Cheaper travel has certainly made us more adventourous and trips to the USA and Far East involving two or three cities or destinations have grown in popularity.

But if you are looking for something completely different how about sampling one of the many adventure holidays in Lapland?

There are many and varied holidays  available in Lapland, attracting more and more clients who are looking for something a bit more challenging than fighting for a sunbed around the hotel swimming pool.

Christmas in Lapland maybe nothing new, certainly a better experience than the dreadful UK locations that have sprung up recently, but there is so much more for families or adults only to choose from in this unspoilt area of Europe.

Winter adventure holidays can involve exciting sporting activities such as snowmobiling or snowshoeing or you can take part in the excellent husky safaris.

For something slightly less taxing there are plenty of opportunities to experience the fantastic Northern Lights in this area and also the chance to stay in a log cabin in the wilderness.

You may even fancy the idea of getting married in Lapland, it appears there is no end to the options available.

Going into the event, four riders – Nate Adams (USA), Robbie Maddison (AUS), Eigo Sato (JPN) and Mat Rebeaud (SUI) – were in with a chance of taking the overall title at the end of the night. Local hero, Chris Birch kick-started London’s first ever event by getting the 18,000-strong crowd on their feet. However, in the end, Birch was no match for Nate ‘The Destroyer’ Adams, who not only took the top spot at the London event but also rode away with the coveted 2009 title after defeating 17-year-old Levi Sherwood from New Zealand.

A fall on the course in front of the city’s legendary power station chimneys forced defending champion Mat Rebeaud (SUI) to abandon any chance of defending his crown. Swiss ruler and 2008 champion Rebeaud was lucky to get away with bruises, a few stitches and a flat tyre after over-rotating a trick in his Quarter-Final run.

Final result London, 22 August 2009:

1. Nate Adams (USA)
2. Levi Sherwood (NZL)
3. Dany Torres (ESP)
4. Robbie Maddison (AUS)
5. Jeremy Stenberg (USA)
6. Mat Rebeaud (SUI)
7. Eigo Sato (JPN)
8. Mike Mason (USA)
9. André Villa (NOR)
10. Thomas Pagés (FRA)
11. Adam Jones (USA)
12. Chris Birch (GBR)

Overall standings – Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour 2009:

1. Nate Adams (USA)
2. Robbie Maddison (AUS)
3. Eigo Sato (JPN)
4. Mat Rebeaud (SUI)
5. Dany Torres (ESP)
6. Levi Sherwood (NZL)
7. Jeremy Stenberg (USA)
8. Cameron Sinclair (AUS)
9. Thomas Pagès (FRA)
10. André Villa (NOR)

Red Bull X-Fighters is a high-energy spectacle in which riders combine power, skill, showmanship and bravery to thrill the crowds. The World Tour now has a huge international following since it began in 2001 with jumps and tricks getting harder, higher and longer every year – often reaching heights of 40 feet.

Watch the video clip below and witness the action from this years tour. Check out Robbie Maddison’s incredible Tower Bridge jump and behind the scenes footage as the Battersea track is created.

Extreme sports are now big business but beyond the reach of many of us, but it is still possible to get that adrenelin rush through ski holidays, which often incorporate the thrills of snowboarding.

A 17,000 strong crowd will be thrilled by the riders as they perform gravity defying tricks to battle it out for the World title in front of the famous white chimneys of the Battersea landmark.

The Red Bull X-Fighters tour has gained a huge international following since it’s inception in 2001, with the riders providing a high power spectacle combining power, skill, bravery and showmanship to excite the growing number of fans. Each year the tricks and jumps have become harder, higher and longer- reaching heights of 40 feet.

In 2008, 170,000 spectators saw the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour climb to new heights with spectacular contests in the bull fighting arenas of Mexico City and Madrid, the stone quarry of Wuppertal in Germany, the Sambadrome parade ground in Rio de Janeiro, a rodeo arena in Texas and a gigantic historic stadium in Warsaw – which was brought back to life for a day before it was then taken down by the wrecking ball.

The series arrives for it’s debut in London, having already held events in Mexico City, Calgary (Canada) Fort Worth Texas (USA) and Madrid (Spain).

Tickets and further information for the event can be found on the Red Bull X-Fighters website.

There is now an innovative X-Fighters YouTube Battle available that lets you Experience the thrills and spills of the ultimate adrenalin-fuelled freestyle motocross competition. Choose your rider and let battle commence! Along the way you’ll have to pick your best tricks to stay in the battle – one false move and you’ll be eating dirt and out of the competition. Choose wisely and you’ll be declared Red Bull X-Fighters champion! Check it out below;

Lawrence Dallaglio - the Drambuie Pursuit Challenge

Lawrence Dallaglio is ready for the Drambuie Pursuit Challenge – are you?

Former England rugby captain, Lawrence Dallaglio has signed up for the annual Drambuie Pursuit, a high octane extreme sport adventure race across the Scottish Highlands which takes place between 8-10th May.

To encourage consumers to sign up for this unique event the former England International rugby hero has created a film, challenging people to either apply for a place on his team or enter their own team of four.

Lawrence Dallaglio states, “You’re either with me or against me”.

In addition to Lawrence Dallaglio leading a team, his old friend and former Scottish International player Kenny Logan, husband of sports presenter Gabby Logan, is also heading a team.

This is the first year that such well known sports personalities are taking part in the Drambuie Pursuit.

The first Drambuie Pursuit took place in 2006 and has since gained a cult following.  It is run every year in a spirit of adventure and rebellion against the ordinary and the everyday.

The Drambuie Pursuit Challenge sees participants push themselves to the limit across a series of tough activities, recreating – with a modern twist – the epic journey undertaken by Bonnie Prince Charlie, Drambuie’s young hero over 250 years ago

To take part in the 2009 Drambuie Pursuit, consumers can either apply for a team of four of their own (applicant plus three mates), or apply for themselves and a mate to join Dallaglio’s team.

Each team that applies has to create a short audition video of up to 60 seconds.  They then need to encourage their friends and supporters to vote for their audition film on the Pursuit website – www.drambuiepursuit.com.

The entry closing date is 31st March 2009.

Ten teams will then be selected to take part in the Drambuie Pursuit weekend, 8-10th May.