It’s no secret that we all love to go on a summer beach vacation. The sand, sun and sea are simply bliss and allow us to escape from the realities of everyday life.

However, perhaps you’re looking to try something a little different this year. Many people are now hopping onboard the slow travel movement – an ideology that enables us to double down on our fixations with time and allow the world to move at a slower pace so we can appreciate it more.

In this article, we’ll be discussing some alternative vacation ideas to try if you’re trying to steer away from the traditional beach vacation.

Alternative Vacations 

Walking

Many of the world’s best views can only be admired on foot, so consider heading on a walking tour to take in our planet’s extraordinary beauty face-to-face.

The Amalfi Coast has glorious views of sun-soaked waters and picturesque mountains. Explore the winding routes and pass through scented lemon groves, vineyards, and chestnut woods. You’ll never be far from the coast and can experience Italy at your own pace. One of the most famous walks along the Almalfi coast is the Path of the Gods. Running for 8km, the ancient path takes you through hillside villages and rewards you with breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast. To begin the hike take the bus, getting off at the Bomerano stop, before following the signs to the start of the trailhead. The trail will take you through varying terrains and can take anything from 3 to 5 hours to complete so it’s a good idea to pack a light lunch. It’s also important to remember to wear sturdy shoes, pack plenty of water and wear suncream. The trail finishes in Positano where you can reward yourself with a scoop of gelato as you take in the views.

If you fancy yourself a challenge, clamber the iconic Himalayan Mountains – an epic mountain range that stretches across Asia. Now with accessible trekking routes, you’ll experience some of the highest mountains and wild forests, whilst also being amongst an incredible diversity of cultures.

Some of the top treks to consider in the Himalayas are,

• Everest Base Camp, Nepal – World famous, trekking the Everest basecamp is on many a bucket list. This amazing hike offers you the chance to walk through the Sagarmatha National Park and experience the culture and hospitality of the Sherpa people. A challenging yet rewarding experience and definitely a talking point at dinner parties.
• Manaslu Circuit, Nepal – Known as one of the most challenging treks in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit is not for the inexperienced. The hike takes you through remote villages and provides stunning views of Mount Manaslu; the best time to hike is between September and November to provide a better chance of dry and clear days. The hike can be completed in 10 days but many people choose to take much longer, roughly two to three weeks.
• Annapurna Circuit, Nepal – Known as Nepal’s classic trek, the Annapurna Circuit offers a variety of different scenery as you walk, from sub-tropical to high-altitude mountain passes. The route is approximately 200 km long and can take 2-3 weeks to complete.
• The Markha Valley, India – Found in India’s Ladakh region this smaller route, which can be completed in a week or less, offers hikers beautiful views of the Himalayas as they trek through valleys and sandy deserts.
• The Snowman Trek, Bhutan – A challenging hike that takes place in the remote mountains of Bhutan. A trek for the experienced, the trail reaches an elevation of 17,000 feet.

Cycling

If you’re a passionate cyclist, why not head out on a two-wheel vacation? Not only does cycling improve your strength, balance and coordination, but it can also help improve your mental wellbeing.

There are many places you can enjoy a cycling holiday, whether you’re heading away solo or traveling with the family. Head to south-west France to cycle from Bordeaux to Sète, following rivers and canals. Take in the natural beauty of this European gem and discover France at its finest.

For beginners, a cycling trip through the Loire Valley, also known as the Valley of the Kings, offers mostly flat scenery through vineyards and historical towns. If you look closely you will see chateaus, around nearly every river bend. For those seeking something a little more challenging, there’s the Raid Pyrenean, a 700km route from the Atlantic to the Med. This route offers some challenging climbs so a level of fitness is required.

Sailing

Sailing is great for the body and soul. It not only offers intense cardio and improved concentration, but it also helps to reduce stress levels.

Sailing holidays allow you to explore your chosen destination whilst experiencing the freedom of life at sea. Greece is an excellent sailing location – feel free to visit the variety of Greek islands and stop off to swim and snorkel whilst soaking up the sun.

Another popular spot for sailing is Croatia. If you don’t have any sailing experience but would still like to experience a sailing holiday you can charter a boat with a qualified skipper, enabling you to potter around the Croatian islands at your leisure, learning a little sailing as you go along. For those looking to actively learn sailing while in Croatia, you can sign up to one of the many sailing schools. One of the hardest parts of sailing in Croatia is deciding on where to sail too. With 2000 islands, islets and reefs, along with the mainland ports, you are spoilt for choice when sailing in Croatia, and a week-long trip is sure to leave you wanting to return.

Skiing

Forget the beach and head to the slopes for an exciting and adventurous vacation. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking to brush up your skills or you’re looking forward to hitting the coolest bars and the best après, The Alps are your ideal skiing holiday destination.

Morzine and Chamonix are hard-to-beat locations, with large and lively resorts for all abilities. Plus, you can stay in the local villages, where there’s plenty to do off the mountains, too.

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