Walking and hiking are among the world’s favourite pastimes, and for those that are looking to improve their health, often a key factor in that. What’s more, hiking holidays provide you with an incredible way to see parts of the world you perhaps wouldn’t otherwise.
Today, escaping to the countryside is a huge part of people’s lives for many different reason, whether it be dealing with mental health problems, boosting fitness, socialising or even recovering from certain illnesses. For example, many addiction centres encourage people to get out into the fresh air and channel their energy in more productive and healthy ways. But of course, you don’t need to stump up the alcohol rehab cost to know that walking is good for you.
So, as we move into a new year and we start planning our holidays and adventures for the new year, here are five reasons that a hiking holiday could be the perfect trip for you…
You’ll get to embrace the natural world
First and foremost, you get to experience the beauty of our natural surroundings. Whether you’re looking for a tip close to home, or fancy travelling the world, there are so many bucket list destinations for a hike.
There’s something magical about immersing yourself in the natural world, whether it be looking across at rugged mountains or hearing the rustling of leaves in the trees. It’s a serene backdrop that really helps you escape day-to-day life and the hustle and bustle that contains.
It’ll improve your physical and mental health
Of course, hiking is a great way to improve your physical health, but also your mental wellbeing. You can make walks as easy or difficult as you like, releasing endorphins and improving your mood. That’ll help ease any stress or anxiety you have in your life and allow you to completely escape and enjoy your time away, without the need to resort to alcohol or other vices like you may have done previously.
It gives you space to reflect
Many people look to escape the cities and civilisation for periods of reflection, and that’s exactly what a hiking trip can provide. Whether you be out in the desert, scaling mountains or following coastal paths, that solitude that trails provide give you the opportunity to disconnect from modern life and give you the headspace to contemplate life and focus your mindset once again.
It’s a brilliant way to establish your priorities and goals in life and reset your focus towards those, returning to your everyday life reinvigorated.
You can connect with others…it doesn’t have to be solitary
Of course, you may well want to enjoy a hiking holiday with others. That could be with friends, it could be with a particular tour group where you’ll meet and connect with strangers.
Either way, you’ll make more meaningful connections when walking and talking. There’s a certain honesty and openness while out in the fresh air, and what’s more it’ll all come from a base of shared interests, walking.
Hiking holidays give you the opportunity to exchange stories, talk about difficult moments and support each other. It can help create bonds that last a lifetime, which can be hugely valuable in your everyday life away from the trails too.
Finally, it could be the inspiration to make positive lifestyle changes
A hiking holiday can be a real catalyst for change. As mentioned, it can provide you with the reset you need to go home and embrace healthier habits, reconnect with nature and essentially navigate challenges day-to-day with much more confidence and clarity.
You find fulfillment in life when out in the open air, and that can really nurture self-care around the rest of your life too. Which is only going to be good for the likes of your relationships, friendships, career and, more importantly, yourself.