DIY training holidays can be fun but they are a nightmare when it comes to map out the training routes, logistics and facilities at a new location. Roads on Google Earth, Mapmyrun, mapmytri and other internet applications can suddenly turn into a dirt roads, drop off at cliff faces or no longer exist!

Having researched training routes, facilities and suppliers in place for you will allow you to focus on your training week ahead.

Training holidays are most popular during the pre-season build-up to races and normally take place over the winter / cooler months. Weather conditions at a good training location are normally 10-15°c (48 – 59°f) higher than in the mainland’s.

Motivation to train in cooler conditions tends to be lower so the option of heading abroad to warmer pastures is always attractive.

Another great benefit of a training holiday is the access to experienced and qualified coaches who know what they are talking about. Training holidays typically span over a week so this gives you 7-8 days of concentrated coaching and advice that would normally cost hundreds as a stand-alone service.

A good training holiday will give you one-to-one time with the coach(es) to discuss your personal situation, goals, previous training, nutrition and work out a plan of attack for your week’s training with them.

Without the day-to-day stresses of work and personal life, on a focused week away athletes tend to be able to double the number of training sessions they normally do. Relaxing (or napping!) on the beach or by the villa pool between sessions allows for a quicker muscle recovery. Without the pressure of ‘normal’ life athletes mentally and physically can deal with an increased training load.

Nutrition also plays a big part in fuelling athletes during these focused weeks. A good camp will provide your meals that will have targeted nutrition towards the upcoming sessions or recovery from the sessions.

Having leaders manage the training holiday that have good local knowledge of the location is priceless. Knowing where all the local amenities are as well as the important things like the embassy and medical facilities is very helpful. This will save you a lot of time and effort, as well as point you in the right direction away from tourist traps.

When you first look at the price of a training holiday abroad it can seem expensive. But when you break it down to unveil the individual costs of what the package involves it normally works out a lot cheaper than what you would pay if organised by yourself, or in a small group. For example, accommodation, transfers, transport and catering alone for a week would work out around £600 - £1,000 per person, depending on the location.

Normally most training holidays will not include flights as part of the package. This is not to make the package seem cheaper or to trick you in anyway, it is because it is impossible to cater for flights for guests travelling from all around the world. It also allows you the flexibility to choose your own airline and flight times.

One of the best things about going away on a training holiday is the company that you get to share the week with. Being abroad with likeminded people who share the same sporting passion as you is fantastic. Most of the learnings you will take away from the week will come through general conversations with coaches and other athletes about their experiences.

However, if you are after some chill out time by yourself then most training facilities are large enough to have a number of private areas to do so, or are a short stroll to the town centres.

Training should only be part the package of a training holiday. As mentioned above athletes normally train only a few hours a day. Fun things should be on offer during the week to save any chance of cabin fever developing!

Most camps offer this and they enjoy showing off the local areas and their knowledge with guests. Normally the highlights are the insights to the local culture that hosts have, including visiting the best restaurants and cafes in town.

No, not the fast food kind but all the information you have gathered and the fitness you have gained throughout the week. You should come back fitter with a clear focus on your goals and with a plan of action to achieve them.

You also should have built some strong networks with the coaches and other athletes on the holiday so you have more than just a tan to show for your time away!