When it comes to getting away from home for a few days, I like to think of myself as a little bit of an expert- from finding and exploring some of the most undiscovered tropical destinations, to relaxed weekends away in London.
Over the past year, I have become more active in leading a healthy lifestyle, and where I was blessed to travel so much, I was cursed with over-indulging and not enjoying my trip the way I should. Now I have a totally new outlook on traveling and understand that balance is essential, and that you can have incredibly fun whilst staying active and eating clean.
Below are a few of my favourite active holiday destinations- from getaways on your doorstep to long-haul adventures, I am sure you will find something to suit your individual needs.
1. Soak in the South African Sun
South Africa is one of the hottest destinations on everyone’s lips at the moment, with more access than ever and airlines providing direct routes from the United Kingdom you will be enjoying fantastic weather from October-March. This long-haul destination should be on your radar!
Personally, I fell in love with Cape Town – the country’s capital and a bustling and vibrant city with some stunning and undisturbed beaches allowing all-day relaxation before enjoying a delicious meal in the city and an evening in one of the countless charming and welcoming local bars.
The one part of Cape Town which has truly stolen my heart is Table Mountain National Park. This stunning mountain undeniably offers the best views of the cape and with the sheer mesmerising geography of the park you won’t release just how much walking you are doing. If you do decide to hike Table Mountain, be sure to take the cable car either up or down, to take in the scale of this beauty.
2. Dance the Night Away in Paris
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic destinations in the world and a firm favourite to be found at the top of everyone’s bucket list is indeed Paris, France. This beautiful city truly never sleeps and is a vibrant melting-pot of multi-culturalism which, whilst not forgetting the rich and well-preserved history of the city, allows for an inimitable travel experience.
Paris truly is an enigma. You will be tempted with the sweetest of pastries and the tiniest of macaroons … and you will be amazed at how much walking and exercise you will do whilst exploring- from shopping the length and breadth of the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and the designer heaven that is Rue Saint-Honoré to absorbing all the culture in the mesmerising 652,000 square feet of the Musée du Louvre and the sacred and architecturally-beautiful Notre-Dame Cathedral.
3. Hit the Austrian Slopes
If you are more of an adventurer, then look no further than some of the stunning ski resorts of Austria. With a collection of picturesque villages providing a base for visitors to the slopes, this welcoming and busy location has access to some of the world’s best snow conditions for skiing and snowboarding alike.
Although you will work up a sweat all day zick‑zacking down the world-renowned slopes of St Anton, the villages come alive at night as Après ski comes alive and they are transformed in to party hubs full of friendly visitors and locals, celebrating and enjoying their experience together!
Austrian Ski is undoubtedly a must see, and if not for the advice and guidance provided by Mark Warner Holidays and their detailed information, I would not have has such a smooth and memorable experience.