There is nothing more refreshing and exhilarating than travelling abroad during the summer period and taking part in activities to keep you entertained. Activity holidays are more popular now than they ever have been. These are not just something for the young community to enjoy and take part in, but are also open to people of various ages looking for a different way to unwind and recharge their batteries whilst enjoying a personal hobby.



Some of the most well-known and popular activity holidays include skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, swimming by the beach, surfing, windsurfing, nature trails, Safari trekking and learning to scuba dive at an exotic location. These have proven to be a good way to keep you fit and healthy, whilst enjoying a nice break away. Therefore, staying healthy does not need to be a chore if there are ways to make it more interesting.

Of course, an activity holiday does not need to be physical, but it can also be something that is directly related to a hobby. These can include craftwork, drama (going on theatre trails), art (going landscape drawing), and music tours, writing tours (some people take up travel writing), antique hunting, horticulture expeditions and even personal development holidays. These kinds of activities are aimed at stimulating the mind and improving upon your skill or the individual.

Below is a list of five destinations in order of my own preference and general popularity of the best places, which make for a good activity holiday of all ages. Some of which are not necessarily sport related but are mind stimulating enhancing ones skills, without interfering with the holiday.

At number five stands, the unusual location for a chosen activity holidays break for an avid sporting individual is surfing in Ireland. Those who have never visited Ireland will not know that Ireland is most stereotypically known for their Guinness, wonderful music and lively entertaining pubs. However, there is much more to Ireland than the jovial nightlife, and that is a rich culture filled with monumental memorials of some of the most famous writers including WB Yeats and James Joyce; it also houses interesting sporting activities, historical sightseeing activities and surfing.

Many people prefer to go surfing across the coast of Co Clare whereby surfing enthusiast have made Irish headline for their skills and talents. The surf capital of Bundoran offers spectacular waves and an array of surfing outlets to which any surfer can enjoy and peruse around. There are also surfing schools available within these areas for those looking to learn or take up lessons whilst in Ireland.

At number, four in the world of activity holidays is none other than going antique hunting in France. Those looking for a more cultural and historical experience in one of the most influential countries will find satisfaction in places like Paris, Lyon and Chambery. France has a big history and a strong cultural identity with plenty of relics from the past to catch your eye. Some of the markets in Paris attract hundreds of people over the weekends seeing many people.

The markets in Lyon often hold goods dating as far back as the late 18th - 19th century. For people who are not completely familiar with the antiques community, there are plenty of advisors at hand to provide as much historical background information about the objects, should one take your fancy.

In number, three is skiing in the Alps. This is a very popular activity holiday break and one, which involves groups of people or individuals looking for a quick and active getaway. Families, senior citizens and young people can enjoy this sport as the Alps offer interesting mountainous views, with smooth ski slopes and challenging off-piste skiing for the more experienced skiers. This has also housed major skiing championships and snowboarding competitions.

At number, two is the increasingly popular sport of swimming in Malta. This has recently seen many strong swimmers enjoy the deep blue sea, as it is renowned for its having the clearest sea in the Mediterranean. Top swimmers travel to Malta in order to experience the warm waters and the wonderful sea life that reside below. For those looking to travel to Malta, should watch out for the jellyfish by the lagoon!

In first place of my top five lists of activity holidays destinations is trekking up the Himalayan Mountain. If there was ever a time to do this it would be now, provided you have a reasonable amount of money saved and are financially able to support yourself for your trip. This is not a short trip abroad but one that requires at least a month aside to fully experience and enjoy the time away. Nepal is also a good place for white water rafting, mountain biking and exhibition hiking.

However, when walking up the mountain you are sure to see the world from a different perspective. Furthermore, you are bound to meet people of an ancient culture, with friendly faces and the all too generous nature to feed you! My advice is to read up on this area first and go prepared with good hiking shoes.