Travel Articles

Preparation advice is the focus of this installment of our guide to activity holidays.

Properly preparing for going on activity holidays ensures that you have the best possible time whilst 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.

Your physical activities should include a sport or exercise that will condition your body and should be done several times a week. Increase the length and intensity of the exercise as you get nearer the start of your holiday and get comfortable doing back-to-back days of exercise as you likely won’t get any rest days whilst you’re away.

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 the type of activity you are planning to do on your holiday isn’t readily accessible, it is always a good rule of thumb to take up hiking with a backpack and biking.

Your activity holiday will more than likely require a few necessary items, so it important that you pay attention to the things your guide tells you to bring since they have been out there more than you and know what is needed. Along with what your guide tells you is required for your holiday, you should also take a few small bags, like a backpack and a fanny pack, that will carry all of your personal necessities; larger bags will be cumbersome and might slow you down.

Take clothing that is functional, like shirts and pants that can be zipped off and are made out of material that offers UV protection. You should also carry a second pair of shoes (just in case), a rain suit like “Frog Togs” that can be rolled up, a multi-functional jacket with a built in layering system and a good hat that can offer wind and sun protection. You might also want to consider a bathing suit and eye protection.

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. You can sometimes rent these items from the activity holiday company if you don’t already have them. Your instructor / guide will have a group first aid kit but it’s advisable to also take your own with basics like bandages, aspirin and insect repellant.