A Growing Number of Vacations Are Designed to Be Walked
Photo Credit: Pexels
Jennifer Allen Jan 26
6 MIN READ
Jennifer Allen Jan 26
6 MIN READ
Walking-led vacations are gaining attention as travelers increasingly choose trips organized around daily miles on foot rather than postcard-worthy attractions. Across destinations, tour operators and properties are expanding multi-day itineraries, where walking determines how travel unfolds, appealing to travelers seeking deeper engagement with landscapes, culture and local life.
Walking-led vacations are gaining attention as travelers increasingly choose trips organized around daily miles on foot rather than postcard-worthy attractions. Across destinations, tour operators and properties are expanding multi-day itineraries, where walking determines how travel unfolds, appealing to travelers seeking deeper engagement with landscapes, culture and local life.
What distinguishes walking vacations from a tour is intent, and recent industry data suggests that intent is translating into demand. According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, more than 70% of adventure and active travel operators reported year-over-year revenue growth in its 2025 industry reporting, with walking, hiking and trekking consistently ranked among the most requested trip types. Market research from Fortune Business Insights estimates the global adventure tourism sector, which includes multi-day walking and trekking holidays, will be valued in the hundreds of billions globally, with continued growth projected through the decade.
Walking vacations are designed so that being on foot is the primary focus, not an activity added between meals or museum visits. Routes determine where travelers stay, how far they go each day and how they encounter local food, culture and landscapes. That model now spans continents and travel styles, from village walks and alpine routes to wildlife safaris and coastal hiking cruises.
Walk through village life in the Indian Himalayas
In the Kumaon region of northern India, Shakti Himalaya's Village Walks use walking to engage with daily life in the mountains. Routes link remote villages, farms and high-altitude landscapes, with time on foot guiding where guests stay and whom they meet along the way. The emphasis is not on distance or elevation, but on proximity to people and place.
"Many American travelers are drawn to Shakti's walking journeys for the opportunity to experience the Himalayas in a rare way that feels grounded and deeply human," says Jamshyd Sethna, founder of Shakti Himalaya. "Moving on foot slows the pace and sharpens awareness of the land, daily life in the villages and of one's own inner rhythm."
Moderate daily walks are paired with direct involvement in village routines, where seasonal, plant-forward Himalayan cooking plays a central role. "Walking creates the conditions for genuine exchange, whether through shared meals, conversations along the trail or time spent in homes that have long been part of these communities," Sethna explains. Guests visit farmers, forage for herbs and take part in cooking sessions that reflect how altitude and climate influence local food. The experience prioritizes immersion rather than exertion, offering a deliberate way to move through the Himalayas.
"These journeys are not about covering ground, but about giving space to connection, reflection and a more conscious way of traveling that resonates long after the walk itself has ended," Sethna concludes.
Village-to-village walk across the UK
Active England designs walking vacations across England, Scotland and Wales, where routes connect villages and rural communities over multiple days. Led by guides who live in the regions they cover, the itineraries rely on footpaths, terrain and daily distances to determine lodging, meals and access, rather than fixed sightseeing stops.
In the Cotswolds, for example, that approach leads travelers beyond the most visited villages and into quieter market towns, farmland and lesser-known paths. Meals and overnight stays emphasize local sourcing and long-standing relationships with regional suppliers. The trips appeal to travelers planning well ahead, including many in the 50-plus and luxury markets, who want walking to be central to the experience.
Where walking and food carry equal weight
Hedonistic Hiking offers guided walking holidays built on the idea that food is as integral to the experience as time on foot. Operating primarily in Italy, the company runs small-group trips that combine daily hikes with visits to markets, wineries, farms and family-run producers, often staying in locally owned hotels.
Walking routes are selected to support food encounters rather than compete with them. Days include vineyard walks, alpine trails and routes through lesser-known villages, punctuated by gourmet picnics, wine tastings, cooking classes and extended meals. The focus is on regional character as much as distance covered.
Walk the Adriatic by day, sail by night
Sail Croatia 's Luxury Hiking Cruise approaches walking vacations through a hybrid model, using a small ship as a moving base. Guests hike most days on islands and along the coast, with routes carefully chosen and distances outlined in advance.
Between hikes, the ship eliminates the need for frequent packing and unpacking. Long port stays allow time ashore, while swim stops provide recovery after walking. With fewer than 40 passengers and itineraries that prioritize time on land, the experience suits travelers who want consistent walking paired with coastal access and onboard comfort.
Follow an ancient route between Kyoto and Tokyo
Walk Japan 's guided journey along the Nakasendo Way follows a historic route that once connected Kyoto and Tokyo. The walk passes through mountain towns, forests and preserved post stations, offering access to rural Japan often bypassed by high-speed travel.
Small group sizes and sustained days on foot allow travelers to explore villages rather than observe them from a distance. Nights in traditional inns and regional meals reinforce how geography and history continue to influence daily life along the route.
Self-guided walking with logistics handled
Inntravel specializes in self-guided walking holidays across Europe and the United Kingdom, providing routes, accommodations and luggage transfers while leaving pacing decisions to the traveler. The model appeals to those who want independence without the complexity of planning multi-day walks on their own.
Most itineraries move inn to inn through rural regions and smaller towns, combining full days on foot with time for local food and cultural stops. Detailed route notes, maps and GPS support replace group leaders, offering structure without group travel.
Experience wildlife on foot in Botswana
Natural Selection 's walking safaris in Botswana place time on foot at the center of wildlife encounters. On itineraries such as My First Botswana Safari, guests explore private reserves with expert guides, tracking animals and reading terrain at ground level.
Walking is paired with stays at small, remote camps connected by short flights, keeping the focus on exploration rather than transit. The approach offers a perspective distinct from vehicle-based safaris, emphasizing awareness and observation.
Lodge-to-lodge walking in Australia's wild places
Tasmanian Walking Company operates fully guided, multi-day walks across eight trails in Australia, including six designated Great Walks. Trips are built around light-pack walking, with guests staying in permanent lodges or private camps located inside protected landscapes.
In 2026, the company will launch the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk, a five-day guided route between two of Australia's most iconic geological sites. The walk includes overnight stays inside the national park, chef-prepared meals and cultural sessions led by Anangu Traditional Owners, pairing access with sustained time on foot.
Supporting the walking vacation ecosystem
Beyond fully guided itineraries, a wider network supports walking-focused travel. Companies such as On Foot Holidays create self-guided trips built around specific regions and interests, while hotels, including Redcastle Hotel & Spa, offer walking and hiking programs that allow guests to explore surrounding landscapes from a single base. Digital tools, such as Polarsteps, help travelers plan routes, track distances and document journeys, adding flexibility for those building trips where walking remains central.
Walking vacations move into the mainstream
As walking vacations continue to evolve, the next phase is likely to focus less on novelty and more on how trips are structured. Operators are developing longer routes, building lodging and logistics that support travel on foot without requiring extreme fitness and integrating food systems, conservation access and local communities into the experience. Destinations are also beginning to view walking-led travel as a tool for managing crowding and extending travel seasons. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, walking vacations appear positioned not as an alternative to travel but as a refinement of it, offering trips that are off the beaten path, so to speak.
Jennifer Allen is a retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and nationally syndicated journalist; she's also a co-founder of Food Drink Life, where she shares expert travel tips, cruise insights and luxury destination guides. A recognized cruise expert with a deep passion for high-end experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jennifer explores the world with curiosity, depth and a storyteller's perspective. Her articles are regularly featured on the Associated Press Wire, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.
by Jennifer AllenWalking vacations are designed so that being on foot is the primary focus, not an activity added between meals or museum visits. Routes determine where travelers stay, how far they go each day and how they encounter local food, culture and landscapes. That model now spans continents and travel styles, from village walks and alpine routes to wildlife safaris and coastal hiking cruises.
Walk through village life in the Indian Himalayas
In the Kumaon region of northern India, Shakti Himalaya's Village Walks use walking to engage with daily life in the mountains. Routes link remote villages, farms and high-altitude landscapes, with time on foot guiding where guests stay and whom they meet along the way. The emphasis is not on distance or elevation, but on proximity to people and place.
"Many American travelers are drawn to Shakti's walking journeys for the opportunity to experience the Himalayas in a rare way that feels grounded and deeply human," says Jamshyd Sethna, founder of Shakti Himalaya. "Moving on foot slows the pace and sharpens awareness of the land, daily life in the villages and of one's own inner rhythm."
Moderate daily walks are paired with direct involvement in village routines, where seasonal, plant-forward Himalayan cooking plays a central role. "Walking creates the conditions for genuine exchange, whether through shared meals, conversations along the trail or time spent in homes that have long been part of these communities," Sethna explains. Guests visit farmers, forage for herbs and take part in cooking sessions that reflect how altitude and climate influence local food. The experience prioritizes immersion rather than exertion, offering a deliberate way to move through the Himalayas.
"These journeys are not about covering ground, but about giving space to connection, reflection and a more conscious way of traveling that resonates long after the walk itself has ended," Sethna concludes.
Village-to-village walk across the UK
Active England designs walking vacations across England, Scotland and Wales, where routes connect villages and rural communities over multiple days. Led by guides who live in the regions they cover, the itineraries rely on footpaths, terrain and daily distances to determine lodging, meals and access, rather than fixed sightseeing stops.
In the Cotswolds, for example, that approach leads travelers beyond the most visited villages and into quieter market towns, farmland and lesser-known paths. Meals and overnight stays emphasize local sourcing and long-standing relationships with regional suppliers. The trips appeal to travelers planning well ahead, including many in the 50-plus and luxury markets, who want walking to be central to the experience.
Where walking and food carry equal weight
Hedonistic Hiking offers guided walking holidays built on the idea that food is as integral to the experience as time on foot. Operating primarily in Italy, the company runs small-group trips that combine daily hikes with visits to markets, wineries, farms and family-run producers, often staying in locally owned hotels.
Walking routes are selected to support food encounters rather than compete with them. Days include vineyard walks, alpine trails and routes through lesser-known villages, punctuated by gourmet picnics, wine tastings, cooking classes and extended meals. The focus is on regional character as much as distance covered.
Walk the Adriatic by day, sail by night
Sail Croatia 's Luxury Hiking Cruise approaches walking vacations through a hybrid model, using a small ship as a moving base. Guests hike most days on islands and along the coast, with routes carefully chosen and distances outlined in advance.
Between hikes, the ship eliminates the need for frequent packing and unpacking. Long port stays allow time ashore, while swim stops provide recovery after walking. With fewer than 40 passengers and itineraries that prioritize time on land, the experience suits travelers who want consistent walking paired with coastal access and onboard comfort.
Follow an ancient route between Kyoto and Tokyo
Walk Japan 's guided journey along the Nakasendo Way follows a historic route that once connected Kyoto and Tokyo. The walk passes through mountain towns, forests and preserved post stations, offering access to rural Japan often bypassed by high-speed travel.
Small group sizes and sustained days on foot allow travelers to explore villages rather than observe them from a distance. Nights in traditional inns and regional meals reinforce how geography and history continue to influence daily life along the route.
Self-guided walking with logistics handled
Inntravel specializes in self-guided walking holidays across Europe and the United Kingdom, providing routes, accommodations and luggage transfers while leaving pacing decisions to the traveler. The model appeals to those who want independence without the complexity of planning multi-day walks on their own.
Most itineraries move inn to inn through rural regions and smaller towns, combining full days on foot with time for local food and cultural stops. Detailed route notes, maps and GPS support replace group leaders, offering structure without group travel.
Experience wildlife on foot in Botswana
Natural Selection 's walking safaris in Botswana place time on foot at the center of wildlife encounters. On itineraries such as My First Botswana Safari, guests explore private reserves with expert guides, tracking animals and reading terrain at ground level.
Walking is paired with stays at small, remote camps connected by short flights, keeping the focus on exploration rather than transit. The approach offers a perspective distinct from vehicle-based safaris, emphasizing awareness and observation.
Lodge-to-lodge walking in Australia's wild places
Tasmanian Walking Company operates fully guided, multi-day walks across eight trails in Australia, including six designated Great Walks. Trips are built around light-pack walking, with guests staying in permanent lodges or private camps located inside protected landscapes.
In 2026, the company will launch the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk, a five-day guided route between two of Australia's most iconic geological sites. The walk includes overnight stays inside the national park, chef-prepared meals and cultural sessions led by Anangu Traditional Owners, pairing access with sustained time on foot.
Supporting the walking vacation ecosystem
Beyond fully guided itineraries, a wider network supports walking-focused travel. Companies such as On Foot Holidays create self-guided trips built around specific regions and interests, while hotels, including Redcastle Hotel & Spa, offer walking and hiking programs that allow guests to explore surrounding landscapes from a single base. Digital tools, such as Polarsteps, help travelers plan routes, track distances and document journeys, adding flexibility for those building trips where walking remains central.
Walking vacations move into the mainstream
As walking vacations continue to evolve, the next phase is likely to focus less on novelty and more on how trips are structured. Operators are developing longer routes, building lodging and logistics that support travel on foot without requiring extreme fitness and integrating food systems, conservation access and local communities into the experience. Destinations are also beginning to view walking-led travel as a tool for managing crowding and extending travel seasons. Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, walking vacations appear positioned not as an alternative to travel but as a refinement of it, offering trips that are off the beaten path, so to speak.
Jennifer Allen is a retired chef turned traveler, cookbook author and nationally syndicated journalist; she's also a co-founder of Food Drink Life, where she shares expert travel tips, cruise insights and luxury destination guides. A recognized cruise expert with a deep passion for high-end experiences and off-the-beaten-path destinations, Jennifer explores the world with curiosity, depth and a storyteller's perspective. Her articles are regularly featured on the Associated Press Wire, The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.
Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Costa Mujeres Is Not Cancun, and That's the Point
Costa Mujeres wasn't designed around nightlife or shopping. It was built around the idea of slowing down. Photo Credit: Mexican Caribbean Tourism Board / AP
Jennifer Allen Jan 24
3 MIN READ
Jennifer Allen Jan 24
3 MIN READ
Costa Mujeres was never meant to be Cancun. Just north of the city, this newer, carefully planned resort area has been built around luxury properties, wider beaches and a noticeably slower pace.
Costa Mujeres was never meant to be Cancun. Just north of the city, this newer, carefully planned resort area has been built around luxury properties, wider beaches and a noticeably slower pace. It attracts travelers who want space, privacy and a resort experience that feels self-contained rather than kinetic. For those who already know what Cancun offers and are looking for something quieter and more deliberate, that difference is exactly the point.
Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hidden Rainbow Haven: Binghamton, New York's Unexpected Queer Boomtown
Binghamton is a city in, and the county seat of, Broome County, New York, United StatesPhoto Credit: DenisTangneyJr
Jan 22
3 MIN READ
Jan 22
3 MIN READ
Nestled in upstate New York, Binghamton is emerging as an unlikely LGBTQ-friendly gem, blending small-town charm with a boldly integrated queer scene that makes travelers feel instantly seen and celebrated.
Picture this: crisp autumn leaves crunching underfoot along the Susquehanna River, the scent of fresh cider doughnuts wafting from a corner market, and rainbow flags fluttering from porches in a town once defined by factories, not fabulousness. Binghamton, New York—a gritty city of about 47, 000 in the Southern Tier—might not scream "queer mecca"like Provincetown or Palm Springs. But scratch the surface, and you'll uncover an emerging hotspot where LGBTQ+ travelers are flocking for an authentic, unpretentious escape. Here, transgender people, nonbinary folks, lesbian couples, and gay adventurers alike report feeling not just tolerated, but truly embraced, in everyday life.
Gilded Age Glamour Meets Modern Indulgence: A Luxurious Escape at The Chanler at Cliff Walk
Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Chanler at Cliff Walk
Steve Duffy Jan 21
2 MIN READ
Steve Duffy Jan 21
2 MIN READ
The Chanler at Cliff Walk is a vintage Newport mansion turned luxury boutique hotel. Both family- and female-owned, the intimate seaside hideaway boasts undeniable Gilded Age glamor and features 20 beautiful, uniquely designed guestrooms that pay homage to the hotel's storied past.
The Chanler at Cliff Walk is a vintage Newport mansion turned luxury boutique hotel. Both family- and female-owned, the intimate seaside hideaway boasts undeniable Gilded Age glamor and features 20 beautiful, uniquely designed guestrooms that pay homage to the hotel's storied past. A stay at The Chanler promises nothing short of opulence, with newly enhanced wellness amenities including the ability to arrange IV Therapy Services at The DRIPBaR, en-suite massages and customizable aromatherapy bath menus that complement an already robust array of suite fixtures such as deep soaking bathtubs, nightly bedtime stories, and cozy fireplaces; indulgent destination dining with surprise menu options from the fine-dining restaurant Cara, all day bites at The Café and a cocktail and caviar haven found at The Living Room; incomparable access to Newport and all of its iconic sites through curated experiences including a Private Newport Expedition with The Chanler's Private Guide Jeffrey Clark, private charter experiences in Narragansett Bay, complimentary fitness passes to the International Tennis Hall of Fame fitness center, seasonal use of Tokyo-style bikes to cruise the town in style, and Cadillac house car chauffeur service around Newport; seasonal delights that range from a decadent Hot Chocolate Bar in the winter to the Ca' del Bosco Wine Garden and Gelato Cart pop-up in the summer; unrivaled service and attention to detail, and
Murcia, Spain: Europe's Under-the-Radar Queer Haven Blending Beaches, History, and Hidden Inclusivity
Photo Credit: UnSplash
Jan 20
3 MIN READ
Jan 20
3 MIN READ
Nestled in southeastern Spain, Murcia emerges as a lesser-known gem for queer travelers seeking authentic culture, pristine beaches, and a growing LGBTQ+ scene away from mainstream lists.
In the sun-drenched southeast of Spain, the Region of Murcia stands out as an understated destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Far from the crowded pride circuits of Barcelona or Sitges, this area combines Mediterranean beaches, Renaissance architecture, and a burgeoning queer community that feels refreshingly local and intimate. Queer travel blogs highlight Murcia as one of 20 European hidden gems for curious gay explorers, praising its blend of natural beauty and inclusive vibes without the tourist overload. Unlike mega-hubs like Berlin or Amsterdam, Murcia's appeal lies in its emerging status—ranked among top LGBTQ+-friendly spots in Spain by travel indices, yet rarely topping mainstream lists.
The Sundance Film Festival Prepares to Bid Farewell to Park City, and Robert Redford
The exterior of the Egyptian Theatre is illuminated on Main Street during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, Jan. 22, 2015. Photo Credit: Photo by Arthur Mola/Invision/AP, File
Lindsey Bahr Jan 19
5 MIN READ
Lindsey Bahr Jan 19
5 MIN READ
The Sundance Film Festival kicks off Thursday in Park City, Utah, marking its final year there
The Sundance Film Festival may be a little bittersweet this year. It will be familiar in some ways as it kicks off on Thursday in Park City, Utah. There will be stars, from Natalie Portman to Charli XCX, and breakout discoveries, tearjerkers, comedies, thrillers, oddities that defy categorization and maybe even a few future Oscar nominees. The pop ups and sponsors will be out in full force on Main Street. The lines to get into the 90 movies premiering across 10 days will be long and the volunteers will be endlessly helpful and cheery in subfreezing temperatures.
Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Guthrie, Oklahoma: The Tiny Heartland Hamlet Turning Heads as North America's Surprise Queer Haven
Photo Credit: UnSplash
Jan 19
2 MIN READ
Jan 19
2 MIN READ
Nestled in the quiet plains of Oklahoma, Guthrie is emerging as an unexpected LGBTQ-friendly gem for queer travelers seeking authentic rural charm over coastal crowds.
Picture this: endless golden wheat fields swaying under a vast Oklahoma sky, the scent of fresh-baked cornbread wafting from a historic diner, and rainbow flags fluttering defiantly against a backdrop of Victorian gingerbread architecture. Guthrie, Oklahoma—a speck of a town just 30 minutes north of Oklahoma City—isn't your typical LGBTQ hotspot like Provincetown or Palm Springs. Yet, this rural retreat with a population under 11, 000 is quietly blossoming into a must-visit for queer adventurers craving safety, community, and sensory delights far from the tourist throngs.
Bohinj, Slovenia: Slovenia's Alpine Hidden Gem Beckons Queer Travelers
Photo Credit: UnSplash
Jan 18
3 MIN READ
Jan 18
3 MIN READ
Nestled in Slovenia's Julian Alps, Lake Bohinj emerges as a lesser-known queer-friendly destination in Europe, offering tranquil natural splendor and a welcoming vibe far from mainstream LGBTQ+ travel lists.
In the heart of Slovenia's Julian Alps lies Lake Bohinj, a crystalline alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests—a destination that whispers rather than shouts its appeal to queer travelers. Unlike the bustling queer hubs of Berlin or Mykonos, Bohinj offers a serene escape where LGBTQ+ visitors can immerse themselves in nature's embrace without the spotlight. This spot, often overshadowed by nearby Lake Bled, is gaining quiet traction among discerning queer adventurers for its blend of outdoor pursuits, cultural depth, and an understated atmosphere of acceptance that feels genuine and unforced.
Travelers Pick Europe's Most Beautiful Capitals
The most beautiful capitals in Europe aren't monument-heavy tourist stops; they're cities where walking is the main attraction. Photo Credit: Depositphotos
Zuzana Paar Jan 17
4 MIN READ
Zuzana Paar Jan 17
4 MIN READ
A visit around Europe's most beautiful capital cities calls for comfortable shoes and plenty of space on the camera roll. Walkable layouts and dramatic settings draw most of the attention here, with well-kept streets and architecture showing up right when travelers think they have seen it all. These are the kinds of cities where a short stroll turns into a long wander, and every corner dares the camera to come back out.
A visit around Europe's most beautiful capital cities calls for comfortable shoes and plenty of space on the camera roll. Walkable layouts and dramatic settings draw most of the attention here, with well-kept streets and architecture showing up right when travelers think they have seen it all. These are the kinds of cities where a short stroll turns into a long wander, and every corner dares the camera to come back out.
Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Queer in the Copper Country: How Michigan’s Remote Keweenaw Peninsula Quietly Became an LGBTQ+ Haven
Photo Credit: UnSplash
Jan 15
8 MIN READ
Jan 15
8 MIN READ
Far from the usual circuit of gay beaches and big-city Pride, Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula — anchored by the tiny twin towns of Houghton and Hancock — is quietly emerging as a surprisingly warm, queer-affirming outpost on the frigid edge of Lake Superior.
On a June afternoon in Houghton, Michigan, rainbow flags ripple along a hillside street where old brick storefronts face the steel span of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge. A drag performer in a sequined parka lip-syncs on a makeshift stage as a line forms at the frybread stand, and a vendor carefully pins a tiny trans flag button to a denim jacket that has definitely seen a snowstorm or twelve. This is Keweenaw Pridefest — and it is not the queer travel backdrop most people picture when they think “summer in Michigan. ”
Loading more stories...
We use cookies to analyze traffic and to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.
