It can be pretty hard to turn down a pina colada or ice-cold coconut, especially when it’s served to you in some remote, tropical beach locale.
And while we love our cherished R&R as well, we simply prefer to have it in another form: physical activity. Call us crazy but even when life seems hard and is getting us down, we like to unwind by going out into the wilds where we sometimes find even more challenges, but uniquely rewarding ones.
Many people feel the same way: active vacations are quickly becoming the most desirable form of vacation for many working professionals. They, like us, would much rather send that peak than take a luxurious cable car up it.
In this Epic journal entry, we’re going to be talking about all of the merits of taking an active holiday and why you should plan on having one. We’ll not only cover the benefits of adventurous vacations but also what you can do to start preparing for one.
This is an introduction to one of the most rewarding experiences anyone can have in their lifetime.
They’re much better for your mental and physical health
Breaking news: staying active is not only beneficial to your physical health but also your mental health, even when you’re on holiday.
This statement may seem obvious but it’s one that many people still subconsciously deny. For many, the idea of a holiday is a time when they can check out mentally, drop healthy habits, and do the things they wouldn’t normally do in their functioning lives. That might mean binge drinking or being overly sedentary i.e. lounging by the pool all day.
Understandably, these are things people do to unwind after months of physical and mental grinding in the office. They’ve earned some respite as well.
But what if doing more on your vacation was actually better for you?
While it may seem ridiculous at first to prescribe something physically exerting to cure your over-exertion, it might be just what you need.
Sustained, low-contact physical activities, such as hiking, walking, and yoga, are great for your cardio, which in turn increases overall health and boosts emotional moods (thanks to those sweet endorphins). Throw a backpack on and now you’ve got a weighted exercise, further building muscle tone and strength.
If you venture out into the wilderness on your holiday, you’ll also be spared the noxious hazards of urban pollution, a well-known detriment to modern health.
You’re afforded truly authentic experiences
Mass tourism is plagued by over-commercialization and easily packaged, recycled experiences. Ask people what they did at some of the world’s most popular tourist attractions and most will say the same things.
A vacation should really be an opportunity to do something out of the norm: to break away from the monotony of your everyday life and revitalize yourself by doing something different for a change. That might mean going somewhere that you’ve never been before or doing something that you’ve never considered.
An active holiday can present you with new challenges but also new perspectives. The fact that physically demanding adventures already appeal to less of the general population means that fewer people are actually experiencing these novelties. Lots of people go to Mont Blanc; not many make it to K2.
It should be said as well that just because a place is remote doesn’t necessarily mean it’s untrodden. Overtourism can afflict any corner of the world given sufficient demand: just look at Everest Base Camp and Patagonia, which are prime examples of over-tourism in the wilderness.
So remember that when choosing an active holiday, it’s not necessarily enough to go “into the wild”. You must do your research and choose a location that might be a relative unknown. It might be an act of faith, but the authenticity of the place will be untouched by the masses.
Local peoples and cultures are much more accessible
Active vacations usually involve visiting some pretty off-the-beaten-path locations. We’re talking about trekking through remote valleys in the Karakoram or horseback riding in the vast, empty steppes of Western Mongolia.
Eventually, while traveling in these remote locations, you’re going to cross paths with some new faces. Whether you’re just passing through a village on the way to the next teahouse or interacting with a guide or porter, chances are they’re a local. If you’re lucky (or just ask nicely), they may even share an intimate detail or insight about their life and where they’re from.
We can’t tell you how many wonderful nights we’ve had hanging out with our local teams. Swapping recipes in the kitchen tent; telling jokes by the fireside; appreciating the scenery of their ancestral land together; this is how you connect with a destination’s culture: by going straight to the source.
So while those conversations one has in the big cities, with the taxi drivers or hospitality workers, may be productive, the true path to cultural enlightenment lies within the hearts of those further afield. And taking an active holiday may just get you in touch with these sorts of people!
You’re often surrounded by good people, friends, and family
Adventure is hard sometimes. Long days of walking, inhospitable weather, and technically challenging obstacles can make you seriously question why you ever decided on such an experience.
Luckily, you have a group of other badasses with you.
Active holidays are often team-based, not simply because there happen to be other people interested in the same itinerary, but because they’re needed for one to succeed. Physical, emotional, and moral support from people you trust is a proven way to overcome adversity. And when it comes to adventure travel, unexpected curve balls and hardship are bound to happen.
Completing a challenge with a group of people also has the added effect of creating new social bonds. Having a shared experience with a stranger and even putting your life in their hands is not something that goes away easily: it leads to new relationships (and travel buddies) that can last a lifetime.
So it’s not simply the case that you build stronger bonds with people who you frequently travel with; sometimes, you leave with more than what you started.
They’re more rewarding in the end
Everyone leaves a destination with something. Maybe it’s a trinket, some photos, or even a phone number from a cute guy or girl you met along the way.
Not everyone gets to take away an accomplishment from a vacation though.
Summiting a peak, finishing a long trek, and successfully going outside one’s comfort zone are extremely rewarding feelings. Finishing something difficult ultimately builds confidence, self-esteem, and more healthy behaviors.
All that toil, tribulation, and anxiety that you might have felt along the way may have been uncomfortable, but they’re all brought into perspective by your victory. You realize that this thing that you did wouldn’t have been possible without hardship.
So while active vacations are not always easy and often require more personal investment, you get more out of them. Your friends may leave Mexico with a better tan, but you’re leaving your holiday better than you were before.
Practical Tips for Planning an Active Vacation
We know we’ve been harping on it in this article, but going on an active vacation isn’t always easy.
Being properly prepared before going off on your grand adventure will increase your odds of successfully completing it though.
Below are a few things to consider before booking an active vacation. Know what you’re getting yourself into, be ready, and you’re sure to have a good time.
Choose the right destination
No place offers the same adventure, and where you go has a huge effect on what you can expect.
Want to go hike amongst some of the world’s highest peaks and with relatively few people? Trekking in Pakistan’s Karakoram Range would be the perfect choice.
Maybe you want to go somewhere a little more convenient, but is no less physically rewarding or underappreciated? Madeira offers empty trails, hidden gems, and plenty of good food to keep you going.
Here are a couple more ideas worth considering:
- Climbing a Himalayan peak for the first time – Island Peak is a great introductory mountain for those interested in mountaineering.
- Going horse trekking in Mongolia – this might be one of the emptiest (and most stunning) landscapes you’ll ever see. Having a trusty steed helps immensely.
- Exploring the Silk Road by foot – a little history to go with your alpine excursion makes for a very well-rounded itinerary.
Pack appropriately
You’re not heading to the Italian Riviera, amico mio, so you might want to leave that roller bag and Tommy Bahama at home this time. Active holidays require activewear. That means swapping out those boat shoes for hiking boots and those linen clothes for some quick-drying synthetic.
Trust us when we say that you don’t want to get out in the open wilderness without the right clothing or equipment. Packing for an active holiday is a little different than a normal one, but it shouldn’t be stressful either.
Below are a few essential items to bring with you on your next adventure:
- Good hiking boots – And not brand new ones either! It’s a common mistake to take a new pair on a trip without breaking them in the first place. This is a sure way to end up with blisters. Leather is the industry standard but synthetic boots are quite good these days too.
- Layers – You’ll want to have clothing that you can take on and off easily depending on the weather and physical exertion. For example, a base layer (shirt), an insulating layer (fleece), and a protective layer (hardshell) are a good combination. Find a system that works for you.
- Filtered water bottle – For cleaning any questionable water you might find. Get one that filters out particulates, microorganisms, and viruses, like the Grayl.
- Headlamp – Your trusty light source for when electricity isn’t available or out of commission. Rechargeable ones are convenient but usually weaker. Don’t hesitate to buy a more powerful one that requires batteries.
Be prepared, physically and mentally
Embarking on an active holiday requires both mental and physical preparation. Mentally, it’s essential to set realistic expectations and visualize the activities you’re about to engage in. This will help build anticipation while simultaneously reducing anxiety. You might even consider mindfulness practices to enhance your mental resilience, which help you keep focused and calm on your adventure.
Physically, it’s important to start conditioning your body well in advance. Tailor your fitness routine to include exercises that target strength, endurance, and flexibility. For instance, if you’re planning a hiking trip, incorporate cardiovascular activities like running or cycling, alongside strength training for your legs and core. Flexibility exercises, such as yoga or dynamic stretching, can help prevent injuries and improve overall performance.
Hydration and nutrition play crucial roles in physical preparation. Maintain a balanced diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats to fuel your body, and stay hydrated, especially as your activity levels increase. Adequate rest and recovery are equally important, so ensure you get plenty of sleep in the weeks leading up to your trip.
Go on an active vacation with Epic Expeditions
Wrapping up, while traditional vacations offer relaxation in the form of sedation, an active holiday provides a more transformative experience for your body and mind.
Engaging in physical activities such as hiking, trekking, and yoga in breathtaking locales not only boosts your physical health but also enhances your mental well-being. Additionally, venturing into pristine natural environments spares you the hazards of urban pollution, offering a purer, revitalizing experience.
Moreover, active holidays present unique, authentic experiences far from the commercialized tourist traps, allowing you to connect more deeply with local cultures, fellow adventurers, and even yourself. Completing physically demanding activities alongside others will foster strong social bonds, creating lifelong friendships, and memorable shared experiences.
Don’t just settle for ordinary—embrace the extraordinary. Organize an active holiday with Epic Expeditions and embark on a journey that actually challenges and rewards you. Start planning your next adventure today and discover the real joys of an active vacation.
