5 Benefits of a Walking Holiday
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That is it. The final few steps of the Camino de Santiago. All your weeks of hiking have led to this moment, and let’s be honest – you’re ecstatic. There is something remarkable about a walking holiday. The challenge, the achievement, and the connections you make along the way – you’ll be booking another as soon as you’re home. That is, once you’ve replaced those hiking boots… the soles have almost fallen off.
With slow travel and fitness trending, it’s no surprise that active holidays are on the rise. Already feeling inspired? Just wait until you hear these benefits of a walking holiday.
Gentle Exercise Supports Long-Term Health and Mobility
Gentle exercise is the secret to longevity. In fact, the NHS recommends 150 minutes of weekly activity as the bare minimum to promote health. Booking walking holidays is a chance to incorporate adventure into your long-term health goals. Hiking is great for cardiovascular health, mobility, fat loss, and balance – and doesn’t have the same strain as running or impact sports, like rugby.
Improved Mental Wellbeing — Nature, Tranquillity and Stress Relief
Nature is magical for wellbeing, and walkers are plonked right in the middle of it. These trails loop through some of the most scenic landscapes possible. Whether it’s benefitting from blue mind theory on Italian coastal trails or forest bathing in Northern Sweden, walking holidays are a chance to destress. Expect reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and sharpened mental clarity.
A Chance to Explore New Places at a Comfortable Pace
There is a “rush culture” that has society in a chokehold. Returning to offices threw us back into hectic commutes, annual leave feels more limited than ever, and with rising costs of living, there’s a temptation to stick to weekend getaways. Walking holidays combat that.
Slowly experiencing new towns, coastlines, and countryside creates a comfortable pace – leaving you both refreshed and immersed. There is a beautiful simplicity to travelling on foot. Relax – the only task is getting from A to B.
Social Connection and Shared Experiences with Companions or Groups
Experiences are the glue that facilitates bonding. If we’re honest, there’s a constant onslaught of phone notifications, career demands, or mundane life tasks. Faced with these barriers, it’s increasingly rare to invest hours into companionship. Walking holidays strip those responsibilities back, and social connection prospers.
Flexibility and Accessibility — Suitable for Different Fitness Levels and Preferences
Who said you had to start with Kilimanjaro? With training and trusted medical advice, don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Still, there are walking holidays to suit marathon runners and seasoned thru-hikers, and other trips that cater to newbies or caffeinated dog walkers.
Enjoy steep-but-short scrambles in the Italian Alps. Fly to Holland to enjoy flat strolls along canal banks. Or finally take that sabbatical you’ve been dreaming of – tackling longer trails like the Camino de Santiago or Via Transilvanica.
These five benefits are just the beginning. Treating yourself to a walking holiday might be the most valuable thing you do.
Photo Getty Images on Unsplash