7 reasons why activity holidays are more popular than ever

“Traditionally a summer holiday was all about time on the beach, lazing in the sunshine all day with a cool drink and a good book. That hasn’t completely gone away of course because that is still a great pleasure, butwe’ve noticed that more and more people find it equally as relaxing to hire a bike and cycle into the mountains, take to the water in a kayak or go for a long walk/hike amongst beautiful scenery.Focusing on a more technical activity really focuses the mind and helps people to completely switch off from it all.”

“The rise of the experience economy is well documented and is having a significant impact on how people like to holiday.

More people want spontaneous and immersive entertainment that says something unique about them, which they can talk about with their friends and followers.An active holiday offers that in spades. It’s become less about where you are and more about what you do with your time.”

“We asked people in our recent survey whether they find it difficult to compromise on which activities to do whilst on holiday. Nearly 40% of millennials said they do whilst only 7% of baby boomers agreed.

This contrast isn’t because millennials are inherently selfish but it’s more to do with their concept of ‘me time’. You shouldn’t have to compromise on what to do on holiday. This is your time to pursue the things that you find most interesting and exciting. An active holiday with an array of different activities on offer at all times of the day offers fantastic variety so you can be sunbathing one minute and windsurfing the next. There really is something for everyone.”

“Over 8.5 million people each year are turning to the great outdoors for their exercise fix and with good reason. Outdoor activity results in a significantly greater improvement in mental wellbeing. Feeling more connected to nature, cleaner air, and providing a significant vitamin-D boost, means outdoor exercise, particularly ocean-based activities can lead to improved mood, self-esteem and higher energy levels. A beach holiday with plenty of ocean-based activities is the perfect place to put this into practice!”

“It’s beneficial to people both physically and mentally to either learn a new skill or to rekindle a passion for a previously loved active hobby. It takes us back to fond memories of childhood when we were learning new things all the time.

A study we ran back in 2016 discovered that people felt excited, proud and more confident when they tried a new activity. An active holiday takes you out of your familiar world, and also physically creates the time and space to try something new, to exercise, to stimulate the brain and to learn new physical activities away from the everyday pressures and commitments that might get in the way at home.”

“A holiday isn’t and shouldn’t be about just switching off from day-to-day life, just as learning a new skill isn’t just confined to your career.

An active holiday offers people the opportunity to hit new heights and realise long-held ambitions by learning new skills in a relaxed environment.”

“Many people know that exercise releases ‘happy hormones’ called endorphins which reduce stress and trigger positive feelings. But there are added benefits of participating in physical activities to mental wellbeing. Ultimately, the brain is like a muscle which needs to be exercised to keep it in good condition. New experiences are a fundamental requirement for mental growth and the brain loves stimulation; it grows with use and it withers with inactivity.”