For most holidaymakers, going away usually means relaxing and enjoying an all-inclusive trip. But after two years of being stuck at home, have you ever considered an activity-based holiday?
These action-packed trips involve people organising a trip specifically around activities – typically those that include plenty of exercise. They only made up around 4% of all holidays in 2018, according to ABTA, but Statista figures predict that the worldwide market will absolutely balloon in the next decade, going from $288 million to $2.8 billion between 2021 and 2030.
What kinds of activity holidays are leading the charge, then? Here are three of the most popular that we think you should try.
Water-based activities
From paddleboarding to yachting, there’s a plethora of options when it comes to enjoying a water-based holiday. These sorts of activities can be enjoyed as part of your trip – such as heading to a nearby water sports centre – or for the entirety of the holiday itself.
Jumping on a canal barge or yacht can be a fantastic whole-holiday experience, but it’s important that you book with a reputable company and have the right training. It’s also crucial to check that the provider has all the correct boat insurance needed for the trip, which could keep you protected while out on the water.
Cycling holidays
Love nothing better than coasting along on two wheels? Whether you commute by bike or go cycling on the weekends, devoting a week or two to your hobby could be right up your alley.
There are lots of options available in the UK and beyond for cycling holidays. Scotland, Yorkshire and the south coast are good choices if you don’t mind a bit of British wind and rain, while places like the Dolomites in Italy, Mallorca in Spain and the Algarve are brilliantly picturesque choices, with plenty of tour companies servicing cyclists.
Hiking holidays
If you’re looking to scale great heights and see your holiday destination from the highest point, hiking could be a perfect choice.
Naturally, this type of holiday is very much for people who have a good level of fitness. You’ll also need good, strong walking boots, outdoor clothes that dry quickly, and good map skills so that you don’t get lost while on the trail.
Seasoned hikers have lots of locations at their fingertips, though, including the Scottish Highlands, Norwegian fjords, Iceland and Spain’s Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. One tip from us, though: hire a spot to relax for a few days to relax and recuperate so that you don’t have to travel home with achy limbs!
Have you ever been on an activity holiday? Where would you recommend that readers visit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
