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Why you should add a hike onto your next vacation

Whether you bring your gear to camp overnight or your runners for a day hike, you'll learn so much about the area you're visiting if you take some time outside.

By: Katie Kessel + Save to a List

There are many reasons it's worth it to get outside and experience a new area wandering through the forest, along the coast, or up a mountain. When you're in a new area, especially on vacation, it's easy to stay in the city close to the creature comforts. There's new food, new architecture, and you're always close to a nap in your hotel. Getting outside, though, can be rewarding in different ways that will make your trip even better.

1. You'll see flora and fauna you otherwise may not be able to see.

When you step into a forest or bushland that is completely different from anything you've ever seen, it's mesmerizing. There are new flowers and new trees. New types of birds that make beautiful songs you haven't heard before. And most exciting, at least for me, are new animals. Stumbling onto a kangaroo, monkey, or squirrel if you haven't seen one before is so exciting, but you'll only see them in the wild if you get outside!

2. When you're making friends with the locals, you'll have a great story to break the ice!

Over some drinks or breakfast, if you start chatting with some locals you'll have a great topic to talk about. Talking about the trail you went on, what you saw (or didn't see!), and your adventure is a great way to start the conversation. They'll likely have a story themselves, if not about the trail you went on, and before you know it you've made a friend abroad!

3. You'll get to see stunning views usually only reserved for the locals.

If you do some research, you can usually find a place close to the city where you can explore off the beaten tourist track. I recommend finding the area's parks website, rather than a tourist site, and take a look at what tracks are up your alley. Finding that one coastal view, mountaintop summit, or green lush forest outcrop usually enjoyed by the locals, you'll find some true hidden gems you can enjoy on your trip.

4. You'll get outside the city and through smaller towns with different character and culture than the main drag.

If you need to rent a car or bus (or scooter) and get outside the city for your walk, it's always interesting to see and explore other areas in the country you're in. You can even take it a step further and plan a few stops on the way there or back, such as food stops, in the towns you're going through. You'll get a good look at the country's true culture outside the city and how people live and work.

5. You can meet like-minded people who also want to get out and explore.

As with all hiking trips, the people on the trail are the best! Friendly walkers full of endorphins from that last hill and big smiles on their faces are great people to meet. And what makes a vacation better than being around awesome people?

6. The trip out of the city and into nature will give you a better understanding of the city's history.

If you're like me and love a city or country's history, another reason to go out walking in nature is understanding the background behind the food, art, and culture. There are so many ways it's intertwined into how the area has formed and heading out and seeing the area for yourself, imagining it before the city was there, makes the trip that much more interesting.

7. The walk will give you a chance to work off that amazing food you've been splurging on

And give you an excuse to indulge and try even more...

8. You'll make a personal connection with the area that you'll never forget.

Whenever I make my way outside a city I'm visiting, taking a walk usually reserved for locals, I'm always so happy I took the time. I feel like I have a better understanding of the country and feel closer to the place I've visited. Coming away, you'll have a much deeper understanding of the culture and nature surrounding the city and a priceless personal connection you'll never forget.

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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