Active Holidays Destinations That Change How You See The World

Whether you’re up to the hilt in kids and work or blissfully free from responsibility as a gap year teen, the only thing between you and a trip somewhere nice should be the contents of your bank account—and even then, that’s only a trifling matter against the pure majesty of taking yourself abroad.

Gen Z don’t have a lot of money, but they’re travelling anyway. They basically invented digital nomadism and workcation.

But there’s more to life than sunning yourself on a budget resort sun lounger or hitting up the same tired hotels and bars in your home-from-home European city of choice.

Holidays should be grasped firmly and ran with—and the best discoveries often come from the most effort.

Active holidays are about connecting with nature, discovering cultures, and pushing boundaries—all while staying physically active. Here are some unforgettable destinations where adventure meets transformation.

Bhutan: hiking in the Himalayas with a cultural twist

We’re starting strong here with the Kingdom of Bhutan. South of Tibet, north of India’s Meghalaya, and east of Nepal, this small, remote (to us) landlocked kingdom is a place that very much contains multitudes. For instance, this Buddhist nation is chock-full of spiritually important destinations, including mountain-nestled monasteries you must trek hard to find.

Visiting Bhutan can be expensive, not in the least on account of its daily “tourist tax”—but this money is funnelled straight back into the country; environmental efforts to protect its unspoiled landscapes and Indigenous animals cost money, after all. If you’re making the effort to discover them, you can rest assured that your travel expenses are going toward their sustenance for future generations.

Peru: trekking the Inca trail

There’s nothing quite like hiking the ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This 4-day trek through the Andes offers a mix of physical challenge, awe-inspiring scenery, and historical discovery. Walking in the footsteps of the Incas, you’ll experience the blend of human achievement and natural wonder that leaves many travelers profoundly changed.

The Azores: volcanic landscapes and oceanic adventures

The Atlantic Ocean is a huge and imposing thing, and not the first place you might think to (metaphorically) dive into for a meaningful holiday. However, if you look close enough, you’ll find nine astonishing specks dusted over the North Atlantic, hundreds upon hundreds of miles from the nearest coast. These are the Azores, and incidentally, an autonomous region of that closest shore, being a Portuguese archipelago under its governance.

These archipelagic isles are, in a word, stunning. They are otherwise, in essence, inexplicably beautiful; their landscapes are unlike anything else you’ve seen, and all the more impressive for their complete remoteness. It takes effort to come here, and more effort still to hike your way into the thick of it. This, though, is where your worldview changes utterly.

The Netherlands: cycling through the tulip fields

Explore the Dutch countryside on two wheels, where every turn reveals postcard-perfect windmills, canals, and vibrant tulip fields. The Netherlands’ flat terrain makes it ideal for cyclists of all levels, offering a mix of leisure and discovery.

You’ll gain a slower, more intimate way to explore a country and a new appreciation for sustainable travel

Jordan: ancient trails and desert adventures

For a more conventionally breathtaking kind of walking holiday, there’s Jordan—the Palestine-bordering West-Asian country with a 650km long hiking route that showcases some of the region’s unmissable landscapes. This route is, for obvious reasons, not for the faint-hearted; even if you only select a small sliver of this ultramarathon-distance route, you have some serious weather conditions to contend with as you travel. Your reward, though, is the beauty of the Red Sea

Italy: hiking through the Dolomites

Italy’s Dolomites offer dramatic peaks, charming alpine villages, and well-marked trails for all skill levels. A day’s hike rewards you with stunning views and a taste of the region’s rich culture and cuisine.

You’ll gain a sense of awe for Europe’s natural beauty.

Vietnam: kayaking in Ha Long Bay

Paddle through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, surrounded by towering limestone karsts. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a peaceful, active way to explore caves, floating villages, and hidden lagoons.

A tranquil yet adventurous connection with nature.

USA: rock climbing in Yosemite National Park

Yosemite is a dream destination for rock climbers. From beginner-friendly boulders to advanced big-wall climbs like El Capitan, the park challenges you physically while surrounding you with jaw-dropping landscapes.

You’ll gain a newfound respect for the Earth’s geological wonders.