| If your idea of a relaxing vacation involves sitting | | | | you with a support vehicle containing varied picnics, |
| around on a beach sipping mai-tais, consider how | | | | spare equipment, and trained guides who want you to |
| much a week of laziness and debauchery might add | | | | enjoy your vacation as much as possible. |
| to your waistline. | | | | The sea and beyond |
| With the average vacation weight gain estimated at | | | | If you're a thrill seeker, there's no better vacation than |
| somewhere between five and 10 pounds, it's no | | | | one that's based on water. From whitewater rafting to |
| wonder many health-conscious people are looking for | | | | sea kayaking, you'll find no shortage of options all |
| healthy vacation ideas to keep them busy, active and | | | | across Canada to meet your needs. |
| having fun. | | | | Whitewater rafting, for instance, is a popular choice for |
| Instead of sitting around and eating this year, why not | | | | group vacations and families with young teens. Most |
| try one of these great active vacation ideas? Trust us, | | | | companies offer accommodations (some offer |
| your waistline will thank you! | | | | camping; others lodges), equipment and either |
| Just say "om" | | | | weekend or weekday packages. |
| What could be more relaxing than a soothing, spiritual | | | | If whale watching is your style, why not try a sea |
| yoga retreat that nurtures body, mind and soul? There | | | | kayaking vacation that could bring you up-close and |
| are a number of yoga retreats across Canada, and | | | | personal with whales and other creatures of the |
| most offer weekend and week- long packages to suit | | | | deep? Newfoundland, for example, has a number of |
| your needs. | | | | companies that offer sea kayak adventure getaways. |
| Generally, a retreat consists of accommodations, | | | | You'll be awed by the seascapes - which include |
| meals (usually of the healthy, organic variety), several | | | | caves, sea arches, hidden coves and waterfalls - |
| yoga sessions per day, workshops and free leisure | | | | combined with sightings of whales and icebergs. |
| time to explore nature. Many let you choose from a | | | | Do-gooder getaways |
| number of getaways, including family yoga retreats. | | | | Volunteer vacations are growing in popularity thanks to |
| Pedal pushers | | | | the desire many people feel to give something back to |
| For those looking to visit a few different locations and | | | | others who are less fortunate. |
| soak up some scenery, a bike tour is one of the best | | | | There are a number of different volunteer vacations |
| ways to do it all. Most bike tour packages offer | | | | that give you the opportunity to contribute to a local |
| holidays for individuals, small groups and some large | | | | community in a developing country. You can teach |
| groups, and you can usually choose guided, self-guided | | | | English in Cambodia or Ghana, work on a building |
| or self-supported tours. | | | | project in Ghana or even spend some time working |
| Many of these guided or self-guided bike tours are | | | | among Inca ruins in Peru. Whatever you choose, you'll |
| suitable for all abilities, thanks to guides, small groups | | | | be not only staying active on vacation but making a |
| and van support. You ride your bike, and they follow | | | | difference, too. |