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Climbing, abseiling and other outdoor activities are becoming more and more popular, and with the recession this year meaning many of us can’t take our usual holidays abroad maybe now is the time to embrace the great outdoors and try something a bit more challenging this summer. The UK, and especially Wales, has loads of amazing locations where you can try out every kind of exciting and fun experience. So whether you’re an experienced adventurer or a first-time explorer, you’re sure to find something to suit you.

For some of the most stunning scenery in the UK you need to experience an activity break Wales which offer the perfect setting for any outdoor holiday. With a huge variety of activities available including mountain biking Wales. There is an adventure waiting for everyone whatever your level of experience, whether you’re looking for the adrenalin rush of scaling the famous Welsh mountains or just want to relax and appreciate the views.

Or if you’re looking for something a bit different, Wales is the original birthplace of ‘coasteering’, a wild combination of scrambling, climbing, traversing, cliff jumping and swimming that was first developed on the coast of Pembrokeshire. All the activities are available to people of all levels and you will be with a trained instructor, so even if you’ve never done more than climb the stairs at home, you’ll still be able to give it a go.

There is a huge range of different types of accommodation for holiday makers across the country, from hotels to self catering flats and holiday cottages in the countryside. So whatever type of new experience you’re looking for and whatever activities you want to try, short breaks Wales could be the answer for an exciting, different and affordable holiday this summer.

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Activity holidays have been the fastest growing sector in the travel industry since 1999. The public now demands more from their holidays. The relaxed holiday of lying on sunbeds all day is now a thing of the past.

Popular activities are the main activities involved in the holiday market. The sports that have created the most interest are: biking, skiing, golf, tennis, scuba diving and trekking. Most people who go on these holidays already are experienced in their activity and go on holiday to further their skills and become more confident in their sport. Recently, this trend has changed. The recent boom in the last decade has increase the market dramatically.

No longer is this market filled with experienced people, the demand is mainly coming from people trying these activities for the first time. The market has replied with lots of opportunities. Consequently this new influx of beginners has increase the volume of holiday goers.

Recently, the public has expressed a continued demand for multiple activities on holiday. People taking these holidays are getting younger and younger. Multi activity holidays are ideal for allowing people to experience which sports they prefer. Repeat customers create a continued demand to these operators. Many people find these holidays action packed and adrenaline filled and booking again for next year.

Another rise in the holiday market has been in singles holidays. Individuals are hapy to travel alone. By na. Since there is a range of activities people are constantly on the move, meeting new people and experiencing new sports.

Multi activity holidays have risen in popularity and so has the supply, now every activity holiday company is offering a variety of sports on holidays, diving holidays, surfing holidays, kitesurfing holidays etc, allowing the consumer to be more flexible, independent and active. This market is already very saturated and here to stay. multi activity holidays by the very nature can adapt and introduce new sports very quickly. Although difficult to arrange, these holidays will continue.

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We look at getting yourself ready for an activity holiday in this installment of our activity holidays guide.

Planning accordingly for your activity holidays will ensure you will have the best time possible while you are on them. You need to pay close attention to your physical fitness level, your expertise level in relation to the activities you will participate in, what gear and/or equipment you are going to need, and what sort of apparel to take with you.

You should begin an aerobic activity regimen, such as swimming, cycling, or jogging, for a minimum of 30 minutes per day, 3 times each week, to prepare. As your holiday draws closer, increase the aerobic intensity level and duration and become comfortable with doing a workout two days in a row, as you probably will not get any days to rest while you are gone.

Practicing specifically for certain activities, like caving or whitewater rafting, may not be accessible, however you can practice specifically for many other activities, like skiing or rock climbing.  If it is not possible to practice for those specific activities that you will be doing on your holiday, the best alternatives to help you prepare are walking and cycling.

You will be given a list that details the type of gear and apparel you will need to bring. You should be sure that each item on that list is with you, since a professional created that list and knows what exactly is needed. In addition to what your tour company advise you to take, you should take only the absolute basics as you’ll probably have to carry your bags (take one large one and a smaller daypack) around more than what you would on a ‘normal’ holiday.

It is generally best to wear durable, comfortable, fast-drying garments, in layers. Bring with you your rain gear, hats to protect you from sun and colder weather, warm jackets, long slacks, shorts, long and short sleeved shirts, extra garments for during non-sport activities, and one additional pair of shoes for in a situation where your primary pair of shoes become wet. You might also want to consider a bathing suit and eye protection.

Check to see if you will need to bring sleeping items such as a ground pad, tent, pillow and sleeping bag, or cooking equipment, such as cutlery and food. If you don’t have some of these items, you can check to see if the activity holiday company has any to rent for the duration of the trip. And even though your guide will have an emergency care kit with them, you should have your own basic one with band aids, alcohol swabs, pain relievers and bug repellant in it.

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What to expect on an activity holiday is the focus of this installment of our guide to activity holidays.

Activity holidays are popular vacation types where you spend a certain amount of time, ranging from several days to numerous weeks or months, either in your own country or elsewhere, taking part in one or more activities. Though ‘normal’ holidays contain activities in which you choose to participate in, activity holidays are different in the simple fact that the activities or activity is the focus point and not in addition to your holiday.

They’re generally more expensive than a ‘normal’ holiday, but this isn’t always the case. Organizing your own trip is possible and can save hundreds of dollars but can be difficult if you need to adhere to a tight schedule or if you don’t know the local language. Also, by using a reputable company to book your active holiday, you will be able to rest assured that safety (which is increased with these such types of trips) will be of their up most concern as their company reputation depends upon.

Such holidays are generally offered as an all-inclusive package so the price listed on websites or in brochures will include your accommodation and food, as well as the instruction you’ll receive from your instructors / guides. Whether transportation and insurance is also included varies so be sure to ask and get written confirmation of what exactly is and isn’t included.

The vast majority of trips are adult group holidays but trips that cater for family and children are also available. Groups tend to be small in size, with an average of 10-15 people participating on each, though this will vary somewhat depending on the type of activities being undertaken. Smaller groups means a better experience as you’ll get more attention from your guide and there’ll be less time waiting around.

Rather than picking your destination first, you should choose what kind of activity or activities you’d like to take part in, and then see where they’re offered. The reason for this is you’ll probably be taking part in activities more than you’ll be sight-seeing at the location you’ve chosen.

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