The only thing you love more than nature is art. Or maybe wine. Food could be a close second… and the beach, dancing, getting in a great workout, they’re all close seconds, too. Thinking about new destinations to travel to, maybe try the Pyrenees?
It’s safe to say that the one thing you love above all else is life, and you’re resolved to live it to its fullest.
How do I know this? Because you’re a lot like me; I love to work out just as much as I love relaxing in the sun with a good book, and I think a vacation filled with wining, dining and dancing is just as relaxing and rejuvenating as one chock-full of hikes to glorious vistas and bike rides through gorgeous country sides.
To you and me, my friend, the world is just a bucket of oysters waiting to be cracked. And if you haven’t yet cracked the oyster in which Spain is hidden, it’s time to take that adventure.
Try the Pyrenees
The Rain In Spain
Like any vacation destination, we all have preconceived notions about what’ll be in store when we adventure to a foreign land. In Australia, we’re geared up for steak, beer, and outback adventures. France is elegant food and art museums; the Bahamas are beaches, beaches and more beaches.Of course, no place is summarized by the stereotypes pinned to it—whether they’re good or bad. There’s a lot more to Australia than beer, and the French wouldn’t be too excited to hear us say France is merely a smorgasbord of light meals.
So, what do you think of when you envision an adventure to Spain? Art museums? Touring Spanish wine country? Salsa dancing?
Sure, there’s plenty of all that. But there’s much, much more. For instance?
Meet The Pyrenees
My favorite vacation destination in Spain isn’t a restaurant, art museum or beach; it’s not a single destination, even. It’s a handful of different trails—ranging from casual strolls to invigorating, multi-day hikes.
The Pyrenees mountains are a range that stretches along the northeastern border of Spain, separating it from its upstairs neighbor, France. Hiking, as you might know, is a famously wonderful way to stay in shape on vacation. A healthy eating program such as the Beyond Diet Program reviews great insight into why keeping your healthy diet in check, even when the rest of your schedule is falling by the vacation wayside, is so important.
What better way to keep your fitness fit while traveling Spain than a trek through the Spanish Pyrenees?
More Than Mountains
Hiking? Sure, you’ve done that. You walk up the mountain, snap a few photos, then walk back down the mountain. Maybe a ham sandwich on the way, and a couple of trailside souvenirs in your pocket.
But this isn’t summer camp hiking. These mountains are a force to be reckoned with, with climate differences and difficulty levels to both challenge and threaten any level of outdoorsmen.
But we’ll get to the risks in a moment. First, I want to talk about the rewards.
Aside from making your way through some of the most breathtaking views available to European travelers, the Pyrenees serve up some of the most exciting ski resorts in the world, making Aspen look like the bunny slope.
If you’re interested in art and architecture, there are trails and even tours in regions of the mountains that lead travelers to ancient runes, caves with prehistoric artwork, and even tucked-away art and history museums.
There might not be something for everyone, but there’s definitely something for anyone who’s willing to exert a decent amount of energy to get to once-in-a-lifetime destination.
Know What You’re Up Against
Of course, to reiterate what I mentioned above this isn’t a wood-side walk at 4-H camp. These mountains are treacherous, even deadly in the wrong circumstances. If you’re underprepared in any way, you could end up in a life-threatening situation. And that takes a lot of the fun out of vacation.
To ensure your Pyrenees hike is all fun and not threat, know what you’re up against. Before you board the plane, train or backpacking route that’ll bring you to Spain, do a good amount of research on the region of the Pyrenees you’re interested in hiking through.
Find out how intuitive the trails are—whether they’re fully marked, guided, and tours are available; or if they’re more natural, and therefore more dangerous. Don’t get yourself into anything you’re not ready for.
Remember, there’s no shame in hiring a guide to take you through the mountains; it’s the smart, safe way to travel. Plus, you always have someone to snap a group shot!
Bring A Friend, Or Two
Everything’s better in groups, and traveling in a foreign country is not only more fun, but a lot safer, if you’re with a friend or two.
But not only will you have a better time while you’re there if you bring company; you’ll have a better time preparing for the trip, too.
Before undertaking any kind of new physical strain—whether it’s a grueling new workout routine, a new sport, or a vacation to a mountain range you’ve never hiked before—you need to prime your body for the new challenges it’s about to face.
Sign up for a bootcamp class at your local gym. These type of classes hyper-train your core muscles to boost them up into the best shape they’ve ever been, which is something you need before trekking out into the Spanish wilderness.
The only thing better than going on vacation is coming back from vacation with wonderful memories, a rested, peaceful mind, and no regrets. To make sure you’re capitalizing on you Spanish vacation opportunity in the Pyrenees mountains, kick your butt into the best shape it’s ever been. Eat well and exercise!
An added bonus to getting yourself in excellent shape before vacation? You’re a lot more likely to keep it up when you’re back home again, since the exertion of being out in the Pyrenees mountains will make charging through a hardcore workout feel like a walk in the park.
Looking for other destinations? Try these
