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Ascending
to Paradise: The Walking Vacation
By Mona
Fischer
Imagine
yourself in the destination of your dreams – Tuscany, Provence,
and the Galapagos Islands. Picture yourself ambling through the countryside,
the sun warming your body as a gentle breeze swirls the scent of exotic
flowers around you. Chirping birds flutter overhead. The beauty of your
surroundings exhilarates you. The steady pace of your step calms you.
There is so much to experience in this strange new world.
Have you
died and gone to heaven? No… you’re on a walking vacation!
Combining
your travel with your favorite fitness activity can produce the ultimate
high. The opportunity to experience a different culture firsthand and
off the beaten track will bring stories and memories to last a lifetime.
Nothing can compare to the wonder of viewing these locations in real
time, rather than from the window of a speeding bus. Walking is the
perfect way to slow it down and savor every moment.
Fortunately,
there are several well-established and competent tour operators who
specialize in just this sort of experience. All of the little details
are taken care of for you. Local tour guides lead small groups across
well thought out paths and trails. The best native cuisine awaits you
at mealtime. Fabulous accommodations top off your night. Luggage is
transported for you. Best of all, you will see landscapes that very
few other tourists will ever discover.
Most of
these trips cover from 4 to 14 miles per day. The courses range from
easy to challenging to accommodate your walking desires and fitness
level.
Country
walks are more like strolls over fairly easy terrain. They may use ancient
country lanes that don’t allow vehicles. England is very popular
for this. Quaint stone villages and green rolling hills provide perfect
backdrops.
Trekking
is done in more exotic and remote locations. Sometimes pack animals
or porters are used to carry your luggage and other supplies. The number-one
location for this activity is Nepal, followed by the Peruvian Andes,
and then the Swiss Alps. These trips are off-road, along trails and
paths, and are suited to adventurous personalities.
Serious
outdoor enthusiasts might best enjoy hiking vacations. Lodgings range
from tents and cabins to very simple hotels. Popular destinations include
New Zealand, the Canadian Rockies, and Yosemite National Park. If camping
out and cooking over a fire is your thing, this could be your best bet.
It’s also the most budget friendly.
Choosing
the right tour operator for your walking vacation will make all the
difference in the world (or at least where in the world you’ll
go). There are many to choose from. Engaging routes, exceptional accommodations,
distinctive local cuisine, and safety are all things to look for when
choosing a walking vacation.
In addition
to varied locations, many tours also offer varied activities. Do you
love to cook? Many tour companies offer combination cooking and walking
tours. Enjoy snowshoeing? Many operators can arrange it as well as other
specialty vacations. Countless tours combine walking with hiking, biking,
and other sports. With all these choices, you can easily customize your
walking trek.
Want to
bring along the kids and grandchildren? There are also family vacations.
These are the perfect alternative to the frenzy of long lines and the
artificial environment of theme parks. A journey of this type will broaden
your child’s or teenager’s mind as well as calm their spirit.
This is the meaning of quality time.
With a
walking vacation, you can forget about the crowds and touristy destinations.
You will return home fit and refreshed. So go ahead and book that unique
vacation that will really soothe your soul. Walk your way to heaven.
Mona
Fischer lives in Santa Fe, NM. She is an avid hiker and world traveler.
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