We all need to take some time off every now and then, and recharge our batteries. Holidays are an excellent way to reduce stress and anxiety, and are important for maintaining good mental health. However, some people tend to get bored and fidgety if they just sit around all day. For the more adventurous among us, simply visiting a few historical and culturally significant sites and eating at nice restaurants isn’t enough. All who are looking for some more excitement should definitely look into some of these fun outdoor activities that can really turn an average holiday into a great one.
1. Hiking
Hiking is the perfect combination of challenging physical exercise and a fun time. It’s important to understand the basics before you get into it, but it doesn’t take most people all that long to prepare effectively. The right gear is important, but I’d suggest working on your strength and endurance on a treadmill at the gym or doing some brisk walking with a heavy backpack, as you don’t want to have to make too many stops on your outdoors adventure or have to abort because you are unable to go on.
2. Whitewater Rafting
This is a challenging activity, but it will definitely pump up your adrenaline. As with similar sports, you need to make sure you’re doing things the right way, and it’s best to have a group of friends with you – good communication is important, and it’s good to have someone you trust there with you. Most whitewater rafting tours also offer adequate accommodation, so you’ll have plenty of time to rest after you’ve had your little rafting adventure.
3. Horseback Riding
One of man’s earliest modes of transportation, the horse is a noble animal that has had incredibly deep and developed symbolism throughout human history. If you are an animal lover, you will truly appreciate being so close to such a majestic and powerful animal. Although riding a horse is fairly physically demanding, which a lot of people don’t realize, and it carries a certain risk of injury, as long as you have a competent teacher, you will have tons of fun doing it.
Beginners are advised to practice riding very short distances at least the first few times, so that they can get the hang of it. If you keep coming back to it, you’ll quickly get to a point where you are able to ride for hours, and this is where the real fun begins. There are plenty of trails where horseback riding tours are offered, so you can get to do plenty of sightseeing as well.
4. Paragliding
If you have a fear of heights, this is definitely not the activity for you, but you’d be surprised to see just how many people who said that they would never try something like that actually get hooked on it right from the first time they try it. It is a little bit awkward at first, as you will have to go with someone who is qualified, but the feeling of flying through the air, with no metal and glass between you and the open skies, is one of the most thrilling things you can experience. Your body just doesn’t know how to react to the new stimulus, and you will be exhilarated as waves of euphoria wash over you. The view is absolutely stunning and it’s definitely something you will be telling people about for years to come.
5. Surfing
The traditional beach vacation is still the most popular choice for most people, and it’s not that difficult to see why – warm weather, soft sand and cool water are a combination you simply can’t refuse. To make the most of a beach holiday, and make things more interesting, you can take up surfing. It is an old tradition and an incredibly fun one at that. It requires good balance, but you can have a great time even if you aren’t able to stand up and ride your first waves all that effectively. Even falling over can be fun, as it will make you laugh and motivate you to keep trying.
These are just a few interesting outdoors activities that you can try out during your holiday, depending on the time of year and the location you chose. Active holidays really help you refresh the mind and body, and you will appreciate it.