Who wants to relax on holiday?

“A VACATION IS having nothing to do and all day to do it in,” said Robert Orben, an American comedy writer. Summer holidays have long involved reclining on a far-flung beach. But more tourists are forgoing sun loungers in search of adrenalin-packed pursuits, such as canyoning (scrambling down gorges) and abseiling (descending rock faces). “Darecations” are a top tourism trend of 2026, according to Pinterest, a social-media firm. Around 14% of international travellers are keen on such pursuits, suggests the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), a trade group.

Adventure travel involves “wanting to get out of your comfort zone”, explains Heather Kelly of ATTA. Sometimes that means trying an extreme activity: SportsCover Direct, an insurance provider, claims that the number of people buying travel insurance for sporting activities nearly tripled between 2023 and 2025. The fastest-growing endeavours include mountaineering, rafting, hiking and running events such as marathons.

Other times darecations come with added comforts. “Soft adventures”, as industry folk call them, are on the rise. Such holidays can involve less strenuous activities—calm kayaking rather than white-water rafting—and luxury accommodation. On Airbnb bookings for nature and outdoor experiences, which include surfing and cycling tours, are outpacing all other activities.

There is “a shift away from fly-and-flop holidays”, notes Lisa Marçais of Airbnb, and towards “immersive and memorable travel experiences”. As the wealthy amass even greater riches, they have more to splurge on tailored trips. Darecationers say they want to get off the beaten track; many see adventure travel as a status symbol. Rare events, such as seeing a volcano erupt at sunrise, make great stories to tell friends.

Or better yet, show off on social media. Darecations offer the sort of enviable views instantly loved on Instagram. “The best things”, many captions attest, are found not on the beach but “on the other side of fear”. Holidays spent simply lounging about have never been such a flop. ■