Outdoor & Adventure

11Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Middle East & Gulf, Outdoor & Adventure

Oman sports travel guide: Best activities, adventures and destinations

From mountain trails and desert dunes to championship golf and watersports, Oman offers a wealth of opportunities for active holidays and sporting adventures. The Sultanate's diverse landscapes make it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities ranging from hiking, cycling and trail running to kitesurfing, scuba diving and sailing. Alongside its natural attractions, Oman hosts an established calendar of international sporting events, including the Tour of Oman cycling race, IRONMAN triathlons and endurance running competitions. Trail running, hiking and endurance sports The Al Hajar Mountains are among Oman's leading destinations for hiking, trail running and outdoor adventure. Popular routes include the Balcony Walk at Jebel Shams, overlooking the dramatic Wadi Ghu...

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10Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Watersports & Surfing

From surfing to coastal hikes: England’s seaside adventures take centre stage

England's coastline offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, whether that's hiking along dramatic clifftop trails, taking to the water for surfing and paddleboarding, or exploring nature reserves and wildlife-rich landscapes. Now, the VisitEngland tourism organisation is encouraging more people to discover these experiences with the launch of its new “All on England's Coast” campaign, showcasing the variety of activities and attractions available across the country's coastal destinations. The £1.2 million advertising campaign, which launched at the end of September, aims to boost domestic coastal breaks and visitor spending through autumn and into 2027. A particular focus is on active holidays and outdoor exploration, with the campaign highlighting everything from wa...

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4Oct By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, F1 & Motorsport, Outdoor & Adventure

Forget ordinary winter holidays: Go ice driving on Sweden’s frozen lakes

This may well be one of the coolest trips a motorsport enthusiast can experience. For those looking for something a little different from a traditional race weekend, how about swapping the grandstand for a frozen lake and getting behind the wheel yourself? Ice driving in Sweden offers the chance to experience performance cars in one of Europe’s most spectacular winter settings, combining high-speed driving, professional tuition and a Scandinavian adventure. UK-based motorsport travel specialist Grandstand Motor Sports has launched its 2027 Sweden ice driving packages, with two group departures scheduled for January and February. The experience features two full days of driving on specially prepared circuits across frozen lakes, with professional instructors helping participants de...

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27Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Outdoor & Adventure, Running & Athletics, Trends, Wellness & Fitness

Why more runners are turning ultramarathons into holidays as travel surges 77%

Travelling overseas to take part in endurance sports is booming, with new data revealing a 77% year-on-year increase in travellers taking out specialist cover for ultramarathons abroad. The figures from sports travel insurance provider SportsCover Direct highlight the continued growth of the “racecation” – a trip combining a holiday with participation in a sporting event or physical challenge. According to the company’s policy data, travellers taking out specialist cover for endurance and challenge-based sporting events increased by 55% year-on-year. Ultramarathons recorded the biggest increase at 77%, followed by ski racing at 44%. Duathlon and half-marathon travel both rose by 34%, while obstacle race training increased by 33%. The trend extends across a range of endurance di...

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25Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Destination Guides, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure

Santorini sports travel guide: Hiking, swimming and wellness on the Greek island

Santorini may be best known for whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches and caldera sunsets, but its dramatic volcanic landscape is also helping the popular Greek island develop another side to its tourism offering: active and sports travel. Running trails climb and descend across volcanic terrain, hiking routes trace the rim of the caldera, while the Aegean provides a spectacular setting for open-water swimming, sailing and water sports. The Municipality of Thira’s official tourism site promotes everything from hiking and scuba diving to kayaking, SUP, yoga and horse riding. That combination comes together each autumn at Santorini Experience, the island’s flagship sports tourism event, which in 2026 takes place from 16-18 October. Take on the Santorini Experience Now in its ...

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6Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Outdoor & Adventure, Trends, Trips & Experiences

Rise of ‘sportcations’: Trip.com reports double-digit growth in active travel bookings

Active travel and “sportcations” are continuing to be one of the biggest trends in tourism, with Trip.com Group seeing a strong double-digit increase in booking GMV (gross merchandise value).  From cycling through mountain passes to joining diving camps and wellness retreats, active travel is becoming a defining part of how people experience the world. This shift is gathering pace across the full travel journey, with searches for active sports experiences growing by more than 30% year on year, according to Trip.com, with markets witnessing substantial increases: 80% in Singapore, 65% in Malaysia, and 50% in the United Kingdom, while France, Italy, Germany, and Spain all recorded triple-digit growth. Total travel booking GMV has increased by almost 40%, with markets such as So...

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6Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Editor's Pick, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trends, Trips & Experiences

Active ‘coolcations’ in Europe – top destinations for hiking and cycling

The best destinations in Europe for an active “coolcation” have been revealed, with France's Mont Blanc region taking first place. In new research from SportsCover Direct, the sports travel insurance provider analysed 30 of Europe's most popular adventure destinations, ranking each on average summer temperature and humidity, hiking and cycling trail density, and travel time from the UK. Following another summer of record-breaking temperatures across Europe, online searches for coolcations have risen 74% year-on-year, with 65% of holidaymakers now saying they'd rather avoid travelling during the hottest time of year.  But, rather than giving up on travel altogether, many are simply choosing to visit somewhere cooler instead, and for a growing number, it’s not just about swappi...

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20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Other sports, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: a ‘SwimHike’ holiday on Marettimo island in Italy

Open-water swimming tour operator SwimTrek has expanded its selection of multi-activity trips with the launch of a “SwimHike” holiday on the Italian island of Marettimo.  Continuing the trend of combining swimming with other activities and experiences – such as YogaSwims, which pair open-water swimming with yoga – SwimTrek created its dedicated SwimHike portfolio with new trips in the mythical island of Ithaca, Greece, and the remote Solund archipelago, Norway's westernmost islands. Following the popularity of these trips, Marettimo is the latest addition, combining daily guided open-water swims and hikes with authentic Sicilian experiences.  “Swimming will always be at the heart of SwimTrek, but we’re excited to give people new ways to experience the places we visit,” s...

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19Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Bucket List, Hotels & Resorts, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: pedal kayaking at Hanz Outdoor Resort in Japan

A new water activity, the "pedal kayak", has been introduced at Hanz Outdoor Resort in Japan, offering guests a fresh way to explore the water.  This innovative kayak allows forward movement simply by pedalling with the feet, removing the need for a traditional paddle. Designed for ease and accessibility, the pedal kayak glides smoothly across the water, making it especially suitable for first-time kayakers, children, and older guests. Its intuitive operation allows participants to focus less on technique and more on the experience of being on the water.  Guests can enjoy the quiet rhythm of pedalling while taking in the surrounding natural scenery, creating a relaxed yet active outdoor experience. A two-hour pedal kayak trip is priced from ¥9,500 / £44 per person.  About Hanz Out...

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9Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Cycling & Biking, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Running & Athletics, Trends

Tywi Valley Path: new hiking and biking pathway opens in west Wales

The county of Carmarthenshire in south-west Wales has a new accessible and scenic trail for cyclists, walkers and families – the 13-mile Tywi Valley Path. The fully tarmacked pathway is designed for relaxed explorations and provides a traffic-free route for both the community and visitors alike through a swathe of Carmarthenshire's spectacular scenery. Expect panoramic views across the Tywi Valley peppered with historic buildings such as Paxton's Tower and Dinefwr Castle, each set within the dramatic West Wales countryside.  The path's opening will be marked by a series of guided and themed Sunday Strolls from 17 May running for four weeks. Tipped as West Wales's answer to the Camel Trail in Cornwall and following the river and the former railway line which closed in the 1...

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7Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trends, Trips & Experiences

Europe’s most affordable adventure travel destinations for 2026

Europe has never been short of adventure, from alpine ridges to the Adriatic sea, volcanic islands and forested mountain ranges. And, as internal data from sports travel insurance provider SportsCover Direct shows a 182% increase in adventure travel and Pinterest predicts “darecations” as the travel trend of 2026, it’s shaping up to be the summer of adventure.  But, as rising fuel costs and wider geopolitical uncertainty push up the cost of travel, affordability is becoming just as important as adrenaline. To help budget conscious thrill seekers plan their summer trips, SportsCover Direct has analysed popular European adventure destinations, ranking them on the cost of flights, accommodation, food and leisure to reveal the best value spots for affordable thrills this summer.  ...

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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Cycling & Biking, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: road cycling ‘coolcation’ through the fjords of Norway

With popular European holiday destinations like Spain, Portugal and Greece experiencing record temperatures in recent years, more holidaymakers are seeking out destinations with cooler climes.  This has led to a rise in “coolcations” – holidays in countries with milder, cooler climates – with nations across Scandinavia being a popular choice. To meet the growing demand, cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has launched a range of cycling holidays in cooler destinations, including a guided road cycling holiday through the fjords of Norway, featuring the country’s iconic mountain climbs. Classic fjords guided road cycling holiday Delving deep into the country’s famous fjords, Saddle Skedaddle’s nine-day, guided road cycling holiday in Norway combines beautiful coastal r...

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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: Matterhorn, Mont Blanc and Alps weekend hiking adventures

Walking tour operator Ramble Worldwide has expanded its portfolio of “Weekend Adventures” – a range of UK and European short breaks for experienced walkers which were launched in 2025.  A further four high-impact escapes in spectacular mountain settings across Mont Blanc and the Alps have been released. A choice of 17 Weekend Adventures are now available.  Here we take a look at the new weekend options…  Matterhorn Weekend: Alpine Hiking in the Swiss Alps (Grade 7)  Set amongst the iconic backdrop of the Matterhorn, this unforgettable trip is designed for walkers seeking breathtaking scenery and exhilarating mountain trails. With expert Ramble leaders guiding the way, travellers follow rugged paths through glacier-polished valleys dotted with wildflowers and panoramic...

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25Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Ramble Worldwide’s top 10 walking holidays for beginners in 2026

Ramble Worldwide has revealed its top 10 walking holidays for beginners – a curated selection of gentle to moderate breaks designed specifically for newcomers to walking adventures, and those wanting to explore at a gentler pace, including small group, guided tours of the UK, Greece and Portugal. Walking holidays have been widely recognised as a rapidly growing travel trend, increasingly being chosen by travellers of all ages, seeking meaningful experiences which support both physical and mental wellbeing. Gentle exercise in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, support cardiovascular health, and enhance overall fitness, making these trips ideal for those wanting a restorative break with a sense of achievement. Walking in small groups also fosters connection and communit...

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14Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Cycling & Biking, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: exploring Stockholm Archipelago on two wheels

Home to 30,000 islands and islets, Stockholm’s archipelago is a unique mix of nature and culture – which makes it an ideal addition to any sports travel bucket list. Saddle Skedaddle’s new seven-day, self-guided cycling holiday hops between islands by ferry and bike to explore a landscape shaped by land and sea. Starting in Sweden’s capital Stockholm – a city built across 14 islands and connected by a network of bridges – the riding begins with a relaxed spin around Royal Djurgården, a leafy island right in the heart of the city. After travelling by ferry to Bogesundslandet, peaceful forest tracks, gravel tracks and quiet roads lead the way to the harbour town of Vaxholm, often referred to as the ‘capital of the archipelago’. There’s a choice of two different routes on the ride to Fa...

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14Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Cycling & Biking, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: Traws Eryri mountain bike holiday in North Wales

Following the Traws Eryri Cycling UK route, Saddle Skedaddle’s new seven-day guided mountain bike holiday in Eryri National Park covers some of the best off-road trails North Wales has to offer. Starting with a loop ride on Mach Trails, riders follow a mix of steep gravel climbs and flowy single-track descents, while taking in sprawling views over the Plynlimon mountains. Riding deeper into the heart of North Wales, an alpine-style singletrack road leads up the historic Ffordd Ddu to uncover views of Barmouth Bay as Eryri National Park comes into view.  Crossing the Grade II-listed Penmaenpool Toll Bridge across the River Mawddach to the lower Wynach Valley, gravel tracks take riders to the remote lake of Llyn Cwm-mynach. The route then jumps off the official Traws Eryri route to e...

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14Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: Loch Ness and Great Glen Way walking holiday 

Self-guided walking holiday specialist Inntravel has launched a number of new European itineraries for 2026, ranging from the wild atmosphere of Loch Ness in Scotland to the Prosecco Hills of northeastern Italy.  Among the other introductions for the year ahead are Spain’s oldest National Park, the wild Picos de Europa, and its ‘Green Coast’, and a single centre walking holiday in the whitewashed fishing village of Calella de Palafrugell on the quiet side of the Costa Brava.  In this new addition to the sports travel bucket list, we look at Inntravel’s walking holiday to the most famous glen and loch in the Scottish Highlands.  Loch Ness and the Great Glen Way  Explore both shores of Loch Ness on this self-guided holiday based at a stylish four-star hotel in Fort Augustus. The ren...

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22Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Bucket List, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: horse trekking into Mongolia’s untamed wilds

For travellers seeking a truly off-grid adventure, World Expeditions’ newest experience – the Central Mongolia Horse Trek Expedition – is one to add to your sports travel bucket list. Launching in June 2026, this remote expedition blends endurance travel, cultural immersion and wilderness exploration, offering an extraordinary chance to retrace the ancient riding trails of the Mongol Empire.  Spanning sweeping steppe, forested valleys and rugged mountain passes, the journey takes travellers deep into the Khentii Mountains, birthplace of Genghis Khan and heartland of Mongolia’s nomadic civilisation. This is a region where roads fade into rivers, where horizons seem endless, and where the horse remains central to daily life.  Across multiple days of point-to-point riding, guests p...

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22Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences, Winter Sports

Sports travel bucket list: a ski touring weekend in Norway’s Lofoten Islands

With travellers already mapping out their 2026 ski escapes, Norway has emerged as one of the world’s trending luxury destinations – ranking third among the “on the rise” hotspots in the 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Report.  As active travel continues to surge, a new ski touring weekend in the Lofoten Islands by high-end Norwegian travel brand Norrøna Adventure is the kind of bucket list experience drawing global attention. For sports travellers seeking pristine slopes, rugged landscapes and authentic Nordic culture, this four-day journey offers a rare chance to ski where mountains meet the sea. Set for 12-15 March 2026, the experience in northern Norway blends world-class ski touring with the storied charm of Henningsvær, a fishing village known for its colourful houses, artistic heritage and ...

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20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Outdoor & Adventure, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: Picos de Europa walking holiday in Spain

The spectacular skyline of the Picos de Europa region of northern Spain has held a special draw for centuries, signalling to sailors that they were nearly home, and now beckoning hikers from around the world. A new route offered by walking trip specialists On Foot Holidays maintains this sense of anticipation, starting in the green foothills to the east and journeying westwards to the higher wilderness. First you'll become acquainted with the quiet farm tracks scattered across the Polaciones and Liébana valleys. Stop at tiny villages to stay in wayside inns and small hotels where you can enjoy a glass of orujo (the local firewater) with your hosts and sample the hearty Lebaniego stew. After the bustling little town of Potes, follow the final section of the Camino Lebaniego pilgrimage...

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