Hiking Vacations

photo by Real Traveler Niamh and Cathal

From small day hikes, to overnight backpacking adventures, heading into the great outdoors to go hiking is one of the best ways to explore nature. Small day hikes can provide great scenery with little effort, while longer trails reward you with spectacular views, less people, and unique wildlife sightings. This relatively cheap (and sometimes free) activity is a great way to slow down and experience a destination, especially in the middle of a packed vacation schedule. Hiking with kids? Start with a small day hike – trailheads for short hikes are usually close to the parking lot, making it easy to head back for any supplies. Want to venture out on a longer hike? Check with park guidelines on park fees, rules and other information before heading out. ...read more »

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Top Destinations for Hiking

Top hiking cities

photo by Real Traveler Sharon Jones

Machu Picchu

The primary home of the ancient Inca Empire, Machu Picchu is an archaeologists dream. Tourists can explore fantastically-built palaces, temples and courtyards, as well as the flourishing neighboring hillside. Nearly half a million people come to see thi... read more »
photo by Real Traveler Karen Watkins

Cape Town

Cape Town is the most popular tourist site in South Africa, and with good reason. There are several activities to take part in, including hiking, hang gliding, surfing and sailing. Thousands of shops line the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, and boating... read more »
photo by Real Traveler Nicolle

Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef is a massive flowing glacier which captivates travelers year-round. The area is a world heritage site, with Fox Glacier nearby and resort-style acoomidation available. Nature-loving tourists can see the glaciers by hiking, climbing, via heli... read more »
photo by Real Traveler Psychedelic Bucky

Torres del Paine National Park

Located in the Patagonia region of southern Chile, Torres del Paine National Park is a popular destination with hikers, photographers, and other traveler's looking for a breathtaking site of natural beauty. Spanish for "Towers of Paine," this National P... read more »
photo by Real Traveler Adventurous Angie

Bryce Canyon National Park

Find highlights on things to do and see in Bryce Canyon National Park shared by Real Travelers. Browse attractions, maps, travel guide information, and blogs. Price compare hotels, flights, and packages to Bryce Canyon National Park across mul... read more »
photo by Real Traveler Aaron Abel Chen

Cusco

Once the center of the Incan Empire, Cusco now draws tourists from around the world. The ruins of the ancient civilization still stand, including the Ollantaytambo and Saqsaywaman sites and the sculpture gardens at Chuquipalta. Outside of the Incan site... read more »
photo by Real Traveler Tole & Jessica

San Carlos de Bariloche

Located at the foot of the Andes Mountains, Bariloche is surrounded by spectacular lakes, mountains and foothills. A great place for winter travelers to visit, Bariloche features skiing, hiking and water sports activities galore. During the summer, thin... read more »
photo by Real Traveler Stace

Cinque Terre

Five charming villages make up the region known as Cinque Terre, a tourist destination popular with Italian tourists, backpackers and other travelers from around the world. Unaccessible by car, tourists and locals travel from each village by pathway or... read more »
photo by Real Traveler Alyssa

Chiang Mai

Built in a lush valley, the city of Chiang Mai has spectacular mountain views, rich culture and inexpensive accommodations. Travel to one of the 300 temples, shop at the Night Market, or take a popular day trip to the nearby Golden Triangle and the Meko... read more »
photo by Real Traveler Flo

Tongariro National Park

This volcanic mountain complex is a great place for nature-loving adventure travelers. The park contains 3 active volcanos and 2 major skifields, as well as lakes and plateaus, so there are plenty of activities available. There are also interesting Maor... read more »

Top Five Hiking Trip Blogs

Pai, Thailand - 12th December 2008 | Dec 11 08'

by Mat & Ruth a female traveling as a couple from Rotherham, on vacation in Pai

Pai (pronounced Pie) is right at the North of Thailand not far from the Burmese border. It was very busy when we got there as it’s been a popular t... Continue reading »
Day 6: Arches National Park and Moab | Nov 19 08'

by Adventurous Angie a 29 year old female from Pottsville, on vacation in Arches National Park

"Its neat to be able to see an arch in several stages of formation and the final product."

On Day 6 we didn't get up exceptionally early because we had such a great sleep in the huge comfy beds in our hotel room in Moab. We decided to go... Continue reading »
3 nights in Cinque Terre (Vernazza) | Nov 01 08'

by FreqTravelers a 33 year old female traveling as a couple from San Diego, on vacation in Vernazza

"Sun, Sea, Wine, and Culture (and Pesto)"

From Florence, we visited the Cinque Terre, an area of 5 little towns connected by trails. This area was Mike's favorite from a previous visit, s... Continue reading »
Day 4: Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park | Nov 17 08'

by Adventurous Angie a 29 year old female from Pottsville, on vacation in Bryce Canyon National Park

"The way the sun hits the Hoodoos they seem to glow within w/ a life force of their own, its magical!"

Day 4 began early as well. No one slept well at all. The temperature during the night dipped very low and everyone's feet were freezing. I never wo... Continue reading »
Water & Granite | Aug 07 06'

by Tracy a 42 year old female, on vacation in Yosemite National Park

Tuesday, August 8The next morning we began our 4+ hour drive to Yosemite. With 140 still closed due to a landslide, we took the windy 120 with hair... Continue reading »