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Considering an Active Vacation?
August 23rd, 2010

As I have mentioned in previous posts, active travel today covers a much broader spectrum than it did even 10 years ago. These days, it can include everything from the traditional hard adventure trips of intense hiking or whitewater rafting to “bike and wine” tours or country walking vacations. Most companies featuring active travel also offer a variety of levels and even family vacation options, so that the majority of people can participate.

Still, it’s important to choose the active vacation that is right for you and your traveling companions. Here are a few basic things to consider as you start your search:

• What type of activity do you actually want to participate in for 5, 7, 10, 14 days? This first step might seem too obvious, but what you enjoy doing for 30 minutes on a Saturday morning might not be as desirable after five days and many miles, no matter how magnificent the scenery.

• What intensity level is best suited for you? Again, consider the length and time of which you’ll be participating in this.  Also consider the activity levels of your travel companions. You might have to find a middle ground that everyone can feel comfortable with.

• How long do you want your vacation to last, and what number of days during that time do you want to be “active”.  This goes hand in hand with the intensity level. Some trips revolve primarily around the chosen activity, while others involve days of sightseeing, food and wine tasting and other less strenuous options.

• Do you want a single activity trip or multiple activities? Multiple activities could mean less risk of burnout or overuse injury, but it also means additional training and potentially activity specific gear and clothing required.

• What type of trip do you want – private for your group, small group with others, large group tour?

• How much will the training and equipment cost. Some activities, such as walking or hiking, require very little equipment or “start up cost”. Get a few good pairs of workout clothes, some appropriate shoes and you’re pretty much set. Others, such as canoeing or biking, require a little more gear and expenses could add up.

• What time of year are you traveling?  Summer in your destination might not only be more crowded, but being active for hours out in the summer heat may take its toll on your body and possibly your health. Alternatively, your joints and muscles become stiffer in the colder weather, and you could risk pulls and strains from exercising without your body being sufficiently warm.

There are plenty of other questions and thoughts that can be explored. These will get you started on choosing the best active vacation for you. Once you have narrowed down the type of activity, intensity, group size and time of year, you can work on the details of picking the specific itinerary and training for your vacation.