Why do I go to the mountains and love long hiking routes?
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.
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.
And still, why do we — those who love such walks and hiking — 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.
My experience: from the beach to mountain trails
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.
Personally, I find freedom and peace in hiking: fresh air, landscapes, and meeting like-minded people inspire me more than any sun lounger on the beach.
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 in Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Ukraine. The Way of Saint James has taught me endurance and improves my emotional state.
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.
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 – much better training for the heart and muscles than lying in the sun.
Global trends: from beach resorts to adventure
According to Euronews, more and more travelers are choosing adventure vacations instead of beach holidays. The Euronews website notes: “For everyone planning the usual beach vacation, it’s worth knowing that there is a new trend — ‘adventure holidays’ and ‘darecations’ (from the word ‘dare’).”
Pinterest 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.
Trekking in the mountains is becoming more and more popular. Active tourists are choosing fantastic mountain routes instead of beach resorts – as world data and my personal experience show.
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 – 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 2–3 days) only after active hiking journeys. To me, it’s a great mix.
Recommended reading: Trekking to Everest – how to organize a hike in the Himalayas
Popular types of active recreation
According to insurance statistics, in 2025–2026 demand for various types of adventure tourism increased:
- trekking and mountaineering — plus 69% compared to last year,
- marathons — +56%,
- water trips — +38%,
- hiking — +44%,
- Caminho de Santiago — 52.8% more than in 2019 (compared to the year before the pandemic).
This means that tourists are choosing mountain hikes, cycling trips, rafting, climbing, and other “extreme” activities more often. In Ukraine, even despite the war, according to a 2025 study 16% of respondents preferred “active tourism (mountains, sports), which once again confirms the stable interest in hiking.
What do all these activities have in common?
Firstly, they are aimed at energetic tourists who want new experiences.
Secondly, they give you the opportunity to see the world from a different perspective – with a hiking journey you can enjoy views and the little things in nature that you’d otherwise miss lying on a lounger.
Recommended reading: Winter ascent of Pip Ivan in the Carpathians
Health and inspiration benefits
Active recreation is not only entertaining, but also has health benefits. Hiking improves physical condition: it trains the heart, lungs, and leg muscles, improves blood circulation. In addition, being outdoors has a positive effect on the psyche: it reduces stress, increases energy and vitality.
As experts note, “mountain tourism — including skiing and hiking — accounts for about 20% of all global tourism,” meaning a significant portion of tourists choose these very activities. A trip to the mountains can become real “therapy”: personally, I feel younger and more creative after any hike.
Thirdly, active travel stimulates creativity and unites people. I have met travelers from all over the world in the mountains, and we shared stories in mountain huts. Many say that after such a vacation, they return with a charge of motivation and a new outlook on life.
Tips for future hikes
Plan your route
Choose a trail according to your level of preparation. If you are a beginner, start with one-day walks in the Carpathians. Experienced tourists can try multi-day hikes, overnighting in the mountains. My blog has detailed hiking routes to help you choose.
Sports equipment
Comfortable footwear (trekking boots or trail running sneakers), a light backpack, a raincoat, a warm fleece, and several breathable clothing layers are most important. Don’t forget water, energy snacks (nuts, dried fruits), and vitamin C for the road.
Safety
Always tell someone where you’re going and check the weather – mountain weather changes quickly.
Inspiration and preparation
Before a hike, I read about the experiences of other travelers and look at photos.
I prepare a training program (walking with a backpack on hills) a few weeks in advance.
Preparation gives me a good mood for the challenge and a feeling of “butterflies in the stomach”.
During journeys and on the Camino, I was inspired by daily memories that every step brings joy and introduces me to new places and countries at a slow pace.
Summary
Active tourism is not just a trendy fad, but a conscious choice of millions of people. I’m not saying that beach vacations are bad. But they go well together with adventure, hikes – even over short distances – or nature excursions, or kayaking at sea.
If you are attracted to landscapes and challenges, try a mountain hike or a “Camino” walking route – and you will feel the real energy of travel.
Useful articles and links:
- Independent travel – how I prepare for a trip
- Women’s solo journeys – my list of countries for safe and independent travel
- Viennese vineyards – walking route around the Austrian capital
Route schedule and bus tickets – on InfoBus.ua
Green Card, Auto insurance and Tourist health insurance – online at HotlineFinance
Hotel and apartment bookings – Booking.com
