Sometimes the best way to relax and recharge on holiday is to get active. We’re not saying there’s no place for a siesta or two – we’re a big fan of those – but activity holidays also give you the chance to play, to explore and to have fun. And nothing makes you feel young again like a holiday adventure!
Whether you fancy having a go at a new activity or devoting a week to your favourite sport, what better use of your hard-earned holiday time is there? So grab your partner, book a fun family holiday or treat yourself to a solo break - you’ll return home refreshed, energised and with some amazing stories to share.
It’s all about finding the right activity for you. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired.
Feel ocean breezes in your hair and sunshine on your face as you venture onto the waves for a sailing holiday. Hop between tiny Greek islands, watch dolphins playing in your wake and discover beautiful secluded bays to take a dip in. Every night, you’ll moor up in a different coastal town or village, where you can feast on seafood and watch the sunset from the deck of your boat. Sounds pretty heavenly right?
Sailing is the perfect option for an activity holiday that suits all ages, from teenagers to over 60s. There are loads of options for a sailing holiday, even if you have zero experience. It really is easier than you think! With Neilson, you can choose a stay and sail holiday where we’ll show the ropes during week one before you take over and skipper your own yacht as part of one of our Ionian flotillas during week two. Not ready to take the leap to full-on sailing holidays? You can simply take a few dinghy sailing lessons as part of your inclusive beachclub activities.
Escape the grey winter weather back home and head into the mountains for a snowy adventure. Skiing and snowboarding are both fantastic, family-friendly activities that will have you hooked in no time. Whether you’re cruising in fresh powder, having a go at some tricks and jumps in a freestyle park or just kicking back on a sun terrace to drink in those spectacular alpine vistas, an exhilarating ski or snowboard holiday is always packed with memories.
Away from the slopes, there are plenty more fun winter sports to try. Pile onto a toboggan with the kids (big or small), glide across frozen lakes on your ice skates or explore the scenery some more with a dog sled or horse-drawn sleigh ride. Then there’s cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, paragliding, snow tubing, snowmobiling – and so much more!
Brilliantly accessible and equally addictive, there’s no better way to explore during your holiday than on two wheels. And there’s a way for almost everybody to enjoy a cycling holiday, from families with young kids looking to enjoy a fun bike ride together to Lycra-clad roadies on a serious training mission. All you need is the right bike paired with the right trail and you’re good to go.
Neilson cycling holidays offer the chance to head off-road on a mountain bike or enjoy the speed of a road bike – or mix it up and enjoy both! Both are inclusive activities at all of our beachclubs, although if you’re a keen cyclist take a look at our top five cycling destinations where we’re introducing our new partnership with exciting high-spec bikes brand, Boardman Bikes.
When the sun is shining and the weather is warm, there’s nowhere we’d rather be than in the water. Or on it. Or at the very least next to it! And that’s where the wonderful world of watersports holidays comes in. There are so many different activities to choose from, you could find yourself trying something new every day.
Keep it simple and relaxed with a swim in the sea or pool, take in some stunning coastal scenery from a kayak or paddleboard, or up the adrenaline with an exhilarating wind-powered sport like kitesurfing or windsurfing. Still not enough speed? You might love water skiing or wakeboarding. Or how about discovering the colourful marine world beneath the waves on a scuba diving holiday?
If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on dry land, a land sports holiday could be right up your street. Again, there are endless tempting options to suit all ages and fitness levels.
Work on your serve and perfect your backhand with a fun tennis holiday. Hit the beach for some volleyball on the sands or a sunrise yoga session. Take the chance to give your strength and stamina a super boost with daily fitness classes from HIIT to Pilates. Or choose a beachclub destination with a great golf course nearby. The experience of playing golf in the sunshine with ocean views stretching out in front of you is a whole different ball game to a drizzly round back home.
Immerse yourself in natural beauty as you get in touch with your wild side this summer. There are loads of fun ways to enjoy a nature activity holiday from gentle hikes to hair-raising summit treks. You set the pace.
Kids will love spotting local wildlife or going on a mountain pony trek. Or how about spending your nights under canvas with a camping holiday? There’s something magical about evenings around the campfire, with a blanket of stars above you.
Or why not mix it up and create your own unique activity holiday? You could cycle one day and water ski the next. Hike in the mountains then spend the next day lazing by the pool. Soak up some local culture then get your adrenaline pumping with some rock climbing.
Whatever you want to do!
In recent years the popularity of taking a holiday that includes an active element such as cycling, hiking or watersports has been growing. Online searches for terms such as ‘activity holidays’ and ‘sport holidays’ are on the increase but what is behind this growth in popularity?
Whether you want to be full-on active or flat-out relaxed this is the holiday for you. Here are our top tips for designing your perfect holiday with just the right amount of activity or relaxation to suit you.
Use this handy guide to help you decide which watersport to try first.
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