Take it to the extreme: The best sporting holidays
Lying on the beach is one thing, but to really get a feel for a place, try experiencing it in thrilling new ways
By land
Kilimanjaro has to be on the bucket list of any serious climber, but even those with experience need to ensure they're in safe hands should anything go awry. Abercrombie & Kent is the only international tour operator with its own climbing operation in the region, meaning you can enjoy the trek knowing there are oxygen bottles, altitude chambers and other essential equipment in easy reach the entire way. Its knowledgeable guides are also trained in mountain craft and ecological awareness to help you make the most of the experience.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The ten-day Kilimanjaro Machame Route holiday is available from £4,979 per person; abercrombiekent.co.uk
Underground
The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is steeped in history; home to the world-famous Mayan ruins Chichen Itza. Throughout the area runs an incredible network of underground rivers and lagoons accessed via limestone sinkholes, also known as cenotes, which provide the ideal place to partake in a variety of water sports such as swimming, snorkelling and diving in the most stunning surroundings.
The 14-day Mexico – Highlights of the Yucatan Peninsula is available from £3,995 per person; steppestravel.co.uk
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
By water
A quick dip off the shores of the Maldives is one thing, snorkelling in sub-zero temperatures in the Antarctic quite another. But the pay-off for any temporary discomfort is immense as soon as you head underwater and find yourself in an incredible maze of breathtaking icebergs littered with unique marine life including crustaceans, isopods and starfish. Adventure experts Aurora Expeditions offer the experience as part of various holiday packages exploring the icy wonderland by cruise, kayak, climbing and more.
The 12-day Spirit of Antarctica trip is available from US$8,500 (£6700) per person; auroraexpeditions.com.au
By sky
Few places are so remote that paragliding is one of the ways to gain access, but the Six Senses Zighy Bay Resort in Oman is exactly that. Take an adrenaline-inducing airborne journey from the top of Zighy Mountain and experience majestic views of the bay from 960 feet above ground. While you're there, take advantage of other sporty adventures such as 4x4 excursions, mountain biking and scuba diving or kick back and make the most of the resort's luxurious facilities.
Six Senses Zighy Bay 7-day holiday from £4,795 per person; steppestravel.co.uk
-
Will SpaceX, OpenAI and Anthropic make 2026 the year of mega tech listings?In Depth SpaceX float may come as soon as this year, and would be the largest IPO in history
-
Reforming the House of LordsThe Explainer Keir Starmer’s government regards reform of the House of Lords as ‘long overdue and essential’
-
Sudoku: February 2026Puzzles The daily medium sudoku puzzle from The Week
-
7 hotels known for impeccable serviceThe Week Recommends Your wish is their command
-
11 hotels opening in 2026 that will move you to reconnect with natureThe Week Recommends Find peace on the beaches of Mexico and on a remote Estonian island
-
8 incredible destinations to visit in 2026The Week Recommends Now is the time to explore Botswana, Mongolia and Sardinia
-
6 optimal digital nomad destinations: Pack your laptop, your visa and a sense of adventureThe Week Recommends See the world — but do it in a conscientious manner
-
Love chocolate? Travel to these destinations to get your sweet fixThe Week Recommends Treat yourself with chocolate experiences, both internal and external
-
See the bright lights from these 7 big-city hotelsThe Week Recommends Immerse yourself in culture, history and nightlife
-
7 nightlife destinations that are positively electricThe Week Recommends Accra, Seoul, Berlin: These are a few of the cities that come alive after dark
-
Sleep like you are in a gallery at these art-filled hotelsThe Week Recommends Prepare to be inspired