Why Hiking is the New 'It' Way to Discover a Destination

It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who said it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey, and he’s right, especially when that journey is hiking. Whether you’re an experienced backpacker or a beginner hiker, there are ways to mix in this type of adventure on almost any itinerary.

Experience Authentic Culture

Getting out into the countryside on a hiking trip gets you to villages and towns you likely wouldn’t have otherwise visited. Here you have a chance to see daily life away from the impact of tourism and interact with locals in an authentic way. For experienced hikers, we have you covered in village-to-village treks in many parts of the world. The Swiss Alps or the Himalayas offer the perfect setting to enjoy authentic cuisine and meet friendly locals.

Enjoy Beautiful Landscapes

Hiking doesn’t have to be intense, it’s simply walking in beautiful natural landscapes. If you need an escape to nature, let’s choose a gorgeous destination that has lots of options for beginner hikes. Sedona, for example, is surrounded by red rocks and stunning desert flowers, and has many paths with little to no elevation gain. Another favorite of mine is Oman, where you can walk deep into an oasis and swim in emerald colored, limestone pools all on your own.

Get Away from the Crowds

If you’re planning to visit a popular region or take a city focused trip this summer, it’s always nice to combine it with something in nature to get away from the crowds. For example, if you’re headed to Italy and want to visit Rome and Florence, why not add on a few days of hiking, wellness, and amazing food in the Dolomite Mountains? Here you can experience the culture of the country without throngs of tourists and city heat.

Improve Health & Wellness

If wellness is your focus, a hiking trip is a fabulous way to enjoy an area while also getting fit and staying well. Whether you take part in a wellness retreat focused on hiking (like I did at Le Sirenuse last fall!) or you decide to walk part of the famous Camino de Santiago in Spain, there are so many ways to focus on mental and physical well being.

Hiking stands out as an unconventional avenue for exploring destinations, offering a blend of adventure, intimacy with nature, and physical activity that other modes of travel often lack. The journey comes together in the end where relaxation awaits amidst unparalleled luxury and service.

Check out our latest blog post for my personal top 10 hiking destinations HERE.

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