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There’s a growing trend in picking travel destinations based on their outdoor activities. If you love a bit of an adventure, a challenge and the great outdoors, why not make your next trip a hiking holiday to remember.
From the highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, to setting your sights on the highest mountain in the world from Everest Base Camp, here are some incredible hikes around the world to put on your bucket list. We’ve listed some of the best hikes in Europe, Africa, the US, Asia, and Oceana.
And if you aren’t a big hiker but love exploring on foot, check out Take Walks. They offer different walking tours across Europe and the US, including major cities like Rome, London, Paris, Barcelona, Athens, New York, San Francisco and New Orleans.
Let’s Go Hiking! Here are some of the world’s best hiking destinations:
Tour du Mont Blanc – Les Houches, France
One of the best hikes in Europe, the Tour du Mont Blanc ensures trekkers are in for a challenge, covering 170km and 10,000m of ascent and hiking through France, Italy and Switzerland. The views are breathtaking and hikers can expect to see wildlife such as deer and eagles and take in views of glacial valleys and alpine meadows. Travellers will start in Les Houches, Chamonix which we suggest spending some time in.
Where to stay:
RockyPop Hotel is located in Les Houches in the Rhône-Alps Region tucked away from the busy centre, a few miles from the Chamonix Ski station. Guests can relax on the sun terraces and sample French cuisine at the food court and take on some skiing. If they have any energy left after skiing of course!
Kilimanjaro – Arusha, Tanzania
This famous trek to the highest mountain in Africa is a once in a lifetime experience, taking roughly five to seven days and covering 35 miles. It is on many adventure travelers bucket lists!
Hikers can choose from a number of trails to take on this incredible challenge. Arusha is a gateway to many safari destinations including the Serengeti National Park as well as Africa’s highest peak Mount Kilimanjaro.
Where to stay:
Arusha Coffee Lodge is a great place to stay before or after you take on the incredible Mount Kilimanjaro. This stunning lodge offers an outdoor pool and restaurant while rooms offer lovely garden views. Pink Flamingo is another great spot to stay in nearby – featuring an outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar to relax in.
The Inca Trail – Machu Picchu, Peru
The Inca Trail is one of the most incredible and popular hikes in the world with its 26 miles of ruins, jungle and beautiful scenery into the Andes before you get to Machu Picchu. This is where adventurers will be wowed by the beauty of the snow-capped peaks and cloud forest. This is most definitely another top bucket list destination. Look for Machu Picchu tours and tickets here.
Where to stay:
Panorama B&B is in the perfect spot, just 200 yards from the town market and walking distance to the train station, so super easy to get to Machu Picchu. Those with a lower budget can consider Hostel Machu Picchu Land B&B which is located near the Machu Picchu hot springs and rooms include a complimentary breakfast.
Everest Base Camp – Kathmandu, Nepal
One of the world’s most iconic hikes, taking hikers across 70 miles over 16 days where they can experience the culture and people of the Himalayas before becoming face to face with the highest mountain on earth.
You’ll need to be fit to take on this challenge, hiking three to six hours a day, so take some down time in Kathmandu to relax once you’ve finished. There are plenty of accommodation options and restaurants to enjoy in the area.
Where to stay:
The Life Story Guest House is a great place to stay for meeting fellow travellers and offers comfy rooms in an ideal location with friendly hosts. You are just a few minutes’ walk from the temples here or if you prefer you can hire bikes to explore. Kumari Boutique Hotel is another great place to stay, offering a relaxing and luxurious stay in the Thamel of Kathmandu.
Rangitoto Island Loop – Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the best places for endless, beautiful scenery and incredible diverse hikes and the Rangitoto Island Loop is no exception. This is about 12km long so you can do it in a day from Auckland and once you reach the summit you will have amazing views of the city. Make sure you spend some time in the city which is endorsed for its food, sightseeing and harbour. Look for tours of Auckland here.
Where to stay:
The Nest is a stunning, modern apartment set in the North Shore district of Auckland, 10 km from North Head Historic Reserve, 12 km from Sky Tower and 12 km from The Civic. Or for those on a lower budget, Verandahs Backpackers Lodge is a highly rated, environmentaly friendly backpackers lodge. It’s got a great location with loads of restaurants and bars within walking distance.
Bay of Fires – St Helens, Australia
The Bay of Fires in Tasmania Australia covers 16 miles and takes about four days. This hike has to be done with a guide but is worth it as it takes travellers to beautiful beaches with incredible sea views. Most hikers will start from St Helen’s on the north east coast, known for its game fishing, beaches, scenery and relaxation.
Where to stay:
Bed in the Treetops B&B is a truly unique Bed & Breakfast hideaway nestled high on a 37 acre property at the Bay of Fires, situated on Tasmania’s North East Coast. Guests also get a complimentary afternoon tea on arrival and wholesome cooked breakfast each morning. If you’re traveling as a family, then BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park is a good option with its self-catering facilities and children’s play area.
Appalachian Trail – Ellijay, USA
This trek is one of the longest hiking only footpaths in the world and best hikes in the US, taking you through 14 states from Georgia to Maine, over a timeframe of five to seven months! The trek is over 2,000 miles long with the majority of the trail going through the wilderness – definitely one for a big adventurer! Hikers will pass through Ellijay in Georgia, which is endorsed for its mountains, scenery and autumn leaves.
Where to stay:
Motels are the most popular type of accommodation in the area, with some of the best options being Comfort Inn & Suites East Ellijay, Ellijay Inn and Budget Inn Top of Ellijay. For somewhere more private and tucked away in the trees, Elegance in the Trees offers a log cabin 24km from Blue Ridge with everything that you need.
Travel Dudes Top Tip:
Make sure to get good travel insurance before going on any of the above hiking trips. We recommend the hiking specific travel insurance plan provided by World Nomads. This plan was designed to cover hiking from the most intrepid trek to lazy weekend hike. Get more info here.
