Why ‘Sportcations’ Are a Holiday Trend For 2024

‘Sportcations’ are on the rise, as increasing numbers of holidaymakers choose to spend their holidays keeping active and trying new things, but what exactly is a ‘sportcation’ and why is it so popular?

What is a Sportcation?

The name ‘sportcation’ speaks for itself. It’s basically a fun-packed activity holiday that’s perfect for families, couples, friends or lone travellers. A sportcation is a vacation where holidaymakers can participate in sports, whether on land or in the water, get active, try new things and learn new skills.

Some sportcations, such as walking holidays or cycling holidays have long been popular with certain groups of travellers but sportcations are quickly becoming popular even among those who aren’t already sports enthusiasts or fitness fanatics.

The beauty of a sportcation is that it can be centred around one particular sport or it can include lots of different activities, and it allows for plenty of downtime for rest, relaxation and exploring new destinations.

Why Are These Holidays Becoming More Popular?

The rising popularity of activity holidays could be partly a result of the ongoing cost of living crisis, which sees many households having to re-prioritise and tighten their budgets.

When planning a holiday, travellers want to know that they’re going to get great value for money and that they’ll be able to experience things they wouldn’t be able to at home.

The appeal of sportcations could also be because increasing numbers of people are recognising the many benefits of staying active to both physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Adventure holidays are also a fantastic way to bond with your loved ones and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Neilson Active Holidays has seen a rise in holidaymakers wanting to get the most out of their holiday and get active and found that 7 out of  10 customers in 2023 were returning from prior summers to relive the experience again.

Activity Holiday Ideas

There’s no one type of sportcation. Activity holidays can involve any sport or physical activity you choose or even a combination of many different activities. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few possibilities to consider.

Ski Holidays

Not all sportcations require sunshine and warm weather! In fact, if it’s a winter break you’re after, ski holidays fit the bill perfectly.

Try something new and hone your skills on the slopes, skiing and snowboarding. Ski holidays also offer plenty of other activities for you to try, such as snowshoeing or sledging.

Tennis Holidays

Tennis holidays offer tennis enthusiasts the chance to brush up on their racket skills, meet like-minded people and catch some sun. With professional tennis coaching on offer and private courts where you can play against family and friends, they offer a great mix of relaxation and activity

Cycling Holidays

Cycling holidays are a superb way to travel and explore new destinations away from the beaten track. Cycling through towns, villages and open countryside can help you get a real feel for a location and its people and culture. Plus, all that exercise will help you work up an appetite for sampling local cuisine at the end of a long day of cycling!

Beach Clubs

Beach clubs are an active holiday option that offers a wide range of activities, from activities like paddle boarding to water sports like windsurfing and water skiing. And for those who prefer to stay on dry land, there’s cycling, racket sports and fitness classes.

Adventure Holidays

Perfect for adrenaline seekers, adventure holidays are a sportcation packed with activities such as rock climbing, white-water rafting and ziplining for thrills and spills galore.