Preparing For Activity Holidays

Planning accordingly for your activity holidays will ensure you will have the best time possible while you are on them. You need to pay close attention to your physical fitness level, your expertise level in relation to the activities you will participate in, what gear and/or equipment you are going to need, and what sort of apparel to take with you.

You should begin an aerobic activity regimen, such as swimming, cycling, or jogging, for a minimum of 30 minutes per day, 3 times each week, to prepare. As your holiday draws closer, increase the aerobic intensity level and duration and become comfortable with doing a workout two days in a row, as you probably will not get any days to rest while you are gone.

Practicing specifically for certain activities, like caving or whitewater rafting, may not be accessible, however you can practice specifically for many other activities, like skiing or rock climbing. If it is not possible to practice for those specific activities that you will be doing on your holiday, the best alternatives to help you prepare are walking and cycling.

You will be given a list that details the type of gear and apparel you will need to bring. You should be sure that each item on that list is with you, since a professional created that list and knows what exactly is needed.

Aside from what the tour company suggests you bring, you should just bring the necessary basics since you will probably be carrying your bags (preferably a small daypack and a large bag) more than you might carry them on a typical holiday.

It is generally best to wear durable, comfortable, fast-drying garments, in layers. Bring with you your rain gear, hats to protect you from sun and colder weather, warm jackets, long slacks, shorts, long and short sleeved shirts, extra garments for during non-sport activities, and one additional pair of shoes for in a situation where your primary pair of shoes become wet. Sunglasses and swimsuits might be the only additional items that will be required.

Check to see if you will need to bring sleeping items such as a ground pad, tent, pillow and sleeping bag, or cooking equipment, such as cutlery and food. Sometimes it is possible to rent things like this from the activity holiday tour company if you do not have them already. Your guide or instructor will carry a first aid kit for the group, but it is recommended that you take your own with you containing aspirin, bandages, insect repellent and other basics.

By Mark Thomas Walters