With all the time we spend sitting in front of our computers, it’s no wonder that some of us prefer active holidays. Hiking is a great travel activity for when you want to explore plenty of hidden sights that are only accessible on foot. So, in case you are looking for something new to visit in 2019, you’ve come to the right place as we are about to present you with some stunning destinations for hiking.
Bali, Indonesia
Let’s start off with Bali. If you consider yourself a hiking rookie, there are some basic things you should know about hiking. Moreover, as chances are that you are not in the best of shapes, you should probably start with an easy trail. That is why opting for the Sambangan Nature Hike or the Campuhan Ridge Walk might be the best option. If you find yourself enjoying your relaxing holiday in Bali, set some time aside for one of these trails as they do not last long and are great for newbies. The best time to visit this area of the world in during April, May or June, so take that into consideration.
Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye in the Scottish Inner Hebrides is a prime location for experiencing hiking in all its variety. If you are up for a short walk of medium difficulty, consider Fairy Pools. You can take great photos here, and if you’re brave enough, even enter the cold water of the pools. If possible, try to avoid rainy days as that can make the hike a bit more challenging. On a clear day, you might also want to opt for the Quiraing walk which offers a spectacular view. For a stunning sunset, you can visit one of Scotland’s most famous lighthouses – the Neist Point Lighthouse. While on the island, there are so many other interesting things you can do as well, from visiting the Dunvegan Castle to watching whales at Rubha Hunish and seeing the Northern Lights.
Great Ocean Walk, Australia
Now for something completely different. While all the previously mentioned hikes could be finished in a day, you can also consider going on a multi-day adventure. Have you ever thought about experiencing Australia on foot? Probably not. However, this is a great way to see the breathtaking nature that Victoria has to offer. Going on the spectacular Great Ocean Walk will allow you to spend three days getting familiar with one of the most impressive coastlines in the world. There is a great chance you will get to see some of Australia’s wildlife, such as koalas and wallabies. Of course, we cannot forget to mention the grand finale, seeing the Twelve Apostles (only eight of which remain standing) in the Southern Ocean. Furthermore, if you do some research, you can even find options which let you enjoy a pack-free hike as well as spend the nights at a private lodge.
Inca Trail, Peru
One of the most famous treks in the world is definitely Peru’s Inca Trail. This South American destination will wow you with its mix of tunnels, ruins and paving stones. Its 43 kilometers will lead you through stunning nature, including mountains and cloud forest. During this multi-day trek, you will get to see many different species of the local flora and fauna, such as orchids and llamas. Passing along the ruins of Llactapata and Sayacmarca among other, before finally arriving to Wiñay Wayna at Machu Picchu, is sure to leave you speechless. There is one important factor to keep in mind – the height. Seeing as how the maximum height along the way is 4200m, you should spend some time in the vicinity to get acclimatized to the altitude. Additionally, if you go during the rainy season (November to March), bring a rain jacket, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Also, carry purification tablets or iodine, as, by the third day, you will have to purify the water. Bonus tip: Remember that the trail is closed every year in February for maintenance.
Trolltunga, Norway
This trek is for the pros out there, so don’t choose it for your first try at this type of activity. Trolltunga means “Troll’s Tongue”, which will make sense once you see this cliff 700 meters above the Ringedalsvatnet lake. The landscape here is truly unique, as it includes fjords and lakes that will take your breath away. You should know that there are symbols which indicate the right path, so make sure you keep an eye out. The perfect time to visit this part of the world is when the snow subsides, i.e. between May and September. However, the weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared. Seeing as how this trail is pretty remote, you will have to figure out your sleeping situation. The nearby town of Odda is home to a few hotels, but you can also opt for Airbnb or couchsurfing as well as camping. If you do decide to camp, make sure you follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Moreover, glacier water is abundant and clean, so there’s no need to bring any sterilization tools.
These are just some of the wanderlust destinations you can opt for 2019. However, just as with any trip, make sure you are prepared and it will all work out. Have fun!
