Destinations & Things To Do
The Nipple, Fireworks, and Endless Lakes: PCT Days 94 to 98
The morning’s hiking was fairly unremarkable. I got started a bit late, traversed the minor ups and downs, and met a hiker called Big Rig at a water source. I like easy days like this, it means I can turn off my mind and just walk.
The afternoon was more interesting however. Immediately after lunch I began a fairly long climb up the side of a mountain called The Nipple.
Most of the trail up here was above the treeline and the wind was crazy strong. It was rocky and open and the path was a little rough but the views were very good. I didn’t take the side trail up to the peak as it looked straight up and my ankle was feeling pretty tired. Walking this area meant I was constantly bracing myself against the wind but it also meant that, when I passed behind a rock outcropping on the descent, the sudden absence of that wind caused me to stagger to the side.
I got below the trees, out of the gale, and found a small campground to crash in. There was another hiker already here and to my surprise, they were a SOBO (southbound) PCT section hiker! I’d not met any SOBOs before and we chatted a bit over dinner, giving each other details of the upcoming terrain.
Day 95: Look at the Fireworks
Like the previous day, the morning was uneventful. I went over Carson pass easily and reached the trailhead shortly after, passing many day hikers on the way in. The information station there had a trail magic setup with snacks and sodas and I was all to happy to take advantage of it. I saw Presto again here and met a hiker called Celery.
The way onward was easy mountain hiking. It reminded me a little of the Tuolumne area of the Sierra as there were very many day hikers and weekend backpackers hiking around me. I’ve been a little careful up until now not to align my blog posts with any specific dates but it’s important to share here that today was the 4th of July so people were out and I knew there would be fireworks tonight. I could’ve made South Lake Tahoe today but I wanted to avoid the madhouse of a tourist town on a holiday so I’d planned to find a campsite with a view of the lake and watch the spectacle from a distance.
I found the perfect site, about 4 miles from the road, and found Presto and a hiker called Sketchy were already there. The show started at 9:30, past when I’m usually fully asleep, so I ate an early dinner and dozed for a few hours to try to keep myself well-rested for tomorrow. Come 9:15 I climbed a very large boulder set into the hill side next to my tent and enjoyed the show from there. The explosions were visible but far enough away to almost completely inaudible.
Day 96: The Bliss of New Shoes
Only being a few miles from town meant I was under no pressure to get up early and I made sure I slept in. The few miles into town were all downhill too. The last mile or so was through a section of burned forest, the first I’d seen on trail. The trees were grey and still and it was just a little eerie. Thankfully the mile went fast and I soon found myself with thumb out at the road. A cop pulled someone over right in the pullout section I was hitching from so I put my thumb down, thinking nobody was going to stop while that was going on. Entirely unprompted however a car pulled over and asked if I needed a ride into town! The driver named Tom and his wife Claudia were here for the holiday and were very excited to meet a PCT hiker. They dropped me off just across the street from the hostel where I would be staying. I dropped my pack off and picked up the new shoes I’d shipped here. I don’t think I can properly communicate the bliss of walking in new, supportive, grippy shoes after going miles in worn out footwear.
The rest of the day was town chores and relaxing. I purchased a new CNOC dirty bag to repace my broken one, wandered around town a little (chock full of tourists), and picked up some cheap backpacker meals from Sierra Trading Post. When I got back to the hostel I showered and did laundry then took advantage of their computer lab to write up a few blog posts. I headed to a well-rated burger place for dinner and discovered that just by walking down the street I had crossed into Nevada. I’d been paying relatively little attention to the map beyond the trail so it was a surprise when I crossed at an intersection and suddenly went from clothing stores to casinos. The burger was good though.
Day 97: Into Desolation Wilderness
Town meals are particularly exciting after long stretches on trail and the mountain of pork, eggs, and salsa over tortilla chips I ate at a local diner was divine. I packed up, showered, then kept blogging for the last hour before I had to check out. South Lake Tahoe has a Grocery Outlet thankfully so I headed there first for my resupply, then stopped by a more conventional (but more expensive) grocery store for the few items I couldn’t find. I ended up staying at this store, a Raley’s, for a little longer, using their Wi-Fi to get a few more posts finished and scheduled to go public. For anyone curious, I do most of my writing on the notes app on my phone and that can be done anywhere, but images and various configuration chores need to be done with an internet connection.
A local named Sydney gave me a hitch back to the trail and I was back among the trees. The burned trees unfortunately, large stretches of trail were blackened and dead.
I walked past Berkeley Echo Lake Camp, a summer camp I once CITed at in my teens, then past Echo Lake itself. A lot of people were here as well but as I hiked further they thinned out. I’d spent too much time in town though and it was getting dark as I climbed up from the lakes into Desolation Wilderness where I would be able to camp.
Day 98: Lakes I Want To Revisit
The late night meant I was up later than I’d liked and I think I need to start being more conscious of how I hike out of town. If I get back to trail too late, I don’t get to my campsite until too late as well and that throws off my hiking and sleeping schedule until I get to the next town.
The morning walk was past an absolutely gorgeous lake, Lake Aloha. The water was the blue I’ve only previously seen in tropical ocean and all the islands looked to inviting. I wish I’d known how great this lake was, I would have packed additional food and maybe spent a day here. Ah well, it’s just somewhere I’ll have to come back to I suppose.
The rest of the day was more lakes, though none quite as stunning as the first. I crossed over Dicks Pass in the afternoon without too much trouble. There was only a little snow at the top, a far cry from the snow fields of the high Sierra. There were more lakes on the other side of course.
I reached the tent site I’d planned for around 6:30 but it was quite full so I had to hike another hour to find an open spot. The mosquito swarm descended as the shadows grew long and I walked fast, slapping at my arms constantly to dislodge the bloodsuckers continually landing there. I love most insects but mosquitos are the true exception and I loathe them so.
Trail Stats:
Catholes: 33
Stops to filter water: 152
Resupplies: 16
Hitches: 19
Zeros: 15
Crys on trail: 13
Blisters: 12
Gear repairs: 19
Miles Skipped: 212.3
Significant Water Crossings: 100
Falls: 3
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
Destinations & Things To Do
France, Spain, The United States, Italy, And Other Top Travel Destinations Welcome Millions Of Tourists, Reinforcing Their Global Status As The Most Admired And Revisited Countries
Published on
August 7, 2025 |
By: TTW News Desk
France, Spain, the United States, Italy, and other leading destinations continue to attract millions of tourists year after year, reaffirming their status as the world’s most admired and frequently revisited countries. Their enduring appeal lies in a powerful combination of cultural richness, world-renowned landmarks, culinary excellence, modern infrastructure, and consistent safety and service standards. Whether it’s the romantic charm of Paris, the sun-soaked coasts of Spain, the historical depth of Rome, or the vast attractions across the U.S., these nations have mastered the art of tourism — offering both first-time travelers and returning visitors unforgettable experiences that keep them coming back.
As travelers cross borders in record numbers, the world’s most visited destinations continue to inspire fresh journeys. Based on data from global tourism boards and compiled by Go2Africa, the top countries in 2024 attracted millions of international visitors—and each one offers a unique blend of history, scenery, and unforgettable experience. These countries don’t just welcome tourists; they leave lasting impressions that shape how people see the world.
Below are ten destinations that captivated the world in 2024 and now stand ready to welcome even more adventurers in 2025.
France
France enchants with its balance of charm and sophistication. Visitors wander through the boulevards of Paris, sip wine in sunlit vineyards, and ski the pristine slopes of the Alps. The country presents layers of culture in every region—from Gothic cathedrals in the north to the rustic beauty of Provence in the south. France invites travelers to slow down and indulge—whether with flaky croissants in a quiet patisserie or local cheeses in a bustling market. Along the Mediterranean coast, the Riviera shines with seaside glamour, while alpine towns offer adventure all year round. Every journey in France becomes a celebration of taste, elegance, and discovery.
Spain
Spain pulses with color, flavor, and rhythm. Visitors flock to its vibrant cities, explore its coastal beauty, and take in centuries of history through architecture and art. In Barcelona, bold buildings line the streets, while Madrid mixes grand museums with lively plazas. Southern cities like Seville and Granada bring passion to life through flamenco, gardens, and glowing lanterns. Spain’s coastline, from the Costa del Sol to the shores of Ibiza, invites sunseekers and swimmers. Festivals light up every season, and regional dishes—from fresh seafood paella to cured ham—create memories that linger long after the trip ends.
United States
The United States stretches across diverse landscapes and cultures, offering something for every type of traveler. From the skyscrapers of New York to the waves of California, the country invites exploration on every level. In the west, national parks provide epic hikes and awe-inspiring views. In the south, music flows through cities where blues, jazz, and country shaped entire generations. The east blends colonial history with modern energy. Visitors ride scenic byways, experience urban nightlife, and enjoy everything from food trucks to fine dining. Whether it’s nature, culture, or entertainment, the U.S. delivers variety in every direction.
Italy
Italy moves to a rhythm all its own. Travelers walk among ancient ruins in Rome, float along Venetian canals, and gaze at Tuscan hillsides lined with vineyards. Florence brims with artistic wonders, while Milan brings sharp style and fast-paced energy. In the countryside, locals share handmade pasta and bold wines in family-run trattorias. On the coast, Amalfi’s cliffs and Sicily’s beaches beckon sunseekers. Italy blends beauty, tradition, and joy into every corner. Its villages, cities, and mountains speak a language of passion that visitors carry home with them.
Turkey
Turkey bridges continents and centuries with its stunning mix of culture and geography. In Istanbul, historic mosques and bustling bazaars sit alongside modern skylines. Visitors cross from Europe to Asia in minutes and explore ancient sites like Ephesus and Troy. In Cappadocia, hot air balloons rise above stone chimneys at dawn. Along the coast, turquoise waters lap at beaches in Bodrum and Antalya. Travelers relax in traditional hammams, sample rich kebabs, and sip strong tea while watching the world pass by. Turkey greets each visitor with warmth, flavor, and wonder.
Mexico
Mexico surrounds travelers with texture, tradition, and life. Its pyramids and temples offer a glimpse into civilizations long gone, while colorful towns showcase colonial artistry. The Yucatán Peninsula invites swimmers to turquoise cenotes, and the Pacific coast draws surfers and sunbathers. Mexico City delivers both heritage and innovation, while Oaxaca and Chiapas offer local culture in its most vibrant form. Street vendors serve sizzling tacos, hand-pressed tortillas, and smoky mezcal. Across every region, hospitality welcomes guests into a story that feels personal and powerful.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong impresses with a skyline that rises above a sea of tradition. Ferries glide across Victoria Harbour, while trails wind through green hills and along quiet beaches. Markets buzz in Mong Kok, and temples exude calm in neighborhoods just minutes from luxury towers. Travelers sample dim sum in bustling teahouses, explore museums, and shop in districts where new trends emerge daily. Beyond the city, nature calls with hiking paths and peaceful islands. Hong Kong delivers fast-paced excitement and hidden serenity—all in one.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom invites travelers into a world where past and present intertwine. In London, iconic landmarks blend with diverse neighborhoods and cutting-edge galleries. Beyond the capital, the countryside rolls through England, Wales, and Scotland in shades of green and stone. Castles rise above cliffs, while quiet towns tell stories of poets and warriors. Northern Ireland offers striking landscapes like Giant’s Causeway, while the Lake District and Highlands lure hikers with raw beauty. Afternoon tea, pub meals, and rain-swept adventures all form part of the journey.
Greece
Greece draws travelers with sun, sea, and story. In Athens, ruins tower over a city alive with music and food. Islands like Santorini glow at sunset, while Crete offers wild mountains and deep myths. The monasteries of Meteora balance atop stone spires, and beaches stretch across the Ionian and Aegean seas. Travelers dine under grapevines, stroll along cliffside paths, and dive into waters that shimmer blue. Greece invites visitors to experience time slowly—surrounded by history, joy, and Mediterranean light.
Japan
Japan blends ancient rituals with futuristic wonder. In Tokyo, bright towers meet tranquil gardens. Kyoto provides peace through bamboo forests and centuries-old temples. Bullet trains race past blooming cherry trees and snow-capped peaks. Travelers soak in natural hot springs, watch the dance of cranes, and explore towns where craftsmanship still thrives. Each meal, shrine, and street corner tells a story of detail and respect. Whether scaling Mount Fuji or shopping in neon-lit districts, visitors find beauty in balance—and in contrast.
France, Spain, the U.S., Italy, and other top destinations continue to draw millions due to their unmatched cultural appeal, iconic landmarks, and world-class tourism experiences—cementing their place as the most admired and frequently revisited countries on the planet.
Editor’s Note: this is the post that disappeared from my drafts that I thought was gone forever!! This should have been published back in the Shenandoahs. Consider it a retrospective that highlights Fail’s incredible generosity and friendship on this trail.
He was a good hiker and will be missed.
(He’s not really dead, he’s just off the trail now. Sad day for us all.)
—
Imagine this: you’re hiking with your friend in the woods. You’re dead tired because you’re rounding out a 15 mile day after hiking until midnight the night before, but at least you’ll make it to town in time for a nice meal and a beer at a local restaurant before getting picked up to be taken to the most luxurious place you been to in quite some time. Tonight, you won’t be sleeping in a hostel with a dozen or more other hikers. No, tonight, you’ll be sleeping in the quiet and air-conditioned, privately owned, personally cared for and known, beautifully manicured… Friend’s house!
We have finally made it. Fail’s loving wife’s parents live a short drive away from trail, and we are finally in that driving distance. We have been invited (with the exclusive perks of being friends with Fail) to enjoy the Good Life off trail for a few days, and for at least the moment, Cheese and I are able to take them up on the offer.
While Cheese and I were indeed dead tired from the most monotonous and arduous day of hiking yet (are we getting bored of hiking every day in the green tunnel of Virginia yet? Maybe!), we were happy to see Fail and his wife as they pulled up in Fail’s in-laws’ van. Fail has been recovering from the Noro that hit him hard a few weeks ago, and to catch up to us he’s been utilizing all the support he can get to make bigger miles days without hurting himself. This involves some light slack packing at staying at his in-laws to recoup when he can. As such, he’s been trying to get the tramily to visit the in-laws’ place for weeks now to partake in the wonders of showers and beds and AC.
It was sad that this particular opportunity wouldn’t be a place the whole tramily would get to experience together. Stoker has finally jumped up to New Hampshire, Gaslight is two days ahead of us pushing long days to make it to the next town North to meet up with his partner, and Roadhog is 100 miles behind from his week off last month. For now, it would be me, Mr Cheese, and Fail – still a good group, and I was still happy to be going to a comfortable house for a day or two while I could, but I was definitely feeling sad that the long awaited In-Laws’ House Fail had been hyping up wouldn’t be the tramily get together that we had planned for.
So, Cheese and I finished our beers at the restaurant, settled up the bill, and gathered ourselves for dinner number two at the in laws as Becky and Fail pulled up in the van. Becky leaned out of the driver’s side window, smiling and waving coyly, asking us to put our packs in the trunk. No problem, packs in the trunk is standard operating procedure for shuttles – but this van was special. With a press of a button, the van trunk started opening automatically, and we heard music playing.
Was that… John Cena’s theme music?
There in the trunk, someone I hadn’t seen for weeks and thought I wouldn’t see for weeks more yet, (which feels like forever on the trail)…
ROADHOG !!!!
I screamed. I was absolutely floored, elated, and a bit tipsy from the beer I’d had earlier, and I 100% screamed like Lucille Bluth discovering Gene Parmesan in disguise (Arrested Development references, anyone? Anyone?).
I hope readers of the blog will understand two things here from my previous posts: on the trail, the people you meet become like family very quickly, and the time is so concentrated that a week spent with someone on trail can mean you’re bonded for life. I have written some of my thoughts about tramily in the past, and have struggled with the concept and questioned the importance before I had found “my people”. As of now, I am a firm believer that tramily is a hugely important factor to both enjoying your hike and completing it. Roadhog is someone that I have only hiked with a couple of times, but those times were highly impactful, and the rest of the tramily has kept up with him and we all keep talking about him being a part of our group even if we haven’t seen him in weeks. With how much ground there is between him and us, it is hard to say if we will hike with him again before we reach the Northeast, but we’ve all talked about holing up to work at a hostel in Harper’s Ferry to let him catch up, and we have all tried our hand at convincing him to skip miles to be with us again sooner. To see him again here, in the trunk of a van on the way to the In-Laws’… Of course I screamed. It was the best surprise I could never have asked for. I believe Cheese was too stunned to scream, and just isn’t the type anyway, but he was just as blown away and excited to see Roadhog as I was.
Of course, Fail was recording the whole exchange from the front seat of the van, and caught my scream on camera. I think it’s a scream best kept in the tramily, however, and won’t be sharing it here. I’ll let you imagine the most excited and silly reaction someone could have with their friend surprising them with another friend in the trunk of a car.
Suffice to say, my mood had turned around pretty quick from tired, drained, and exhausted from the day’s hike, to pure excitement and joy. We finally piled into the van and started heading to the In-Laws’, and I immediately texted Gaslight to tell him that we had won. We had Roadhog in the car, and we were about to have the best zero ever, and he wasn’t going to be there because he had a town to catch. Aw man, I made myself sad again. It was a beautiful thing to see Roadhog so unexpectedly, but Gaslight wasn’t here to enjoy the little reunion (Roadhog is his favorite person), and Stoker wouldn’t be joining either. I missed my absent friends and felt like they should be here to enjoy this with us.
The In-Laws
Now, imagine the house of your friend’s retired parents, who have lived full lives as an engineer and a physicist, who “have it made”. The house is immaculate, in a brand new neighborhood in the hills of Virginia, with a yard and two cats and two dogs (Fail and Becky’s dogs). And since the grandkids live nearby and visit often, Grandma (the engineer) built bunk beds for them, which double as bunk beds for freshly showered thru-hikers. Now imagine that this matriarch is also a great cook, not to mention that she’s the kindest, most generous host you’ve experienced in months even while you’ve been surrounded by some of the most kind and generous angels along the trail.
Now imagine that you were once a student of physics and engineering and maintain a love of learning and a huge respect for people who build the things they need themselves, and you also love a good library. Imagine being welcomed into a home full of expert craftsmanship and books on physics and philosophy, and two wonderful people who will talk about their passions and their life stories with you as long as you like. I think I personally died and went to heaven. At least, I did a happy dance when I saw Becky’s dad’s shelves of physics books and her mom’s workshop.
(If my phone’s camera wasn’t broken, I would have a lot more pictures from the last few weeks, but alas, the trail giveth and the trail taketh away. Not a lot of pictures to share here.)
The first night at the In-Laws’ was uneventful – we simply had the best food and best beds we had had access to in weeks, surrounded with our friends (except Stoker and Gaslight). We watched a movie together, laughed, and caught up about our time on the trail that we had been separated.
The next morning, after an absolutely delightful breakfast – I had 6 pancakes, 5 slices of bacon, and 2 bowls of homemade yogurt – so a light meal, Becky had to run an errand. We all joked about how we missed her whenever she left us, and un-jokingly stated that she’s absolutely a part of our tramily. I knew that just sitting around the house would be too much of doing nothing for me after such an amazing meal, so I offered to walk the dogs with Becky’s mom after cleaning up the kitchen. Soon enough, Becky returned, and I was diverted from my dog walk as we were all corralled downstairs. Naturally, I thought that we would be taking a group photo while we were all together to send to Gaslight to make him jealous – the most obvious conclusion I think I could have come to. Of course I didn’t notice Fail filming us all with his phone again as Becky opened the curtain to the patio to reveal….
GASLIGHT !!!!
I screamed again! Less screaming this time, since I hadn’t had any beer with my breakfast and was stone cold sober, but once again I found myself with the best surprise ever of an unexpected friend. I had been duped! I had texted Gaslight the night before about how he should get picked up and brought to the house for just one night to hang out and see his good friend Roadhog again, and he had given a number of excuses for why he couldn’t. Why do I keep trusting everything this guy named Gaslight says?? Well, good thing I didn’t question it, because the surprise was worth the initial disappointment.
We were assured that Stoker wouldn’t be the next surprise, that this was everyone, and that we could finally relax all together.
Right after Sunshine showed up later in the morning!
She tried to surprise me after hearing about the first two, but I had finally caught on, and while I didn’t scream when I saw her, I did give her a big hug. We were all so happy to be in one place together (except for Stoker, who I tortured with pictures of all of us together without her), and spent the day playing video games, watching more movies, and eating lots of food.
At some point, Cheese, Fail, and I went to Costco to resupply, which was a terrible idea financially, but it was fun to go to a Costco again after so many shopping trips at grocery stores like Ingles, Food Lion, Food City, etc. We obviously bought way too much food, and said that the excess would be used for trail magic for other hikers when Becky took us back to trail.
This wouldn’t be the last we saw of the in-laws, since Fail was still behind us and using all his resources to slow us down while he hiked to catch up. We will be forever grateful to Fail, Becky, and Becky’s mom for the hospitality and generosity that brought us all together for a night. Watching movies and sitting on the couch with your friends is sometimes better than hiking all day every day, as it turns out.
Sun, Surf, and Sandstone: Day 8 on Portugal’s Fisherman’s Trail
Hiking from Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo
Distance: 16 km
Trail Section: Carrapateira → Vila do Bispo
Conditions: 10/10. Pure sunshine. No wind. Zero rain. Coastal magic from start to finish.
If you’re planning to hike the Fisherman’s Trail from Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo, this post breaks down exactly what to expect—trail conditions, elevation changes, must-see scenery, and personal reflections from my day on this stunning section of Portugal’s Rota Vicentina.
Coastal magic in full bloom. The Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo section might be my favorite yet—flowers, cliffs, and ocean views that stopped me in my tracks.
1. Starting the Fisherman’s Trail from Carrapateira: Slow Mornings and Agave Fields
After a restful night in our cozy apartment together in Carrapateira, we had the slowest, dreamiest morning. We started off with some coffee from the local cafe and we didn’t leave the house until nearly 11 a.m., which felt like such a treat. We wandered into town to stock up on trail snacks—grabbing breakfast pastries, ingredients for lunch, and even some Brazilian artisanal chocolate!
As we set off, we passed fields of towering agaves—seriously, these things were massive. We noticed that their tall flower stalks looked a bit like asparagus… and after a quick Google, we found out they’re actually in the same plant family. Nature is full of surprises.
BTW – if you missed my blog from yesterday on the Fisherman’s Trail, I’d recommend checking it out!
Stocked up for the trail at this little mini mercado in Carrapateira. Pastries and chocolate made for a sweet start to the day.
These agaves were giant. And fun fact—those tall stalks? They’re actually from the same plant family as asparagus!
Elevation, Finally!
For the first time on this trail, it actually felt like a proper hike. Today had significantly more elevation gain than the earlier days, which have been mostly flat. We hiked down into valleys, up steep cliffs, and navigated rockier terrain that gave the whole day a more adventurous feel.
It still wasn’t overly strenuous—very accessible and rewarding—but it was satisfying to feel my legs working a little harder. The views made every step worth it.
Down we go—finally some real elevation on the Fisherman’s Trail! The climbs were worth it for views like this.
Coastal Cliffs, Beaches, and Full-Circle Moments
The landscape today was unreal! Even after a week of hiking on the Fisherman’s Trail, I’m just blown away by the varied scenery. We followed the coastline for most of the day, stopping often to soak it all in. The cliffs were red sandstone, glowing against the bright green vegetation and dotted with wildflowers. Below, the beaches looked like they had been painted—soft sand, turquoise waves, and long stretches where surfers and swimmers danced with the ocean.
At one point, we passed a beach that stopped me in my tracks. I realized I had been here before—seven years ago, on a yoga and surf retreat in Sagres. It was the exact beach where I learned to surf. A full-circle moment I didn’t see coming.
A full-circle moment—walking past the beach where I learned to surf seven years ago. This coastline just keeps getting better.
Climbing up the trail and looking down at the beach life below—surfers riding waves, swimmers splashing in the sea. Pure coastal joy.
A Cliffside Cave and Wild Gooseneck Barnacles
Later in the day, we discovered a small cave tucked into the cliffs. Orion, Sandra, and Oliver coaxed me to explore it, and even though my claustrophobia kicked in, I followed—with a little encouragement.
Inside, the waves crashed in below us, and to my absolute delight, I spotted wild gooseneck barnacles clinging to the rocks. Percebes, as they’re known here in Portugal. These weird little delicacies are not only delicious but also dangerous to harvest—they grow in wave-pounded crevices, and only a handful of people are trained (and brave enough) to collect them. Seeing them in the wild gave me a whole new appreciation for the dish.
We spotted these wild on trail today. Percebes (gooseneck barnacles) are a Portuguese delicacy, and seeing them in the wild gave me a whole new appreciation for this unique dish.
A Pack I Actually Love
Side note: I’ve been loving carrying a lighter load this week. My Gossamer Gear G4-20 has been the dream pack for a trip like this—super comfortable, just the right amount of space, and refreshingly simple. I’ve felt so much freer and lighter on trail, especially with all the elevation changes today. Highly recommend for anyone looking to hike with less bulk and more ease.
Lighter pack = happier hiker. The Gossamer Gear G4-20 has been a total win for this trip—simple, comfy, and exactly what I needed.
Arrival in Vila do Bispo
We arrived at our Airbnb in Vila do Bispo around 6 p.m. Sandra and Oliver stayed just outside the village, so it was just Orion and me for dinner. We grabbed burgers in town and absolutely devoured them. I’ve officially entered full-on hiker hunger mode. I packed out a bag of chips and they disappeared in about 10 minutes.
I can feel the shift: my body’s adjusting, craving more fuel, and settling into trail rhythm.
Made it to Vila do Bispo, a cute little village where hiker hunger kicked in hard. Burgers, fries, and full-on trail bliss.
Today’s Vibe: Stillness, Sun, and Simplicity
This day had everything—quiet cliffs, vibrant colors, a little physical challenge, good company, and wild beauty. Each stretch of the trail has its own personality, and today’s felt warm and soft, like a deep exhale.
We moved slowly, paused often, and fully soaked up the moment.
Every day out here feels different. The landscapes shift so much—red sand dunes, crazy rock formations, wide-open beaches. And today? Today was everything I could have hoped for. Sunshine, sea air, slow joy, and a full heart.
Big smiles, full hearts, salty air. This day had everything—sunshine, stillness, and sweet, slow joy
3 Things I’ll Remember from Day 8:
-
Seeing wild percebes in their natural habitat (and how intense it would be to harvest them).
-
That full-circle moment at the surf beach where I first learned to surf.
-
Real elevation change! Hiking down, hiking up—it finally felt like a trail with some bite.
See you tomorrow for Day 9 on the Fisherman’s Trail—from Vila do Bispo to Cabo de São Vicente!
(Sharing more photos below, because today was just too amazing not to share with you!
This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek’s ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!
To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.
-
Brand Stories2 weeks agoBloom Hotels: A Modern Vision of Hospitality Redefining Travel
-
Brand Stories2 weeks agoCheQin.ai sets a new standard for hotel booking with its AI capabilities: empowering travellers to bargain, choose the best, and book with clarity.
-
Destinations & Things To Do3 weeks agoUntouched Destinations: Stunning Hidden Gems You Must Visit
-
Destinations & Things To Do2 weeks agoThis Hidden Beach in India Glows at Night-But Only in One Secret Season
-
AI in Travel3 weeks agoAI Travel Revolution: Must-Have Guide to the Best Experience
-
Brand Stories1 month agoVoice AI Startup ElevenLabs Plans to Add Hubs Around the World
-
Brand Stories4 weeks agoHow Elon Musk’s rogue Grok chatbot became a cautionary AI tale
-
Brand Stories2 weeks agoContactless Hospitality: Why Remote Management Technology Is Key to Seamless Guest Experiences
-
Asia Travel Pulse1 month agoLooking For Adventure In Asia? Here Are 7 Epic Destinations You Need To Experience At Least Once – Zee News
-
AI in Travel1 month ago‘Will AI take my job?’ A trip to a Beijing fortune-telling bar to see what lies ahead | China
You must be logged in to post a comment Login