Is an active tour for you?
There are many ways of seeing the world. Each mode of transport has advantages and disadvantages. On a cruise, you'll enjoy the humbling experience of having the endless ocean in front of you and not having to travel from hotel to hotel, but you won't discover much more of the country after the ports of commercialized stopover and tourist activities. . Train travel can be efficient and relaxing, but you are confined to a vehicle with limited activities and you have to stick to the train's schedules. Car rental gives you the freedom and flexibility to go where and when you want, but with the dread of getting lost and deciphering signs in foreign languages.
Then you have the option of spending much of your time outdoors, exploring on foot. Rather than jumping from site to site by bus, a hike or walking tour allows for a more immersive experience in the country or region, seeing how people live in rural areas while stopping in the city. artist or cheese maker workshop - you might even stumble upon a local football game and stop to watch a bit. You'll notice the details - the wildflowers, rock formations, and wildlife - and the views will leave an imprint in your mind. Of course, there are the added benefits of exercise and being nature - good for your mind and body. But if you've never been on active travel, you might have concerns if this type of travel is right for you and if you enjoy it.
Active trips tend to attract two types of people: those who want a challenge (such as walking the Camino de Santiago, trekking the Himalayas, hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc) and those who are curious to dive deeper into a destination by going beyond the main tourist sites and entering the beautiful landscapes. These two motivations are often combined, although active travel doesn't necessarily mean long, difficult hikes. The range is extensive and includes easier hikes in places like Iceland and the Puglia region of Italy, cultural visits to Bhutan or Vietnam, moderate hikes in New Zealand and Argentina, and more rugged hikes. in Peru and Nepal. Maybe you don't even want to walk a lot, but you would like to do other activities? Try snorkeling and kayaking in Palau or ziplining and rafting in Costa Rica.
There are two important things to consider when thinking about an active visit. First, being active doesn't mean bullying. On the contrary, some of the most incredible hotels can be found in very remote places - think of the glass-roofed aurora cabins with saunas in Finland, the luxuriously converted monasteries in Portugal and Spain, and the 5-star Aman hotels in Bhutan. Second, active routes provide some flexibility most of the time (with the exception of many hostel-to-hostel treks when you need to reach the next stop). Hikes and walks can usually be tailored to how the group feels as a whole, and guests can certainly choose not to participate in an activity, either staying to explore the town or village or sitting in a picturesque place with a book or sketchbook to await the return of the group.
A typical day of walking or hiking begins with a delicious breakfast between 8 and 9 before setting out for the morning activity (maybe a hike, maybe a visit to a local market). Lunch can be a gourmet picnic by the side of the trail or at a family cafe. The afternoon excursion can be another hike, a visit to a historical site or at your leisure to relax or stroll around town. You are usually back at the hotel in the late afternoon with time to cool off before dinner. Although it's labeled "active," it's best not to overcrowd it every day. People don't want to go home feeling like they need a vacation after their vacation!
When looking and considering an active route, be sure to be realistic with yourself. If you like the idea of active travel, but are not in the best shape, book your trip with enough time to improve your exercise routine. Not only will you have a goal to achieve, the more prepared you are, the more enjoyable the trip will be. If you know you won't have time to commit to it, choose an easier trip, which involves more cultural sightseeing and short walks rather than hiking the mountain trails. Also be realistic with the level of luxury you expect. While the mountain lodges on the Peruvian Salkantay Trek are beautiful, well appointed and comfortable with delicious food and incredible views, these are not 5 star resorts. Still, what you can sacrifice in a few gear, you will more than make up for during the remainder of the remote Andes hiking experience. If you are looking for 5 star luxury, go for a private trip, so your adventure can be tailored exactly to what you want, from the daily itinerary to where you lay your head!
Matt Holmes is the founder and president of Boundless Journeys. Boundless Journeys is an award-winning tour operator that thinks outside the box for immersive and authentic travel experiences. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to enhance your profile, please contact us.
