One of my favourite active travel experiences was hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It wasn't just a trip - it was a personal goal. In my 40s, I knew I needed to train and get fit to handle the high altitude and tough terrain. So, months before the hike, I got a personal trainer, started walking longer distances, climbing stairs, and building up my stamina. That made reaching the trail and completing it even more rewarding. I wasn't just sightseeing - I was achieving something I worked hard for. The Inca Trail is full of challenges, but also full of beauty. Each day, the scenery changed - from lush cloud forests to steep mountain passes. We walked past ancient stone paths, quiet ruins, and breathtaking views that made every step worth it. The mix of nature and history gave the journey a deeper meaning. Knowing we were walking in the footsteps of the Inca people made it feel even more special. What made the experience truly unforgettable was the sense of connection. Our group supported each other along the way, cheering one another on during the toughest climbs. And when we finally reached the Sun Gate and saw Machu Picchu spread out below, it was pure magic. All the effort, sweat (and many tears), and training paid off in that single moment. Hiking the Inca Trail wasn't just a holiday - it was a personal challenge, a cultural adventure, and a reminder of how travel can push you to grow. It showed me that getting fit for a goal can open the door to some of the world's most unforgettable places.
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Nepal Hiking Team at Nepal Hiking Team
Answered a year ago
One of my most memorable active travel experiences was trekking through Nepal's Annapurna region--a journey that blends physical challenge with cultural depth. As someone who leads treks for a living, what stood out wasn't just the landscapes, but the rhythm of life along the trail. Each day brought a different connection: quiet sunrises over Himalayan peaks, warm conversations with locals, and the rewarding fatigue that only comes from walking village to village. It's the kind of travel that grounds you, builds resilience, and reminds you that fitness can be a gateway to meaningful, human experiences--not just a goal in itself.
One of my favorite active travel experiences was my trip to Denver, Colorado. It was the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and movement,which is exactly how I love to travel! I hiked some incredible trails, including Pikes Peak, which was both physically challenging and mentally rewarding. Reaching the summit gave me such a sense of accomplishment and appreciation for my body's strength. Another highlight was visiting the Great Sand Dunes, it felt like walking on another planet. Trekking up those dunes in the heat was no joke, but the views were 100% worth it! And of course, I had to stop by the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Just walking those steps and taking in the scenery was such a unique fitness moment in itself. What made it all so memorable was how grounded I felt, fully present, connected to nature, and moving with intention. It reminded me that fitness doesn't have to be confined to a gym; it can be something that enhances every part of a travel experience!
This is going to go against the grain of your regular content, I'm afraid. The reason I work out and stay in shape *is to travel*. I don't actually "workout" while traveling, but rather workout at home, building up my endurance and flexibility so that when I am traveling in interesting places I can hike the hikes, climb the towers, stay up later, get up earlier, walk for hours exploring hidden spots in foreign cities, enjoying as much, as deeply as possible. I don't take exercise clothes, so I can pack lighter; I work out so I can easily carry my (already light) travel backpack; I stretch so I can handle the sitting or standing or not-great bedding when traveling. I workout to travel and live fully, I don't travel to workout.
One of my most memorable active travel experiences was joining a Yamabushi pilgrimage in Japan. This physically demanding journey is rooted in the traditional practice of Shugendo, which blends mountain training with mindfulness and spiritual reflection. The experience was both a hike and a ritual. We moved in silence through rugged natural terrain, including steep inclines, rocky paths, and uneven forest trails. The pace required real stamina and focus, especially during the uphill sections where we had to use chains and walking sticks for support. It tested endurance, balance, and mental grit -- all while keeping us fully present in the moment. What made it so impactful wasn't just the workout, but how physical effort was connected to intention and awareness. Instead of zoning out, we were tuning in to our breath, our footing, and the environment around us. It was a full-body experience that pushed my limits while offering space to reflect and reset. I came away sore, centered, and more aware of how movement in nature can strengthen both body and mind. For anyone looking for a unique way to challenge themselves physically while gaining something deeper, I can't recommend this kind of experience enough.
One of my favorite active travel experiences has been visiting less common countries and training at local gyms alongside people from the town. I don't know, but there is just something amazing about stepping into a new gym, and seeing how different cultures work out, and training alongside with them. It's a unique way to connect with people from the towns you visit, and stay active while traveling. What makes it so memorable is how welcoming most gym communities. It doesn't matter where you came from, but that you all have fitness in common with one another.
One of my favorite active travel experiences was hiking the Quiraing on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. It's not a long or extreme hike, but the constant uphill and uneven paths make it a good workout. What I really liked was how quiet and open it felt. You're moving, sweating a bit, but also just looking around at these weird, jagged cliffs and peaceful views. I went in early spring, so it wasn't crowded, and the weather kept switching between sun and mist, which somehow made it more fun. It felt less like exercise and more like a really refreshing way to spend a morning.
One of the best trips I've ever taken was a week in the Austrian Alps - not for the apres-ski, but for the perfect combo of hiking, padel, and strength workouts. It was exactly the kind of break that leaves you tired in the best way possible. Most mornings started early, lacing up my boots and heading into the mountains. Sometimes I'd tackle a steep trail to a summit; other times, it was a slow climb through pine forests. The views were stunning. Just walking up there, breathing in the crisp air, felt like therapy - with a solid cardio boost on top. After a quick break, it was time to hit the padel court. I'd found a local club nestled in the valley - basic, but perfect. Playing in that alpine setting? Unreal. Fast rallies, quick footwork, and lots of laughs. It reminded me how padel always feels more like fun than fitness... until your legs start burning. Later in the day, I'd squeeze in a short strength session. Nothing fancy - think bodyweight moves, some kettlebell work, or resistance bands. Sometimes I trained outside with the mountains as my backdrop, which honestly beats any gym mirror. It helped keep my body strong for the hikes, and gave a nice balance to the cardio. What made the whole experience so memorable wasn't just the physical part. It was the rhythm of it all. Being outside, moving every day, eating simple, healthy food, and sleeping like a rock at night. I came home recharged, stronger, and completely reset - exactly what I needed.
My favorite travel experience that involved fitness was last summer when my husband, 9-year-old daughter and I went to Denver, Colorado. Because I have a ClassPass membership, I found a boxing gym near our Airbnb where I could do a morning training session, then get back to R&R for the remainder of the day/evening. I invited my daughter to attend class with me, which was her first time boxing. She had such a blast that we now box regularly as a hobby and even attend local fight events together. This was also an amazing experience because it was a great way to spend quality time with your child, while burning lots of calories and taking out our aggression on the bags!