Holidays are great at any time of the year, and most of us don’t have any trouble finding an excuse to travel. The opportunity to get away to distant shores, enjoy some warm weather or take in some of the world’s iconic sights can be very difficult to resist. But not all holidays have to be taken as a family trip or a package tour with friends. These days, holidays are making it onto birthday gift wish lists, especially for people celebrating a special number. Imagine, for example, someone in your family is about to turn 40, and frankly you’re stuck for ideas. A new power tool or the latest DVD really won’t cut it when it’s a celebration worth marking, so people have been gifting vouchers for unusual experiences as a way of making an occasion unforgettable.
The choice is almost limitless; you could have them spend an hour learning to fly a plane, throw themselves from a bridge on a bungee cord, indulge in a luxurious spa session, or take nine of their friends for a crazy day out paintballing. While these are all great ideas and sure to provide happy memories for years to come they all have one major drawback: they only last for an hour or two. So if you want them to have an experience that is as long-lasting as it is special, why not consider choosing from one of the many activity holidays that are available instead. Not only will they be guaranteed to have fun, but doesn’t the thought of a holiday sound so much more appealing than a day out?
With so many activity holidays to choose from, you might find it difficult to narrow the choice down so, here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most popular trips on the market:
Cross-Country Skiing
Anyone at home on snow-covered slopes would be delighted if they were sent on a winter adventure holiday. What better way to celebrate a special occasion than by cross-country skiing over the Nordic outlands, taking in stunning views on the way? In fact, if your intended recipient doesn’t have an aversion to cold weather, then skiing doesn’t have to be the only activity on the agenda. Everything from sled driving and snowshoeing to snowmobiles and ice diving can be found if you head in the direction of the polar regions.
Climbing
If adrenaline is what gets your recipient going, then treat them to a memorable holiday that will have them feeling high in more ways than one. Depending upon the amount of preparation time they have available, climbing holidays can range from guided tours in the Scottish Highlands to a trip up to base camp at Mount Everest. If the person you’re booking for is an inexperienced climber, then look out for holidays which cater specifically for learners.
Archaeology
Fans of Indiana Jones will love the opportunity to head off and explore an archaeological dig for real. They might not encounter haunted tombs or get run over by speeding boulders (which is helpful when applying for travel insurance) but they will get to visit important sites in Persia, Egypt, Mexico, Peru and too many more to mention. These holidays can provide genuine cultural interest at the same time as offering a unique insight into the local way of life.
Cycling holidays
If you’re looking for an excuse to get your other half into Lycra as well as toning up their gluteus maximus then look no further than buying them a cycling holiday for their birthday. With some fabulous locations that are just made for two wheels, such as: Morocco, Croatia and even Southeast Asia, this is the ultimate present for the man or woman who loves the thrill of the open road. Top gift giving idea: wrap up some clues e.g. a bell, a puncture repair kit and some muscle rub – then watch their face light up as they begin to get the picture.
Fiona Galloway is an adventurous travel writer who has investigated activity holidays across the globe.
Christmas Shopping. It’s for other people. But every year many people end up getting “just a little something” for themselves. It’s too tempting especially with some of the gifts available this year. Often some of the gifts that are bought as presents are purchased because “I quite liked it so I thought you might”. There’s a moment during shopping, that you go “I could do with a break” – and then you see a gift that would be great for someone else, but you’d prefer to enjoy it on your own, right now. It’s a stimulating, classy gift for a person of taste – it’s a Coffee Maker.
