10 Active Adventures That Still Feel Like a Vacation
- David Loyless
- Sep 4, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 12, 2025
There’s a certain magic in finding the sweet spot between staying active on your travels and actually coming home feeling refreshed -- not wrecked. Active travel doesn’t have to mean grinding out 20-mile days or conquering every summit in sight. It’s about immersing yourself in the landscape, moving your body, and still having time to enjoy long dinners, sunsets, and maybe a good massage.
Over the years, we’ve found that the best “active vacations” strike a balance between challenge and indulgence. Whether you’re trekking through alpine meadows, kayaking alongside dolphins, or cycling past olive groves, the key is to keep your days rich with movement but not so packed you forget you’re on holiday.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 active adventures across the globe that deliver just that: a satisfying sense of accomplishment and a genuine break from the everyday grind. These aren’t just trips for elite athletes -- they’re journeys that active couples, adventurous families, and solo travelers can enjoy, with the right planning and gear.
Hiking the Laugavegur Trail (Iceland)
Few trails pack as much variety into four to six days as Iceland’s famous Laugavegur Trail. Expect steaming geothermal vents, colorful rhyolite mountains, obsidian lava fields, and lush river valleys -- all in under 35 miles.
Activity Level: Moderate; 6–10 miles per day with rolling elevation.
Why it still feels like a vacation: Cozy mountain huts (or well-spaced campsites), evenings soaking in natural hot springs, and plenty of time to explore side trails.
Best season: Late June to early September
A lightweight, weatherproof shell is a must -- we highly recommend Patagonia's Torrentshell and Cotopaxi's Impermeo. Check out our resource Weather-Smart Packing for Unpredictable Climates for more information.
Cycling the Loire Valley (France)
If you’ve ever wanted to combine daily exercise with world-class wine and fairytale castles, the Loire Valley cycling route is the way to do it. With over 500 miles of well-marked paths, you can customize your route to match your pace.
Activity Level: Easy to moderate; flat terrain with occasional rolling hills.
Why it still feels like a vacation: Leisurely days, plenty of vineyards and chateaux to linger in, and luxurious B&B stays.
Best season: May–October
Sea Kayaking the Sea of Cortez (Mexico)
Dubbed “the aquarium of the world,” the Sea of Cortez is one of the best places to combine wildlife viewing with paddling. Multi-day kayaking trips explore desert islands, remote beaches, and pods of playful sea lions.
Activity Level: Moderate; 2–4 hours of paddling per day with optional hikes.
Why it still feels like a vacation: Sunsets over the water, fresh-caught seafood cooked on the beach, and ample downtime for snorkeling.
Best season: October–April
Polarized sunglasses are a must for spending hours on the open water. Be sure to include a floating strap so you don't lose them. Get a good dry bag for all of your essentials, and wear plenty of sunscreen (SPF 50+).
Trekking in the Julian Alps (Slovenia)
Often overlooked in favor of the Alps in France or Switzerland, Slovenia offers jaw-dropping mountain scenery with fewer crowds. Routes like the Triglav National Park hut-to-hut trail mix alpine adventure with cozy hospitality.
Activity Level: Moderate to challenging depending on route.
Why it still feels like a vacation: Affordable hut stays, hearty local cuisine, and easy connections to charming Ljubljana.
Best season: June–September
Snorkeling & Hiking in the Azores (Portugal)
For those who want variety without long-haul flights (from Europe or the East Coast of North America), the Azores offer volcanic crater lakes, lush hiking paths, and rich marine life -- perfect for picturesque day hikes, followed by snorkeling with sharks, devil rays, and an abundance of colorful fish.
Activity Level: Easy to moderate; day hikes and half-day snorkel trips.
Why it still feels like a vacation: Thermal baths, farm-to-table meals, and boutique accommodations.
Best season: May–October
Safari Walks in South Luangwa (Zambia)
Traditional safaris involve a lot of sitting and riding in vehicles on game drives. But in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park, walking safaris bring the bush to life in a way no game drive can. Spend your mornings tracking wildlife on foot with expert local guides, then retreat to your camp’s plunge pool.
Activity Level: Light walking (3–5 miles per day) on flat terrain.
Why it still feels like a vacation: Luxurious tented camps, candlelit dinners, and wildlife viewing at your doorstep.
Best season: July–October
For more information, see our guide: 5 Questions to Ask Before Booking Your Next Safari.
Paddleboarding the Dalmatian Coast (Croatia)
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the most accessible ways to stay active on the water. Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast combines calm seas, historic harbors, and island hopping --a paradise where crystal-clear waters offer a unique perspective for exploring ancient towns and discovering hidden coves.
Activity Level: Easy; 1–2 hours of paddling per day with plenty of rest.
Why it still feels like a vacation: Mediterranean cuisine, seaside cafes, and historic towns like Split and Dubrovnik.
Best season: June–September
Volcano Trekking in Guatemala
Base yourself in Antigua and tackle the Acatenango Volcano overnight trek -- one of the few places where you can watch an active volcano (Fuego) erupt under the stars. This challenging but rewarding hike offers unparalleled views of the fiery eruptions against the dark sky.
Activity Level: Challenging but short (2-day hike with steep gain).
Why it still feels like a vacation: Combine with coffee farm tours, colonial city charm, and Lake Atitlán relaxation.
Best season: November–April
Horseback Riding in the Scottish Highlands
For something a little different, consider a multi-day horseback riding trek through Scotland’s rugged highlands. Suitable for beginners (with proper guidance) or experienced riders. Explore misty lochs and ancient forests from a unique perspective, finding a new appreciation for the country's untamed beauty.
Activity Level: Light to moderate; 3–5 hours of riding per day.
Why it still feels like a vacation: Whisky tastings, cozy inns, and evenings by the fire.
Best season: May–September
Island Hopping on Foot in the Hebrides (Scotland)
Sometimes the simplest adventures are the most satisfying: ferry-hop between the Outer Hebrides islands, walking coastal trails and beaches by day, and sampling local seafood by night. This rhythm provides a peaceful escape connecting with windswept beauty and the warmth of island life.
Activity Level: Easy to moderate; flexible day walks.
Why it still feels like a vacation: Stunning beaches, warm hospitality, and slow travel at its finest.
Best season: May–September
Key Takeaways
Active adventures don’t have to be extreme -- focus on destinations that combine movement with genuine downtime.
Always pack for flexibility: a pair of good hiking shoes, quick-dry layers, and a lightweight daypack will get you far. Check out our Adventure Packing Guide for more.
Build in recovery days to enjoy local culture, food, and rest.
Ready to Start Planning?
If these adventures sparked your wanderlust, that’s just the beginning. Whether you’re dreaming of a multi-day trek, a gentle cycling route, or a mix of kayaking and culture, we can help design a trip that matches your activity level, timing, and style of travel -- without the stress of piecing it all together yourself.
