Fitness Travel Destinations in World

April 18, 2012 - PRLog -- the members and editors of travel website have compiled a list of the most scenic workouts.

Hiking Cinque Terre in Italy: Italy has long been a bastion of cultural icons and landmarks, from religious sites to Renaissance masterpieces. Of the sites to be visited, Cinque Terre is among the most beautiful, and also the most unique. Composed of five small villages perched above the Ligurian Sea, the towns date back to the late medieval period and are still, in 2012, unable to be reached by car.

Hiking from Riomaggiore, the southernmost village, to the fifth town, Monterosso, is quite a workout (18 km, or 11 miles, and usually takes about five hours, but can take longer depending on how fit you are). Instead, many complete the first leg of the trip, from Riomaggiore to Manarola. This section is commonly called the "Via dell' Amore" and is both paved and level, so it's a great 1 km (about half a mile) stroll for travellers of all ages.

Stand Up Paddle-Boarding in Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii: Kauai's abundance doesn't stop with its greenery and chickens; the island also provides ample opportunities for getting exercise while on vacation. Visitors can try stand up paddle-boarding along the North Shore's gem, Hanalei Bay. Stand up paddle-boarding (also called SUP) provides both a great arm workout and a fun alternative for when flat conditions ruin surfing plans. The bay is mostly flat during the summer, but has much stronger surf swells from September through May, so keep this in mind when planning your activities.

Snorkelling in St John's, US Virgin Islands: The island is accessible only by ferry, contains the Virgin Islands National Park, and encompasses 2/3 of the island's area. There are over 35 beaches to choose from, including Trunk Bay, which has an underwater snorkelling trail that guides swimmers while informing them of the various species of fish. Other notable snorkelling spots on the isle are Hawknest Bay and Cinnamon Bay, which also has outstanding camping facilities. Sea turtles and rays can be found in Waterlemon Cay, accessible by the Leinster Bay Trail from the Annaberg Sugar Mill ruins. http://www.travelpackagesindia.us/destinations/

Golfing at Kauri Cliffs in Northland, New Zealand: For many of us non-golfers, the question "where is the most scenic course in the world?" elicits a simple response: "Pebble Beach!" However, among avid golfers and VirtualTourist.com members in the Oceanic area, there is an overwhelming consensus for Kauri Cliffs, the lush course situated on the eastern side of New Zealand's North Island. The course is positioned as close to the water as topographically possible, meaning players are forced to play across gorges and other natural features.

Travellers (and golf addicts) should note that New Zealand's other Top 20 course (and Kauri Cliffs' sister property), Cape Kidnappers at Hawke's Bay, can easily be accessed by helicopter, so both courses can be enjoyed in one trip.

Skiing in Niseko, Japan: While not as famous as St. Moritz or Whistler, the town of Niseko, Japan is becoming an increasingly popular skiing destination. Located on Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido, the town and its mountain, Mount Annupuri, are in a perfect location to receive high pressure systems from Russia's Siberian region. These systems create an amazing powder, making the ski season in Niseko a good six months long. http://www.travelpackagesindia.us/

While some Australian snowboarders and expats living in Singapore and Hong Kong have discovered the area, it still remains a small village and authentically Japanese. The trails overlook the dormant volcano of Mount Yotei, and hot springs can be enjoyed after a long day on the slopes.

Sailing in Greece: Sailing in Greece is not a new workout or concept, but it is still one of the most beautiful options in all of Europe. One unique aspect to this workout is you can plan the amount of activity you'd like to experience: you can take a cruise, you can sail the boat yourself, or you can charter a boat with a skipper. In addition to being an amazing experience, it is also an opportunity to personalize your trip, choosing the islands you want to visit and focus on. Lastly, sailing or chartering a boat can be a great way to incorporate multiple countries into your trip, since Turkey and Croatia can easily be reached from Greece by boat.

Swimming in Capri: For decades, Capri has been associated with a level of luxury and exclusiveness. The pointed Faraglioni or the switchback path of Via Krupp may be the sights most affiliated with Capri, but no experience resonates like La Grotta Azzurra (the Blue Grotto). Though rowboats are used to take tourists inside during the day, it is also possible to swim inside the grotto, as the location can be accessed by stairway.

If you can't swim in the Grotto due to the tides or wave conditions, a close second is swimming in one of the island's secluded bays. Since many bays are only accessible by boat, you'll need to grab a willing skipper in Marina Grande, but that is hardly a problem.

Yoga in India: The power of yoga is rarely disputed; in fact, it's widely accepted that yoga can help alleviate health problems, reduce stress, and prevent athletic injuries. However, it's not something to limit to your work week; in fact, yoga-centred "retreats" are one of the fastest growing vacation markets. http://www.travelpackagesindia.us/ayurveda-spa/

Rather than doing asanas (mastery of sitting still) in Costa Rica or Bali, perhaps venture to the place where the practice originated: India. The Shreyas Yoga Retreat  in Bangalore helps guests achieve mind-body wellness via yoga. If your interests are more in meditattion and ayurvedic programs, the Soukya Holistic Health Centre also in Bangalore includes a a satvic diet too.

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India is also blessed with some of the finest beaches in the world, which attract a large number of tourists. Some of the favorite beaches in India can be found in Goa Beaches, Orissa, Kerala, Lakshadweep, and Tamil Nadu. Tourists, during their India tour