There's something perfect about stepping outside when you're somewhere new. Whether it's the crisp mountain air that hits differently than back home or the way sunlight filters through unfamiliar trees, outdoor experiences have a unique ability to transform any trip from ordinary to unforgettable.
Getting outdoors on holiday doesn't mean you need to be scaling mountains or trekking through jungles (though if that's your thing, more power to you). It's about embracing the natural world around your destination and letting it become part of your travel story.
The best part? It's accessible to virtually anyone, regardless of fitness level or experience.
If you’re someone who struggles to get outdoors when you travel, or you’re just looking for some advice on the best ways to incorporate outdoor adventure into your holidays, this guide is for you.
What are the Benefits of Being Outdoors on Holiday?
The mental reset alone makes outdoor time worthwhile. When you're surrounded by nature, your mind naturally shifts away from the usual travel stresses, and instead, you're present in the moment, breathing fresh air and taking in landscapes that photos never quite capture properly.
Physical benefits come naturally too. Even gentle activities like walking through botanical gardens or exploring coastal paths give your body more movement than typical sightseeing.
But perhaps the most compelling reason is how outdoor experiences create lasting memories. Years later, you'll remember the sound of waves on that secluded beach or the view from that hillside trail far more vividly than which restaurant you ate at or what your hotel room looked like.
Nature also provides incredible opportunities for capturing authentic moments. The golden hour light filtering through forest canopies or dramatic coastlines creates natural backdrops that make even casual snapshots feel special.
How to Plan an Outdoor Holiday
Now we’ve covered the ‘why’ of getting outdoors when you’re on holiday, here’s the ‘how’.
Plan With the Weather in Mind
Timing can make or break an outdoor-focused trip. You need to go further than checking average temperatures; you'll want to understand seasonal patterns that affect outdoor activities.
Mediterranean destinations shine in late spring and early autumn when the heat isn't overwhelming. Mountain regions in particular often have distinct seasons for different activities; summer for hiking, winter for snow sports, but shoulder seasons might offer the best combination of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Consider what "good weather" means for your planned activities. Rain might ruin a beach day, but it creates perfect conditions for photographing waterfalls or exploring covered markets. Some travellers actually prefer slightly overcast conditions for outdoor activities, since harsh sunlight can be more limiting than light cloud cover.
Monsoon seasons, hurricane periods, and extreme temperature variations can be dangerous when you’re planning to spend time outdoors. But don't let this discourage you from visiting during less popular times. Many destinations have wonderful outdoor opportunities year-round if you adjust your expectations and activities accordingly.
Stay Somewhere Rural
Location matters enormously when you want nature to be part of your daily routine on holiday. Rural accommodations, whether it's a countryside inn, mountain lodge, or coastal cottage, are perfect for putting you directly into outdoor environments.
Staying somewhere surrounded by the great outdoors doesn't mean sacrificing comfort. Many rural properties offer excellent amenities while maintaining their connection to natural surroundings, whether you’re looking for dog-friendly cottages in Padstow, converted barns in the Yorkshire Dales, or a luxury treehouse in Somerset.
The practical advantages are significant too. When you're staying somewhere rural, morning coffee might come with sunrise views over fields or forests. Evening relaxation happens naturally outdoors rather than in hotel lobbies. You're more likely to spot local wildlife, experience authentic regional culture, and discover places that aren't in guidebooks.
Remote locations also mean less light pollution, making stargazing possible and sunrise photography more rewarding. The peace and quiet help reset your internal clock, especially if you're coming from busy city environments.
Go on an Active Trip
Active holidays don't necessarily require extreme fitness levels or specialised skills. The key is choosing activities that match your interests and abilities while keeping you engaged with outdoor environments throughout your trip.
Cycling holidays work brilliantly because they cover more ground than walking while keeping you intimately connected to landscapes, weather, and local life. Many regions in Europe offer well-developed cycling infrastructure with accommodation and luggage transport services; Puglia is perfect for an Italy cycling tour, whilst Mallorca is famed for its established routes.
Another option is walking tours, which range from gentle cultural strolls through historic towns to challenging multi-day treks. The beauty lies in the pace; slow enough to really observe surroundings, interact with locals, and discover details you'd miss from car windows or tour buses.
Water-based activities like kayaking, sailing, or even guided snorkelling trips provide unique perspectives on destinations while keeping you actively engaged with natural environments. Coastal walking, beachcombing, and tide pool exploration also offer gentler ways to connect with marine environments.
Explore on Foot
Walking remains the most accessible way to truly experience outdoor destinations, and it costs absolutely nothing beyond a decent pair of shoes. When you explore on foot, you're moving at the perfect pace to notice details like the texture of tree bark, the scent of wild herbs, or the way light changes throughout the day.
Urban destinations often surprise visitors with their walking opportunities. Most cities have parks, waterfront paths, or historic districts that reveal themselves beautifully on foot.
Day hiking opens up landscapes that remain completely inaccessible by car or public transport. Some of the most rewarding walks are gentle paths through local nature reserves or coastal tracks that offer stunning views without requiring technical skills.
Many destinations offer marked trails with interpretive signs, or you can create your own routes using mapping apps that highlight points of interest. This approach lets you pause for photos, rest when needed, or extend interesting discoveries without group pressure.
Get Outdoors and Explore
The common thread across all active outdoor holidays is that they create natural rhythms. You wake with intention, move through landscapes mindfully, and end days with the satisfying tiredness that comes from physical engagement with beautiful places.
Whether you're drawn to mountain vistas, coastal paths, forest trails, or rural countryside, getting outdoors transforms any holiday from passive observation to active participation in the places you visit. The memories, health benefits, and genuine connection to destinations make outdoor time one of the most rewarding investments you can make in any trip.
