For active couples, planning a holiday is a tricky balance. At the risk of sounding ungrateful, you just have too long a bucket list of thrilling adventures. Do you take a well-earned break? Or dedicate that precious annual leave to ticking off the next big escape?
The solution might be a compromise. Here’s how UK couples can plan an active but relaxing holiday.

1. Embrace ‘Flexiscapes‘ for a Balanced Getaway
Balance is key, and it’s worth adopting a neutral approach to your holiday. Flexiscapes are amongst the biggest travel trends in 2025. And while many interviewees revealed a tendency for bleisure (business meets leisure), others reported a need to balance action with chill time.
The solution is simple: evaluate your itinerary. Split days into distinct categories of downtime and action. For instance, you might start your day hiking and finish the evening with a spatreatment.
2. Choose Destinations Offering Both Activity and Tranquility
A genius itinerary can’t fix a poorly chosen location. Not all destinations cater to both activity and tranquillity; pick carefully.
Good options include European getaways like Greece or Croatia. These destinations have a thriving coastal culture, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine. Yet beach holidays in these places come with another bonus: plenty of activities. Be it watersports, day trips to waterfalls, or historical sightseeing — choose destinations that cater to both sides of the coin.
3. Incorporate Wellness Activities into Your Itinerary
Acknowledging a need for relaxation is one thing. Actuallyfacilitating it? That’s a whole other ball game. Learning how to relax on holiday is a skill in itself; brace yourself for trial and error as you decide what works for you. Integrating wellness activities is the best approach. And choosing accommodation with an on-site spa or yoga classes is a clever step to guaranteeeasy access.
Prepare to compromise and embark on experiences independently, too. Your partner might adore spas, while you prefer to stay dry and practice yoga. Be flexible and prioritiseindividual satisfaction, not just forced connection.
4. Plan and Pack for Versatility
A suitcase for an active-meets-relaxed holiday is bound to look a little jumbled. Once you’ve organised the trip itself, though, it’s time to prepare the final stages.
Pack in advance to allow sufficient time to identify any ill-fitting clothes or gear. Aim for a suitcase of versatile clothing suited to the full spectrum of your holiday activities. Think swimming costumes and sunglasses, placed neatly next to comfortable walking boots and windproof hiking jackets.
With these simple steps, you’ll quickly plan the holiday of a lifetime. There is no need to sacrifice an active holiday in the name of relaxation.
Leave a Reply