Information On Activity Holidays : What Are They?
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 you may participate in activities whilst on a 'normal' holiday, the difference with activity holidays is that the activity or activities are the focal point of your holiday, not an addition to it.
Usually they cost more than "regular" vacations, but not always. You can organize your own trip and save money, up to hundreds of dollars, but it's difficult when you need to stick to a rigid schedule or you don't speak the native language. Also, by booking through a reputable activity holiday company, you can be sure that your safety (which is at an increased risk on these types of trips) will be paramount as their own reputation depends on it.
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 insurance and transportation are included will vary, so be sure to get everything included or not in writing as your confirmation.
The vast majority of trips are adult group holidays but trips that cater for family and children are also available. Group size will tend to stay small in size, averaging 10-15 participants in each, however this can vary one way or the other depending on the activity taken place. Smaller groups means a better experience as you'll get more attention from your guide and there'll be less time waiting around.
It's best to first choose what activity or activities you want to participate in and then look at what destinations they're offered in rather than first choosing a destination. Reason being is that you will most likely spend most of your time participating in the activities rather that exploring the destination you have choose.