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Epic Hikes & Mountain Terrains
Thinking of trekking the Camino Trail in northern Spain or New Zealand’s Tongariro Crossing? Get a dose of the great outdoors with these epic hikes and mountain terrains where you can challenge your inner adventurer and team it with your DAE vacation.
Cradle Mountain, Tasmania
Hiking through ancient rainforests, snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes, you’d be forgiven for thinking Cradle Mountain was in another world. One of Tasmania’s most popular destinations, you can experience this pristine environment any time of year – in winter expect epic frozen waterfalls, or fields of wildflowers in summer. The Overland Track offers 5 to 6 days of hiking, suitable for any level with well-formed tracks throughout.
Where to stay: Cradle Mountain is easily accessible from Shearwater Resort in Devonport on Tasmania’s northwest coast – providing the best of both worlds from the coast to the island’s mountainous interior. Book it with DAE Exchange.
Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand
Set within New Zealand’s oldest national park and a dual World Heritage Site, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing attracts hikers from all over the world. One of the most popular day hikes in New Zealand, the 19.4km journey has a diverse range of landscapes, from streams and waterfalls to craters and lakes – and is world-renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance.
Where to stay: Available through DAE Exchange, Turangi Leisure Lodge is one of the closest accommodation options – located just 20 minutes from the start of the Tongariro Crossing trail.
Rocky Mountains, Canada
The Canadian Rocky Mountains span between British Columbia and neighbouring Alberta and are considered one of Canada’s most awe-inspiring natural attractions. On the sunny BC side, there’s golf, fishing and forests to explore plus an endless number of hikes and trails. For a challenge, the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay National Park is one of the harder multi-day hikes, however the reward is eyefuls of alpine lakes, glaciers, waterfalls and the Rockwall itself.
Where to stay: Fairmont Hot Springs is just a short drive from the Kootenay National Park. DAE has several resorts around the destination available on Exchange so you can soak in the natural, mineral-rich waters to warm your soul after days spent in the mountains.
Camino Trail, Spain
The ancient pilgrimage of Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is one of the world’s most popular walking trails, with a number of routes taking the spiritual, religious and adventurous alike across the foothills of northern Spain. It’s estimated more than 300,000 people from all walks of life trek the month-long journey each year to the town of Santiago de Compostela – considered to be the final resting place of St James the Apostle.
Where to stay: Time your trek before or after a stay on the glorious south coast of Spain with Endless Vacation Rentals – available to book through DAE at exclusive member rates.
Himalayas, Northern India
While Mount Everest gets most of the attention as the world’s highest peak, the Himalayas offer so much more to those seeking adventure in the famous mountains. The North Indian state of Uttarakhand lies at the foothills of the Himalayas, with countless mountain trails and peaks to trek in the Garhwal Himalayas. Himachal Pradesh is also considered one of the best trekking destinations in the Himalayas and is easily accessible from the hill stations of Dharamshala and Manali.
Where to stay: DAE has properties available in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in North India. Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, these popular destinations book out early, so plan ahead or place a request!
Appalachian Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
For serious hikers, the Appalachian Trail is the pinnacle. The longest hiking-only trail in the world at around 2,200 miles (or 3,500 km) long, it stretches across 14 states in the Eastern United States. The section of the Appalachian Trail through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee offers day hikes, from relaxing walks ending at waterfalls, to strenuous mountain climbs right to the top. Here you’ll also find Clingmans Dome – the highest point on the Appalachian Trail.
Where to stay: DAE can get you to the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee with several resorts in the area.
Point Lenana Peak, Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya is a stunning National Park where you can combine hiking with a side of wildlife spotting. Around 15,000 people take on the mountain in East Africa each year, with the majority summiting at Point Lenana – resting 4895 metres above sea level and taking around 5 days for the return journey. The trek winds through a landscape dotted with glaciers, rock spires, incredible flora and fauna and the highlight – an amphitheatre of cliffs known as The Temple.
Where to stay: For the mountainous adventurers, plan a Mount Kenya summit followed by a relaxing stay on Kenya’s impressive coastline where DAE has a number of properties available to book.
Where To Stay
Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort
Carlsbad, California, United StatesJust steps from the majestic Pacific Ocean, the award-winning Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort sits in the heart of picturesque Carlsbad, California. Stroll through the lush, green courtyard to the steps leading down to the rolling surf, or visit the area's countless boutiques and cafés in the heart of charming Carlsbad, including Norte's Méxican restaurant. Just 61 accommodations make the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort an intimate haven of privacy and relaxation. Enjoy the pool and hot tub or work out in the fitness center. Stay in touch with complimentary WiFi, settle back and enjoy a TV show, and chill snacks and beverages in your own refrigerator. Some accommodations feature full kitchens, fireplaces and all the comforts of home. Quaint architecture invites you to relax by the Pacific in this comfortable, smoke-free resort. In addition to many on-site activities, guests can head offsite to spend a day at LEGOLAND California, just 10 minutes away; or sunbathe at Carlsbad State Beach. You might wish to head out for a day in one of the nation’s favorite cities—beautiful San Diego right down the coast. Treat your family to attractions like SeaWorld San Diego, or the internationally famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. Experience the warmth and beauty of a Carlsbad sunset from your home-away-from-home, the Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort.
Tahoe Beach & Ski Club
Tahoe, California, United StatesCombining the best of all vacation worlds, Tahoe Beach & Ski Club is the perfect resort for every season and vacation style. Ski or snowboard on some of California’s most challenging slopes, or soak up the sun and scenery on the picturesque shores of world-famous Lake Tahoe. The resort features a 400-foot private beach, volleyball and tennis courts, a fitness center, heated pool and outdoor hot tubs. Tahoe Beach & Ski Club provides a variety of accommodations to suit every vacationer. From cozy studios for two with balcony and partial kitchen; to cabins that sleep six and offer a vaulted ceiling and fireplace, patio with gas grill, two bathrooms and a full kitchen, Tahoe Beach & Ski Club is the perfect destination. All accommodations provide flat-screen TV, CD and DVD players. Each bathroom includes a hair dryer. Guests enjoy a visit to one of the area’s world-class casinos, a meal out at any of dozens of restaurants, or just an evening to relax and take in the majestic 20-mile view of the mountains and azure lake from the comfort of their spacious room. A busy calendar of resort activities ensures there's always plenty to do. From the view of towering pines and mountain slopes, to the glittering casinos and world-class entertainment, South Lake Tahoe offers the ideal blend of nightlife and nature.
Shearwater Resort
Devonport, Tasmania, AustraliaZoe Test Nestled in an idyllic location on Tasmania’s ruggedly beautiful and this is