The Benefits Of Walking Holidays

Nowadays you get so many different types of holidays that it can be very difficult trying to decide what to do. Or example, you can go on relaxing beach holidays, cycling holidays, walking holidays, skiing holidays and many, many more. The great thing about all these holidays on offer is the fact that no matter how old you are or what your interests are, you are bound to find something that you are going to enjoy.

Walking holidays are just one of the many different kinds of breaks away you can get that are becoming more and more popular with many different people. The reason for this is that they are a unique kind of holiday yet you don’t need a particular skill for it. Some people are reluctant to do things such as sailing holidays because they are worried that you need to be really good at sailing in order to go.

Walking holidays are a great way of enjoying your holiday while incorporating a bit of fitness into it. As long as you are not extremely unfit anyone should be able to complete any tour that companies who offer walking holidays provide. However, you do get different grades of walks which is something you may want to consider depending on how fit you are. Obviously these grades vary from company to company but they generally range from easy which is about four to six hours of walking a day, to hard which can be up to seven hours and 16 miles of walking a day.

Walking holidays are a great way of seeing more of a country than you would normally see. Typically, when people go on holiday hey go to the usual tourist hotspots and end up missing some of the most beautiful parts of the country. However, with walking holidays you can be assured that the company you are using knows the best places to go to help you get the most out of your break. As well as this you are not stuck on a crowded bus or in a car and you actually get to be outside exploring the country you have decided to visit.

As they are becoming increasingly popular, more companies are starting to offer walking holidays to those that are interested in them. This means that not only are you now more likely to get a decent price for your break away, but you are also more likely to find destinations that you really want to visit.

Image belongs to: Christian Bachellier. Taken from: www.flickr.com

Training For Cycling Holidays

Cycling holidays are a unique and interesting way of taking a holiday. They are perfect if you are bored with the typical holiday break which includes mainly sitting on a beach and maybe going sightseeing. Some people prefer to be more active and get bored of sitting around which is why cycling holidays are perfect for them.

 

Not everyone who goes on cycling holidays is super fit and some don’t even cycle all that much. If you are one of those people then it is wise to get some preparation and training in beforehand so you don’t struggle while you are away. Generally cycling holidays are aimed at everyone from all abilities and fitness levels so they aren’t going to be too hardcore but you are more likely to enjoy it if you have a reasonably good fitness level.

 

When training for cycling holidays you don’t even need to ride a bike to get fit. However, this is the recommended form of exercise because then once you are on your holiday you will know what you are capable of and how hard you can push yourself. Any exercise such as running, going to the gym, swimming, walking and doing exercise dvds will get your heart pumping and will therefore help to improve your fitness.

 

If you do choose cycling as your preferred method of getting fit for your cycling holidays then how you go about it depends on how much you currently exercise. If you never exercise and you haven’t done for a long time then it is better to start off slow and build your way up. Start at a slow pace for about 20 minutes and then gradually you can get faster and faster and also increase your distance. It won’t be long before you notice that you will be able to cycle for much longer distances than you could when you first started your training.

 

If you are a regular fitness fanatic then training for cycling holidays shouldn’t be a problem and you should quickly get the hang of it. However, even if you are very fit but cycling isn’t something that you normally do, it is still important to get some practice in before you go on your break. This is because whereas you may find jogging really easy, you may find that you struggle a bit with cycling.

 

One of the best things about cycling holidays is not only are they fun and exciting but it is also a great way to get fit and stay in shape whilst you are on holiday.

Image belongs to: Christian Bachellier. Taken from: www.flickr.com

Costa Brava

Costa Brava is a coastal region located in north eastern Catalonia, Spain. Tropical climates, stunning beaches and lots to do including water – skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, jet skiing and a water park are all contributing to more and more people choosing to holiday in Costa Brava. The beautiful region’s name means Wild Coast which will become apparent to travellers when they visit any one of the wonderful beaches in the area.

Costa Brava’s claim to fame is that it was voted the best emerging golf destination in 2000 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. Consequently this has made it a popular destination for golfers wishing to enjoy the nine top – class golf courses and eight pitch – and – put courses. Be aware that although you don’t need to become a member at any of these courses you will need to be a member of a golf course in your home country.

The regional capital is Barcelona and is regarded by many as one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Perhaps one of the many reasons that people choose to holiday in Costa Brava is so that they can visit the museums, participate in water – sports and go sight – seeing in Barcelona. One of the must – sees is the magnificent Cathedral of Sagrada Familia which started being built in 1883 but has never been completed.

Whether you are a nature lover, fitness fanatic or fancy yourself as a bit of an explorer, you will love the Cami de Ronda walk. It is one of the loveliest routes in Costa Brava and is made up of old coastguards’ and farmers’ trails which take you all around coastline. The long distance coastal route linking these paths were built over and were left to crumble into the sea over recent years. However, the Catalan government is now gradually restoring them and it will soon be possible to walk the entire coast from the French Borderto Blanes.

Roses is the biggest resort on the northern stretch of the Costa and is located just 30 kilometres from the French border. It is a popular international holiday destination which has managed to retain much of its original charm as an old fishing port which makes this a popular place for people to stay whilst on holiday in Costa Brava. This resort remains unique as you can find all modern tourist facilities here yet the resort has managed escape the over – development which now characterises some Spanish coastal towns.

There is also so much more to do on your holiday in Costa Brava including paying a visit to The Salvador Dali Museum at Figueres and the Benedictine Monastery at Montserrat. As well as this you can enjoy superb cuisine based on fresh fish and seafood and a selection of specialities from the sea. As if that wasn’t enough, Costa Brava is also an ideal base from which to explore the countless treasures of Catalonia.

Image belongs to: Les Cuddiford http://www.flickr.com/photos/drofidduc/ Taken from: www.flickr.com

Al Ain Oasis, Dubai

In recent years the Middle East has become a very popular holiday destination. From Dubai to the Dead Sea more and more people are opting to go on holidays that have something unique to offer. One destination in particular that is extra special is Al Ain which is located in Abu Dhabi.

This city in the Middle East still thrives on its authentic Arabic look and feel due to the fact that there aren’t very many Western expatriates there. This makes it one of the few places left in the world where you can actually experience the true customs and traditions of a country before it has been westernised.

To see an example of a true Middle East tradition, take a trip to the Camel market. This is a place where Camel dealers come from all around the Gulf to buy and sell the animals for racing. This is quite a rarity and is not something that you will still be able to see in many parts of the world so is definitely something that should be done.

If you choose to holiday in the Middle East, another reason why you should pay a visit to Al Ain is to see the mountain that rises to 4000 feet. The mountain provides stunning views of the city and has been described as ‘the greatest driving road in the world’. A trip here makes an interesting day out and provides panoramic views over the city, the desert and even Oman.

Although there are various hotels located around Al Ain one that particularly stands out is the Hilton Al Ain. This is because it is probably the first 5 star hotel to have ever been built in the United Arab Emirates. There are a number of restaurants and bars located within the hotel, two swimming pools, sporting facilities and a fitness room. This means that there is plenty to do and keep you busy even if you are not out sightseeing.

When visiting the Middle East there are plenty of locations that you can visit whilst there. However, Al Ain is one of the best places to visit if you want a true taste of what life in that part of the world is really like.

Image belongs to: Carla Saliba. Taken from: www.flickr.com 

A Maldivian Voyage

With over 1,000 different islands making up the Maldives, it can be virtually impossible to choose which one to stay on when going on holiday there. Each one boasts golden sandy beaches and clear blue waters that make you feel as if you have just stepped into a postcard. For those who just can’t choose which island to go to, a cruise aboard the Atoll Explorer could be just the answer.

Cruises are perfect for those who want more from their holiday than simply sitting on a beach all day. As well as this it is the perfect way to see more of an area than you would normally be able to. Obviously it would be impossible to see every single island in the Maldives but there are a few that shouldn’t be missed.

The island of Laguna is absolutely breathtaking and will provide you with memories that will never be forgotten. There is plenty to keep guests entertained on the island from restaurants and bars to activities and a spa. As well as a gym and spa holiday makers can spend their time playing tennis, relaxing in the steam pool, cooling down in the swimming pool or participate in water sports. A perfect end to the day while on Laguna Island in the Maldives is at the sunset bar where you can enjoy the truly stunning Maldivian sunset with friends or family.

The deserted island of Madivaru is perfect for travellers who are keen to explore the exciting sea life around the Maldives. Here divers can see white tip reef sharks, tunas, barracudas, hammerhead sharks, dolphins and much more. Madivaru is the best shark sighting spot in the whole of the Maldives so is ideal for those who are fans of the intriguing creatures.

For something a bit different when visiting the Maldives, Malé is a must. The unique and quaint island boasts mosques, markets, shopping, places to eat and much more. A trip to the Singapore Bazaar comes highly recommended whilst in Malé because this is one of the best places to buy local handmade products and typical Maldivian souvenirs.

It’s not only the many beautiful islands in the Maldives that will help to make any holiday special. Half the reason why cruises are so enjoyable is because there is so much to do onboard so when travellers aren’t off exploring there is plenty to keep them busy.  From the sundeck and swimming pool to local dancing on board there is plenty to ensure that a cruise around the Maldives will be an unforgettable experience.

Image belongs to: Carla Saliba. Taken from: www.flickr.com