1. It’s a great alternative to other group tours

Sitting on a bus looking out the window as you tour around Ireland, for example, is not nearly as exciting as navigating its backroads and lush green scenery on a bicycle. You’ll get the fresh Irish air and get a better sense of the place around you when you embark on a cycle tour alternatively.

2. You don’t have to be an avid cyclist

Not all cycle tours are designed for avid cyclists. Many tours have itineraries where cycling is simply the mode of transportation to the next location, meaning you may only be cycling on flat roads on a city bike for only a few hours a day. Not too bad, right? But with that in mind, most tours offer alternative transport if you get tired along the way.

3. It’s a great form of exercise

Great on the legs and glutes, cycling is also beneficial for the entire body. Cycling tours leave you feeling perhaps a bit sore, but you’ll head home feeling fantastic. Plus, it might encourage you to splurge a bit more on a delicious dessert because you know that tomorrow you’ll be burning off that chocolate cake anyhow.

4. You’ll make new friends

Whether you’re a solo traveller or travelling with your partner, on a group cycle tour you’re bound to make connections and new friends along the way. Connecting with others is a major part of travelling and a cycle tour makes it simple. Plus, your tour leader is likely an expert of the region and can share thoughts, tips, and recommendations on the area that you might not find elsewhere.

5. It guarantees a unique experience

Every day is different on a cycle tour, so you know you’re getting a unique experience. Plus, trips like these you’ll look back on fondly because it’s different from the alternative bus routes, making it more of an exciting and rewarding experience.

6. You get closer to nature

Instead of just hopping from city to landmark to site, cycling offers the ability to be a little bit closer to your surroundings. You’ll take in new aromas, breathe in the fresh air, and notice things you wouldn’t have if you were travelling in a car or bus.

7. You can venture off into the mountains

If you are in fact an avid cycler then you can venture into the mountains and take things up a notch. There are tours designed for mountain bikers and those looking for more strenuous adventures. Try out cycling the Tour du Mont Blanc or the Finnish Lapland for an exciting mountain biking adventure in Europe.

Ready to take on a cycling holiday? See here to explore all cycling holiday options.

One of the simplest watersports, all SUP requires is a paddleboard, similar to a surfboard, and a paddle. You then you stand up (or kneel or sit) and paddle off into the distance. It can take a while to get your balance initially and paddling in a straight line takes some practice but most people will be standing up and going within minutes.

How active is it?

Once you’re up, paddleboarding is as relaxing or active as you’d like. For a light workout you can paddle gently, taking in the scenery and chatting with friends. If you’d prefer more activity, you can do jumps and tricks, do paddleboarding yoga, take part in races or sign up for long distance endurance challenges.

Is it a good workout?

Yes! Paddleboarding is an excellent workout for strength, endurance and balance. You’ll be working your core and leg muscles constantly maintaining your balance, while your arms will be toned from the paddling.

Where can I do it?

Almost anywhere. You can paddleboard on most waterways, whether canals, rivers, lakes or on the sea. There are lots of centres for offering paddleboarding popping up throughout the country and it’s often offered on weekend trips or activity holidays.

Is there anything to watch out for?

The key times to watch out is when there’s a lot of wind, waters are choppy or the tide is against you. At these times you’ll have to work harder to get the paddleboard going in the right direction.

So what are you waiting for, grab your paddle and board and get going!

If you’re looking to get out on the water and get closer to nature there’s no better way than kayaking. Kayaking trips can range from flat water kayaking, relaxing on lakes or the sea to the adrenaline rush of white water kayaking, negotiating rapids on fast moving rivers.

Here are a few of the reasons we love to get our in a kayak:

No previous experience required

The average kayak trip requires no previous experience. After a safety and equipment briefing you can be out on the water in a few short minutes. They’re stable to paddle and there’s nothing to stop you paddling and exploring for hours.

Get closer to nature

Kayaks are small, quiet and easy to manoever. This means that it’s possible to travel into caves, through tunnels and get up close to local wildlife. As well as the vast array of bird life, you can often find seals swimming with the kayaks on the south coast of England.

Go further

You can go further and explore more in a kayak than swimming or paddleboarding while still having a relaxing experience. While a normal kayak day trip lasts a couple of hours it’s equally possible to do overnight tours, kayaking each day and camping overnight. The number of these trips are continuing to grow, with the Norwegian fjords being a popular destination for beginners and experienced kayakers alike.

Get a good workout

As with other watersports kayaking gives a good core and arm workout. You have full control over the intensity of the workout through choosing the distance or time on the water and the speed at which you travel.

Go anytime

Kayaking is versatile in terms of where and when you can kayak. It can be done on most waterways and is equally accessible with or without a guide. Windy conditions will make kayaking more difficult, so check the conditions are suitable for your abilities before you head out.

So if you’re looking to get back to nature and have a day on the water, why not give kayaking a try.