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10 Top Destinations for an Active Vacation!

Heading for vacation and want to remain active? When you’re planning a vacation and planning to lose weight, it can be tough to find ways to keep up an active lifestyle while you’re traveling. These 10 destinations not only offer stunning views and one of a kind experiences – they also have plenty of opportunities for you to exercise while you get in some much needed rest and relaxation.

Sedona, Arizona

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If you’re looking for a destination that will restore you while you enjoy the great outdoors, head to Sedona, Arizona! Sedona offers a number of opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, swimming and yoga!

Kathleen Ventura, co-founder of Our Favorite Adventure says, “Sedona could keep you busy for weeks.” Check out the petroglyphs at Coconino National Forest and enjoy a hike on the Devil’s Bridge Trail. Sedona also regularly hosts popular music festivals throughout the year!

Norway

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Nature lovers will love the natural beauty of Norway! This beautiful Scandinavian country is the perfect spot for anyone with an active lifestyle who wants an adventurous vacation! You’ll find tons of options for boating, biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, dog sledding, sledding, and skiing!

Take a ferry down the coast of Norway and visit the different ports to partake in local activities and events. Travel to the Arctic Circle to view the Northern Lights or head to the city of Holmenkollen, just outside of Oslo, for some daring ski jumps!

Diamond Highlands, Brazil

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Travelers looking for an adventure will find magnificent waterfalls, Poco Azul – an underground cavern pool – and diamond mines in Diamond Highlands, Brazil!

The area of Mucuge Zhino has gorgeous waterfalls and it’s also home to the flooded Cave Partinha and the pristine Lake Paratinha. Many of the waterfalls in this area run over massive, flat rocks, where visitors can slip and slide down the rocks! Hike the beautiful mountain Morro Pai Ignacio and take in all of the lush plants and flowers that the area is known for.

The Swiss Alps

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The Swiss Alps offers year round activities that will keep you moving and burning calories, while you rejuvenate on vacation! During the summer, The Alps is a great location for hiking, swimming and biking. During the winter months, take advantage of the unparalleled skiing and sledding, and take a trip to the Swiss National Park in Graubunden.

Northern India

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Northern India is a beloved destination for vacationers looking for peaceful escapes and adventure. In the Himalayas, you can find liquid detoxes and yoga retreats in Haridwar and Rishikesh. The foothills of the Himalayas are also home to Corbett National Park on the Ramganga River. Here, you’ll find a protected area for the endangered Bengal tiger! Looking to see more tigers? Head to Kanha National Park which is also the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s, “The Jungle Book”!

For a relaxing retreat, check out Dharamsala, where you can visit the Tibetan expatriate community and stunning tea plantations.

Big Sur, California

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Head to one of California’s most breathtaking locations where the Santa Lucia mountains and the awesome views of the Pacific ocean have lured and inspired artists and travelers for years! You’ll find ample opportunities to hike, backpack, fish, camp, and comb for seashells and driftwood along the beach. Swimming in the ocean is a bit dangerous, but you can take a dip in the Big Sur River.

Hike to the Pfeiffer Falls. If you’re up for a challenge, take on the Sykes Hot Springs trail.  Camp along the Redwoods in the state park or stop by the historic Point Sur lighthouse. If you’re looking to wind down and relax after a long hike or a morning of beach combing, head to the Esalen Institute.

New Zealand

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New Zealand is one of the most popular destinations for Great Walks or popular treks through forests, lakes, rivers, mountains and gorges. For an unforgettable experience, take the Abel Tasman Great Walk that leads you through stunning hiking trails and out into a bright, brilliant beach.

The island is also spectacular for surfing, snorkeling, diving, swimming and boating! If you love seeing wildlife, you’ll want to head to Kaikoura to see majestic whales.

Southern Utah

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Home to five state parks including Zion National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and a top destination to view spectacular natural rock formations, Southern Utah is a thrill seekers delight!

Mountain bikes, hikers and horseback riders can explore trails at Canyonlands, Arches National Parks and Bryce Canyon.

Recharge at a holistic retreat where you can partake in pilates, yoga, tai-chi and meditation!

Olympic Peninsula, Washington State

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Located just outside of Seattle, the Olympic Peninsula is home to 73 miles of protected coastline and old-growth rainforest. You can stay active with fishing, boating, hiking, camping and watching the abundant wildlife.

Head down Highway 112, the Strait of Juan De Fuca Scenic Byway and travel down to Port Angeles and Sea Stacks. On the way, you’ll see migrating whales, puffins, auklets, bald eagles, and plenty of old-growth forests. Fish for wild salmon or spend a relaxing evening at a hot spring in Olympic National Park!

Morocco

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Experience a surfing destination like no other in Morocco! Seasoned surfers and beginners regularly head to the beaches of Morocco!

Inland, you can find the Atlas Mountains where you can participate in a yoga retreat or hike. Looking to ride a camel or fun ATV ride? Check out the settlements of M’Hamid or Merzouga on the edge of the Sahara!

Planning a vacation doesn’t mean you have to put your weight loss and exercise plans on hold. You can torch calories while you hike, ski, swim, surf, horseback ride and so much more while you’re on vacation! You may even return home a few pounds lighter!

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