To Hike or Not to Hike

At this stage in my life I feel comfortable enough saying that when I travel, I like to visit cities and while going off the beaten path every once in a while is amazing, Hiking is just not really my thing. This begs the question, To Hike or Not to Hike?

Help Me Understand

I dislike hiking so much and just do not understand the purpose of walking just to walk. To get exercise, meh, maybe… To reach a destination that would provide me with a rare opportunity to see or experience something, okay…I could kinda get behind that idea too but to hike, JUST for the sake of hiking… Whhhhhyyyyyy??? I like cities, big cities with lots of history & food & wine! I like the energy and buzz that comes with the city because I love people watching.

It also seems that hiking as a lifestyle or a way to travel is a thing, again, more power to the people who choose this but it is just not meeeeee….

I feel like more often than not that I have to try and explain this to people because a transient lifestyle and traveling all over the world tend to create this picture of long hiking trails with nothing but my backpack and my hair in a ponytail cause I may not have had a shower in who knows how long. There is absolutely nothing wrong with traveling that way but it’s simply not my style.

My Style

I prefer to have a rolling bag even if I have to drag it all over the cobbled streets of Europe, fighting it the whole way, lol. (Experienced based on a recent trip where I carried two backpacks on a 2-month adventure around Morocco, Tunisia & Portugal – see below) I prefer some comfortable walking shoes like my trusty Pumas (Thanks Costco) or even my chucks instead of hiking shoes or Tevas.

I prefer to walk around city streets and soak in the history and culture of the people instead of hiking through a mountain for the beautifully perfect landscapes & scenery (Don’t get me wrong though cause if I am in a place that is famous for it, I will definitely go for it…. ehhhh… sometimes.. lol)

The Spike in Travel

In the last 10-20 years traveling has just surged with popularity and whilst the normal touristy spots are getting busier there is also a growing interest in finding the lesser-known and lesser touristy place.

At some point in your life, especially while traveling you come to a realization that you will have your own style and way of doing things. Whether its completely avoiding cities or only staying in cities. Whether it’s completely roughing it with just your rucksack and maybe your dog or deciding you wanna travel with your significant other in a van or truck. Whether its taking trains or first-class flights everywhere.

Or Perhaps You Will Find You Enjoy a Bit of Everything.

If I am in the middle of nowhere it’s probably in search of a famous restaurant or winery!

There is no right way or wrong way to travel and explore as long as you are practicing responsible tourism. So get out there and explore you beautiful humans and maybe I will see you on the road, though not likely if you are hiking. <3 I’ll save a glass of wine for you 😉