But walking has other benefits as well. Most people will agree that a 10 to 20-minute walk in the air is a great way to clarify your thoughts and put your problems in perspective. One trait that can be greatly appreciated is how you can improve your intelligence. "Studies show that spending as little as an hour a week in a natural environment can have a positive effect on creativity," said James A. Swan, PhD, author of Nature as Teacher and Healer. New ideas, thoughts and feelings often emerge during the journey. Be sure to write this down immediately after your trip, or perhaps keep a small Dictaphone with you to record those thoughts. Walking away from the crowd. Studies have shown that 80% of the population lives within 300 yards of their vehicle, so by traveling that extra distance you will soon be able to enter quieter, less disturbed areas.
Most people enjoy listening to music while traveling. Personally, I do not like to be separated from my nature. I find that the best use of travel is to increase one's awareness of passions, especially if you are in a natural environment. Use all your senses to get more information about your surroundings. Learn to read the countryside with your own eyes - a wide canvas painted with glaciers and erosion, the impact of humanity especially on its ancient traces; the presence of old settlements, garden walls and ditches, quarries, stone pits, decaying fence posts, second growth forest. View animal tracks and symbols, listen to and try to identify bird song, woodpeckers, hummingbirds in the jungle, howl in the breeze on the trees, the first flowers to appear, the composition and patterns on the tree. Clouds. Feel the shape and texture of the bark, flowers and leaves (but learn to identify and avoid poison ivy).
Take the scent of freshly cut grass, the fragrance of fresh flowers, the rich aroma of various fungi, the rotting wood and fungi of the leaves, the warm breeze from the south, and the cool, cool air from the north.
Walking is a great way to share valuable time with family, friends and colleagues. Instead of walking away, ask someone to join you. Next time you have a meeting, why not take it out? You may find that fresh air will help you to ‘think outside the box’ and encourage greater intelligence.
Hiking and mountaineering are an easy way to meet amazing people, perhaps even your next partner, and many clubs offer hiking especially for couples, dog owners and others.
For those who want to combine physical challenge with fun, orientation is the perfect game for young and old. Called the “thinking game”, it involves a combination of map learning and decision-making skills. There are appropriate levels for all ages and skills, in addition to enjoying good exercise.
Walking vacations are becoming the most popular test method. Wandering in the countryside makes one closer to one's heart than any other means of travel. Close your eyes for a moment and imagine the scent of wild rosemary and sage blowing your nose as you brush past these herbs on a French trail, or cool the mossy glade on the Irish oak tree. Birds and other wildlife are flying toward you, while you take in information provided by your guide on local history and culture. Climbing a hill to a castle or a city gives you additional insight into what life would be like there during the Middle Ages, or why that situation was chosen in the first place. And your reward? Arrive at the bar for lunch, order a cool drink, and sit down and read the menu for fresh, locally produced food. There are a few better experiences.
Such a small group travel experience is best suited for single travelers. It is a safe place, sharing information with others, and having the benefits of an informed local guide. From a good guide, an inspiring and fun person, you will learn endless than any number of guide books, introduced to local people, and take care of your interests.
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