There are said to be two types of holidaymakers who are not only completely different, but also hold on to their preferred vacation destinations tooth and nail: the mountain types and the sea types. The ones who are drawn to the south full of warmth and sun, who roast and doze on the beach, letting their soul dangle in the sand and enjoying the wide horizon by the sea and the sound of the waves. They simply won't let go of their deckchairs. A seaside vacation is largely about enjoyment, doing nothing and leaving the stresses of everyday life behind.
Then there are the mountain types who enjoy nothing more than the endless views over mountain peaks, who always have sturdy footwear in their luggage and are undeterred by wind and weather. The cool mountain air, a hearty snack in the hut and extended hikes that can reach up to a challenging summit are their fulfillment.
First package tour led to the mountains
Incidentally, the first package tour took place in the Swiss mountains in 1863. It was Thomas Cook who brought alpinism and mountain tourism to life and sold them at a package price. Since then, the mountains have been one of the most important travel destinations for active people.
Although people have always been fascinated by the sea, beach vacations for the masses only began at the end of the 1950s, when families moved in caravans to the beaches of Lignano and Grado.
Doctors recommend hiking vacations
Which of the two types is right is difficult to judge and above all a matter of taste. The fact is, however, that doctors recommend an active hiking vacation in the mountains in the fresh air rather than doing nothing in the heat. The university professor for prevention, sports medicine and rehabilitation at the Sport University in Cologne, Ingo Froböse, makes a case for mountain vacations. "Vacationers who are inactive and spend their time resting on the beach only get to relax for a short time. An active, healthy vacation has lasting and positive effects. Afterwards, you have a strengthened immune system and are more resistant to viruses and bacteria. Varied vacations with lots of exercise have a stress-reducing effect," says Froböse.
Exercise at altitude really gets the circulation going and makes the heart beat faster than down in the valley. Cool, fresh mountain air has advantages over overheated air on the beach. The quality of sleep is also significantly better in the mountains. The cooled air guarantees a deeper, more restful sleep. In addition, heat stresses the body and puts additional strain on it. Fresh mountain air, on the other hand, is much more conducive to activity; far away from fine dust, pollen and ozone, the body can relax better.
Cool hiking outfits
And those who also go on extensive hikes have a double advantage. Almost one hundred million people are drawn to the Alps every year. The majority of them come to the Alpine republic to hike, with 51 percent stating that they hike regularly according to the Austrian guest survey. This was not always the case. Until a few years ago, hiking was still considered a sport for older people, who puffed uphill in brown knickerbockers, knitted knee socks, walking jackets and heavy rucksacks. This has changed fundamentally in recent years. Chic, colorful outfits made of breathable, high-tech materials, feather-light shoes that adapt ergonomically to the foot, lightweight hiking poles that provide extra drive and stylish backpacks have turned the baden into a cool sport for younger and younger people. Today, you can see them sprinting up the mountain pastures, usually in cheerful groups, wearing body-hugging outfits and enjoying a hearty snack in mountain huts. And at any time of year. Far away from the mothball stink. And vacations in the Alps are a mega trend anyway.
Better than an ergometer
The benefits are obvious: regular walking over hill and dale trains stamina and has a positive effect on the heart and circulatory system. "If you have high cholesterol levels, you can counteract this with regular hiking sessions," advises Angelika Reitböck, general practitioner and consultant for preventative and health medicine at the Medical Association of Upper Austria. "At 40 to 60 percent of the total metabolism, fat burning during mountain hiking is very high," says Reitböck. Some scientists are of the opinion that you burn more calories at the same pulse rate than on an ergometer. Allergy sufferers also benefit from the Alpine air, as the higher the altitude, the lower the pollen count.
The fact that you whistle or sing to yourself in a good mood while hiking is no coincidence. Hiking is good for your mood. The stress hormone cortisol is reduced and makes way for serotonin and dopamine, which together trigger a feeling of happiness and well-being.
Elisabeth Tschernitz-Berger
www.gedankenschmiede.at, 12 Article(s)
