From The Straits Times    |

Whilst it is tempting to succumb to the usual seaside holiday, lazing on a beach with a book is not going to do your fitness levels any good. And if you’re trying to stay trim the cocktails and delicious exotic food won’t do you much good either. So how do you find an energetic holiday that won’t feel like a fitness regime but will still help keep you in shape? Whether you’re a beach lover or adventure junkie, we’ve found something to suit you …

6 fitness focused holidays that are also fun DECOR Contiki

GO ALL-IN ON ACTIVITIES 
Yes you can still go to a beach resort and be healthy! Find a resort that will allow you to try a wide range of exciting activities, from dinghy sailing, stand up paddle boarding and kayaking to land-based activities like tennis and mountain biking. Neilson has activity inclusive holidays and some resorts like Portomyrina Beachclub in Greece provide luxury spa facilities (yes massages and treatments are good for you too!).

PACK IN THE SIGHTSEEING
You might not classify a sightseeing tour as a fitness holiday but you’ll be amazed at how much energy you’ll need for discovering a new city. Just stick to your trusty two feet and enjoy exploring. The fascinating history and diverse cultures of Europe make for an amazing sightseeing holiday. From the cosmopolitan sights of Paris to the grand monuments of Rome and the ruins of Pompeii, you’ll experience plenty of unforgettable places. Contiki offer range of great European tours, which are a great way to see most of Europe without wasting a moment.

LEARN TO SURF
Always fancied yourself as a surfer chick? The recent sprouting of surf hostels and lodges offering surf packages now mean you can bag a great deal for a week’s surfing in one of Europe’s hot surf spots. Portugal boasts fantastic surf beaches and a welcoming, laid back scene for those looking to earn their relaxation. Try Cascais Surf Camp, a partnership between the funky, laid back Nice Way Cascias hostel and a local surf school.

TAKE TO THE SADDLE
You might think the horse does all the work, but maintaining stability and control whilst seated on a powerful animal is a major workout for your legs, core and arm muscles. It is also an amazing way to see epic countryside and wildlife. Ride into the Andes, go on safari in Botswana or experience the vast plateaus and untouched nomadic culture of eastern Tibet. The experts at In the Saddle have put together some truly spectacular riding holidays. 

BECOME AN ADRENALINE JUNKIE
There’s nothing like a shot of adrenaline to make you feel alive! New Zealand is a mecca of adventure activities, take your pick from bungee jumping, sky-diving, glacier climbing, jet-boating, white water rafting, canyon swinging and quad biking. What’s more, you get to do all this with a backdrop that is even better up close than the stunning mountains, lakes and forests you see in Lord of the Rings. To concentrate on doing the big stuff and not worry about the small details choose from one of Contiki’s New Zealand tours.

6 fitness focused holidays that are also fun DECOR BIKES

CYCLE AROUND A CITY
In recent years efforts to become greener have led to an abundance of cycle lanes and bike rental and share schemes in many of Europe’s towns and cities, meaning it has never been easier to take to two wheels and escape bus timetables, parking meters, busy pavements and crowded trains. In Amsterdam – one of the most famous bike loving cities – two wheels are the safest and easiest way to get around. Expect to see excellent art museums and design shops alongside wooden drawbridges, houseboats and canals, as well as dope selling coffee shops and the famous sights of the red light district. Find a hotel, such as The Andaz Amsterdam Hotel on Prinsengracht, which has free bikes for guests to use.

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