Everyone's Christmas list features one or two people that are hard to buy for: a dad who's sick of socks, a partner who already has everything – or perhaps you're stuck for original ideas for your newly married sibling and their partner. This year, why not surprise with them an experience they won't want to exchange and gift a cycling short break? Here are five reasons why it'll make your loved one's Christmas one to remember.

It'll help with New Year's resolutions

The most common New Year's resolution in Britain is to exercise more. A short cycling holiday will encourage your chosen recipient to get active and have fun doing it. Pedalling through the lavender fields of southern France certainly beats a crowded spin studio on a dark January morning. For those who are looking to do more exercise, but in small doses, a short break will ease them in gently. A cycling holiday is also a brilliant choice for family members who love being active and the outdoors – you can't go wrong.

Give the gift of quality time

Short cycling holidays make great gifts for couples and families.  If you're struggling for ideas for your parents or a favourite aunt and uncle, it's a thoughtful joint present they can enjoy together. Christmas is all about togetherness, so it's the ideal way to celebrate. During the trip they'll spend days making memories together, both in and out of the saddle. Or why not give the gift to your own partner, family member or friend for the two of you to go together?

Explore peaceful corners of the world

During a cycling holiday, you’ll uncover history, experience local food and drink delicacies and enjoy the laidback pace of rural life. Whether it's visiting the atmospheric châteaux of the Loire Valley, cycling in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh in Provence or meandering through the vineyards of Côtes du Rhône, you'll love the chance to get closer to the region's culture.

Get away without sacrificing holiday allowance

Even friends who are tied to their work will appreciate this gift. The three-day, four-night packages minimise the time spent away from the office, while maximising the sightseeing experience. If you time the booking over a bank holiday weekend, they won't even need to spend their holiday allowance. A refreshing long weekend away, returning on Tuesday morning, works wonders for a sense of well-being. They'll be restored and full of energy to start the week ahead.

It's something to look forward to

Christmas goes by in a flash, and gifts are soon packed away and forgotten about. With the gift of a short break, your family member or friend will have something to look forward to in the spring which will help banish those January blues. Once the holiday has come and gone, they'll be left with memories that last a lifetime... unlike that novelty Christmas jumper.

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