We've already established that walking is a great form of exercise, and
a useful part of a weight
loss plan. But walking is also fun, and a
wonderful way to experience more of the world around you. You can
accomplish this in a number of ways, starting with travel.
Add a twist to your vacation plans by adding a few walking tours to the mix of
activities you have planned for your trip. Exploring a new city or town
on foot can be a great way to get a different perspective.
Especially in urban areas, driving around in a car can be
limiting.
You'll need to find parking (and pay for it, too), and
navigating unfamiliar streets can be a stressful experience (as well as
a source of family tension!). Instead, leave the car at your
hotel, lace up a pair of comfortable
walking shoes, and walk around.
Most
likely, you'll see things you might have missed by simply gazing out
the car
window. Plus, the more leisurely pace you'll experience by walking
lends itself to a more relaxed vacation. And then there's this added
bonus: you'll burn off enough calories by walking to allow you to
sample the local delicacies guilt-free: beignets in New Orleans,
chocolate in Belgium, croissants in France. Consider a walking
tour guide book to help you plan your routes.
For the more adventurous, consider a walking
vacation. There are a
number of options to choose from, but the basic idea is to use your
feet to transport you from town to town. Many will have you
walk from town to town, while arranging to carry your luggage for you
to that night's hotel, inn, or bed &
breakfast. Meals are also typically included in the price as well.
These packages are generally offered in areas where towns are
relatively close together, so that you can arrive at your next
destination in time for dinner and a good night's sleep before setting
off in the morning for the next village or town. Popular destinations
for
walking vacations include California wine country and the Loire Valley
in France.
Walking vacations ensure
you'll get plenty of exercise, while allowing you to experience a new
country or area in a unique and up-close way.
to help you plan your routes.