Great Getaways for Hiking and Cycling Enthusiasts
After several weeks spent at home, hopeful travelers are dreaming of holiday destinations for when it is safe to travel that combine some of their favorite things: being active and taking in amazing scenery. In fact, for well over half of global travelers (46%)* being active is a top motivation to travel. For 48% of travellers, this means picking a destination with great hiking routes and for 27% it’s all about destinations with great cycling trails nearby.** With this in mind, Booking.com presents six great getaways for cycling and trail walking to add to your travel wish list, as recommended by other Booking.com travelers.
The picturesque Monteverde, is an ideal spot for avid trail walkers as it is home to the Cloud Forest Reserve. This tropical rainforest is full of beautiful rapids, gorges, natural springs and waterfalls, so is a perfect location for taking in the surrounding beauty during a trek. Opt for a guided tour or take a map and explore the reserve on your own.
Where to stay: Amid the tropical rainforest of the Monteverde Reserve, you will find the tranquil Trapp Family Lodge. This beautiful and rustic stay features a restaurant, spacious and airy bedrooms, plus easy access to suspended bridges, canopy tours and Santa Elena.
Katoomba is home to many fantastic places to explore including the Three Sisters Rocks, the Blue Mountains National Park, Wentworth Falls and the Grand Canyon track – perfect for adventurous trail walkers. The iconic Three Sisters Rocks are an unusual rock formation in the Blue Mountains, where you can trek to the top and marvel at the rocks’ impressive beauty from the Echo Point Lookout or follow the ‘Giant Staircase’ down to Katoomba Falls for a closer look. If you like a challenge, the historic Grand Canyon track is a 6km loop through the Blue Mountains, where you will see spectacular views of waterfalls and creeks.
Where to stay: For a home away from home, stay at the beautiful Winston Cottage. Surrounded by beautifully-kept gardens and just a stone’s throw from the famous Three Sisters lookout, this cottage break is a great choice for those interested in trail walking in this beautiful area. After a day of hiking, go for a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool or cook up a feast in the fully equipped kitchen.
Venture to Moab, Utah for a selection of walking trails through contrasting landscapes. From narrow canyons, to the cliff edge of Kane Creek overlooking the Colorado River, to the stunning scenery of Dead Horse Point State Park to the Martian terrain of Arches National Park, trail walkers will be rewarded by the surrounding natural beauty.
Where to Stay: Just 15 miles from the stunning Arches National Park, the Red Cliff Lodge offers a haven for travellers seeking walking trails and National Parks. After a strenuous hike, relax on a private patio and marvel at the magnificent creek and river views. The lodge also has its very own winery, perfect for unwinding after a long day of hiking.
Amsterdam is renowned for its cycling culture, so if you’re a cycling enthusiast this is the place to go. There are a variety of routes you can take outside the hustle and bustle of city life, including the Amsterdamse Bos. This extensive park features a huge network of cycling paths that will take you via a petting zoo and a gorgeous boating lake. Other options include cycling routes that venture into the countryside and along 17th-century windmills. From Amsterdam, you can even cycle to the beaches along the North Sea. One of the most popular beach routes will take you along the North Sea Canal, all the way from Westport Harbour to Zuid-Kennemerland National Park.
Where to stay: Yays Entrepothaven Concierged Boutique Apartments are perfectly located in the Zeeburg district of Amsterdam. This charming stay features modern décor in sleek, well-equipped apartment which even offers an on-site bicycle rental service, perfect for guests travelling from afar.
Whether you are looking for a gentle cycle around the city centre taking in the cathedral, beach and the marina or want more of a challenge, Barcelona is a great place to go for cycling enthusiasts. Head out of the bustling city and up to the Collserola Mountain Range national park, which is a great scenic spot not too far from the city. Alternatively, take on the route famous to the Tour de France athletes and head north via the Costa Brava, taking in the beautiful Wild Coast.
Where to stay: If cycling is your passion, you just have to stay at The Bicycle Apartments in Barcelona. Not only can you hire bikes directly from the owners but there is a cycling theme throughout the décor of every apartment! The apartments are located close enough to explore Barcelona city and beach (less than 3 km to La Rambla) and it also has easy access to head out of the city and to the famous cycle routes too.
Located in the northern foothills of Mount Fuji is the picturesque town of Fujikawaguchiko. Often visited to climb the iconic volcano along the Yoshida trail, this resort town is also a great destination for cycling enthusiasts. During your travels, take in the surrounding beauty and cycle past Lake Kawaguchi, with the impressive Mount Fuji as your backdrop.
Where to stay: Offering beautiful Mount Fuji views from relaxing hot spring baths, the Mizuno Hotel is a perfect stay for travellers visiting Fujikawaguchiko. After a day of cycling or hiking, tuck into tasty Japanese cuisine whilst taking in the beautiful scenery of Lake Kawaguchi.
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months and are either involved or the primary decision maker of their trip. In total 50,688 respondents were polled across 29 markets. Respondents completed an online survey in November 2019.
**Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months/plan to take a trip in the next 12 months. In total 22,000 respondents were polled (including 1,000 each from Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, China, Brazil, India, US, UK, Russia, Indonesia, Colombia and South Korea; and 500 each from New Zealand, Thailand, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, Croatia, Taiwan, Mexico, Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore and Israel). Respondents completed an online survey between 9th August to 28th August 2019.