The Cultural Traveller’s Guide to Walking Holidays

Ready to explore the culture like never before? A walking holiday gives you a fantastic opportunity to experience a country’s culture and cuisine at your own pace, giving you a much more authentic experience. If you’re trying to have the best experience possible, here are a few tips and tricks you should use.

Choose routes that tell stories

When choosing your routes across your destination, it’s important to pick the ones that tell stories. Research routes that have a historical or cultural significance, such as old trade routes, pilgrimage trails, or those linking historic villages.

By taking these pathways instead of more modern options (like motorways), you get to relive a sense of adventure and a way of life now mostly lost. Along these routes, you’re also likely to encounter incredible views, and you might also find hidden gems dotted along the path.

Meet local people along the way

Another reason to travel on foot is that it gives you the chance to meet real, local people. This is one of the best ways to create an authentic and natural travel experience, especially as it avoids most of the things that have been curated for tourists.

Our top suggestion is to stop at local markets or family-run cafes and eateries. Since they are often frequented by the locals, rather than tourists, you can interact with people who actually live in the area and are willing to share their knowledge. This can even lead you to hidden gems or other experiences you might otherwise miss.

Savour regional food and traditions

One of our favourite reasons to travel slowly is that it allows you to experience wonderful local cuisine and cultural experiences. Many inns and guesthouses offer local specialities that have been cooked the same way for hundreds of years, in some cases. Trying this food is a taste of history, giving you a window into times long passed.

Some incredible dishes, like Croatia’s ‘Ispod Peka’, create a mouthwatering meal that boasts flavours and textures unlike anything you can usually find in the UK. Many villages and towns are also likely to have their own style of doing things, so don’t be afraid to try similar dishes as you travel.

Plan around festivals and events

Many local towns and villages also have their own festivals and events. Attending a local fair can provide a rich sense of place, so it’s worth researching when the events are and planning your trip around them.

Of course, you might need to check local calendars, as these smaller events can be difficult to find. Try searching for regional holidays specific to your chosen destination.

Slow down and notice details

The beauty of a walking holiday is that you get to stop whenever you like. That means if you want to take the time to admire the minute details of a fresco or watch farmers use traditional methods, you can.

We encourage you to take the time and unravel the small details of everything you’re interested in. A rushed, whistle-stop tour simply can’t deliver the same detail.