Trend: Pilgrimages and “Epic Walks” See Further Momentum
Week of August 21st, 2024
These sacred paths have attracted a new set of pilgrims: fitness buffs–National Geographic
This article provides a look at both ancient and new pilgrimage routes globally (i.e., in the US, Ireland, Sri Lanka and Bhutan), that are attracting a surge of walkers seeking that powerful blend of physical activity, spirituality and personal growth that pilgrimages uniquely deliver.
Walking trips aren’t just for hard-core backpackers. Just ask these Boomers–The Wall Street Journal
Multiday walking trips, where the emphasis is on taking in the sights rather than crunching miles, are rising fast—and not just among the young and sprightly. According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, trips that involve walking are trending more than all other types—including food-focused vacations or safaris—for people over 45 years. For its walking trips in Europe, Macs Adventure reports a 200% spike in bookings this year.
Sri Lanka has a new walking trail with wild forests and centuries-old wellness retreats–Travel and Leisure
Sri Lanka’s new Pekoe Trail covers 186 miles, winding through tea estates and national parks, Buddhist temples and waterfalls, connecting 80 hamlets and villages, so people can discover the rarely seen “soul of the country.” Designed as a laid-back walking holiday (a slow 22 days), it was created to revive Sri Lanka’s tourism industry in the aftermath of the terrorist bombings that took place in 2019.
Portugal is launching the world’s longest circular walking trail to combat overtourism–Timeout
More on Portugal’s forthcoming 1,860-mile trail, which winds its way around the entire country. With destinations like Lisbon and Algarve swarmed with tourists (mostly in summer), it will send travelers to lesser-known idyllic spots.
Turning 25, 50, 75? Consider taking an ‘extreme vacation’–The Wall Street Journal
Many people mark their milestone life events with luxury vacations that are all about pampering. But now more people are choosing to push themselves (with family and friends) on epic hikes and “endurance milestone” trips, whether hiking Peru’s Inca Trail or crossing the Greenland ice sheet on skis. People want to escape their quotidian lives and prove that they’re not 50 the way their parents were. Prepping and training together before the epic trip is a big part of the excitement.
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