5 holidays to shift that Christmas weight
Following the excesses of the festive period, New Year is traditionally a time when many people try to be a little more active. But with stretched finances and tricky budgets, joining a gym can seem like an unnecessary expense.
With this in mind, why not combine your annual holiday with the chance to shift those Christmas pounds? Not only will you get your figure back, you'll also have the chance to learn a new skill to make friends back home jealous. We've put together our top five holidays to shift the Christmas bulge: read through these, and get that Adonis body (ahem), back in no time.
1. Cycling holidays
If you're keen to explore, grabbing a set of wheels for a cycling holiday is certainly the easiest (and most eco-friendly) way of doing so. For the ultimate cycling credentials, why not head to France to try a section or two of the Tour de France? This mammoth race is open to the public, and the best thing is you can choose how much (or little!) of it you cycle which is perfect for those who are a bit out of practice.
2. Yoga retreat
Christmas can be a stressful time and if you're keen to regain some inner peace then a yoga retreat is a great way of combining exercise with some unfettered 'me time'. India is of course the ultimate destination for yoga fans, but for something a little more budget-friendly then coastal resorts in Spain or Thailand are just as good.
Great for toning and calming, yoga is perfect for anyone looking to recover from Christmas stress and face the New Year with renewed confidence.
3. Climbing holidays
For thrill-seekers, a climbing holiday is a great way of testing your nerve and experiencing some breathtaking views and while they can be tricky, with the right destination everyone should be able to pick up the basics quickly and easily.
Beginners should head to the Peak District for expert tuition and easier slopes, but more experienced climbers will doubtless want a challenge. Ecuador offers high altitude and thrilling climbs and will provide you with endless tales of daring with which to impress.
4. Skiing or snowboarding
Skiing is the ultimate winter break, and if you're not quite ready to bid farewell to the cold season then why not hit the slopes? Ski season is only just beginning in countries such as Sweden and Austria, and best of all these breaks offer something for everyone: sledging for younger children, boarding for experienced skiers, and hiking for the whole family. Head to Andorra for easy slopes suitable for younger children, or try Austria for some excellent night-life and après-ski entertainment.
5. Hiking holidays
If you're looking to get back to nature and experience the best that your destination has to offer, then a hiking holiday is a great way of exploring, getting fit and testing your survival skills in one fell swoop.
Sweden, with its stunning landscape and diverse terrain, is one of the best options for beginners and seasoned walkers alike. Beginners should head to the county of Bohuslän for gentle weather, easy slopes and calm lakes, but for something a little trickier try Dalsland and the Pilgrim's Trail. This beautiful trek offers three to four days of solid walking and allows you to get back to nature during the evenings, when you'll stop and set up camp. Don't forget the marshmallows for those fireside evenings!
Whichever break you choose, adventure holidays are a great way of trying something new on your annual break, as well as ensuring that any holiday indulgence is easily burned off. If you're tired of the usual lazy beach break and are looking for something unique, you could do a lot worse than a high-energy holiday to blow away the cobwebs, so dust off those trainers and get moving!