{"id":59360,"date":"2026-04-12T18:01:18","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T15:01:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/zachem-my-hodim-v-gory\/"},"modified":"2026-04-12T18:01:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T15:01:24","slug":"zachem-my-hodim-v-gory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.journeys6senses.com\/en\/zachem-my-hodim-v-gory\/","title":{"rendered":"Active travel instead of the beach: why I choose long routes and mountain hikes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why do I go to the mountains and love long hiking routes?<\/p>

After all, it’s all about difficulties. It’s hard to walk uphill: first, you’re out of breath, can’t get into rhythm, you sweat like, excuse me, a horse. In order to complete even a day’s route, you need to carry a backpack with only the essentials – water, food, and a minimal first aid kit.<\/p>

Sometimes it’s cold, sometimes hot, wet, or very windy. The weather up there isn’t always good; most often, it changes in a matter of minutes. During long walks, rain may start at the very moment when there’s no place to shelter or catch a ride; not even a taxi will help. You just have to keep going. <\/p>

\"Nepal,<\/a>
Nepal, trek to Everest<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div>

And still, why do we \u2014 those who love such walks and hiking \u2014 pack a backpack and go? Because we like to feel movement and the energy of movement. And interestingly, every year there are more and more people like us.<\/p>

My experience: from the beach to mountain trails<\/h2>
\"Carpathians,<\/a>
Carpathians, Hoverla – view from the top of Ukraine<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div>

Maybe it’s because I live by the sea and it’s accessible to me 365 days a year? But yes, I am most drawn to active travel, when I walk with a backpack along mountain and rural trails or cliffs along the ocean. For me, hiking is rebooting, meditation, overcoming fears and weaknesses, and an opportunity to see beauty<\/strong>. <\/p>

Personally, I find freedom and peace in hiking: fresh air, landscapes, and meeting like-minded people inspire me <\/strong>more than any sun lounger on the beach. <\/p>

During hikes, I feel more energetic and healthy, observing incredible sunrises in the Carpathians and the peaks of the Alps. That’s exactly why I have already completed more than 10 routes of the Caminho de Santiago <\/strong>in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Ukraine. The Way of Saint James has taught me endurance and improves my emotional state.<\/p>

\"Nepal,<\/a>
On the way to Everest<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div>

For those who have never climbed mountains, let me reveal a “terrible secret”. Up there, incredible beauties open up. No picture will convey the shades of pink in the dawn mountains or the transition from orange to brown-violet at sunset.<\/p>

From my own experience I am convinced: active travel gives much more emotion and impressions than passive sunbathing (which is not very good for the skin anyway). When I stand on a summit after a long climb or walk the Camino route, I forget about everyday fatigue and feel a deep inner peace.
Such journeys are also beneficial for physical shape \u2013 much better training for the heart and muscles than lying in the sun.<\/p>

Global trends: from beach resorts to adventure<\/strong><\/h2>
\"Nepal,<\/a>
Sunrise over Machapuchare, Himalayas<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div>

According to Euronews<\/a><\/strong>, more and more travelers are choosing adventure vacations instead of beach holidays. The Euronews<\/strong> website notes: “For everyone planning the usual beach vacation, it’s worth knowing that there is a new trend \u2014\u202f\u2018adventure holidays\u2019 and \u2018darecations<\/strong>\u2019 (from the word \u2018dare\u2019).\u201d <\/p>

Pinterest<\/strong> records a surge of interest: searches for adventure tourism on the platform have increased by 75%. Travel analysts highlight that travelers want “exoticism, active recreation, and nature”, and 73% of modern travelers are open to adventure trips.<\/p>

Trekking in the mountains is becoming more and more popular.<\/strong> Active tourists are choosing fantastic mountain routes instead of beach resorts \u2013 as world data and my personal experience show.<\/p>

Honestly, despite the allure of relaxing on the beach with an Aperol Spritz cocktail, I get tired of it. So I always choose holidays with adventure \u2013 from hiking to skiing. This kind of rest makes mental health significantly better. But, perhaps because of my age, I’ve come to like beach vacations (a maximum of 2\u20133 days) only after active hiking journeys. To me, it’s a great mix.<\/p>

Recommended reading: Trekking to Everest \u2013 how to organize a hike in the Himalayas<\/a><\/strong><\/p> <\/blockquote>

Popular types of active recreation<\/strong><\/h2>
\"Everest,<\/a>
Everest, Khumbu glacier<\/figcaption><\/figure> <\/div>

According to insurance statistics, in 2025\u20132026 demand for various types of adventure tourism increased: <\/p>