an active holiday

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an active holiday" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a vacation or trip that involves physical activities, such as hiking, biking, or sports, rather than just relaxation. Example: "We decided to take an active holiday this year, exploring the mountains and trying out various outdoor sports."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Even on an "active" holiday.

Independent

I just get flashes of holidays on bikes, holidays on skis and holidays in canoes, because I grew up in the Seventies, when the whole concept of an "active holiday" was very much in fashion.

Independent

The idea is that by going on an active holiday to a sunny country (Danes apparently have 50 per cent more sex when they travel abroad), their sex drives and fertility will increase, and the parents will finally be able to get some grandchildren.

Independent

Not only do sales slow down after an active holiday season, but most employees are still in vacation mode, which diminishes productivity levels.

Forbes

Long on charm, a weekend at Ballyfin is not an active holiday (though the property does offer an indoor pool and gym), but somehow that didn't matter to this highly active visitor.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Following Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, which are devoted to intense prayer, Sukkot is an extremely active holiday and, as such, is one which, by its very nature, promotes unity.

HuffPost

Or if you want a more active holiday, read Nicola Iseard on hiking in La Grave.

The Guardian - Travel

Dance travel offers an active, social holiday with fellow aficionados.

The New York Times - Travel

This resort is great whether you want an active, sporty holiday or you just want to take it easy.

The Guardian - Travel

A control group is asked to choose between an active hiking holiday and spending time at a relaxing resort.

The Economist

Still at Neuhaus, which has been around since 1857, Valentine's Day is the second most active holiday (aside from Christmas time, compared to Europe's Easter and New Year's).

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "an active holiday", be specific about the types of activities involved, such as hiking, cycling, or water sports, to give a clearer picture to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "an active holiday" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, specify the key activities to avoid ambiguity and better target your audience's interests. For example, instead of "an active holiday", consider "a hiking and kayaking holiday".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an active holiday" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'active' modifies 'holiday'. It describes a specific type of vacation characterized by physical activity. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Travel

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an active holiday" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase that describes a vacation focused on physical activity. According to Ludwig, this phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English and has varied applications, from travel articles to general lifestyle discussions. While it appears less frequently than other holiday descriptors, the phrase is understood across a number of contexts. When using this phrase, it is advisable to provide specifics on the kinds of activities that the holiday entails to increase clarity for the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an activity-based vacation

Rephrases 'active' as 'activity-based', which is more descriptive.

a sports-focused vacation

Replaces 'active' with 'sports-focused', emphasizing the sporting aspect of the holiday.

a fitness-oriented trip

Specifies 'fitness-oriented' to indicate a focus on exercise and physical well-being.

an adventure holiday

Substitutes 'active' with 'adventure', highlighting the adventurous nature of the trip.

a physically engaging vacation

Replaces 'active' with 'physically engaging', making the description more explicit.

a get-up-and-go vacation

Emphasizes the energetic and mobile nature of the holiday with 'get-up-and-go'.

a high-energy getaway

Uses 'high-energy getaway' to capture the dynamic aspect of an active holiday.

a vigorous holiday

Uses "vigorous" instead of "active" to describe the intensity of the holiday.

a dynamic vacation

Replaces "active" with "dynamic", focusing on the energetic aspect.

a recreational vacation

Replaces 'active' with 'recreational', focusing on leisure activities.

FAQs

What is meant by "an active holiday"?

The term "an active holiday" refers to a vacation where the primary focus is on physical activities and sports, rather than passive relaxation. It often includes activities like hiking, biking, swimming, or participating in adventure sports.

What are some alternatives to "an active holiday"?

You can use alternatives like "an adventure holiday", "a sports-focused vacation", or "a fitness-oriented trip", depending on the specific activities involved.

How can I plan "an active holiday"?

Planning "an active holiday" involves choosing a destination that offers the physical activities you enjoy, booking accommodations near activity locations, and ensuring you have the necessary equipment and fitness level for the planned activities.

What are the benefits of choosing "an active holiday" over a traditional vacation?

Choosing "an active holiday" can provide physical and mental health benefits, such as improved fitness, reduced stress, and increased energy levels, while also allowing you to explore new places and engage in exciting experiences.