Traversing the majestic Tatra Mountains in Poland or catching waves at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, writer Sam Haddad is convinced that the ideal way to unwind involves exhausting all your extra energy.
Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card (Representative 53.3% APR Variable, Annual fee applies, 18+, Subject to status, terms and conditions apply)
It’s not that lounging by the pool with a book, swinging in a hammock by the sea, or indulging in a spa day doesn’t appeal to me—I enjoy them all. However, I find these activities most rewarding after spending a day engaged in exhilarating pursuits.
Engaging in adventurous activities like rafting, surfing, or mountain biking not only immerses you in nature but also pushes you out of your comfort zone. This not only makes your vacation unforgettable but also makes the downtime that follows feel incredibly rewarding.
Reflecting on my past vacations, I struggle to recall a single one that didn’t include some form of outdoor or oceanic adventure. It likely dates back to my early childhood, when my parents would drag me through city museums until realizing that vacations focused on beach activities, where I could play in the ocean all day, were far more relaxing for everyone.
The ocean remains a passion of mine, and surfing is a favorite activity. The world is full of fantastic surfing spots, from the famed Bondi Beach in Sydney, which I visited as a young backpacker, to the beach resort of Seminyak at the southern tip of Bali, making it hard to choose just one for a holiday destination.
Seminyak caters to surfers of all skill levels. Consider staying at the Courtyard Bali Seminyak Resort, a lively hotel a short stroll from the beach and near some of the best bars and restaurants in Bali. Moreover, Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Cardmembers can earn 6 points for every £1 spent at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, perfect for using your card to enjoy a meal at the hotel’s restaurant after a day in the surf. Additionally, every £1 spent elsewhere earns two points, helping you accumulate points for your next surfing adventure.
Yet surfing isn’t the only activity on offer. Visitors can also try kitesurfing, wakeboarding, or even mountain biking through Bali’s lush, jungle-covered interior, including a descent down a volcano.
Research shows that biking and hiking top the list of activities for adventure-seeking tourists. From personal experience, some of my most memorable trips included mountain biking across the rugged terrains of South Africa’s Western Cape and the black lava fields under Bali’s Mount Batur, as well as hiking through the stunning canyons in Chiapas, Mexico, and the sharp peaks of Poland’s Tatra Mountains.
If you prefer a more relaxed cycling vacation that still offers adventure, head to Copenhagen, one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities. Explore its scenic routes, beaches, and famous harbor baths, and enjoy traditional Danish foods like open-faced rye sandwiches, all while earning Marriott Bonvoy® points for future stays and experiences.
Whether you choose to stay at a Marriott Bonvoy-participating hotel like the Residence Inn Copenhagen Nordhavn on the waterfront, or the Nobis Hotel Copenhagen housed in a building once used as the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card enhances your visit. All cardmembers start with Silver Elite status, which includes perks like Priority Late Checkout, and can upgrade to Gold Elite status with more benefits when you spend £15,000 in a year.
Fortunately, my family, including my children aged 12 and 14, share my enthusiasm for adventure. Our memorable trips have included a surf and safari adventure in Sri Lanka and climbing via ferratas in the French Alps. This summer, we plan to go rafting and hike overnight in the French Pyrenees.
It seems we’re not alone in our thirst for adventure. A growing number of vacationers are seeking trips that include unique and immersive thrill-seeking activities, a trend expected to grow over the next decade. For those enjoying their holiday so much they dread the return home, Marriott Bonvoy American Express Cardmembers can benefit from a Free Night Award, allowing for even more adventures.
Representative 53.3% APR Variable, Annual fee applies, 18+, Subject to status, terms and conditions apply.
Important Information
You will receive 6 Points from American Express for each full £1 of eligible purchases made on your Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Card at participating Marriott Bonvoy® properties. You will be awarded 2 Points for every full £1 you spend on purchases. Points are not earned on balance transfers, cash withdrawals, American Express Travellers Cheques purchases, foreign exchange transactions, interest, any spending in excess of your credit limit, charges for returned payments, late payments, referral charges, or American Express Credit Card finance charges. Written details are available on request.
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