Thrills beat frills for Brits

Britons are swapping their traditional two weeks in the sun for thrillseeking holidays.

Bookings for adventure breaks in far-flung spots including the Arctic, Africa and South America are fast replacing the old European favourites, say travel experts.

Encounters with polar bears or killer whales are no longer the preserve of hardy explorers, it seems.

With record numbers opting for an adventure holiday, the top 10 destinations with a difference include kayaking in Canadian grizzly bear territory, gorilla safaris in Uganda and snorkelling with orcas in Norway.

Since 2001, adventure holiday bookings have risen by five per cent year on year, and it is predicted that more than 150,000 Britons will take the daredevil option in 2004.

The figures have been compiled by organisers of the annual Adventure Travel and Sports Show, which opens at Kensington Olympia this weekend.

The exhibition attracted 28,000 visitors last year and director Martin Anslow said: "Modern travellers are on the lookout for more exciting holidays, and every year new adventures are discovered.

"There is something for all tastes now, from trekking in exotic climes to coming face to face with a polar bear.

"More specialist travel companies are coming into the market and the cost doesn't have to be outlandish - the average is £700 or £800 for a week. It's not just for Lone Ranger types. There are a lot of family packages."