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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
In one of the Gold Coast’s most idyllic locations, the Beach House Seaside Resort puts the ‘cool’ in Coolangatta. Great shopping, restaurants and clubs are all nearby, along with Gold Coast International Airport, so the fun starts right after touchdown. The resort overlooks magnificent Coolangatta Beach with magnificent views of the shoreline up and down the coast of Kirra and Greenmount. <br /><br />Tastefully furnished apartment-style accommodations feature kitchens with full-size refrigerator/freezers, microwaves, cookware and dishes. Relax on your private balcony. Watch your favorite shows on cable TV or entertain the children with a DVD. There’s an outdoor pool, a spa tub and a tennis court. The resort features six restaurants and three cafes for casual dining. <br /><br />Explore a treasure trove of vibrant nightlife and fantastic family activities that are all just minutes away. Hire boogie boards for the kids. Go on an exploratory family bike ride. Let the kids unwind in the games room, while the adults enjoy a spa appointment. Make a day of it at the Gold Coast’s famous theme parks just a thirty-minute drive away. The beautiful hinterland offers a wealth of natural beauty and fascinating attractions for those who enjoy exploring. For the ultimate family vacation or a relaxing seaside getaway, there is no place like the Beach House Seaside Resort.<br /><br />This is a 7Across Resort ENG
With Southern California Beach Club, you’ll stay steps from Oceanside’s surf, sand and sun. With nothing between you and the sand, Southern California Beach Club is the quintessential beachfront resort. Stroll the Oceanside Pier or explore the local shops and eateries. Every condo has a private patio or balcony where you can enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze. Southern California Beach Club is a family-friendly resort nestled on the beach just a block from the Southland's longest pier and a mile from its harbor. You’re on vacation to be together, so enjoy more quality time and exceptional value by sharing one of our two-bedroom condos. Ideally suited for groups of six, these spacious units are ideal for extended families or your next getaway with friends. All units are non-smoking and equipped with flat screen TV, Wi-Fi, and a complete kitchen just right for a gourmet meal or a quick snack. The resort is a short drive from many shops and restaurants and is conveniently located close to attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, the Wild Animal Park, Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm and Universal Studios. Nearby, enjoy a wide array of recreational activities, such as boating, fishing and professional sports. After a full day, savor the ocean view from the club's rooftop whirlpool. You won’t find a more appealing beachside location in all of California than the Southern California Beach Club. It’s the ideal vacation spot for your family.
GreenLinks Golf Villas is situated within Lely Resort Golf and Country Club on two championship golf courses in beautiful, sunny Naples, Fla., just south of Fort Myers and Cape Coral. GreenLinks' spacious two- and three-bedroom villas boast separate living and dining areas, fully appointed kitchens, computer nooks, washers and dryers, DVD players, and screened lanais, ideal for enjoying the perfect Florida weather. On-site amenities include a resort-style heated swimming pool, hot tub, tennis courts, barbecue grills, and fitness facilities. Guests at GreenLinks also enjoy preferred tee times and discounted golf rates at the two on-site courses: Flamingo Island Club and Lely Mustang Golf Course. Spend a few hours on the links, then relax in the private Players Club Spa, which contains steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools, massage therapy, and manicurists and pedicurists. There's also an on-site grill and tavern, located in the Flamingo Clubhouse. Outside of the resort, Naples is the crown jewel of southwestern Florida, known for its world-class shopping, dining, and abundant, challenging golf courses. It's just steps away from island seclusion or the untamed tropical wilderness of the Everglades. Boasting one of the nation's best sandboxes and calmest seas, Naples makes a splash with water lovers and recreationists, with parks, green spaces and recreational facilities. Experience all this beautiful, culture-rich area has to offer when you stay at GreenLinks Golf Villas at Lely Resort!
Just 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.
Combining 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.