However, while traditional team building activities have their place, companies are looking for different approaches to achieve this, and walking holidays are quickly becoming a favourite. Here’s why.

What is a walking holiday?


A walking holiday is essentially a holiday that includes no mode of transport other than walking. It is a way to explore a country, or in some case multiple countries, only by foot. There are many different walking routes, varying from a few days to multiple weeks, offering all the necessary services along the way, such as accommodation and cafés.

One of the most famous walking holiday experiences is Camino de Santiago - an ancient network of pilgrimage routes, which start in different points of Europe and lead to the historical town of Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims that complete one of these routes receive their Compostela certificate.

The walking routes can vary in their length and difficulty. For example, Camino Frances is one of the oldest and by far the most popular route from this network. It spans about 750 kilometres and takes over a month to complete. However, many travellers choose to complete a shorter section of this route, such as Camino de Santiago from Sarria, which only takes 7 days. Regardless of the chosen route, the experience of a walking holiday is similar.


The benefits of walking holidays for team building


The reasons why walking holidays are increasingly popular amongst holiday-makers are the same reasons why they can be beneficial as a team building experience. Here are some of the main ones:


Improved communication

Walking holidays are all about leaving your day-to-day worries behind and simply walking side-by-side for multiple days on end. This naturally encourages communication between the participants, which will likely go from work-related topics to personal interests. As such, walking holidays can increase the bond between people and build stronger connections.


Shared challenges

Long-distance walking can be a challenging experience. Overcoming these obstacles as a team, whether it’s the physical challenges or unexpected issues, can create a sense of unity amongst the employees. They will leave the holiday having achieved something meaningful together and with memories for life.


Leadership development

Walking holidays provide opportunities for leadership growth. They allow the natural leaders to stand out and showcase their skills in the most simple of tasks, such as guiding everyone or organising a group dinner. It’s a great way to spot the potential in your employees, which might not always be apparent in the everyday work environment.


Stress reduction

Physical activity, digital detox, and time spent in nature can significantly reduce stress in all of us. So, while it can be a great team building activity, walking holidays are also a change to show your gratitude to your staff and allow them to relax. Besides, they will likely come back from it with newly gained productivity and motivation!


Planning a team walking holiday


If you are looking to organise a group walking holiday for your team, Orbis Ways can help. It is one of the leading Camino de Santiago agencies, which organises personalised experiences based on your needs. Orbis Ways will plan the route, book accommodation, organise flight arrangements, and manage any other logistics for you. Whether you want a route abroad or locally in Portugal, booking through an agency is by far the easiest way to go.


Conclusion


All businesses know how beneficial team building activities can be. Investing in a walking holiday experience for your employees will not only make your team stronger, but also enhance their overall loyalty and satisfaction.