiking is perfect for the west mountain areas, climbing in the rocky areas, cave exploring, wild life observation and even appropriate and decent snowboarding the the high areas.

Now that I’ve visited Croatia, I might try something a bit different next; maybe check out some ski hotels and book myself a ski holiday somewhere nice. I’ll let you know how that turns out.

One of the most amazing destinations I have ever visited was Oslo in Norway. Being a country from the Scandinavian Peninsula, Norway is a Northern country with severe winters and lots of snow. It is also one of the richest countries in the world and one of the greenest thanks to its green laws legislation and the public support for that, they even have actually hand towels in the public washrooms as oppose to ones that you throw away. This is the reason why I was stunned when I went to Oslo during the summer of 2009 -such a clean and beautiful place is hard to describe since usually people live in crowded cities that requite daily cleanings because of the waste. Oslo is below 2,000,000 people of population (a relatively big city for the European standards) and still is cleaner than even the smallest Swiss village.

Oslo is situated in the South part of the country -a beautiful place surrounded by mountains and sea, with the fiords around it like niddles stuck in a peace of wood -even before actually enetering the city, a visitor will see its surroundings and be amazed -it is not only a beautiful place to see but also makes you think about the miracles nature has created.

The city itself is both a modern and a well-preserved one- while walking through the clean streets and enjoying the freshness surrounding you, you will see not only the tall glass-made buildings, but the architectural Norweian heritage from the times of the vikings and the ancient inhabitants of the Peninsula.

However, these are not the only reasons why Oslo is one of the best destinations is Europe -the atmosphere, the hospitality, the interesting places and the smiley faces all around you make this city an amazing place to be in a country where the nature and the people live in a complete harmony.

Many people turn to activities such as snowboarding, skiing, bungee jumping and rock climbing to get their thrills. Although these types of activities do create an adrenaline rush, there are some even more extreme activities that can have any person’s heart beating and blood pumping than hanging out at val thorens accommodation every year. Beware though, these can also be dangerous.

Bull Running

This is a type of holiday that is a favorite for any type of adrenaline junkie. It does take a great deal of courage to do though. One particular 9 day fiesta which is held each year is the festival of San Fermin which is located in Spain. Bulls are let loose in the street to run wild for about a half a mile stretch. Civilians then dress themselves up in white with red handkerchiefs tied around their necks and then proceed to jump out in front of the bulls.

Wingsuit flying

This activity is for experienced skydivers. This is because you are jumping either out of a plane or from a BASE jumping location with a wingsuit (a special type of jumpsuit) on. Then the “flyer”flies through the air like a bird gliding along. Once they have glided for as long as possible, they open their parachutes for a safe landing. It is recommended that you have many skydiving jumps under your belt before attempting this activity.

Kitesurfing

This is a form of surfing across water at high speeds. Used is a type of kite and small surfboard. Once experienced at this sport, a person can tackle many tricks and stunts. Winds can get strong and waves can get big so it can become a dangerous sport.

These are just a few of many adrenaline activities that are out there for the thrill seeker to enjoy. It is advised that you take caution when you perform any of these types of sports as they can become a bit dangerous.

What better to way to spend an action-packed holiday that in the European Alps, a stunning mountain range that offers all kind of challenges from bungee-jumping, to skiing, to white water rafting.

Skiing in the Alps

The skiing season in the Alps lasts for several months a year, typically beginning in the autumn and lasting until late spring. Conditions are usually excellent and due to the high elevation of the Alps snow cover persists for much of the year. The weather is often clear and sunny on the higher slopes, usually with superb visibility. All skiers - from beginners to professionals, can choose from a wide range of ski resorts in France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Slovenia, all of which can easily be reached from the local airports and transport routes.

Hiking in the Alps

Spectacular panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and green valleys conjure up an impression of true paradise. Hikers are never disappointed by the dramatic scenery in the Alps, only by the fact that will never find enough time to explore this mountain range on just one single trip! Hiking around the French Alps on the mountain valleys surrounding the resort of Chamonix provide some of the finest views in Europe. Advanced hikers can trek up to Lac Blanc (White Lake) to witness Mont Blanc and Aiguille du Midi reflected in the beautiful lake, a trip that will take several hours each way from the base at Le Lavancher or Montroc-le-Planet. Other visitors can take the easy way out and ride the cable car all the way to the top of Mont Blanc, which is the highest mountain in Western Europe at 4,810 metres, straddling the Franco-Italian border.

Visit the breathtaking temple of Angkor Wat in Phnom Penh and admire the stunning architecture in a truly memorable experience, or bask in the sunshine in one of the romantic bays that line the west coast. Sihanoukville, Cambodia’s main beach resort, is blessed with lush white sands lapped by the warm, gentle water of the Gulf of Thailand.

For adventure, why not do as the locals do and join the river traffic on a spectacular boat trip down the Mekong River and sleep in the jungle under the stars. Or hire a bike and admire the stunning scenery providing by the rolling terrain.

Sweeping boulevards influenced by the French blend with oriental style buildings, occupied by sumptuous restaurants serving delicious cuisine. Local cooking is influenced by a combination of Thai, Chinese and French, though recipes from all around the world are commonplace. Accommodation ranges from standard to luxurious though the level of service is excellent whatever your budget range. The best times to travel are in the high season between December and April when the weather is not so hot and humid. Like other Southeast Asian countries Cambodia is hot and humid from April to October and due to the tropical climate has bouts of heavy rainfall. Cambodia has everything you need for an unforgettable experience.

For those of us that love to travel, there are a select group of people that try to make our lives that much harder and try to ruin a trip before it has even begun and those people are the border services officers. I know they have a job to do and I know they are trying to find out if you have any illegal activities planned or if you are planning to illegally immigrate. However, sometimes they are just highly unreasonable.

A friend of mine recently came to England from Canada and was questioned (with his conversation recorded) by an English border officer for around 30 minutes. Questions ranging from his plans to his finances to my plans and my finances were asked, apparently we ran into problems because part of our trip was to go italy skiing, but he didn’t have the documentation on him to show his train tickets. He was given a load of paperwork to go with his lengthy interview. I thought this was entirely pointless and unreasonable and it seemed as if this particular border officer had just gotten up on the wrong side of the bed on that day.

Beyond just the border officers, it is the modern day rules on immigration that stop people, who are just looking to travel, from doing just that because these countries are so suspicious that you are going to do something wrong. For example, I recently spent nine months in Canada and I would love to go back as soon as I have made some money to do so, but I know I will run into issues on the other side because I recently spent so much time there.

Who am I hurting by travelling the world? No-one, but that doesn’t seem to matter here. It is as if the border officers and the immigration rules assume that everyone is a terrorist or everyone is trying to illegally immigrate. I find the process a little ridiculous and the customs and immigration people all over the world could definitely do with lightening up.

There are few places left on earth that are as beautiful and pristine as Alaska. Civilization has taken its toll, of course, and yet, the land is still remarkably untouched. It was always my dream to visit Alaska and when the opportunity presented itself, I was ready.

I went there in the month of August because I figured that I would not be able to endure the extreme cold of the winter season. My flight was from Houston, Texas. It took a little more than five hours to reach Anchorage, the commercial capital of Alaska. I was filled with a delicious sense of anticipation, at once.

The weather was cold, but invigoratingly so. A light rain was falling but it made everything look fresh and lush. The drive from the airport to the hotel gave me the chance to form a general impression of the city. I liked it and although I was in the heart of society, I felt close to nature. There were many lakes around and trees. And, I could glimpse the surrounding snow-peaked mountains. It was a great feeling!

I did not want to rest because the moment I had stepped into the city, I had discarded all my tiredness. I did not want to waste even a minute of my stay here. I wanted to walk around the place, with the camera in my hand, and take everything in. I wanted to inhale the sharp air till my lungs would burst with pleasure. I wanted to sample the food and drinks.

Anchorage is an awesome city. There are parks, zoos, shopping malls, theatres, scenic destinations, ski resorts, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and restaurants to suit every budget; something for everybody. I did not stay there long because I had plans to visit other parts.

I went to Whittier, Seward, Fairbanks, Valdez, and Juneau, among other places in Alaska. I went for cruises and treks. I even hitched a ride on a sled that was pulled by several magnificent Huskies. There is just so much to see and admire in Alaska and one article is not enough to write all I experienced there. But, it was, undoubtedly, the most memorable time, I had.

Siem Reap in Cambodia is well and truly on the mass tourist trail. Getting that perfect travel photo of the major temples such as Angkor Wat or the Bayon often involves sharing your frame of the majestic half smile sculpture of King Jayvarman VII with the hoards of tourists who arrive en-masse on their air conditioned coaches. Trust me, these are photos that will end up on the shelves, not your storage unit on the other side of time. Tourists pile out at each unique temple, take a carbon copy picture for their scrap books and then pile back on to the bus to plod happily along to the next temple stop to repeat the same action. They often don’t take the time to wander in the darkened corridors of the temple, see the lichened covered Bas Relief’s, and appreciate the amazing craftsmanship that went into each individual temple.

It is no secret why so many are attracted to the charms of Siem Reap, the temples are extraordinary, the people are friendly and the history is terribly tumultuous and provoking. It has so much to offer the seasoned traveller who is willing to scratch below the surface and take the time to really see Siem Reap. But what are the experiences that add value to your trip, what are the experiences that remain vividly in your memory and make your trips meaningful? In the next few paragraphs are a few ideas that may make your stop in Siem Reap more than ’just temples’.

Get to know the locals, once you leave the main tourist trail, the people of Cambodia are very different. They are a far cry from the pushy postcard sales children and their parents at the stalls. They are a beautiful nation, with a rich culture that has had the very seams of its fabric torn apart by war and regime. I stopped off at Wat Athvea, a Pagoda on the way out to Tonle Sap Lake. The Pagoda is lovely, with very few visitors. However what made it worthwhile was the time I spent with the young Monks who live and study at the temple next to the Pagoda. They spent considerable time telling me about their temple, the paintings and art works and the religion. They were very happy to talk to a foreigner to practice their English. In return they asked for a small donation to go towards their temple. A small price to pay for a personal class on Cambodian culture!

Another great idea is a visit to the ACODO Orphanage, also on the road out to Tonle Sap Lake. You can visit the orphanage to meet the children, attend their nightly show or volunteer to teach English (or all three). The Orphanage relies solely on donations of visitors, and proceeds from a show that they run every evening for tourists which showcases Cambodian dancing music and singing. The children play musical instruments, sing and dance to traditional Cambodian Songs. The experience at the Orphanage is a humbling, and heart warming experience. It offers a visitor a unique opportunity to see performing Cambodian Arts, while helping children in need.

Another final idea is a visit to the Cambodian Land Mine Museum which is just outside of the town. It is run by Aki Ra, a child soldier turned self-taught de-miner. Aki Ra was recruited into the Khmer Rouge as a young boy, later, he realised the danger and destruction the mines caused, and subsequently began a lifelong quest to remove mines from Cambodia. Originally he was self taught but later received official training from the United Nations. All proceeds from entry into the museum go towards further de-mining activities in greater Cambodia. Aki and his wife also have up to 20 orphans living with them on their property. Aki provides the children with an education and opportunity.

Siem Reap is a thriving town that has more to offer than temples, why not take time to visit some of the other worthy gems hidden in the surrounding area. It is an opportunity to meet the locals, learn about the culture and modern society, and finally an opportunity to give to the people who need help the most.

Some of the fondest memories I have from my childhood are the camping trips my father would take me and my brother on to Scotland or North Western England. I loved camping because I love nature. Getting back to nature is a stress relieving and relaxing way to live for a few days. I am one of those campers who prefers to be in a tent. It feels more like true camping than being in a caravan, although on wet, windy nights (something we get a lot of in the North of England) I can understand a caravan’s use.

Building your own fire is one of life’s many pleasures and is a truly rewarding task. Bringing some of your own food is a good idea, but then, so is going fishing and catching your dinner at the nearest lake. Trekking through the woods on trails is another great activity to do when camping and, if you bring a camera (which you should), you could get some amazing shots of the wildlife and nature itself.

In England, and Scotland, I have camped a few times and it has been a different experience every time, which is another of the great things about camping. However, since my arrival in Canada, I have not been camping. The Canadian outdoors have got to be regarded as some of the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes in the world. I really want to get out there and spend a week or so camping. There are so many great places to do it as well. However, because of the snowfall, I am having to wait, very patiently, before I can get out there.

With so many great locations to choose from; Jasper Nation Park, Banff, seemingly anywhere in British Columbia and near the lakes in Ontario, one of the most difficult things is going to be choosing where to camp. However, I’m sure wherever I pick, I am going to have another fantastic camping experience.
I think I have a solution for what we should do for Elayne’s engagement party. Who would be up for a bombshell trip and putting up a bit of income on some chalets in Canada?