In June we took a family vacation to Hilton Head Island. To my understanding it has been the best vacation ever. Not because there were amazing amusement parks waiting for us to visit them. Or because we had a great vacation “agenda” to follow the 6 days we were away. No, really there was nothing to do. Nothing except one thing, bike-ride. And bike-ride we did.
If you’re a golfer, you will find lots to do here, but for us, the typical family with young children, golfing is not at the top of our priority list.
The Island is beautiful. Hilton Head is a small island located at the southeast of South Carolina and north of Savannah, Georgia. Upon our arrival I soon discovered, though, that there weren’t many “things” to do. But I also noticed trails all around the island: highways, main streets and backstreets, everywhere. After some research we learned that the real fun is really exploring the island on a bike. So we proceeded to rent bikes for the whole family.
Our adventure began with renting three bikes for my husband, my daughter and me, and two kiddie carts, one for my older son and one for our 8-month old baby. We headed out our hotel and oh, what magnificent views we encountered along the way. The greenery was just spectacular. We even saw an alligator on the road side. Yes, they’re everywhere! But they’re pretty inoffensive. We rode approximate 20 miles total, 10 each way. The first 10 miles we rode along the highway. The next 10 miles we rode along the ocean. We were breathless. LITERALLY!!
The best part was that we had a great family time, while exercising together. Due to our agendas we don’t always have the opportunity to exercise together. But this time was so special, it allowed us to meet each other a little bit better (I found out my husband’s got great legs after pulling my 70-pound older son for 20 miles!). I hope this time served to build up my health legacy. I know when my kids are older they will remember and appreciate this time together.
Since it is that time of the year where most people look forward to go on vacation, consider taking some time where all your family members can work together on a physical activity. While it will help in burning some extra calories, it also will help you grow together and get to know each other a little bit better.
If you want to add an extra oomph to your vacation to make it more active, consider Hilton Head Island or somewhere around that area (there are other islands besides HHI) or find some local bike trails for you to explore around.
If you are more serious about this, there are fitness vacation packages with programs like cycling, swimming, horse riding, water skiing, water sports, and beach volleyball for the most adventurous that can easily be found online.
Have a great time!
Tags: bicycling, family vacation, Hilton Head Island, summer fitness
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