If you're like me, you prefer a balance of activities on your vacation. You want to go outdoors and explore, but not necessarily get hot and sweaty. Biking should be interspersed with stops to enjoy the scenery and take photographs, walks can involve window shopping, and an afternoon of kayaking might be topped off with a massage.

If this type of getaway appeals to you, consider a "soft adventure" tour. Soft adventure typically describes a vacation that combines active (but not overtaxing) outdoor pursuits with pampering activities and leisure time. Many tour operators understand that travelers want such a mix during their time off, and as such have structured getaways that suit this concept of active travel that isn't too strenuous.

Here are five soft adventure possibilities worth considering for your next vacation.

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