The Surprising Benefits of an Active Vacation

While relaxing on a beach in the sun can be a great way to unwind, there’s something to be said for physical activity on vacation. If you’re feeling burned out from work and the daily grind, getting outdoors in a new location can do wonders for your mental and physical health. 

Keep scrolling for activity-based inspiration for your next getaway, from hiking to skiing and surfing.

Enhancing Physical Health Through Activity

Outdoor exercises, like kayaking or rock climbing, can promote flexibility and improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength. These activities engage the whole body to improve endurance and decrease the risk of chronic illnesses such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 

Hiking can be as challenging or gentle as you want it to be. Tackling significant peaks or smaller routes on walking holidays in Italy combines breathtaking scenery with cardiovascular fitness. Il Bel Paese offers varied landscapes from the Dolomites to lesser-known gems like Val Maria and chances to explore UNESCO Heritage Sites before relaxing at traditional family-run inns in the evenings. 

Boosting Mental Well-Being and Reducing Stress

Spending time in nature has been proven to lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels and increase endorphins (feel-good chemicals). Going on outdoor adventures in remote landscapes can also take your mind off the daily routines and help you focus on the present, promoting mindfulness. 

In addition to the mental benefits of spending time outdoors, physical activity supports emotional and mental health. It can reduce anxiety and depression, improving sleep and overall mood. 

Workouts improve blood flow and oxygen to the brain, stimulating the creation of new neurons. This is especially useful for older adults when maintaining aspects of cognitive function, such as planning and ignoring irrelevant information. 

Social Connections and Cultural Engagement

Adventure vacations often involve working together to scale a rock face or encourage each other to keep trekking up a mountain. A shared sense of a mission with an end goal can foster camaraderie and create shared experiences. 

On the trip, you’ll join groups that share your passion for travel and exploration. If you’re a keen surfer, combining your hobby with your vacation will make finding new traveling companions and lifelong friends much more straightforward. 

Visiting local communities will deepen your understanding of new cultures and broaden your horizons. Spending money at local businesses presents unique opportunities to eat and converse with locals, boost the local economy, and get an authentic feel for life abroad. 

Providing a Sense of Accomplishment and Personal Growth

Completing a strenuous hike or mastering the slopes can greatly improve your self-esteem and confidence. You’ve overcome a challenge outside everyday life and kept your fitness in check without relying on the local gym. 

Aside from the physical achievements, stepping outside your comfort zone by learning key phrases in a new language and using them in restaurants and cafes is a significant challenge. Spending the time to navigate a different environment will expand your capabilities.