I am off to Mallorca this week and, as I started looking for fun things to do, it got me thinking about how to bring a little adventure to your beach holiday and how to manage this with your family.
Since I first toyed with the idea of redesigning my life, in fact probably even a little before that, I started to change the way I do things. I have spoken before about how the chance to do the Three Peaks Challenge with some close friends, back in the summer of 2015 was a kind of catalyst in my evolving into the person I am now - happier and healthier in mind and body.
Since that moment I have been trying to find opportunities to get outdoors and to be adventurous in and around work, home life and even on the kind of holidays that, on the face of it, are not so adventurous.
Indeed I have found time to run up hills, walk on windswept open ridges, hike across salt mines, through pine forests, up mountains, around volcanic lakes and climb limestone crags all in locations that would generally be contemplated as seaside destinations.
And this goes to show it is absolutely possible to squeeze in some "wild time" within the confines of what would normally be described as a beach holiday.
This, of course, is without even considering the boundless possibility of adventure the sea itself offers.
My point is that it is not difficult to enjoy and appreciate nature if you choose to look around you or do just a few minutes research before you embark on your one or two weeks in the sun.
I think your family will understand if you take a couple of mornings, or indeed a whole day to find a footpath and discover countryside that is completely different to that which we know at home.
I know mine does.
Perhaps they will even come with you. What is more you will enrich your holiday experience, your health, and even your understanding of other countries.
Its never been easier...
For the weekend walker who is perhaps less confident outside his or her own backyard, smartphones with GPS Apps add an extra layer of security and increased accessibility to foreign trails.
- Cicerone, to name but one company, offers guidebooks on many popular holiday islands.
- Local tourist information services now abound with trail maps and walking suggestions for all levels.
- There are a myriad of local companies (with websites in English) offering help, and guidance (for a fee of course) to enable tourists to engage with the local wilderness.
- There is nothing to stop anyone making their beach holiday into more of an adventure.
There is nothing to stop me.
...and here is tip on how to do it.
What I often do is get up early and use the cooler hours of the morning to tramp up a local hill and enjoy not only the silent beauty of the landscape at this time but also the more clement weather. I often get back in time to spend most of the day with my family.
The key is striking a balance. If your family does not share your passion for the outdoors but prefers a good book, a bucket and spade and a sun lounger make sure you do your bit whenever you can (chaps, this is largely aimed at you). It boils down to earning your adventure time or "Adventure Equity" as Gilad Nachmani calls it.
Visit the Destinations page for more inspiration.