These Vacations Are Made for Walking

You don’t have to be an avid hiker to enjoy the benefits of a walking vacation. In fact, the word “hiking” doesn’t even need to be part of the conversation. A simple afternoon stroll or morning jaunt is all you need to stay active while also immersing yourself in new surroundings.

So, what exactly is a walking vacation? It’s simply one that prioritizes exploration by foot. This can be as easy as simple as walking instead of taking cabs or joining a group tour that walks from attraction to attraction instead of taking a sightseeing trolley or electric cart.

Benefits of a walking vacation

The most obvious benefits of a walking vacation are health related. Not surprisingly, studies show that any type of exercise, especially walking, is good for your health. It can aid in weight control, help reduce cancer risk, ease joint pain, and help boost your immune system.

Spending all or part of your vacation walking also allows you to slow down and enjoy a destination at a different pace, inviting opportunities to discover under-the-radar, off-the-beaten-path activities. For example, instead of rushing to catch a train or hopping in a taxi to speed to your next stop, you may find yourself in front of a little-known museum, a friendly farmer’s market, an amazing local art display, or an impromptu show by street performers. Walking showcases a destination and allows you to interact with it in a way that isn’t possible from inside a vehicle.

Walkable destinations

Big cities—like San Francisco, New York, Boston, Chicago, and DC—offer a wide variety of restaurants, shopping, and attractions that can easily be reached within minutes, making them ideal walkable destinations. Europe is also full of walkable major cities, especially those where you can wander into local cafes for a leisurely mid-afternoon coffee or tea.

Don’t discount small and mid-size cities, as well. Places like Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, have walkable downtowns that are perfect for a long weekend without the need for public transportation.

Looking to mix in some nature exploration? Seek out cities that are close to parks, nature preserves, or riverwalks. Scottsdale, Arizona, for example, not only has a walkable downtown but offers quick access to many walking trails in the Sonoran Desert. Along with a trove of walkable neighborhoods, Columbus, Ohio, touts a robust park system. More than 20 Columbus Metro Parks offer over 230 miles of trails throughout the region.

Of course, state and national parks are excellent destinations when you want to be totally immersed in nature, from snow-capped mountains and flower-filled valleys to white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Consider booking an off-season trip to save money and avoid crowds.

Touring feet first

If you’d like your walking vacation to have a bit more structure, consider booking a walking tour.

These guided adventures allow travelers to explore a city’s history, culture, and scenery with the benefit of a local expert. Tour providers like Country Walkers take care of all the details so that you can focus on immersing yourself in the destination. Along with walking, you can get your steps in by learning a local dance, venturing on a truffle-hunting excursion, or strolling through vineyards and markets. Country Walkers’ more ambitious walking vacations even include a pre-trip fitness plan.   

. . . . .

So whether your interest is in casual walking or cardio-focused expeditions, there’s a walking vacation for you. Whatever your style, journeying feet first is one of the most rewarding ways to travel.