For many, a holiday spent relaxing by a beach, or sightseeing in the history-drenched centre of a city in Europe, might not hold quite as much appeal as a more active kind of break. If you’d prefer adventure holidays, which incorporate one or more outdoor activities, and see you travel through some of the world’s more challenging environments, then you’ll have plenty of options available to you. For those seeking an escape from routine who’d like to enjoy a different kind of holiday experience, there might be options worth exploring.
I remember one of my favourite times away was when I was 12 and went on a trip to Ardèche in France. We spent a whole ten days in the great outdoors doing things like open river crossings, kayaking, abseiling and caving. It remains as one of my absolute core memories.
Assessing Your Adventure Appetite: Physical and Mental Readiness
Before embarking on this kind of break, you’ll need to assess just how much adversity you’re willing to soak up. You should pick an experience that’s appropriate to your level of physical fitness and skill, especially if you’re taking the kids along. If you’re exhausted for most of your trip, then you might not find it fulfilling – and let me tell you, something like skiing can be SO tiring!
By contrast, if you find it too easy, then you might miss out on the mental health benefits that come with living up to the challenges you face. You might evaluate your all-round fitness in the gym. If you’re going to try specific activities, like skiing or climbing, then you might give those activities a try at a local indoor facility before you get started.
Choosing Your Adventure: From Gentle Rambles to Extreme Expeditions
The kinds of activities you might pursue on an adventure holiday can be tremendously varied. You might go on a long hike through the Lake District, for example – or you might push yourself much further with an ascent to a Himalayan peak. I’ll leave that for you to decide. I’m quite happy to stick with things that are a little challenging, but completely achievable.
It’s worth taking the time to research your options, and pick out a kind of holiday that resonates with all of you. Think about how much activity you’ll be doing, and the intensity you’ll be sustaining.
The Practicalities: Budget, Gear, and Planning
The good news is that it’s possible to go on an adventure holiday without spending over the odds. However, it’s rarely worth putting yourself at risk by skimping on things like guides, instructors, and equipment.
Make sure that you’ve packed all of the gear you need, and that you have the paperwork you need to enter the country you’re considering. Leave yourself plenty of time to book accommodation, and to apply for your visa if you need one.
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, as one of my old teachers drummed into me at Sixth Form.
Safety First: Mitigating Risks and Embracing Responsible Travel
Just about every adventure holiday confers a degree of physical risk. You’ll want to ensure that the risks you take are mitigated through the use of safety equipment, guidance, and training. You’ll also need to make sure that your travel insurance will cover you in the case of an injury.
It’s also worth thinking about the damage your adventure might inflict on the environment through which you’re adventuring. Try to make a point of using sustainable, local tour operators – and make sure that you pick up all of your litter as you go.
The Rewards: Personal Growth and Lasting Memories
It’s worth pondering exactly why this form of holiday might appeal. It will give you the ability to develop as a person: physically, mentally, and spiritually. You’ll also get experiences that you can take with you, and reflect on later.
The right adventure holiday will allow you to push your boundaries, and give you a boost of confidence that’s sure to be a boon in your personal and professional life. Time spent in nature can also be of considerable mental benefit.
Where’s your next adventure holiday?