3 minute read

The planet we live on is truly remarkable. It is packed full of incredible places to explore, and travelers of all types have embraced that opportunity. 

One of the best ways to experience all your destination has to offer is with an action-packed trip. Adventure vacations are the best way to inject some exploration and excitement into your travels. Here are four hiking routes that will inspire you to explore all the world has to offer. 

Lycian Way, Turkey

Turkey is a country packed with an incredible history spanning thousands of years. The Lycian people were an important part of the region’s history, so walking the Lycian Way is a good way to walk in the footsteps of these enlightened people. 

Roughly 320 miles long, this trek directs you through sights such as the preserved ruins of Patara. Butterfly Valley is another highlight with 105 different butterfly species calling the desert canyon their home. 

Although the whole route is very long, it is split into sections so travelers can spend as much time as they like taking in the breathtaking views along the way. 

Simien Mountains Trek, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is known for many things, but the Simien Mountains are one of the most impressive. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979, these peaks offer panoramic views of the country that are impossible to forget. 

One of the most special things about this hike is the ability to see Gelada monkeys up close. These monkeys are one of the last surviving grazing primates of an ancient species, and have a distinctive red patch of skin on their chest. 

Make sure you research the weather before you head to Ethiopia, though. The Simien Mountains often experience snowfall, so pack accordingly. 

Kumano Kodo, Japan

Unlike some of the other hikes, Kumano Kodo is a series of different trails branching across the Kii Peninsula. There are 5 main interconnecting walks, all with stunning views. 

History runs deep with these paths. They have been used for over 1000 years for pilgrimages to shrines in the center of the region. As they are mountainous walks, they were designed to be tough so that the walk itself was a religious experience. 

The most challenging is Kohechi, where places to stay can only be accessed by climbing down the mountain, off the route. Traditionally, monks were the main pedestrians on this path, traveling from their temple complex of Mount Koya. 

Tour Du Mont Blanc: France, Switzerland, Italy 

Some seasoned hikers would call the Tour Du Mont Blanc one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, and it is easy to see why.

Traversing through three distinct countries, you will never tire of the mountainous skyline fringed with alpine forests and picturesque villages. The best time to embark on this adventure is in the summer months, as any snow will have cleared – but it still may be chilly. 

Although it is relatively short at 105 miles, there is a lot of elevation gain, so make sure you can handle it!