Seven New Wonders

• Chichen Itza - Mexico
• Christ the Redeemer - Brazil
• Great Wall of China - China
• Machupicchu - Peru
• Petra - Jordan
• Roman Colosseum - Italy
• Taj Mahal - India

Useful Resources

•  

Post-Retirement Activity and Adventure Holidays in Europe

Today's retirees are fitter and wealthier than ever before. After being released from the constraints of a regular job, they have the leisure and the energy for the adventure and activities that previously were all but impossible.

On Two Wheels
Taking a cycling holiday demands a certain basic level of fitness and obviously the fitter you are, the more you will get out of it. Cycling holidays in Spain include a tour of Andalucia, one of the most beautiful areas in the country, with a breathtaking coastline and panoramic mountain vistas inland. It takes you along roads formerly used by ancient tradesmen and Arabs, through luxurious forest parks and limestone canyons and past fortresses and long-deserted monasteries. You'll visit the famous Alhambra Palace in Granada after travelling through Antequera, viewing the Sierra Nevada Mountains and staying in local hotels and eating fresh local food along the way. It's a far cry from the more normal sea-and-sand Spanish holidays and gives you a better opportunity to experience the real Spain, journey off the beaten track and see sights normally missed when travelling by car or staying at a holiday resort.

Walking Holidays
For those who still wish to be active and see more of their surroundings when travelling from place to place, but who don't relish cycling everyday, a walking holiday may prove to be the perfect getaway. The Greek Islands offer sights and surroundings that are both restful and invigorating. You can immerse yourself in history, view dramatically beautiful landscapes surrounded by clear blue seas and enjoy delicious local food after a day of gentle walking and sightseeing. Tours starting from Athens cover the three islands of Santorini, Paros and Naxos, leading you through pretty villages, past golden sandy beaches and on through verdant valleys. Island crossings are made by ferry and evening relaxation takes place in comfortable hotels.

Assessing Fitness Levels
No matter what age you are and regardless of your perceived level of fitness, you should check activity holiday itineraries carefully before booking to make sure the trip is suitable. Some activities are strenuous, some are gentler and some have mixed requirements. The holiday details you get from a provider should include a fitness guide which will grade the level of fitness recommended. This is for your own safety, comfort and enjoyment. If you've not experienced an activity or adventure holiday before, choosing an experience that alternates vigorous activity with days of relaxation or alternative sightseeing activities may suit you better than touring holidays that cover many miles, sometimes over steep or rough terrain, for day after day. Similarly, some touring holidays require that you're able to erect a tent and carry a backpack containing your own food, water and emergency supplies, although most will have support vehicles and contacts available. If you're in any doubt at all as to the exact requirements of the holiday, don't hesitate to contact the tour operator, who will be happy to offer advice. Organised activity holidays are the perfect way to experience something new, create long-lasting holiday memories and discover hidden corners of the world that more sedentary holidays miss out.

AUTHOR BIO
Jennifer doherty writes regularly on activity and adventure holidays such as those described at http://www.exodus.co.uk/activities-experiences/cycling. She writes for a variety of websites and blogs about travel.