Brits visiting 'new' destinations for adventure trips

Eastern European destinations are likely to become more popular for travellers seeking a gap year adventure, it has been claimed.

Nadine Hallak, travel expert at Cheapflights.co.uk, said countries from the former Soviet bloc have a broad appeal for those seeking outdoor adventure off the beaten track.

She noted that Romania, Macedonia and Montenegro are all up and coming destinations for British travellers.

While traditionally they have received relatively few visitors from the UK, they are increasingly being seen as "a great choice" for adventure trips, Ms Hallak suggested.

For those seeking an activities-based trip further afield, Vietnam is also likely to be on the radar, she noted.

Ms Hallak explained that new flights to the south-east Asian state have made the country more accessible to western visitors.

As such, the destination is likely to become even more popular, she noted.

"[Vietnam] is a great choice for travellers looking for an adventure break, with plenty of activities on offer including biking and kayaking tours in the north," Ms Hallak added.

Meanwhile, Rosie Fuller, editor of Adventure Travel magazine, said interest is rising in outdoor trips to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and the Wakhan Corridor in Afghanistan.

She also agreed with Ms Hallk's prediction that southern Europe will prove popular with UK thrill seekers in 2012.

See the different gap year destinations on offer.