New Year’s resolution trips: Healthy holidays in 2013
Make 2013 a year to remember by taking on a bucket-list trekking or cycling challenge - and raise money for charity at the same time if you wish.
Stick to your New Year’s resolution and do wonders for your fitness and self-esteem levels by embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition offered by Discover Adventure, the leading specialist in trekking and cycling challenges worldwide for charitable fundraising.
Choose from a range of classic challenges, such as cycling from London to Paris, hiking to Everest Base Camp or up Mount Kilimanjaro and genuinely unique trips, such as cycling The Great Wall of China or across Rajasthan to the Taj Mahal plus one-day marathon walks across popular European cities.
Led by highly-experienced leaders, the adventures have been designed to challenge participants but are nevertheless appropriate for beginners who are prepared to train, with Discover Adventure offering thorough support, training plans and training days for all participants.
Participants can join in purely for their own enjoyment or, if they wish, choose to heighten their sense of achievement by raising money for a charity of their choice at the same time. Discover Adventure offers the very best deal possible for charities; at least 60% of fundraising targets go direct to the charity concerned.
Make – and don’t break – a New Year’s Resolution by signing up to one of the following sample Discover Adventure trips:
Five-day London to Paris cycle trip – from £789 pp
One of Discover Adventure’s most popular cycling trips, interest in this epic European route is set to rise even further next year with the Tour de France marking its 100th edition (17-21 July 2013). Cycle between the two cities - crossing Kent’s verdant countryside, the English Channel and the quaint villages of Northern France – and finish in style at the iconic Eiffel Tower. The trip includes four nights' accommodation (2-3 star hotels), transport (ferry and Eurostar), most meals, Discover Adventure leaders, drivers and mechanics. Participants pay £640 pp or there’s a fundraising target of £1,600 pp if raising money for charity (£149 registration fee applies in either case). Departing 15 May, 12 June, 31 July and 4 September 2013.
Ten-day Sahara Desert trek – from £1,199 pp
Revel in the freedom of the Sahara Desert, from the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains of Morocco in the west, to the Red Sea 4800km to the east. Trek across the diverse landscape – ranging from stony flat expanses to perfect windblown sand dunes - broken only by the occasional oasis. The trip includes nine nights’ accommodation (camping, with hotel stay on the first and last night), flights (London), camels to carry supplies, camping equipment (except sleeping bag and sleeping mat), most meals, entry to sites on the itinerary and Discover Adventure leaders. Participants pay £900 pp or there’s a fundraising target of £2,250 pp if raising money for charity (£299 registration fee applies in either case). Departing 1 March and 25 October 2013.
Ten-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu – from £1,899 pp
Set off on this memorable journey along towering mountain trails, through deep forest and cascading valleys to reach the Lost City of the Incas – stopping to explore Inca temples along the way. There’s plenty of time built in to acclimatise to the altitude before the trek - exploring ancient Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, and the surrounding Sacred Valley. The trip includes eight nights’ accommodation (camping, with hotel stay on the first and last night), flights (London), most meals, Inca Trail trekking permit, Machu Picchu entry and Discover Adventure leaders. Participants pay £1,450 pp or there’s a fundraising target of £3,625 pp if raising money for charity (£449 registration fee applies in either case). Departing 27 April and 2 November 2013.
19-day Everest Base Camp trek – from £1,949 pp
Are you looking to really challenge yourself on a life-changing expedition? This trip is your answer. Pass the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar through jaw-dropping valleys, dense forests and glacial rivers, before reaching the famous viewpoint of Kalapatar, beneath the highest mountain on the planet, Everest. There’s also time to explore Nepal’s colourful capital, Kathmandu. The trip includes 18 nights’ accommodation (camping, with hotel accommodation before and after the trip), flights (London), transfers, most meals, entry to sites on the itinerary and Discover Adventure leaders. Participants pay £1,500 pp or there’s a fundraising target of £3,750 pp if raising money for charity (£449 registration fee applies in either case). Departing 23 March, 12 October and 9 November 2013.
Ten-day Kilimanjaro trek – from £2,079 pp
Tackle the tallest mountain on the African continent, trekking the less-trodden Machame route to fully appreciate the awe-inspiring surroundings and clear night skies. Pass through thick forest and moorland to reach the highest point, Uhuru Peak. The trip includes eight nights’ accommodation (six nights’ camping and two nights’ hotel stay), flights (London), transfers, most meals, entry to sites on the itinerary, Discover Adventure leaders and local support crew of guides, cooks and drivers. Participants pay £1,580 pp or there’s a fundraising target of £3,950 pp if raising money for charity (£499 registration fee applies in either case). Departing 22 February, 16 August, 27 September and 25 October 2013.
European city marathon walk weekends – NEW for 2013 and from £399 pp
Embark on one of four new trekking trips that take in some of Europe’s most exciting capital cities, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Paris and Edinburgh. The 26-mile, one-day walks are a truly unique way to explore each city, carefully designed to take in ‘must see’ and lesser-known sights in a short amount of time. Walkers are given a map of the tour to follow at their own place, with Discover Adventure leaders and vans roaming the route throughout to offer support. The treks take place on one day of a weekend trip, giving participants the chance to relax in the city too. All trips include two nights’ B&B, lunch, water and snacks during the trek, with the Amsterdam and Paris trips including return Eurostar travel too. Payment options are either £300 pp (£200 pp for Edinburgh) or a fundraising target of £750 pp (£500 pp for Edinburgh) if raising money for charity (£99 registration fee applies in either case). Departing 26 April (Barcelona), 7 June (Edinburgh), 12 July (Paris) and 30 August (Amsterdam) in 2013.
For further information about Discover Adventure, visit discoveradventure.com.