Too many choices
Do you want to be outside and really active this summer? Perhaps a sporty activity holiday is something for you. Sailing, hiking, golfing, kayaking… These are just a few of the countless possibilities.
To sail
The ship cleaves through the waves, the wind blows through your hair and the water splashes in your face… Does this sound like music to your ears? Then consider a sailing holiday. All day on the water and enjoying the outdoors.
Just in the Netherlands or in a sunny region. You don’t need sailing experience: many travel providers organize trips for people who know nothing about sailing. If you want to relax on deck, you can. But it is of course much more fun to learn to sail yourself and help on board.
If you can already sail independently, it might be an idea to rent a yacht in an area unknown to you. And possibly join a flotilla. Then you sail independently with a group of sailing yachts. This is useful, because the leader of the flotilla knows the local conditions well. Plus, it’s cozy and a fun way to make new friends.
kayaking
Another summer water sport: kayaking or canoeing. Fun to do alone or with your partner, but certainly also with children. Because they will find it quite an experience to travel through nature in a boat.
You can stick to a day trip or opt for a hike, where you spend the night at mini campsites on the banks. You can do that in the Netherlands, but France and Scandinavia are also popular canoe destinations.
Some people mainly go for the peace and quiet. If you want more action, you can venture onto whitewater rivers. Do follow canoe instructions if you have never done the latter, as it can be dangerous. With organized trips you will find a wilder stretch of river every day. You will also learn to eskimo: turn your kayak over if you have fallen over, without getting out.
golf
When you think of golf, you may think of an elite activity, but nowadays more and more people are looking for the golf course. For example during an organized golf holiday, where you can get acquainted with the sport at your leisure.
Or where you set yourself the goal of obtaining the golf proficiency certificate (GVB). You need that ‘diploma’ on the vast majority of jobs to be allowed to hit a ball. If you go for the GVB, you must prepare yourself for the necessary theory lessons. Because to get this proof, you will have to pass a theory test, among other things.
Of course you can make the clinics – the lessons – as intensive as you want. For beginners who want to see if they like it or for advanced players who want to work on their swing; most organizations offer something for everyone.
Skating
Skating is a sport with a completely different image. Especially if you want to book an organized skate trip, one thing is very important: you must be able to brake well. Furthermore, many tours require a decent level of fitness, because you cover a lot of kilometres.
If both requirements are not a problem for you, you have all kinds of options. Skating through the Netherlands or Denmark, for example. Or city trips on skates, with Berlin, Barcelona and Paris among the most popular destinations. And of course there are night skates in many European cities during the summer months. A fun way to see the tourist attractions of a city in a completely different way.
To walk
If there is one sport that you can practice anywhere, it is hiking. Moreover, walking tours are possible at any desired level and it does not have to cost much. Buy a map with walking routes at the local tourist office, select a nice walk and you can start.
But of course it can also be much more exotic. Think of a trip through the Sinai desert, where Bedouins show you the way to the next oasis and camels carry your luggage.
A trekking through Suriname that leads you past hidden villages and overgrown plantations. Or a hike through the high mountains of Patagonia. Go out individually or under supervision in a group. It’s all possible.
Preventing injuries
There are many more sports that can make for a great DIY vacation. Cycling, mountaineering, abseiling, rafting, horse riding, hang gliding…
Whatever your choice, make sure you book a trip that suits you in terms of difficulty. This way you can avoid unnecessary injuries. Have a nice holiday!