Learn a new sport on holiday

For some people, a holiday is simply about lying by the pool with a book and relaxing. For others, a holiday is about the opportunity to do something they wouldn’t usually do at home.There are destinations in the UK and worldwide where you can learn a new sport, or brush up your skills in a long-neglected one.

In the UK, one of the obvious choices is CenterParcs, which are great for active families as there is such a wide range of activities available. If you prefer, you can relax by the indoor pool, or in the spa while the rest of the family are more active. With car-free sites and a choice of accommodation, these are ideal for outdoor holidays but are suitable in all weathers. There are a number of companies who specialise in sporting holidays. So it could be your chance to try horse riding, cycling, football, jet skiing, or one of a long list of possible activities, in destinations as diverse as Oman and New Zealand.

A sport for all seasons
Even in the winter, it is possible to learn a new sport on holiday. Skiing is the obvious choice, and people usually think of downhill skiing when they talk about a skiing holiday. But cross country skiing is increasingly popular with winter holidaymakers and gives you an excellent workout. Another winter sport holiday option is snow shoeing which although it is more of a fitness activity rather than a sport can give great cardio vascular exercise. Also, you could try ice climbing or skating – both very active sports that can be experienced on holiday for the first time.

Taking to the water
Of course a summer holiday is the best time to spend on the water, and activities such as sailing, windsurfing, rafting, kayaking and diving are ideal to take as a short course followed by a break practicing them. Just imagine learning to sale in the blue waters of the Aegean Sea, or kayaking in a Canadian National Park. Neither are impossible in a break of just two weeks.

A skill for life
Once you learn a new sport you will probably want to continue building your skill, and it is often possible to do follow up courses, or more independent holidays whilst doing your chosen activity.

The activities and sports you can learn on holiday are really only limited by your imagination, and your skills searching the internet. The opportunities really are endless.

Sally is a journalist and freelance writer. She loves to write about travel and green issues and writes a blog for Coupon Croc .