In the last few years, hiking vacations have become more popular than ever. Aside from a range of stunning photos - that even the best photographer might not capture just how beautiful the scenery is, you'll be bringing back some of the peace and calm that you were able to soak up while you were in the wilderness. 

Health 

If you are one of the millions of people who are trapped behind a desk all day at work, then the chances are you might start feeling the cobwebs settle on you. To really blow the cobwebs off and do something for your health - get hiking! Even if you don't choose the tougher routes, you are going to feel great for the effort you put in! 

For some of the hiking trails, you are going to be with a group, and that added pressure not to let yourself down (or the group) might mean you are keener to finish the challenge! 

Not everyone is into hiking holidays, which is why it is important to choose somewhere with a range of stuff. Consider visiting upstate New York for a wide range of outdoor activities and stunning scenery - something for everyone! 

Meditation 

You might figure that meditation, in the truest sense, is sitting down peacefully and finding your centre. But there is a meditative aspect to walking because once you find your rhythm of step and are into the stride, you will find you start to let go of a lot of thoughts and just focus on the motion. 

While not all hikes will let you zone out completely - because you'll need to be aware of your surroundings and your step, there are many that do offer a lot of peace. 

Any repetitive motion can be meditative - and walking is one of the best. 

Sleep 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the more energy you use up during the day of hiking, the more likely it is that you are going to have a nice relaxing rest in the luxury Villas - which leads to a comfortable and happy sleep.

Spending time in nature helps us feel more relaxed already - but when you combine that with moving a lot, and some hikes can be very demanding, you are going to have a great sleep. 

Time

If you have yet to hear the term Forest Bathing, then this one's for you. Forest Bathing is a Japanese idea that was developed in the 80s - to give it the proper name Shinrin-yoku. No matter what you decide to call it when you are on a hiking vacation, you will be surrounding yourself with nature. Shinrin means forest, and yoku means bathing - and that is what you'll be doing. 

You will be spending some much-needed time disconnected from devices and connecting with nature. Using all of your senses to be fully immersed. 

Hiking vacations offer us many benefits, but in these modern words, one of the biggest is that we can be away from all of the regular demands of life for a while - and truly unwind. And no matter what time of year it is, there is plenty that you can do (including hiking!): Outdoor Activities for the Fall Weather.