Sports trips and vacations are more popular than ever before. For those of us who thrive on being challenged, sports holidays offer the ideal combination of fitness, competition and relaxation.
A sports holiday doesn’t have to be a simple running or cycling holiday; it can be based on something much more exciting. For example, horse riding, surfing and scuba diving holidays are exciting and popular choices for sports-based holidays.
One of the best things about sports holidays is that you can choose the type of holiday you want, where you will go and what sports you will do. Once you have picked out your holiday, it is a good idea to start planning, to help you do that we have put together some helpful tips and ideas.
To make the most out of your sports holiday, have a read of our tips and advice below:
- Drink lots of water
It is important that when you are exercising, you make sure to drink enough water and stay hydrated. Did you know that by the time you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated?
Being dehydrated can cause headaches, tiredness and a lack of concentration, a dangerous combination if you are taking part in sports activities. That’s why it is vital that you drink enough water whilst you are exercising.
To ensure you stay well hydrated, you need to be drinking water before, during and after exercise. Especially if you are visiting a hot country. But how much water is enough?
Studies suggest that you should aim to drink half a litre of water two hours before you exercise, as well as another quarter of a litre of water 15 minutes before you exercise. Plus, another quarter of a litre of water for every ten minutes you exercise for.
- Look after your feet
Sore and blistered feet are the absolute worst. Annoying, painful and messy, sore and blistered feet are not something you want whilst on a sports holiday or trip. That is why it is essential you take care of your feet whilst you are away.
Regardless of what sport or activity you are taking part in, a good quality pair of walking or running socks will help to keep your feet pain and blister free. Make sure that in your day bag, you also have a pack of blister plasters just in case a blister occurs. If a blister occurs and is not protected, it will only get worse. Especially if you are exercising on it.
Before you travel, try to toughen up the soles of your feet a bit. Walk around your yard with bare feet, as this will help to toughen up the skin and prevent rubbing from occurring. Just be careful what you step on.
- Be prepared for all weather conditions
Do some research on where you are going and work out what you need to take. If you are going to a country with a warm climate, it still might be worth packing some warmer clothes too. Especially if you will be taking part in nighttime activities, as even in hot countries the climate can really drop at night.
Pack a sensible factor sunscreen. Getting burnt it not only annoying, it can also be incredibly painful, so it is important to apply sunscreen regularly. If you have a tendency to forget to reapply, consider downloading the phone app ‘Sunscreen’. This app will not only work out the best SPF factor for your location, it will also send you a reminder when it is time to reapply.
Don’t risk the enjoyment of your well-earned trip by getting sunburnt. Even if you are going to a cold place, such as for skiing or snowboarding trip, make sure to pack your sunscreen. It is amazing how hot the mountains can get.
- Invest in insurance
Whilst you may have general travel insurance, if you are going on a sports-based holiday or trip, it is worth investing in sports travel insurance.
Although you may think it is unlikely that you will be injured severely enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room, it is better to be safe than sorry. Think about it, if the worst should happen, could you really afford to pay out for expensive hospital fees?
Whilst adding on sports insurance to your holiday cost may seem like a waste of time, if you are going on a sports-based holiday it is vital.
- Leave your valuables at home
Sports holidays can often be incredibly intensive, so bringing your brand new pair of designer jeans may not be the best idea. Bring clothing that you don’t mind getting ruined. Don’t be tempted to bring you favourite or most fashionable pieces, or you may end up regretting it.
Whilst it is nice to make memories by taking photos, don’t bring your expensive camera with you. Instead, opt for a disposable alternative, that way you don’t have to worry about breaking it or about it getting stolen.
Although you may think that you need your phone, if you are going to be doing an activity where it could get damaged, don’t bring it. Make sure to either leave it at home or if you can’t live without it, leave it locked away in your hotel or villa.
- Have fun
holiday fun
(Photo source)
Enjoy your sports holiday and have fun. Sports holidays are an excellent way to keep in good shape, meet new, like-minded friends and challenge yourself.
You may not realise it, but the things that you have to work hard to achieve, are always the most rewarding. That’s why a sports holiday is an excellent vacation choice.
Make sure that you make time to relax as well as take part in activities. Whilst a sports holiday is all about the activities you do, it is also vital that you find time to chill out and relax your mind. Take a dip in the hot tub, go for a calming swim or spend an hour or so at the spa, you will feel much better for it.
