Are you looking to try something a little different for your vacation this year? Are you bored with lazing on the beach? Would you like to experience the great outdoors and see what wonders nature has to offer? A walking vacation is a brilliant way to spend a week or two, whatever time of the year you decide to travel. You’ll get to feel the wind in your hair, the sun on your skin, and have the local cuisine to look forward to at the end of your day. There are a wealth of glorious locations you can visit, all around the world. Here are our top ten.
- Great Smoky Mountains, USA
Regarded as the ancestral home of the Cherokee Indians, the Great Smoky Mountains is an area rich in natural diversity. It was established as a national park over 80 years ago and spans a jaw-dropping 500,000 acres.
- Quebec, Canada
Quebec City is at the centre of the area and a great base camp from which to explore. In the Saguenay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there’s an extensive trail network. Experience lakes, gorges, waterfalls, granite peaks, and snow geese and relax at the end of your day in French Canadian comfort.
- Iceland
There are some well-trodden hiking trails in Iceland along with some that are less well-known. The east of the country is still very much a wilderness that boasts both ice and fire. No matter where you decide to trek, trekking can be a wonderful experience.
- Pirin and Rila Mountains, Bulgaria
This is a hidden gem along the eastern edge of Europe. Bulgaria is not a well-known location, but it does have plenty to offer. The Pirin and Rila mountain ranges are in the south-west of the country. Home to rare wildlife, glacial lakes, pine forests and the highest summit in Bulgaria.
- Catalonia, Spain
Enjoy a real sense of independence as you experience Pyrenean peaks, sunny Mediterranean coves, volcanic terrain, and flower-filled meadows. If you miss your home comforts, visit Barcelona, Girona, and Tarragona along the way.
- Valais, Switzerland
Valais, Switzerland is one of the country’s most popular walking destinations. You’ll encounter snowy peaks, vineyards, cable cars, spa towns and much more.
- Norway
Visit Norway in the summer and breathe in that lovely clean air. Book yourself a place on a self-guided trek or try the experience on your own. Before you venture off on your own hike, check out hints and tips from Outdoor Wilds so you can be prepared for anything.
- Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi coast is a great destination for the jet setting crowd; however, just in 20 minutes, you’ll find yourself in a completely different world with subsistence farmers, lemon groves, idyllic towns, and waterfalls. This is a great option for those who want an enjoyable stroll in the sun.
- Nepal
Described as the roof of the world, Nepal is the place to visit if you want to climb some of the world’s highest peaks. The most famous trail in the world is the Everest Basecamp trail and possibly one of the most beautiful.
- New Zealand
People who live here love hiking and there are plenty of opportunities to do it. Popular trails include the Milford Track, the Queen Charlotte Track and the Tongariro North Circuit. Try and spend at least a fortnight in this country so you can have a chance to explore the best parts, in what will likely be a once in a lifetime experience.
