Forget the rental car and discover why you should consider a walking tour for your next vacation.
The benefits of walking
Choosing an active vacation like a hiking trip has many benefits beyond classic beach relaxation. Walking is fantastic for the body, boosting cardiovascular fitness for better heart health, blood circulation and stamina. Physical movement also releases endorphins and dopamine, two of our happy hormones.
Walking vacations are beneficial for the brain too. Spending time in nature reduces stress and promotes feelings of relaxation, especially in green spaces like forests which are quiet and full of oxygen. The rhythm of putting one foot in front of the other, surrounded by glorious views, encourages mindfulness and provides perspective as well.
Embracing slow travel
For the last few years, slow travel has been a major trend in the industry. This refers to vacations that explore one smaller area in detail, such as hiking tours, cycling trips and city breaks. Sticking with one location enables you to immerse yourself in local culture, experience places away from the tourist trail and is more eco-friendly to boot. It’s also more relaxing than itineraries that jump from place to place.
Staying in one area doesn’t mean a lack of variety. You’ll find hiking tours that cover diverse destinations from lush hills and dramatic mountains to beautiful clifftop trails, with accommodation ranging from traditional farmhouses to chic city apartments. Traveling with a company also gives you the luxury of luggage transportation so you can walk unburdened and access to detailed route maps and instructions.
Great walking vacation destinations
Are you feeling inspired to hit the trails for your next adventure abroad? Check out some of the top walking vacation destinations in Europe. These countries have diverse landscapes ranging from alpine mountains to coastlines and a wealth of trails with varied terrain and difficulty to suit a range of fitness levels.
Italy
With the dramatic Dolomites mountains to the north and the glittering Mediterranean coastline to the south, Italy has a wide range of walking trails for travelers to explore between visits to its awe-inspiring heritage cities. One of the most popular is Cinque Terre on the western coastline, with the Amalfi Coast and Tuscan countryside as close runners-up.
France
From the soaring summits of Mont Blanc to the quintessential countryside dedicated to agriculture, France is a beloved hiking destination for avid adventurers and gentle strollers alike. Wend your way through lavender fields on a sunny summer stay in Provence, climb to Europe’s highest point in the Alps or pick up part of the sacred Camino pilgrimage path.
Scotland
If you’re less concerned about good weather, there’s nowhere more perfect for walking than Scotland. Untouched beaches await, hidden behind craggy cliffs on remote islands, and the rich green interior dotted with crumbling castles, large lochs and glittering waterfalls makes you believe in magic. Scale Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain, explore the Glencoe National Reserve or hike to a viewpoint of the Glenfinnan Viaduct.