Planning an active holiday requires careful preparation to get the most from your adventure while keeping yourself safe and comfortable. From hiking in the mountains, cycling through picturesque countryside, to water sports on a tropical coastline, here is everything you need to know to plan and prepare for an unforgettable, active holiday…
Choosing Your Active Holiday Adventure
Planning an activity holiday comes down to one critical decision: what type of adventure suits you. This is where one considers his or her level of fitness, experience, or even interests. Do you consider yourself an avid hiker who needs to challenge your body with more serious trails, or a novice who wouldn’t mind trying something new? Activity holidays that have gained popularity include hiking, cycling, skiing, water sports, rock climbing, and multi-sport adventures. Start researching destinations that offer your favoured activity, considering seasonal weather, difficulty rating, and amenities available.
Timing Your Active Holiday
Time of year can vastly affect your experience on an activity holiday. For this reason, it is important to research what the climate will be like and what the average weather conditions for your destination are at a particular time of year. For example, if you are going to go hiking in the Alps, summer months when trails are free from snow are ideal, while skiing obviously requires winter conditions. And also, whether you prefer to travel in peak season when the facilities are open, busy, and offering a full range of services, or in shoulder season when you are likely to find better bargains and smaller crowds but possibly reduced services.
Active Holiday Physical Preparation
Once you have chosen your activity and destination, start your physical preparation for the adventure in earnest.
Begin training at least three months before the trip, intelligently doing exercises that address the demands of the chosen activity. In a hiking holiday, include cardiovascular exercises and strength training for the legs. In the same way, cycling trips take time on a bike, building up your endurance. Whatever your chosen activity, gradually increase the intensity and duration of training to avoid injury and ensure you are well prepared for whatever challenges you will be facing.
Active Holiday Essential Gear
Essential gear and equipment is the secret to enjoyment and safety during an activity holiday. You’ll want to make a detailed packing list well in advance, but it will be varying from activity to activity. For hiking, this might mean proper boots, moisture-wicking clothing and trekking poles. For cycling, find out first of all if you need to take your own bike or whether there are good local rentals at your destination. Also remember safety accessories, including helmets, first-aid kits, and protective gear for whatever activity one is engaged in. Spend your money where it counts: on good boots for hiking, a well-fitted wetsuit for watersports, or proper safety equipment for climbing.
Active Holiday Accommodation and Logistics
Research and book accommodation that fits with your plans for activities. Consider distance to activity sites and the facilities offered. Some activity holidays will mean different overnight stops, for example, mountain hiking from hut-to-hut or cycling from town to town. In such circumstances, you have to be particularly careful in planning your route and book hostels well in advance. Also check if equipment storage is available and laundry facilities, and whether other guests using the accommodations are for similar activities.
Local Knowledge and Guides for an Active Holiday
Decide whether your activity involves a guide or instructor. Even with experience, a local guide will have intimate knowledge of the area and greatly enhance the safety and enjoyment of your experience. Research all reputable guide services or adventure companies operating in the destination of interest. If self-guided, thoroughly research any local regulations; get permits if needed, and familiarise yourself with emergency procedures and phone numbers for the area.
Active Holiday Transportation and Logistics
Plan how you will get to your destination, and how you will get around once you are there. Different activities have different considerations: if you are taking your own bike, check what airlines say about travelling with sports equipment or choose to send it ahead of you to avoid any problems. If you will need to rent a car, ensure that it is big enough safely to transport any equipment you will be using. Route plan the journeys between, accommodation and activity venues. If necessary, research local transport options.
Active Holiday Insurance and Safety
Make sure you have the right kind of travel insurance that covers your activity. Many standard travel insurance policies don’t include cover for adventure sports, so you might need to seek special coverage. Do some research on the safety procedures regarding your activity and any specific risks you might face at your destination. Research local emergency services and medical facilities; carry key contact numbers and have them easily accessible.
Active Holiday Nutrition and Hydration
Prepare for your nutrition on your activity holiday, high-energy activities require proper fueling, so research any food availability on-site. If the location is very remote, you will probably need to carry energy bars or other high energy snacks with you.
Consider how you will hydrate during the activities – will you need to bring water along, or are there points where you can refill?. If you have special dietary needs, research options on food-related sites and plan accordingly.
Active Holiday Documentation and Paperwork
Ensure all necessary documents are in order well in advance of travel. These will include your passport and visas if required, insurance documents, and special permits required for certain activities. Make sure copies of all important documents are kept separate from the original documents themselves. If taking expensive equipment, then it is a good idea to document this in case of loss or theft, with photos and serial number details.
This is how you make sure that an adventure holiday is as rewarding as it is fun: by taking the time to plan and prepare for your activity holiday. Remember, greatness comes from challenging yourself but staying within your grasp of capabilities. Now, properly prepared, you are free to enjoy the activities you have chosen and make long-lasting memories in exciting new environments.
