However, going elsewhere can be a very valuable experience if you're already accustomed to rambling in the UK, and can make a nice change if you need a break from the daily grind of your life. There also happens to be a variety of organisations dedicated to helping you find the very best locations and routes for your rambling holiday - very handy, if you're a beginner or are trying to cater to your own needs as well as other potential group members!
You might even want to book a themed rambling holiday which works by incorporating specific geological or historical sites into your walks depending on your interests. Some of these are absolutely fantastic! There are quite a few reputed companies who specialise in just this, however if you prefer to put your own holiday package together, a simple search on Google is a good place to start and will no doubt return some great suggestions, however here are some places overseas that might be ideal for ramblers holidays.
Iceland
Iceland (not, as the name might suggest, covered in ice) is a very picturesque country containing a huge array of really impressive geological features such as glaciers and waterfalls, but it's also a country that is (at least outside of urban areas) mostly free of a major tourist population. This gives Iceland a wonderfully unspoilt feel to it and has allowed the indigenous culture to survive where elsewhere it may not have. The region of Borgarfjorður in Eastern Iceland (which is relatively isolated) is one of the better areas in which to hike and is a popular place for ramblers holidays.
Nice, France
Nice (and the Côte d'Azur) is a place where you can mix the pleasures of a typical sun and sand holiday with the fun and excitement of a hiking expedition. Nice itself is a quaint place with lots of history, but nearby is an area with some excellent rugged foothills that are easy enough to traverse for most amateur ramblers.
An additional factor that makes Nice attractive to potential visitors is the cost, which due to its close proximity to the UK is fairly low when compared to other foreign destinations. It seems a particularly popular choice is to visit for a split purpose visit, spending a week or so rambling and then relaxing in the warm sun for a few more days before returning to the UK. Remembering that France is so accessible, this is probably the most convenient place for rambling holidays, after the UK that is!
Thailand
Believe it or not Thailand is an extremely popular tourist destination for hikers and Bangkok (which will likely be the most common starting point for any hiking holiday) is very densely populated even by Thai standards. However, as you wander further from the city, you will find an absolute wealth of culture and natural beauty to be explored.
The flora and fauna of Thailand are extremely difficult to match anywhere in the world, and the country represents a great opportunity to experience new things in almost every respect. Unfortunately this is reflected in the cost - with flights, accommodation and tour guide costs rarely meeting the equivalent price of a holiday in Europe. Certainly worth consideration if you're looking for a ramblers holiday with a difference!
