Active Vacation Options

Want to do more than relax at the beach for your next vacation? You're not alone. Staying active while on vacation has become a major goal for many travellers.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of trips designed to keep you fit or challenge your endurance. Cruise lines now offer a wide selection of active excursions ashore instead of just sightseeing tours.

Let's take a look at some popular active vacation options around the globe which we may arrange for you:

• Hiking the Inca Trail – Discover the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru on this four-day trek through the cloud forest and jungle and high mountain passes.
• Climbing Mt. Kilamanjaro – Combine your African Safari with a trek to the summit of Africa's highest peak, Mt. Kilamanjaro in Tanzania (5,895m), for spectacular views and magnificent landscapes.
• Exploring the Galapagos Islands – Guided nature hikes let you discover the fascinating flora and fauna of this unique archipelago. There are opportunities for diving, snorkelling and swimming as well.
• Walking tours of the British Isles – The hills and moors of Britain create some incredible scenic areas for walking. A comfortable resort can be your home base from where you set out each day on a new adventure.
• Hiking New Zealand's Tracks – There are many well marked tracks in New Zealand highlighted with spectacular views and intriguing plants and trees. With no natural predators this is the perfect place for day hikes, or longer treks with overnight stays, like the famous alpine Milford Track.
• Cycling Europe - See the most beautiful regions of Europe on guided or self guided cycling tours. Cycle rentals are readily available in city centres for zipping around, eco-friendly.
• Skiing –Ski packages to slopes in North and South America and Europe may include air, hotel, transfers and some meals. Ski tours give you the chance to try several different areas on one vacation.
• Golf – Scenic, challenging courses can be found around the world. From stunning seaside courses in Hawaii to the punishing links courses of Scotland and Ireland, there's a wealth of possibilities for your golf vacation. Many courses have accommodation on site so play and stay packages are featured. Golf passes allowing you to play at several courses at reduced rates are available.
• Tennis – Many resorts have their own tennis courts and there's often a pro on hand to help you improve your game.
• Day trips – Combine some active adventures into your vacation with one-day events like camel riding in Morocco; riding an elephant in Thailand; bungee jumping in New Zealand; surfing in Hawaii; ziplining through rainforests in Costa Rica.

The possibilities are seemingly endless for staying active and we're here to help you plan with our network of local partners around the globe.

By Susan Milne

Stay Fit at Sea and Ashore

Where can you jog in the morning, workout in the gym before lunch, practice your golf swing in the afternoon and take a swim before dinner? Aboard your cruise ship is one good answer. All these activities and more are available at sea.

You'll find these facilities aboard most ships:

• Jogging track
• Swimming pool(s)
• Well equipped gym
• Shuffleboard
• Table tennis
• Mini golf
• Golf driving nets

If you're looking for more specialized activities, we can pinpoint the right ship for your needs with items like these on board:

• Golf simulators
• Basketball courts
• Squash courts
• Bowling alleys
• FlowRider surf simulators
• Zip lines
• T'ai Chi
• Yoga
• Spinning
• Pilates
• Wii sports
• Nordic fitness walking
• Tennis
• Water sports platform

Dance

Dance lessons have also grown in popularity since the hit TV show Dancing with the Stars. You'll find the ship's professional dancers giving classes during the day which can be a good fitness workout.

Crystal Serenity's transatlantic crossing from Lisbon to Miami has been titled "Dancing with the Crystal Stars". Beginner and advanced classes in a variety of dance styles will be available throughout the cruise and there will be performances by professional dancers. The Glenn Miller Orchestra will be on board to make this a very special ballroom experience. Ambassador hosts will be on hand to dance with single ladies.

Wellness Cruises

Wellness theme cruises offer special programming including extra fitness classes.

This September 5, Crystal Symphony sails from London to New York on a 14-day "Wellness at Sea" transatlantic crossing. Experts and instructors from the Mayo Clinic, Tai Chi Cultural Center and the world of yoga and professional baseball will be on board to lead classes and give talks.

Iceland is one port of call on this voyage. Here there are plenty of opportunities for hiking this pristine wonderland. You can also visit the renowned Blue Lagoon spa to take in the healing minerals and treatments for well-being.

Active Excursions Ashore

Going ashore can also be an active adventure to keep you fit. Cruise lines arrange a wide variety of activities, along with the traditional sightseeing tours. Take a look at these enticing offerings.

• Tango lessons in Buenos Aires
• River Rafting in Croatia
• Ziplining in Costa Rica
• Glacier walking in Alaska
• Cycling in Bali
• Diving in Turkey
• Coastal kayaking in Maine
• Snorkelling in Bora Bora
• Nordic walking in Norway
• A waterfall hike in Hawaii
• ATV adventure in Thailand
• Bush walk and kayaking in New Zealand
• An elephant ride in South Africa
• Horseback riding in Iceland
• Snorkelling and dolphin watch in Oman
• America's Cup sailing experience in Rhode Island
• A horseback ride and swim in St. Lucia
• Mt. Little Malene Hiking Expedition in Greenland
• Playing golf in Scotland

You get the idea - cruising is not boring. In fact you'll probably arrive home with a list of things you want to do on your next, active cruise!

By Susan Milne