A cycling holiday, on the other hand, could be just the tonic and at www.headwater.com/all/activities/cycling.htm you’ll find a fantastic choice of options ideal for beginners or pros alike. The advantages to such a holiday are many and varied. You’ll get to experience something different and a change is better than a rest when it comes to broadening the mind and elevating the mood.
In addition you’ll more than likely have interesting diversions working in tandem – pun totally intended – with the cycling, be they cultural, historical or simply the magnificent scenery you are sure to encounter. You’ll also be exercising in the great outdoors, something increasingly linked to improved mood and mental health in general, and (best of all) given all that cycling you will have well and truly earned the cold beer or glass of wine at the end of the day.
There are loads of amazing cycling holiday destinations depending what you want out of a holiday. One option that is great for beginners and families is the Emerald Coast of Northern France. This pristine area of Brittany has gorgeous flat cycling tracks, stunning white sandy beaches and colorful sailing harbors that provide ideal spots to stop for lunch. The routes are largely traffic-free and the clean sea air and magnificent rocky coastline are sure to invigorate.
Another great option in France is the Chablis region, especially for those partial to a drop or two of fine white wine… remember, you’ll have earned it! You will pass through beautifully manicured vineyards and countryside, along quiet restful rivers and canals and see countless chateaux, abbeys and churches. With abundant wild flower meadows in spring and a good array of birdlife, a holiday in Chablis is sure to restore your karmic well-being and completely reset the stress dials to zero.
If you fancy really getting off the beaten track then Jordan is a wonderful country for a cycling holiday that is sure to leave the Costa Crew envious. Jordan has a wealth of treasures that are sure to feature on many people’s bucket lists and in a week or a little longer you can easily visit them all on a cycling holiday of a lifetime. The magnificent sand dunes and rock formations of Wadi Rum, the ancient rose red city of Petra and the iconic Dead Sea – the salty waters of which are perfect for you to set up various kooky photos for your album – are all there for the discovering. Throw in the pleasant seaside town of Aqaba and the superb Roman ruins at Jerash and you have a holiday that just about ticks every box.
A cycling holiday is a great way to see the world and is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed, rather than tired and jaded on your return to the UK. Why not give one a try this year or even get planning for 2014?
(Photo by Bruno Monginoux)