Walking holidays

Walking holidays vs. traditional travel: what sets them apart?

Monday 19th May 2025 |

Traveling is one of the most exciting things we can do. Visiting new places, relaxing on a beach, or just enjoying a walk in a park can give us so much joy, but what happens when you grow tired of that traditional way of traveling?

That’s when travel trends come into play, and a trend gaining a lot of attention is walking holidays. Unlike conventional tours, where everything is quick and superficial, a walking holiday allows you to immerse yourself in the culture, nature, and local rhythm. Imagine traveling to top-notch countries like Spain, Portugal, or Italy just to hike, waking up in a picturesque village, visiting vineyards, walking by the sea, and ending the day with a traditional dinner, without stressful schedules. That’s what a walking trip is about, and it’s so different from a traditional holiday.

Benefits of a Walking Holiday Over a Traditional Trip

Most of us are familiar with conventional holidays, knowing from tip to toe how they work, and while a walking holiday is not that different when it comes to planning, traditional trips are often a lot more exhausting: flights, transfers, rushed visits, and crowds. On the other hand, a walking holiday offers a more relaxing, culturally significant, and enriching experience. By walking, you will discover landscapes in a unique way, and explore places you had never seen from a tour bus or a regular visit, like a small town in the countryside, natural attractions, and trails that look like a movie.

Not only that, but walking is also a healthy way to travel, since you’re combining exercise with sightseeing, which improves your physical and mental well-being. It’s also more sustainable, since you reduce your carbon footprint a lot by avoiding polluting transportation. But the best part is the authenticity: you meet locals, try homemade food, and experience the destination like a local, not a tourist.

Orbis Ways: Experts in Quality Walking Holidays

While walking holidays are simpler in essence, reduce CO2 emissions and are healthier, but depending on where you want to go, it can also be a bit complex to plan. Most walking holidays are around long-distance trails like the Camino de Santiago in Spain or the West Highland Way in Scotland, where you can easily spend more than 6 days walking and sleeping in different locations. You will need to book different accommodations, match the bookings with your pace, and move your luggage. Thankfully, there are specialized travel agencies that truly understand walking holidays, like Orbis Ways.

With years of experience organizing routes through some of the most stunning landscapes in Spain, Portugal, and Ireland, this agency stands out for its attention to detail and commitment to the traveler’s immersion and satisfaction. Unlike other companies that offer generic packages, the ones offered by Orbis Ways are customized specifically for you based on your preferences and physical condition. On top of that, the agency takes care of everything: comfortable places to stay, luggage transfers between stages, detailed maps, and 24/7 support in case anything happens. This means you only have to worry about enjoying the journey.

Reviews and Reputation

One of the best ways to learn about an agency is through the experiences of people who have already worked with them, and in the case of Orbis Ways, the reviews are excellent. On platforms like Trustpilot and Google Reviews, some customers highlight the impeccable organization of the routes, the friendliness of the team, and the flexibility to adapt plans to their needs. Many mention that they would return without thinking about it twice, which is something rare in the tourism industry. They also highlight the quality of the accommodations and how those are carefully selected. If you’re looking for a reliable agency with a proven track record, then Orbis Ways is a safe bet.

Routes and Destinations

The most famous route is probably the Camino de Santiago in Spain, great for both newbies and seasoned walkers, and has options for short or long stages. Or if you are more inspired by coastal landscapes, then the Rota Vicentina in Portugal will deliver cliffs and wild beaches, as well as fishing towns. And if you’re a fan of untamed nature, the Dingle Way in Ireland takes in green hills, ancient forts, and towns. All tips include private-rooms accommodation, breakfast, luggage transfer, and walking support, so you can concentrate on the trail.

Conclusion

Holidays on foot are not a fad, but offer the chance to travel more thoughtfully, healthily, and memorably. If you want to live an adventure like this, then Orbis-Ways is the best option. An alternative that’s more professional, with better routes and better attention. Whether you are going alone, with your family, or with your friends, their packages will make sure you experience comfort, safety, and authenticity. 

Travel Trends: Walking Holidays For 2025