HIKING & BIKING ARE POPULAR TRAVEL TREND
Travellers work up a sweat while exploring new destinations
More and more vacationers are tired of lazing around on a beach with cocktail in hand. These days, there’s a boom in hiking and cycling trips that showcase the best of local culture while letting travellers work up a sweat.
But these trips aren’t just for elite athletes — there are options for all ages and skill levels, with self-guided and escorted tour options ranging from day-long to multi-week excursions.
It’s a way to connect with a destination and get outside touristy areas, say travel experts, whether you’re walking along the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia (and stopping for a glass of wine or a swim) or biking through the lush landscapes of Myanmar.
“Awareness is definitely fuelling the increase in adventure travel,” said Loren Siekman, founder of Pure Adventures, which specializes in cycling and hiking tours for a clientele that typically ranges from 35 to 65 years old. “Mostly I think people want to connect with where they’re going,” he says. This is especially true for North Americans, who typically have limited vacation time. “They might be active in their personal lives and want to do that on vacation.”
Cycling and hiking trips are often tied to particular interests: those cycling through Burgundy, for example, may want to learn about wine and understand the terroir. “The sense of journey that people get on a bike or on foot changes the experience,” says Alison Isles, regional manager with Backroads and a 26-year veteran with the company, which introduced 17 new trips for 2017. “It opens up all of your senses. You get a chance to slow down and peel back the layers. There’s a deeper, richer, more authentic experience.”
For those unsure about whether they’re fit enough to cycle or hike their way through a destination, almost all adventure-travel companies offer some sort of rating system for their itineraries. Backroads, for example, rates trips from one to five, based on the mileage and elevation. Most destinations can accommodate both beginner and advanced fitness buffs. “You could travel along with someone else who’s maybe fitter or less fit and still experience the same region,” says Isles. Where possible, the company offers different route options and vehicle support. On cycling trips, someone who is less fit could choose to ride an electric bike; someone who is super fit could bring their own pedals and get a wheel upgrade.
While most travellers are looking for leisurely escapes, some people want to push themselves — say by cycling 50 or 100 kilometres a day — and then rewarding themselves with a gourmet dinner and comfy bed. “Everybody defines fitness differently,” says Siekman. And age is no indication. “Sometimes we have 70 year olds that are fitter than 40 year olds,” adds Isles.
Vacationers can book either independent cycling and hiking tours or escorted group tours. Self-guided options give people the freedom to ride or hike on their own but their luggage is transferred to the next hotel and they have access to remote support if needed. Group tours let travellers meet like-minded individuals.
“You’re going to get a richer, deeper experience when you travel through landscapes or a place that has rich history or culture when you’re on your own two feet or moving at a slower pace,” says Isles. “You’ll definitely have an experience that would be exponentially better than travelling through it on a bus or in a car.” Even better, you can justify dessert every single night.