Active Escapes: 7 Fun Ways to Stay Fit on Your Next Holiday
While the idea of swapping your meticulously planned workouts for poolside lounging might make you cringe (or secretly cheer), staying active during your vacation doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Forget hotel-room pushups and embrace activities like walking tours, martial arts, or hiking through ancient forests. Here are seven exciting ways to stay active on your next holiday.
Box It Out in Thailand
From temple-hopping by day to dancing the night away, Thailand offers endless opportunities to keep moving. This vibrant country blends centuries-old traditions with mouthwatering cuisine that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. Add a Muay Thai match to your itinerary, and you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Across cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Muay Thai camps cater to all skill levels. Swap resort gyms for open-air training grounds where the art of eight limbs has been practiced for generations. Whether you’re throwing your first kick or perfecting your elbow strikes, these camps offer a unique mix of cardio and cultural immersion. By the end of your trip, you’ll leave not only fitter but also with a new skill set and memories from one of the world’s most thrilling martial arts.
Walk and Learn in Sri Lanka
Named after the high-grade black tea made from young leaves, the Pekoe Trail is a 300 km walking route that weaves through 22 stages, each showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. While ambitious hikers can tackle the entire trail, most travelers opt for shorter sections. Highlights include colonial-era tea factories, remote villages, lush forests, and the iconic Adam’s Peak. Teardrop Hotels offers guests the chance to explore six stages of the trail from their tea country bungalows – Camellia Hills, Goatfell, and Nine Skies. This blend of active exploration and cultural immersion ensures you return to colonial-era comfort with a deeper appreciation of Sri Lanka’s beauty.
Try Unusual Terrain in Seychelles
In Seychelles, nature’s treadmill awaits with trails that will delight any fitness enthusiast. Swap your morning jog for a trek through Morne Seychellois National Park, where the 70-minute Anse Major Trail rewards you with a secluded beach perfect for a post-hike swim. Or explore Vallée de Mai, home to Coco de Mer palms bearing the world’s largest seeds and the rare Black Parrot. From gentle coastal paths for meditative walks to challenging mountain routes that spike your heart rate, Seychelles turns fitness into an island adventure.
Try Something New in Ras Al Khaimah
For thrill-seekers who find resort gyms too mundane, the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp in Ras Al Khaimah takes fitness to new heights – literally. Nestled in the rugged Jebel Jais mountains, this camp offers survival experiences designed by Bear Grylls and his team of experts. Think rappelling down cliffs, mastering rescue skills, or navigating untamed wilderness. The instructors can customize heart-pumping challenges for private groups, making it perfect for adrenaline junkies. For a lighter dose of fun, head to the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, home to the UAE’s largest floating water park, where you can test your core strength while staying cool.
Take Advantage of the Outdoors in Qatar
Cycling is a fun and effective way to explore while staying fit, and Qatar is leading the way with its world-class cycling routes. The Olympic Cycling Track, a 33 km continuous path, holds the Guinness World Record and features 29 underpasses and five bridges for uninterrupted pedaling. For beginners, the 5/6 Park offers a 1.1 km loop amid a plant maze, while Al Abraj Park features a track made from recycled rubber and locally sourced materials. Another popular route stretches from Doha Airport to C-Ring Road. Whether you’re clocking daily cardio or challenging yourself on the Olympic track, cycling in Qatar is a guilt-free way to skip the gym.
Catch a Wave in Kenya
Beyond its legendary safaris, Kenya’s east coast boasts pristine beaches with white sands, shimmering waters, and swaying palm trees. While the thrill of spotting wildlife is unmatched, why not catch a different kind of African wave? Kenya’s emerging kitesurfing scene offers an exhilarating way to stay active. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, local guides can help you navigate the warm waters. From the gentle waves of Malindi Bay to the challenging reef break at Watamu Bay, Kenya’s coast is Africa’s best-kept surfing secret.
Race Through History in Israel
From ancient stone streets to modern urban trails, Israel is a runner’s paradise steeped in history. The country hosts three major marathons annually – the Tel Aviv Marathon, the Dead Sea Marathon, and the Jerusalem Marathon. This April, the Jerusalem Marathon offers a 42.2 km journey through millennia of history. Run past ancient walls, through lively neighborhoods, and soak in the sepia-toned landscapes. Even if marathons aren’t your thing, Israel is perfect for active exploration. Take a walking tour through the Old City’s winding alleys, hike the Masada, or float in the Dead Sea for a blissful recovery experience.
Box It Out in Thailand
From temple-hopping by day to dancing the night away, Thailand offers endless opportunities to keep moving. This vibrant country blends centuries-old traditions with mouthwatering cuisine that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. Add a Muay Thai match to your itinerary, and you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Across cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Muay Thai camps cater to all skill levels. Swap resort gyms for open-air training grounds where the art of eight limbs has been practiced for generations. Whether you’re throwing your first kick or perfecting your elbow strikes, these camps offer a unique mix of cardio and cultural immersion. By the end of your trip, you’ll leave not only fitter but also with a new skill set and memories from one of the world’s most thrilling martial arts.
Walk and Learn in Sri Lanka
Named after the high-grade black tea made from young leaves, the Pekoe Trail is a 300 km walking route that weaves through 22 stages, each showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. While ambitious hikers can tackle the entire trail, most travelers opt for shorter sections. Highlights include colonial-era tea factories, remote villages, lush forests, and the iconic Adam’s Peak. Teardrop Hotels offers guests the chance to explore six stages of the trail from their tea country bungalows – Camellia Hills, Goatfell, and Nine Skies. This blend of active exploration and cultural immersion ensures you return to colonial-era comfort with a deeper appreciation of Sri Lanka’s beauty.
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Try Unusual Terrain in Seychelles
In Seychelles, nature’s treadmill awaits with trails that will delight any fitness enthusiast. Swap your morning jog for a trek through Morne Seychellois National Park, where the 70-minute Anse Major Trail rewards you with a secluded beach perfect for a post-hike swim. Or explore Vallée de Mai, home to Coco de Mer palms bearing the world’s largest seeds and the rare Black Parrot. From gentle coastal paths for meditative walks to challenging mountain routes that spike your heart rate, Seychelles turns fitness into an island adventure.
Try Something New in Ras Al Khaimah
For thrill-seekers who find resort gyms too mundane, the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp in Ras Al Khaimah takes fitness to new heights – literally. Nestled in the rugged Jebel Jais mountains, this camp offers survival experiences designed by Bear Grylls and his team of experts. Think rappelling down cliffs, mastering rescue skills, or navigating untamed wilderness. The instructors can customize heart-pumping challenges for private groups, making it perfect for adrenaline junkies. For a lighter dose of fun, head to the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, home to the UAE’s largest floating water park, where you can test your core strength while staying cool.
Take Advantage of the Outdoors in Qatar
Cycling is a fun and effective way to explore while staying fit, and Qatar is leading the way with its world-class cycling routes. The Olympic Cycling Track, a 33 km continuous path, holds the Guinness World Record and features 29 underpasses and five bridges for uninterrupted pedaling. For beginners, the 5/6 Park offers a 1.1 km loop amid a plant maze, while Al Abraj Park features a track made from recycled rubber and locally sourced materials. Another popular route stretches from Doha Airport to C-Ring Road. Whether you’re clocking daily cardio or challenging yourself on the Olympic track, cycling in Qatar is a guilt-free way to skip the gym.
Catch a Wave in Kenya
Beyond its legendary safaris, Kenya’s east coast boasts pristine beaches with white sands, shimmering waters, and swaying palm trees. While the thrill of spotting wildlife is unmatched, why not catch a different kind of African wave? Kenya’s emerging kitesurfing scene offers an exhilarating way to stay active. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, local guides can help you navigate the warm waters. From the gentle waves of Malindi Bay to the challenging reef break at Watamu Bay, Kenya’s coast is Africa’s best-kept surfing secret.
Race Through History in Israel
From ancient stone streets to modern urban trails, Israel is a runner’s paradise steeped in history. The country hosts three major marathons annually – the Tel Aviv Marathon, the Dead Sea Marathon, and the Jerusalem Marathon. This April, the Jerusalem Marathon offers a 42.2 km journey through millennia of history. Run past ancient walls, through lively neighborhoods, and soak in the sepia-toned landscapes. Even if marathons aren’t your thing, Israel is perfect for active exploration. Take a walking tour through the Old City’s winding alleys, hike the Masada, or float in the Dead Sea for a blissful recovery experience.
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