Lazing around the pool, eating and drinking to your heart's content — sound like the ideal vacation?

Not for a growing number of health-minded baby boomers who are changing the meaning of "R&R." Boomers who are no longer satisfied with just any trip to the beach are turning leisure time into fitness time with active vacations.

What are Active Vacations?
You don't have to be a "super jock" to sign up for an active vacation — there's something for everyone, whether you're seeking fitness, adventure, or both.

For the more adventurous, there are rock climbing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting trips. For those who want to whip themselves into shape, there are fitness boot camps. And yoga retreats beckon to those who want to stretch, strengthen, and decompress. Not to mention golf vacations, horseback-riding expeditions, cycling trips through the French countryside, hiking vacations through the Swiss Alps, or walking tours of Roman ruins, famous battlefields, and other historic sites.

Not only will your body get a workout during your vacation, but so will your mind. Active and adventure vacations often are educational and informative. They can stimulate your imagination and creativity, and make you think — or dream!

While the active and adventure vacation concept isn't new, selling it to baby boomers is. In the past, these vacations have appealed mostly to younger 20- to 30-somethings. Today, the boomer market is growing fast, according to Janet Seaman, executive director of the American Association for Active Lifestyles and Fitness.

There are several reasons why. One is the groundswell of interest in healthy lifestyles and making physical activity part of everyday life, observes Seaman.

"Living healthy is permeating people's lives. It's not just about being a weekend warrior, but about building health-promoting habits into our daily lives," Seaman says. "You don't take a vacation from fitness, just as you don't take a vacation from life."

Another draw is that all the arrangements are made for you in advance — all you have to do is show up. Not only is it easy, "it saves people a lot of time, which is a big commodity these days," says Seaman.

Furthermore, many baby boomers already have done some traveling, so they're looking for something more than just a trip, according to Lynnette Seward, a certified personal trainer who offers fitness vacations for people 50 and older in New Mexico.

Seward tailors her program to meet individual needs, with guests participating individually or as a couple. It includes seven nights' lodging in a private cottage with a kitchen, as well as fitness and meal-planning sessions. When vacationers aren't training, they're studying program materials, relaxing, hiking, or sightseeing.

Ready to Go?
Some companies organize trips by age or level of difficulty, but others don't. For those that don't, be sure to ask. Otherwise, you may end up on a trip that's too challenging or too easy — or with a group of bungee-jumping teenagers.

You also should prepare yourself before your trip. If you bought new hiking shoes for an adventure, for instance, break them in before you leave. If you're going on a bike trip, start training six weeks in advance, recommends Seaman. "Start out slowly and gradually build up your distance."

When planning any vacation, it's also important to do your homework. When planning your active getaway, research:

Costs. These vacations could get quite expensive. Some upscale fitness resorts or spas charge more than $4,000 for a week's stay. You might have to search a little harder for more affordable active vacations, but they're out there. For instance, Elderhostel programs have cheaper packages organized around certain themes, according to Seaman. Once you research what's available, you also could design your own active vacation.
Before booking a trip, find out what you're getting for your money and what's going to cost extra. Check for "escape clauses" that allow a maximum refund if you have to cancel the trip.

Credentials. Make sure the staff conducting the activities you signed on for have the right professional credentials or licenses. For instance, if you're taking a wilderness or scuba diving trip, you want professional leaders who know what they're doing — and who have first aid and CPR training, says Seaman.

References. If you've found a vacation on a Web site or read about it somewhere, call or email the establishment with questions. How much individual attention will you receive? How long has the operation been in business? What are the facilities like, and can you see pictures or a layout? What do you have to pay up front? If you can, try a place that someone you know has visited and recommends.

Restrictions. Find out in advance what restrictions the facility has. Are there televisions, radios, or telephones? If you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, does the facility allow or serve alcohol? Can you bring your pet?
Sometimes, sitting at the pool with a cool drink and a good book might be just the kind of vacation you need. If you're considering a fitness vacation, think about your physical and emotional needs and ask yourself these questions:

• Will this vacation allow me to return rested, relaxed, and with enough energy to resume my daily routine?
• Am I likely to bring home happy memories and peace of mind?
• Will I be able to afford another vacation next year, or will this one break the bank?
• Is this the right time in my life to take this kind of trip?

Like any vacation, an active vacation can be what you make it. Explore your options, do your homework, make a decision, and go for it!