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Walking Experiences of a Lifetime
Walking Experiences of a Lifetime
Seeing the world is one of the great pleasures that we each have in our lifetime, but is there a better way to do it than you may have thought? So many of us jet from hotel to hotel, taking in shopping centers and bustling tourist sites as our norm. What I want to convince you of is that a walking holiday offers you a unique insight into the area you’re visiting, much more than a city tour does. By putting you in touch with the locals and their environment in a unique and intimate way, it allows you to see something you can’t during any other type of holiday. To give you plenty of food for thought on the subject, let’s take a look at a handful of the very best walking experiences to be had:
The Camino de Santiago
The beauty of the Camino is that it crisscrosses rural Spain in such an authentic and free-flowing way that it is hard to even remember the stresses you’ve left behind at work and at home. The gently sloping ground is the perfect medium on which to stretch your legs as you soak up the energy from the beating sun. Ideal for recharging your batteries whilst at the same time getting out there and seeing a bit more of the world.
The satisfaction and feeling of achievement that you gain from making it to your new accommodation for the night are so much more fulfilling and satisfying than a lazy day spent lying by the pool. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit some of the local village markets and get some fresh produce and the catch of the day ready for a beautiful lunch. Now if that doesn’t tempt you to get walking on your next vacation then I don’t know what will!
The Peak District
For those of you looking to take the edge off the beating sun of Southern France and Northern Spain, there are always the cooler climes of the Peak District. The landscape is far hillier with short and sharp climbs and breathtaking submits abounding. This offers you a great choice between tackling the peaks back to back, or weaving your way in between them if you fancy a gentler and most restful holiday.
By making your way from inn to inn over the course of a week, you’ll get a feel for the unique togetherness of each tight-knit community that you make your home for the night in. The people are welcoming and the food is always hearty and filling. Perfect if you want to recharge your batteries ahead of tomorrow’s adventures. There’s also a strong likelihood that you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy a pint of local ale at each stop off, as you sit back and listen to some live music late into the night.
The Galway Tour
The beauty of Ireland lies in the way huge swathes of stunning landscape have remained untouched for centuries. Roads are in far lesser demand in this part of the world than they are on the continent, which makes for some stunning landscapes that are yet to be touched by man. If you want to make the most of the mild weather by really upping your mileage and fitting lots into every single day, then this is one destination that surely must be on your shortlist. The food is delicious, the people love to know your story, and by making your way from village to village, you’ll be able to take in the unique charm and atmosphere of the traditional Irish culture. A stop on your journey that you can’t afford to miss, and one that will certainly leave a lasting impression on you for years to come!
Walking in Tuscany
The last entry on this list is something a little different: a corner of rural Italy that has preserved so much of its traditional way of life. Whilst the sun may beat down all year round and the ground may give the impression that it will be hard and unforgiving underfoot, the beauty of the landscapes will erase these thoughts from your mind the moment you arrive. The foothills roll gently and allow you to set your own pace so that you never feel like you’re on a march. With vineyards to stop off at and explore along the way, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the traditional practices and techniques of this beautiful little corner of the world. As with all things Italian, the beauty lies in simplicity rather than unnecessary complexity. This is something that you’ll take with you as you savor fresh bread and olive oil when you decide to put your feet up for the evening. Sometimes in life, it isn’t about what you do, it’s about how you do it and what you experience along the way.
GUEST POST AUTHOR
Rebecca is a translator by day and a traveler mostly at night. She is an expert on living with jet lag – and packing in tiny suitcases. You can read more of her exploits at RoughDraft
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