Learn About Activity Holidays : Preparation Advice

In this part of our guide to activity holidays we look at organizing yourself prior to going on an activity holiday.

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. 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.

Some things you will be doing like ice climbing or canoeing will not be practical to practice, but you can prepare for hiking and biking. 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.

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. In addition to what your tour company advise you to take, you should take only the absolute basics as you’ll probably have to carry your bags (take one large one and a smaller daypack) around more than what you would on a ‘normal’ holiday.

It is generally best to wear durable, comfortable, fast-drying garments, in layers. 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. Sunglasses and swimsuits might be the only additional items that will be required.

Your equipment list will let you know if you will need outdoor equipment to take with you like a sleeping bag or a tent or even cooking and food supplies. If you don’t have some of these items, you can check to see if the activity holiday company has any to rent for the duration of the trip. And even though your guide will have an emergency care kit with them, you should have your own basic one with band aids, alcohol swabs, pain relievers and bug repellant in it.