If you want to see some of the world and keep fit at the same time, here are our top four most scenic destinations for an unforgettable walking holiday.
Walking holidays have been growing in popularity over the past few years, especially with millennials. Where once the majority of young adults wanted to spend their time sunbathing during the day and hitting the clubs at night, they now want to really explore and immerse themselves in other countries and their cultures and keep fit and healthy while abroad.
A massive £4 trillion is spent on the travel and tourism industry every year. And this steady increase goes hand in hand with the acceptance of diversity and all things that come with it. We need to learn more about the rest of the world and how other people live, in order to begin to truly understand each other. So… if you want to see some of the world, broaden your horizon, and keep fit at the same time, here are our top four most scenic destinations on the planet for an unforgettable walking holiday.
1. Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage, Japan
The Kumano Kodo is one of only two pilgrimage routes to have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kodo, or “old ways”, was originally developed as a way for people to travel between the three sacred Kumano Sanzan shrines in the Kii Peninsula – Hongu Taisha, Nachi Taisha, and Hayatama Taisha.
They were designed to be a spiritual, religious experience, testing your strength and faith, and often passing through dangerous areas of mountain terrain. Not for the faint of heart, the Kumano Kodo trails are an experience like none other.
2. Fjord hiking, Norway
Often overlooked, Norway is a country of complete and utter beauty. The Fjords are a popular spot for the most avid of hikers, and it’s easy to see why. With a number of national parks to choose from offering their own great walks, you’ll find yourself passing through thriving forests to glacial vistas, with almost everything imaginable in-between.
The views are simply stunning and can be enjoyed no matter your hiking experience. Walkout onto the arm of a glacier, traverse the coastline or hike to the top of the mountains. The choice is yours.
3. Inca Trail, Peru
You’ll be unsurprised to hear that many rank the Inca Trail within the top hiking trails in the world. It is certainly one of the most famous. At 26 miles (43km) in length, the trail takes you through subtropical jungle and lush forests to its final destination: Machu Picchu, the famed “Lost City of the Incas”.
The famous trek takes approximately four days to complete, but did you know there is a number of other routes you can take to reach Machu Picchu? Why not try one of the less travelled routes and see what you can discover.
4. Ausengate (Rainbow Mountains), Peru
Yet another beauty that Peru has to offer is the fabled Rainbow Mountains. Whilst this is a much shorter trek – we’re talking a day trip rather than a week’s worth of hiking – it should still make your shortlist of walking holiday routes. Why not combine it with a trip to Machu Picchu and make the holiday even more spectacular?
Want to know even more?
For those of you itching to discover more spectacular walking holiday destinations, Wanderlust has put together a shortlist of 37 world-class walks. Have a look, and see where your wanderlust takes you next!
About Dave
Dave is one of the founders of Walking Holiday Info. More than 10 years ago, he saw a real niche, a platform where small independent walking holiday companies can present their holidays in one place. At that time, he was organizing walking holidays himself and experienced how difficult it can be for small businesses to have a voice and to be noticed. Dave is the webmaster at Walking Holiday Info, and enjoys hitting the trails in the surrounding countryside in his free time.