Fitness-Minded Vacations for Active Baby Boomers
What’s your ideal vacation? Lying around the pool, eating, drinking, and taking it easy? Well to some boomers who are all about staying youthful and fit there is another route to go. No longer satisfied with a trip to the beach, active boomers are mixing their vacation time with fitness time.
You don’t have to be in active sports to take and activity filled vacation. Think about getting exercise while you are exploring the Roman ruins. Kayaking and whitewater rafting are also popular. Take a trip to look at the historical sites on a walking tour right here in the United States. You are not only stretching your muscles, you’re stretching your mind as well. Walking is a great form of exercise and what fun to enjoy walking and seeing the wonderful offerings of nature. Adventure vacations can be stimulating and brings out imagination and creativity. Maybe an adventure vacation will make you dream of the possibilities in life.
Adventure vacations are not new but they are appealing to baby boomers who want to continue to stay active. Boomers are looking for ways to stay healthy and keep their bodies in shape. They were called the “youth” generation and they aren’t giving that title up easily.
Formerly it was the young adults who went cycling through Europe, hiked and skied in the Alps and went to dude ranches for a vacation full of horseback riding. Today the boomer market is growing and active vacations are being sought after more and more.
Healthier lifestyles are one reason why this age group is looking at active vacations. The emphasis on staying fit, healthy, and making exercise a part of your life is what it’s all about for the baby boomer generation. This group builds healthy habits into their lives and when they go on vacation, they don’t want to take a vacation from fitness.
Another advantage to this type of vacation is that if you don’t have to make any plans. Book your vacation and everything is planned for you. Also, baby boomers are already travelers and are looking for something other than just another trip. With no planning to do you have the time to relax and get the maximum benefit from your active vacation.
Some companies are planning vacations by level of difficulty or age. Be sure before you book that it is appropriate for your age and physical health. And, before you go on that trip, prepare yourself. Don’t wait until the week you leave to buy a new pair of walking shoes. If you are doing something more strenuous than walking, begin training at least six weeks ahead of time. Even if you are planning on a walking vacation and you aren’t used to walking long distances, prepare yourself. Starts walking daily, at first short distances, and gradually build up to what is comfortable for you.
Explore the costs of these vacations. Some can be quite expensive but if you do your research, you can find affordable vacations that fit in most budgets. Be sure to find out what you are getting for the amount you are paying. If they say “all-inclusive,” be sure to understand what that actually includes. You may be surprised to find “all-inclusive’ vacations are not always all-inclusive. Ask questions about tipping, find out whom you should tip and in what circumstances.
Check the credentials of the staff that are leading your active vacation. They should have licenses or professional credentials for whatever activity you will be doing. For instance, you will want someone who has the right credentials to take you out to scuba dive for the first time. It’s important to ask if they have first-aid training as well as CPR training.
If you have found a site on the Internet, be sure you are able to contact the site with questions or concerns. Find out how long they have been in business; ask for pictures of their facilities. If you are uncertain of a destination or vacation package, try to go to one that is recommended to you by friends or family.
Boomers don’t give up your healthy lifestyle when you go on vacation. Stay fit and active on your vacation. You’ll come home feeling relaxed, rested, and still physically fit.
Tags: adventure vacations, baby boomers, senior citizens