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7 Reasons Why the Best Vacations Are Active Travel Vacations

Enjoy river views and easy strolling along the Gore Valley Trail, a paved recreational path that runs the length of Vail.

The traditional beach and resort holiday is one of the most popular types of vacation. And with good reason too. After all, you spend your days working, commuting, and running around after your kids, you deserve a few days, in the sun, doing as little as possible while you rest and recuperate. But have you ever considered active travel vacations? These are the reasons you should make your next vacation an active adventure.

Add kayaking to your active travel vacations and your reward can be these views.
Add kayaking to your active travel vacations and your reward can be these views. Photo: Pixabay

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7 Reasons for Active Travel Vacations

Active travel vacations usually mean the traveler plans on taking on different levels of activity. In the past, these vacations lean toward sport-specific kinds of trips, like cycling, hiking, skiing, kayaking, scuba diving and surfing. But recently those active adventures expanded to include yoga or wellness vacations, running camps, rafting, or even sports-fishing trips.

Whatever your definition of active travel vacations, here are 7 reasons why your next vacation should be an active one.

Read More: Reasons Why Epic Discovery at Vail is Awesome

Active Travel Vacations: So You Can Say You Did It!

Why the best vacations are Active Travel Vacations #bestvacations #activetravelvacations #activetravel

In years to come, when you’re looking back on your life and remembering the vacations you took, you’re going to want to remember that time you went in hiking, abseiling, paragliding, or testing out the kayak weight limit with your family.

As Invigorating as a Beach Vacation

Enjoy river views and easy strolling along the Gore Valley Trail, a paved recreational path that runs the length of Vail.
Enjoy river views and easy strolling along the Gore Valley Trail, a paved recreational path that runs the length of Vail, Colorado. Photo: Diana Rowe

They say a change is as good as a rest. While beach vacations are invigorating, if looking to clear your head from all the stresses and strains of daily life, then taking active travel vacations is the key.

Go ahead and try something new that is both mentally and physically stimulating. Soak in your surroundings by being active.

If in a mountain village like Vail, Colorado, take a hike on one of their town trails.

How about a hike on the beach during your vacation?

Or if you’re at a resort, consider exploring the hotel on foot instead of just sitting by the pool with a book.

Any of these can be even better for your mental and physical health than a drink and a book by the pool. Perhaps the latter can be your reward after being active.

Active Travel Vacations are Healthier

Lifestyles are becoming more sedentary. Sitting at desks for long periods followed by laying in front of the TV at night is having an effect.

Being active on your holiday can kickstart your immune system and metabolism. It’s also great for your mental well-being too.

Exercise produces a lot of endorphins which can make us feel happier and more positive.

At the very least, you’ll have burned off enough energy to justify all of those indulgent vacation meals.

Discover Your  New Active Hobby

Trying new things is a great way to pick up new skills and hobbies.

Who knows, you might find an activity you love and are really good at, which you can take up regularly when you get home.

Meet New People

Usually, on an activity vacation, you’ll discover others participating in the same activities that you are. The tour companies that run the activities often try to group people of similar experiences together, so you can bond with some of the other people on your vacation. You may make new friends.

Bond with your Friends and Family

Life is all about shared experiences. Participating in activities with your friends and loved ones is a great way to create memories with them. You’ll probably remember it more than just lying on the beach or around the pool.

Include a hike at Adams Falls in Grand Lake during your family friendly road trip to Rocky Mountain National Park
Include a hike at Adams Falls in Grand Lake during your family-friendly road trip to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Challenge Yourself

If you’re always in your comfort zone and playing it safe, it’s time to challenge yourself. We make the most progress in life when we change things.

If you’re booking the same vacation because it’s what you’ve always done, then it’s time to try something different.

For much of the world, travel has been almost impossible for the last year due to the pandemic. When things start to return to normal, it’s time to take advantage of it and stretch those legs.