Fitness-Focused Getaways - A New Look at the Family Vacation

When many people plan a family vacation, they often plan around food, fun, and relaxation. But relaxation does not have to mean lying around doing nothing. It can be very relaxing to go on a camping trip, for example, or a ski trip. These days, the family vacation that is focused on fitness is gaining popularity.

So how do you plan a fitness-oriented family vacation? Does it mean everyone is going to spend a week at boot camp? Family vacations that have a fitness theme do not have to be a grueling experience. In fact, they don't even have to take place at a fitness center or spa. Here are some ideas for a fit family vacation.

1. The beach

The classic family vacation is for everyone to go to the beach. But rather than eating a lot of rich food at restaurants and lying out in the sun, plan a daily activity. Each day can have something fitness oriented.

See if you can rent bicycles to ride on the beach or in the neighborhoods. Horseback riding is also something that many beach areas offer. Go swimming in the ocean in the morning and take a walk in the afternoon. Maybe there is a wildlife refuge near the beach, and you can take the family hiking. Or you can sign everyone up for surfing or tennis lessons. Just re-think the beach vacation and plan it as something active.

2. Camping and hiking

Camping trips can be surprisingly non-active if you don't plan them. If you drive an RV and just park it for a week, you aren't going to get much exercise. For a fitness-based camping trip, include some hiking, kayaking, or rafting. Each day of the camping trip, have something active planned. Camping in a different place every night while you hike a trail over the course of a few days is a great way to incorporate fitness into camping.

3. Dude ranches

A dude ranch is a resort, but it's patterned after a typical Western ranch. The whole family can get in on horseback riding, doing ranch chores, and participating in planned activities offered at the ranch. Some dude ranches offer children's programs with horseback riding, swimming, and even crafts. The whole family can have an active day and get plenty of exercise on a dude ranch vacation.

4. Skiing

The family ski vacation is a great one for getting fit. Even if there are people in your family who have never skied before, you can still enjoy a ski vacation - resorts almost always offer lessons for beginners. Every day you will be active on the slopes, and if you want some variety there are other activities, too: snowboarding, sledding, and even riding a snow mobile.