FROM staying in an igloo, to trekking up a volcano, going on a cattle drive, to jungle camping, British tourists are becoming increasingly adventurous in their choice of holiday.

Once it was almost taken for granted that a summer holiday involved two weeks lying in the sun, but as we spend more of our working lives sitting behind desks, people are looking for exciting holidays that are more physically demanding.

And this can mean anything from a gentle walking tour in France, where your luggage is carried for you, to trekking along the Inca trail with llamas.

Sue Ockwell, of the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), says: ''Six or seven years ago there was only a very small interest in adventure holidays, but people are now looking to do something different from their day-to-day routine.

''Some decide to try something new on holiday, like painting or learning the Alexander technique, something to improve themselves. There is also a trend for active holidays, from walking to quite adventurous things like volcano climbing.''

And for those looking for an action packed break there is a wealth of possibilities.

In its brochure, AITO offers adventurous holidays ranging from paddling down the Amazon to herding cows on American cattle drives, from glacier walks to microlighting in Africa. There is a wide range of mountain biking and cycling holidays, as well as the more off-beat volcano climbing or the odd camel and llama treks.

One expanding company, Explore Worldwide, has a brochure full of adventurous holidays including camel-riding in Jordan and boating in the jungles of Venezuela.

Not only are we getting more adventurous about what we do on holiday, we are also choosing far flung destinations.

Sue Moscow, at Trailfinders, says: ''More people are going further afield, it's a combination of cheaper flights and people getting more adventurous.''

Places such as Cambodia, Laos and Burma in South East Asia, and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenia in Central Asia are beginning to make it on to the tourist map.

Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are favourite destinations among people whose children have grown up, and Cuba has seen a huge increase in visitors.

As far as adventurous destinations are concerned, Ms Ockwell agrees that South American countries such as Argentina are becoming increasingly popular. ''Argentina is so huge and it has all sorts of different climates that travelling around, it feels like you are exploring.''

Southern Africa also provides a sense of adventure. ''In places like Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, people are finding that you can have hugely different experiences," she adds.

And some people are even getting more adventurous where accommodation is concerned, forsaking the comfort of the hotel. Alternatives on offer range from staying in igloos, gypsy caves and fishermen's cabins to Borneo longhouses, converted maharajahs' palaces and even camping in the jungle. But however much we may be prepared to forsake our creature comforts in the quest for adventure, good food and wine still play an important role selecting where we go on holiday.

According to Ms Ockwell, France is still AITO's most popular destination, followed by Greece and less explored parts of Spain. Italy and Portugal also remain popular.

l AITO's brochure is available on request by calling 0208 607 9080.