By Becky Tamayo
Have winter hibernation and holiday food overdosing left you feeling stuck in a lazy rut? Try something new this Spring Break, even if you don’t have that perfect beach bod back yet: Backpacking!
Backpacking for a week (or better yet a month, if you can!) is an alternative to the typical indulgent Spring Break that will likely leave you with more money in your pocket, less of that unwanted winter weight, and much more fulfilled!
I spent my last summer backpacking all over Europe for a month – from Spain to the cliffs of Cinque Terre, Italy; to the beaches of Greece through Germany; and ending my travels pitching a tent under the Eiffel Tower. Not only was carrying that 35-pound backpack a great way to work off all the incredible food you have to try every where you go, it definitely got me back into shape after spending six months studying (okay, and feasting) in Seville, Spain.
Want to get even more out of this experience? If you’re on a spiritual quest, try keeping a journal — it will stimulate your mind and get you more in touch with yourself and what you want out of life! Or perhaps you’re looking for a fun couples getaway further away from all the stresses of your hectic lives so you can finally reconnect? Nothing could be more romantic and unifying than hiking by day, taking in the inspiring landscapes together, and then camping out under the stars every night.
Don’t have enough money laying around for a flight to Europe? Don’t worry; there are plenty of places to backpack/hike all over the states. According to the Discovery Channel, you’ll get your best hiking experiences on the Pacific Coast Trail in the West or the Appalachian Trail if you’re in the East, or you can try out the National Parks scattered throughout our beautiful country, like Yosemite, Arches, Glacier Park or the Grand Canyon. If you’re an experienced hiker looking for that new challenge this spring, try Mount Whitney at almost 14,500 feet above sea level in California or the mostly trail-less Denali National Park in Alaska!
There you have it, my favorite way to experience new people, places, and cultures while at the same time promoting your own physical, mental, and spiritual health! What could be a better Spring Break alternative? If you’re especially interested in stimulating that mind, body, and spirit in Europe, check back for my in-depth travel guides for Western Europe, including cities throughout Southern Spain, Italy, Greece, Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, and France!
*Actual backpacking route taken by Becky in the summer of 2011! Check back for her in-depth travel info and guides for these cities!*
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Becky Tamayo is a senior at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in May 2012 with a double major in Psychology and Hispanic Studies. She is a study abroad enthusiast and freelance travel writer.
