Summer 2021 saw social media flooded with images and narratives of fashionable influencers and urban dwellers traversing hiking paths in nearly every corner of the globe. Each new post often came from a campsite in locations such as Switzerland, France, the Caucasus, or Utah. Attractive men and women, from models to tech professionals, donned their gear, conquering trails and unwinding at base camps, all while soaking in stunning vistas that are rarely accessible. A profound joy sparked by the most basic yet significant of wonders – nature. Many of these social media profiles belonged to individuals who would ordinarily never be spotted on a mountain or camping by a stream. It was evident that this was the latest escape trend during what many refer to as ‘Covid times’. It was a rather natural selection for those aiming to sidestep crowds while still traveling. Curiously, this is one trend that appears likely to endure. Here’s the reasoning…
As our audience is undoubtedly aware, those who are eager to spend tend to be some of the most varied and discerning individuals. Additionally, given their limitless resources, they seek to acquire new abilities and discover fresh methods to stay fit while on vacation.
Thus, venturing to a new locale featuring the latest fitness trend seems like a logical step for someone who frequents the gym, perpetually in pursuit of novelty and excitement. Since financial constraints aren’t an issue, affluent individuals will gladly invest tens and hundreds of thousands of euros in a journey consisting of a few hours of hiking, followed by a therapeutic massage at their upscale hotel, particularly if it’s in a charming little mountain village they typically reserve for their skiing excursions. Not to come off as crass, but there’s also the element of herd mentality; if one person ventures into it, others will likely follow suit. There is absolutely nothing negative about this; if humans behaved any differently, none of the service industries would survive, as much of it operates on word of mouth, especially among the wealthy. Trust in advertising has significantly waned.
Hiking is, in itself, a truly enriching pastime. It greatly benefits both mental and physical well-being, offering ample physical activity to leave one fatigued by day’s end, while also fostering a clear mind through the fresh air at higher elevations and the focus required to navigate trails. Alongside the beauty of the environment, which is spectacular, trekking is accessible in a wide range of difficulty levels and must align with the hiker’s physical condition, age, and other factors to be assessed by the tour guide leading the expedition.
With a diverse selection of paths, whether it’s a climb, descent, or a leisurely stroll around a lake or through a forest, it can be demanding even for the most fit due to the weight of the backpack and the length of the hike, as most worthwhile trails last a minimum of 2 hours. It’s a delightful activity for the entire family, suitable for children or the elderly. The key is to discover the appropriate trail.
