Why you should consider an active adventure for your next holiday

When you dream about your next holiday do you think about deck chairs and cocktails whilst cruising the oceans? Now while that does sound appealing, I want you to consider another type of holiday, one where you explore and immerse yourself in an adventure that is unique and rewarding. 

While most tour companies will ensure you see the main sites at your destination, the best way to immerse yourself in the local community and culture is by exploring on foot or even cycling.  Tour buses are great for moving large groups of people but you will often miss some of the real treasures of your destination, including meeting the locals. 

Walking and cycling tours are gaining popularity around the world and you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to enjoy the experience.  You just need to ensure that you have an adequate level of fitness that is suitable for the challenge you choose. In Australia we have an abundance of unique places to explore in every state and territory, so let your imagination wander as you consider the options for combining adventures on your next holiday. A few local suggestions include the Overland Track in Tasmania, The Larapinta Trail in NT, The Great Ocean Road Walk in Victoria and the Cape to Cape walk in Western Australia.

If you are ready to dust off your passport you may want to look at the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre in Italy, the Camino de Santiago in Spain or the Lake District in England.  All of which will leave you breathless with their beauty, not to mention raising your heart rate.  

Part of the fun in choosing an adventure holiday is in the preparation.  It’s a great idea to get some extra training in before you go so it actually extends the whole process and creates anticipation and excitement.  You might also consider some specific clothing and footwear for your trip because the most important thing is being comfortable.  The right clothing makes all the difference, ensuring that you are warm enough in cooler climates and cool in warm climates.  When you are active you need to have layers that you can add or remove depending on how hard you are working or with changing temperatures.

When it comes to your physical preparation it’s important to make sure you sign up for the right adventure to suit your body.  Most tours will have varying degrees of challenge in their adventures so you just need to do your homework and make sure that the trip is right for you.  You may also need to include a few rest days along the way.

Holidays are a very personal thing, and how you choose to spend your holiday time and dollars is important.  The last few years have squashed the travel bug in most of us but we now have the chance to reignite our holiday dreams and have some fun.  The question is, will you go back to doing what you have always done or are you prepared to challenge yourself a little and try something new.  Trust me, the rewards for stepping outside your comfort zone are vast, and I’m pretty sure you will see things from a whole new perspective.