Holiday activities that keep you and your family healthy

Discovering Wellness: Engaging Holiday Activities for a Healthy Family Bond

We all understand how crucial it is to take care of our health. Every day, we receive a lot of advice on eating well and living healthily. But what should you do when you’re on vacation? Here are some simple and family-friendly ideas for a healthy holiday.

beach running

While running on the beach, beach volleyball, and going to the hotel gym, are all good ideas, let's look at a few other ideas...

horse riding

Saddle Up: Exploring Healthy Adventures Through Horse Riding

Typically, this isn’t the priciest holiday activity, and most horse riding farms are set up to delight the entire family. Hop on a horse and venture out on a ride. You don’t need to be an expert rider. We had many enjoyable days just going out with very friendly horses and a guide who knows how to make it fun with laughter. You might be amazed at how quickly you can become a fan of this sport

TIPS:  The best place to go for a horseback holiday experience, is the USA, as the cowboy tradition still lives on in Northern America with its wide open spaces. Horse riding holidays and horseback tours are still very popular.  Experience the cowboy life and the genuine hospitality of working ranches.

Sun, Sand, and Serenity: Family Bonding with Beach Yoga Bliss

Start your day relaxing on the beach in a meditative state with the sound of the waves and seagulls.  Another option is to end your day in the calm of a beautiful sunset yoga on the beach.  Meditation is a part of yoga, which deals with mental relaxation and concentration. Studies have found that it helps to lower blood pressure and reduce stress and anxiety.   …AND you are never too young to try.

TIPS:  Combine your yoga experience with something meaningful.  Read more about Beach Yoga Chicago which is a branch of Yoga Gardens a not-for-profit organization.  However, if you are experienced at yoga, it is as easy as picking the right spot on the beach and enjoying your early morning start.

amsterdam

Pedal Power for Health: Family-Friendly Cycling Adventures

You can either opt for a holiday activity aimed at experienced cyclists or you can go for the family option, where anyone could be a beginner.  All you need is to be able to ride a bike.  Some places have the most amazing country excursions.  You can select from mountain biking with stunning vistas to easy country lanes along picture-perfect flower meadows. 

TIPS:  Cycling in Europe is easy and available almost everywhere.  It is also a fantastic way to explore any small town you visit in Europe.  With the option to use E-bike, it makes the whole experience much easier.  Save money on public transport and grab those bicycles.  In some towns, due to the narrow lanes, it is actually also just a lot easier to get around.  You might especially love cycling in countries like Denmark, Norway, Japan, and the Netherlands which are all bicycle friendly.

segway

Effortless Exploration: Family Fun on Segway Tours for a Healthy Holiday

Segway tours offer a unique and enjoyable way for families to stay active and explore their surroundings. Riding a Segway requires balance and coordination, engaging core muscles and promoting a gentle form of exercise. These tours often take place in scenic locations, providing an opportunity for families to connect with nature while enjoying the thrill of riding a Segway. It’s a low-impact activity suitable for various fitness levels, making it an inclusive option for the entire family. Additionally, the guided nature of Segway tours ensures a safe and entertaining experience, combining adventure with a healthy dose of exploration.

TIPS:  Many tours offer the option to include a picnic along the way.  While making your booking and including the picnic idea, ask them to make healthy choices on the food and drink selections.  Usually, they are very accommodating towards people with special dietary requirements.  Spier Wine Estate in South Africa for example has beautiful tours available in the vineyards and they give you time to get used to the Segway before going out on the farm.  

hiking switzerland

Step into Nature: Family-Friendly Hiking Escapades for a Healthier Getaway

Sounds like work or sounding like it might be too difficult?  Not at all.  For the inexperienced hiker or family hikers, there are many options available that take you down the “easier road”.  The definition of Hiking:  The activity of going for long walks, especially across the country.   Perfect for a family-healthy holiday.

TIPS:  “Hiking” can be as simple as arranging to walk through an olive grove in Spain, or taking a long walk somewhere on your favorite beach.  Does the option to hike on the Amalfi coast sound appealing?  The road between Amalfi (the village) and Sorrento in Italy is one of Europe’s most beautiful paths and you will love the scenery.  On the other hand, you do not get better hiking options anywhere in the world than in Switzerland.  Some of the paths look terrifying for a beginner, but believe me the very young and even the more mature traveler, will find paths that are just amazing and rather easy to accomplish.

Also read our article on Positano in Italy.

Here are a few more ideas for healthy family holiday adventures:

  • Kayaking or Canoeing: Explore waterways together, enjoying the tranquility of nature while engaging in a full-body workout.

  • Cultural Walking Tours: Discovering a new city on foot allows for exercise while learning about the local culture, history, and architecture.

  • Outdoor Camping: Disconnect from screens, breathe in fresh air, and engage in activities like hiking, stargazing, and campfire cooking.

  • Snorkeling or Scuba Diving: For destinations with clear waters, exploring the underwater world can be both a thrilling adventure and a great way to stay active.

  • Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare healthy, local dishes as a family, combining cultural exploration with nutritious eating.

  • Rock Climbing: Suitable for families with older children, rock climbing fosters teamwork, strength, and problem-solving skills.

  • Wildlife Safaris: Going on a safari offers a chance to observe animals in their natural habitat while enjoying the benefits of being outdoors.

  • Surfing Lessons: Coastal destinations often provide opportunities for family members to learn how to surf, promoting balance and coordination.

Remember to choose activities that suit the interests and fitness levels of all family members, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone.

Healthy family holiday ideas adventures for your vacation as a family what to do the best things to do while on vacation as a family

How to get to or from airports, cruise ports, and train stations

As you embark on your journey to create unforgettable and healthful family holidays, remember that the world is brimming with diverse and exciting opportunities. Whether it’s exploring the great outdoors, savoring wholesome local cuisines, or engaging in active adventures, each destination offers a unique tapestry of experiences. Embrace the chance to nurture family bonds, prioritize well-being, and savor the joy that comes from discovering new cultures and activities together. Here’s to many more happy and healthy family holidays around the globe!