For a certain kind of holidaymaker, an active trip can be an intensely invigorating and rewarding one. And when it comes to holiday activities, few parts of the world can rival mainland Europe for the sheer diversity of experiences on offer.
The Benefits of Active Holidays
By making your holiday active, you’ll be able to support a basic level of fitness. You’ll get the stress-busting effects of physical activity, and you’ll enjoy more energy in the evening when you aren’t active. If you’re really pushing yourself during your trip, you’ll also get that all-important feeling of accomplishment after you’ve reached a particular milestone. For example, if you’re skiing, you might look to work toward your first red or black run.
The Beauty and Diversity of Europe
Part of what makes Europe so appealing is that every part of it has something slightly different to offer. You might enjoy your activities in entirely different surroundings, depending on where you’re pursuing them. A hike through thick baltic forests might feel very different to a hike along the coast of Gibraltar.
There are also many different kinds of activities on offer, which means that just about everyone will be able to find an activity that meets their needs. Skiing, cycling, and various water sports can be adjusted to suit the needs of participants with various levels of fitness.
Flexibility of an Active Holiday
If you put together an itinerary for your active holiday in Europe, you’ll be able to look at experiences that fit your interests and fitness levels. You’ll also be able to decide when you get up, go to bed, and travel. If you are travelling with a family, then you might need to put in a bit of work at the planning stage to please everyone.
Sustainable and Responsible Travel
If you’re like most modern travellers, then you might be particularly concerned with the impact that your holiday has on the natural world. Favour tour operators and other businesses that share your environmentalist ethos. Look for inherently green activities, like camping and local attractions. You can find more guidance on this subject on the EU’s Sustainable Tourism site.
Cultural Immersion and Local Experiences
We should also consider the diversity of the countries themselves, independent of the activities you’ll be pursuing in them. Tours in Europe will acquaint you with a variety of cultures, histories, and traditions—and these can be found in the buildings you see, the food you eat, and the behaviour of people around you. Look to interact with locals wherever possible and to speak the local language. You might end up coming away with an entirely new way of looking at the world.
