I went on a bus holiday not so long ago.  Not the best type of holiday for someone prone to occasional travel sickness. I thought it would be a sociable way of seeing somewhere new, meet new people, avoid driving, that sort of thing.  Nobody warned me that people still sing on buses. Yes, they do.  They sing and they drink copious amounts and quite often they make themselves ill.  Say no more.

So I’m bringing in the new this year. Walking holidays are so now. Like brown being the new black, walking is the new, er, activity! Leave the adrenalin seeking junkies to literally plunder new depths in search of their thrills.

If, like me, your idea of a walk is around the corner to your local pub, that’s fine. But think about it for a minute.  Walking is good for you.  Lots of fresh air and low impact exercise.  No being stuck on a coach trip straining for a view of some relic you’ve just missed.

What’s more, their image has changed a lot in recent years. You’re not limited to a tour of the Peak District or the Yorkshire Dales in the inclement British ‘summer’. The destinations are becoming more and more exotic.  If you’re a beginner (like me) you might want to start with a guided walking tour. Try some of these for starters:-

The Galapagos Islands

A gentle way to take your first steps into a whole new world, in every way.  The 13 islands and 40 islets of the Galapagos are fiercely protected and visitor numbers are limited. Get in there while you can! Most of the national park area is untouched so you’ll get to see it just like Charles Darwin did over 300 years ago. Walk on endless white beaches, across black lava flows and watch the albatrosses (there are more than one!), sea lions and pelicans. If you fancy snorkelling, look out for the dolphins and the whales, a truly incredible sight. What’s more you can indulge yourself with cocktails onboard every evening. You know, that sounds like my kind of walking holiday.

St Lucia

Staying with the luxury theme for now (I like the sound of this more and more) if you like a bit more of a challenge head to the West Indies. Ok, it’s a hard job but someone has to do it. Idyllic beaches, verdant rainforests and waterfalls.  This is a side of St Lucia you don’t see very often.  If you’re stretching your walking ability, climb the majestic peak of Grand Piton, standing nearly 3,000 feet above sea level.

Throw in sugar plantations, banana plantations, giant mango, sugar apple and avocado trees – you get the picture. Bird lovers might like to stroll along the Millet Bird Sanctuary Trail.  It’s a haven for bird life with over 30 different types of birds, including parrots, warblers and the St Lucia Black Finch. Take a breather admiring the views of the John Compton Dam while you’re there, it’s the largest in the Eastern Caribbean.

Cuba

For a slightly more energetic time – although that one sounded energetic enough for me thanks! – head for Cuba which is awash with salsa beats, Spanish palaces and bareback cowboys.  Spend time in the eclectic capital of Havana before exploring the sub-tropical forests of Sierra del Rosario in Soroa.  Explore ruined coffee plantations, try swimming in rock pools and head east to the sugar cane capital of Trinidad. Seeking a culture fix? Spend your evening loitering with good intent in the various art galleries or taking in the music scene.  Or, if you prefer, take a walk along more beaches and happily hang around a waterfall or two.

Get yourself a good pair of walking boots, dress appropriately for the climate and get yourself out there.  If it sounds like your sort of thing but you’re stuck for a travelling companion that’s no problem.  Check out the walking holidays for singles.  You’ll come back with such a buzz all your friends will want to know your secret. Next year, they’ll probably join you.

Susan Walker recently purchased her first pair of walking boots and is putting her best foot forward.