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Specialist Sports Insurance provider SportsCover Direct has uncovered the must-see countries according to social media influencers and the best activity to explore them. 

Holidays abroad are back in full swing. Airlines and travel agents saw an 18.1% increase in consumer spending in April 2022. It has been the highest spending since the pandemic two years ago, which some may find surprising given the increased cost of living.

With UK prices affecting how Brits spend their money, a trip overseas could seem out of the question. However, going abroad could actually save travellers £1,400 compared to having a UK staycation.

There’s nothing worse than feeling fomo (fear of missing out) as friends and family post snaps of their travel activities on social media. These platforms are also a great way to find out before going which destinations are worth the trip. This is why SportsCover Direct has researched the top must-see countries according to influencers and the best activity to explore them.

The must-see countries according to influencers and the best activity to explore them

Rank

Country

Instagram Hashtags

Tiktok Hashtags

Influencer Rating

Best activity
to explore

Must-see locations

1

USA

128m

151b

47.5

Biking

Santa Monica

=2

India

181m

96.9b

47

Parasailing

Goa

=2

Mexico

90.8m

214.9b

47

Scuba diving or snorkelling

Los Cabos

3

Italy

156m

66.2b

44.5

Biking

Sanremo

4

Indonesia

125m

69.4b

44

Parasailing

Bali

5

Colombia

82.6m

99b

43.5

Parasailing

Guatape

6

Japan

158m

44b

42.5

Surfing

Miyazaki

7

France

98.9m

54.5b

42

Biking

Ardeche

=8

UK

65.8m

121.9b

41

Biking

Devon

=8

Chile

66.3m

111.9b

41

Scuba diving or snorkelling

Easter Island

Influencers are raving on social media about their trip to Santa Monica, scoring 47.5. Whether an electric bike, push bike or mountain bike is your vice, it’s the most rated method of exploring the area. Hop on and see LA differently on two wheels, with tours heading to Venice Beach and the mountains, it proves popular with media savvy influencers living their best life, taking in the ocean view.

Goa is just in second place as the must-see destination (scoring 47), with parasailing being the best way to experience its sights. Boasting a 65-mile coastline, Goa has 35 tropical beaches where travellers can make the most of the panoramic view, flying high above its surroundings. From soft white sands, dunes, the red cliffs, and crystal clear water, parasailing is top of the list to take in the colourful scenes.

The Californian side of Mexico is joint second (47) with Los Cabos top of the list for people who want to explore what lies beneath the Pacific Ocean. Scuba diving or snorkelling is the best activity to explore its waters. With photo-worthy rock formations such as Pelican rock, these can be seen via boat before jumping in the Sea of Cortez. Swim or dive to witness the local fish in their natural habitat – if you’re lucky you could see dolphins, turtles, and manta rays.

For those that prefer inland sports, Italy is third (scoring 44.5) where sight-seers should visit Sanremo, a beautiful destination to explore by bike. Rated the top activity on Tripadvisor, travellers should ride the Mediterranean riviera along its old railway line. Here you can see the sights, from picturesque villages, authentic architecture, and piazzas. On your way, stop off for a bite and a rest at neighbouring towns such as Arma di Taggia, Busana, Ospedaletti. The beauty is you’re at your own device to stop off wherever and whenever you like.

Sean Walsh, Marketing Manager from SportsCover Direct, comments and shares advice on how to enjoy these activities to their fullest:

“Despite the cost of living, people want to make up for lost years having to stay at home and missing out on the sights, culture and activities they could only experience abroad.

“What’s key is being prepared so you can enjoy these sports activities to the fullest:

  1. Pack right. Take clothes suitable for jumping on and off a bike so material doesn’t get stuck in the chain, and take shoes you’ve worn a few times and know won’t rub. For frequent coastal trips, you can never go wrong packing a range of swimsuits and even your own swim shoes to protect your feet from rough, rocky edges.

  2. Stay on a tour. Not knowing where a street could lead you is all part of the excitement, but travelling around an unknown area can also have its cons. Booking a cycling tour or excursion means you’ll have a handy, trained guide to tell you the best places to go and how long it takes to get there, with the added knowledge of their local hidden gems.

  3. Documentation. Extreme sports like parasailing are a one of a kind experience, but if the unlikely event happens, you don’t want to get caught out without sports travel insurance. Last minute medical care abroad could rack up £££s, putting a sour end to your trip.

  4. First aid/bug spray. Health and safety come first, and packing a small first aid kit and ailments like bug spray can help fend off a unexpected cut or bite that could hinder a long day out.

  5. Fuel yourself. Sports activities are really fun but can also take it out of you when abroad, particularly if you’re not used to the heat. Stay hydrated by packing plenty of water with you (tours usually provide this) and take regular stops at cafes and restaurants so you can rest, refuel and have enough energy to make your way home.”