Looking for ways to save money on travel and help save the planet? Does the idea of hiking different routes each day and returning to the same cozy lodging each night sound appealing? If so, keep reading because we’re going to share with you our favorite ways to find center-based walking holidays.
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What is center-based walking?
Center-based walking means you stay in one place and hike different routes each day. They are also called centre-based, single-center, lodge-based or inn-based.
Why should I choose it?
Besides the fact that it’s the least complicated type of trip to plan, here are some excellent reasons why you might choose a center-based trip:
- LOWER COST: Staying in one place is almost always cheaper. You save on lodging fees and there’s no need for car rental or luggage transport.
- MORE RELAXING: It’s less stressful staying in one place and you have more time to rest or explore
- TIME TO ABSORB: You’re more likely to learn the area and people better.
- ECO-FRIENDLY: Less transportation use equals lower carbon footprint.
- FLEXIBILITY: Can choose not to hike on bad weather days or when you don’t feel like hiking.
- VARIETY: Perfect for multi-generational or mixed interest groups because everyone has options for doing different things.
Best companies for center-based holidays
Inntravel is our favorite company for single location walking trips because they have a category specifically for “centre-based walking holidays without a car.” Last time we checked, Inntravel offered 32 self-guided trips in this category throughout Europe. If you want to rent a car, they have options for that too.
If Inntravel doesn’t have what you want, there are plenty of walking holiday operators that offer easy ways to search for center-based walking trips. These are the ones we recommend.
- Eurohike
- Exodus Travels
- Footpath Holidays
- HF Holidays
- Hike in Holland
- The Natural Adventure
- Western Discoveries
Eurohike offers center-based walking holidays in Austria, Germany, Portugal and Spain. We personally like their Siebengebirge for Families 6-day trip in Germany which includes a classic German hotel with kid-friendly activities.
Exodus Travels offers center-based walking holidays in Bermuda, France, Gozo, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. They’re one of the few companies offering The Islands of Bermuda Walk which includes a stay on one of Bermuda’s luxury beach resorts. For a cheaper alternative for this trip, see our review on Bermuda Railway Trail.
Footpath Holidays offers center-based walking holidays in England and it’s difficult to choose which trip would be our favorite. They’re all wonderful! Just look at their Northern Lake District trip, which includes a stay at beautiful award-winning Highfield Hotel. The Brits know how to design magnificent walking holidays.
HF Holidays offers guided center-based walking holidays in the UK and throughout Europe. They’re a good option for those who want hiking in locations that are best supported by guides, such as the Istria Guided Walking Holiday in Croatia. Gorgeous location on the Adriatic Sea, luxury hotel and options for hiking, sailing and sightseeing make this one of our top choices.
Hike in Holland offers center-based walking holidays in the Netherlands and their All Around Oudewater 5-day trip is an excellent way to explore the Green Heart of Holland and its oldest town.
The Natural Adventure offers center-based walking holidays in England, France, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Slovenia and Turkey. We like their Trails of Isonzo Valley, which offers easy to moderate walks along the turquoise Soča River with views of the Julian Alps.
Western Discoveries offers customized center-based walking holidays in Cornwall, England. Most of these trips are based in Penzance but they can create routes based from other towns as well. They provide links to preferred lodging so you can easily start building the perfect trip for you.
Inns that offer multi-day hiking
Behind all of the wonderful itineraries these companies provide, there are local inns accommodating the travelers who book these trips. Some of those inns provide support services and trail notes so you can book directly through them — if you can find them. That’s when a site like Walking Holiday Info is so valuable because they connect travelers directly with independent inns and local businesses offering walking holidays.
If you want to visit Greece, look at Hikers Friendly Hotels which recognizes hotels in Greece that provide support services, maps and trail information. This option is best for those who prefer larger hotels with full-service amenities.
Hiking centered inns around the world
If the options we’ve already mentioned still haven’t peaked your interest, read about our favorite hiking inns/resorts around the world that are perfect for center-based walking holidays. From China to New Zealand, you’d be amazed by what’s available when we look past the glitzy travel magazines and travel agency offerings.
