While some retired travellers settle for luxury cruises and European sojourns, more adventurous spirits gravitate towards holidays that get the heart beating faster. Literally.
Pegged by the World Tourism Organisation as an up and coming travel trend, tramping tourism has emerged as a popular way for holidaymakers to connect with nature, engage with the local population, experience a destination from a different perspective and of course, work up a sweat along the way.
“Increasing consumer demand for “experiencing” a destination in an authentic way and the growing popularity of active tourism make walking tourism more and more relevant beyond walking activities, showcasing a destination as a whole including its local culture and nature,” reads the report.
If you’re in hale, hearty and looking for an intrepid adventure these tramping tourism destinations could be for you. Don’t forget, a pair of walking poles will be our new best friend!
Annapurna Circuit – Nepal
If you’re on a budget and have the right fitness level walking the Annapurna Circuit can also be amazingly easy on the budget. Factoring in food and accommodation, you could easily get away with spending under $20 a day. You’ll stay in tea houses along the way which means no lugging a giant backpack for two weeks. All you’ll need to pack is a small pack with your personal belongings and if you’re still worried about the weight consider hiring a Sherpa, which is a great way to fuel the local economy and get a little local insight.
Inca and Salkantay Trails to Machu Pichu – Peru
If you haven’t ticked Machu Picchu off your bucket list, there’s no time like the present. The Inca Trail is a classic and needs to be booked months in advance, though if you’re a ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ kind of traveller you may prefer the Salkantay Trail, which can be booked the night before you depart. Guided hikes usually offer porters and donkeys which means you’ll only have to carry what you need for the day.
New Zealand
Consistently ranked one of the world’s top hiking destinations, New Zealand is awash with incredible opportunities to stretch your legs in the Land of the Long White Cloud. Take your pick of nine incredible ‘Great Walks’ including tramps like the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk, Abel Tasman Coastal Track, Milford Track, Tongariro Northern Circuit, Heaphy Track and more. Along the way you’ll soak up spectacular scenery, from lush forests and shimmering lakes to snow-capped mountain peaks and yawning valleys.
