5 adventure holidays for beginners

It doesn’t have to be extreme to be an adventure. If you’re looking for an adventurous getaway that’s suitable for beginners, our guide will give you the inspiration and information you need.  

Of course, whether you’re embarking on your first active holiday or you’re a seasoned thrill-seeker, travel insurance is a must. Secure peace of mind by enrolling in Cathay Rewards Annual Travel Cover, and you’ll even earn up to  3,000.  

Here are five places you can enjoy an accessible adventure holiday, and the best times to go.

Snow trekking at Cypress Mountain, Canada

When to go: late November to April (dependent on mountain conditions)

Listen to the snow crunch underfoot as you wind through an enchanted forest at Cypress Mountain , a ski resort on the outskirts of West Vancouver. Clad in a pair of snowshoes and bundled up against the chill of the night air, you’ll follow a clearly marked one-kilometre trail past ancient trees, illuminated by colourful spotlights, until you reach Hollyburn Lodge. The prospect of sitting down to a steaming hot chocolate upon your arrival will no doubt keep you motivated throughout your journey. 

Snow tubing at Tignes, France

When to go: December to end of April (dependent on mountain conditions)

Skiing and snowboarding not your thing? At Tignes , a French Alpine resort less than a day’s drive from Paris, Zurich or Milan, you’ll find an array of other snow activities that are both fun and beginner-friendly. Experience the thrill of barrelling down a slope at up to 45km per hour while being nestled safely inside a well-cushioned snow tube. Snow tubing is suitable for children aged three and up, and tubes can fit up to six people.  

When you’re ready for something a bit more adventurous, try “human bowling”: recruit a few friends, step into a giant bubble ball and get rolling, attempting to knock over as many inflatable pins as you can.

Treetop climbing near the Gold Coast, Australia

When to go: spring or autumn

You’ll be amazed at your own bravery as you teeter on rope bridges and whizz along ziplines to complete the Tree Top Challenge at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, near Australia’s Gold Coast. Kitted out with a safety harness, gloves and helmet, you’ll make your way along a rope course that weaves through lush rainforest, with some sections as high as 25 metres above the ground. You might even pass over animal enclosures, enjoying incredible bird’s-eye views. Worry not, though: you can select your course difficulty before you set off, and your safety harness will do its job should you ever lose your footing. 

Snorkel with turtles on Liuqiu, Taiwan China 

When to go: late spring or early autumn (shoulder season)

Less than a two-hour drive or ferry ride from Kaohsiung, the tiny island of Liuqiu boasts calm, clear waters that are not only ideal for first-time snorkelers but are teeming with sea turtles. Vase Rock Beach and Beauty Beach are both popular places to rent a snorkel and dip beneath the water’s surface in search of an amazing animal encounter. Prefer to stay above the waves? Secret Beach is a peaceful spot for standup paddleboarding.

The fun doesn’t stop at the water’s edge, either. Scooters are one of the best ways to explore Liuqiu, and electric ones don’t require a license. You’ll find many vendors around Liuqiu ferry terminal, and you’ll be zooming along the island’s rocky coastline in no time. 

Cross-country biking, UK

When to go: all year round

If you think of mountain biking as an adrenaline-fuelled sport, think again. UK-based Lost Earth Adventures offers private guided bike tours that can be tailored to your ability and comfort level, making them suitable for complete beginners and children as young as seven. Excursions run in the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and Peak District. Whichever location you choose to explore on two wheels, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views of rolling green hills and winding ridges characteristic of the English countryside.  

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2. The above information is for reference only. Please refer to the Policy Wording for the exact coverage, terms, conditions and exclusions. 

3. The above insurance plan is underwritten by Chubb Insurance Hong Kong Limited (“Chubb”). Cathay Pacific Airways is an insurance agency (License No.: FA3522) authorised by Chubb for the distribution of general insurance products in HKSAR. Chubb reserves the right of final approval.