As travellers seek adventure without compromising on comfort, flashpacking is putting a luxurious spin on the backpacking spirit – hiking by day, glamping or checking into boutique hotels by night and embracing freedom without sacrificing style, wellness or a great night’s sleep. From the brand new White Elephant Aspen offering a luxurious escape after a long alpine hike, to glamping sites in close proximity to the natural wonders of Yosemite National Park and Acadia National Park, here are nine destinations for flashpackers seeking memorable adventures with a touch of indulgence.
NEW | 211 miles of trails and endless luxury in Aspen and Snowmass Village, Colorado
For those interested in hiking and embracing the backpacking lifestyle without compromising on comfort, head to Aspen and Snowmass Village for your next flashpacking escape. Stay at the town’s most recent luxury opening, White Elephant Aspen, conveniently located in the heart of Aspen with easy access to the destination’s 211 miles of hiking trails, offering endless options for day hikes through wildflower meadows, rushing streams and towering aspen groves. Among the many trails to choose from, the 3.98-mile Rim Trail South rewards hikers with sweeping 360-degree views of mountains and valleys, while the 5.3-mile Cathedral Lake Trail climbs from the historic Ashcroft ghost town to a pristine alpine lake, with spectacular viewpoints overlooking the iconic Maroon Bells along the way. aspenchamber.org / gosnowmass.com
Glamping at its finest, Under Canvas, Yosemite Tuolumne County
Set in a serene, mountainside forest surrounded by mature, Yosemite-native trees and just 10 minutes from the west entrance of Yosemite National Park at Big Oak Flat Information Station, Under Canvas’ idyllic, 80-acre camp is within close proximity to natural attractions including Hetch Hetchy Reservoir and Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias. The glamping style accommodations include private bathrooms and living areas, and USB battery packs for charging devices. Guests can also enjoy on site dining, an experience coordinator for booking activities, and camp programming that includes live music and morning yoga. Tents starting from £260 per night. visittuolumne.com
Pedal, hike, soak and sip through Balaton, Budapest and Tokaj, Hungary
From vibrant city streets to vineyard-covered hills and lakeside adventures, Hungary is ideal for flashpackers looking to combine authentic experiences with stylish stays. Start in Budapest, exploring the city’s ruin bars, thermal baths and the newly reopened Citadel on Gellért Hill before heading out on two wheels along sections of the expanding EuroVelo 6 cycling route that follows the Danube. Continue to Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake, where hiking trails, sailing excursions and wine tastings offer a slower pace. Rest your head in design-led hotels such as the newly opened Birgés Hotel in Balatonfüred, or unwind among the vineyards in one of the boutique guesthouses of the Tokaj wine region. visithungary.com
Waterfront Luxury and the Wilds of Maine
Maine’s mix of coastline and national park wilderness makes it perfect for flashpackers seeking scenic hikes and unique stays. Head to Acadia National Park, the ‘crown jewel of the North Atlantic coast’, featuring rugged headlands, water views and 47,000 acres of wilderness. Check into Under Canvas Acadia, to connect with nature on its 1,200 feet of shoreline and evening campfires under the stars. Summit Cadillac Mountain for the first US sunrise before exploring Acadia’s 158 miles of hiking trails. For a touch of luxury, unwind in nearby Bar Harbor at the historic Bar Harbor Inn & Spa, known for iconic waterfront views and fine dining. visitmaine.com
Luxury Meets Wilderness on the Yosemite Mariposa County Flashpacking Trail
95% of Yosemite is designated wilderness, making it ideal for finding solitude whilst wandering the iconic landscape. Flashpack your way from Mariposa, wandering historic Gold Rush streets, before hiking through wildflowers at Hite Cove, then being rewarded with the scenic Tunnel View and Half Dome vistas. Just outside Mariposa, begin at glampsite, Wildhaven, stay in a quintessentially American airstream at Autocamp Yosemite, Midpines, where you can gaze at the beauty of Bridalveil Falls and enjoy local Sierra Cider tastings. End your stay at a luxury, century-old national park hotel, dining with views of Yosemite Falls, The Ahwahnee Hotel. yosemite.com
A flashpackers guide to The Islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia
For travellers embracing the rise of flashpacking, The Islands of Tahiti offer the ideal blend of adventure and indulgence. Rather than staying in one destination, visitors can island-hop across the archipelago, mixing charming Tahitian guesthouses and locally owned ‘pensions’ with unforgettable experiences such as hiking through Moorea’s lush interior, diving in Rangiroa’s world-renowned lagoon or exploring Taha’a’s fragrant vanilla plantations. Flexible multi-island air passes from Air Tahiti make it easier than ever to explore multiple islands in a single trip, allowing travellers to build their own bespoke South Pacific adventure. tahititourisme.uk/
Blend coastal serenity with adventure in ISESHIMA, Kii Peninsula, Japan
Located just under two hours from Osaka on the Kintetsu railway, ISESHIMA in Mie Prefecture is perfect for flashpackers looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in the Japanese countryside. Designated entirely as the Ise Shima National Park, the region is home to a variety of cultural, nature and wellness experiences. Pay a visit to Ise Jingu, Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine or head to Satoumi-an for an experience with the Ama, Japan’s legendary female pearl divers. Book a stay at the luxurious ISESHIMA Base for a relaxed and tranquil private glamping experience. Alternatively, those looking for a bit of indulgence can check out COVA KAKUDA where each private villa overlooks the calm waters of the Ago Bay. Be sure to take advantage of Japan’s luggage forwarding service and travel bag free around the region. iseshima-kanko.jp/en | visit-kii.com
From Mountain Trails to Infinity Pools, Méribel, France
For hikers who like their wilderness with a side of luxury, Refuge de la Traye offers one of the Alps’ most rewarding overnight stops. Perched high above Méribel in the heart of the Three Valleys, this secluded retreat blends the charm of a traditional mountain refuge with boutique comforts. After a day exploring alpine trails and panoramic peaks, guests can unwind in the outdoor infinity pool, soak in the mountain-view sauna, and enjoy restorative wellness treatments. Combining adventure, wellness and alpine elegance, it’s an ideal retreat for travellers embracing the flashpacking trend. Refuge de la Traye starts from £537 per night. Meribel-tourism
The Wild West, Alpine Trails and Boutique Luxury, Colorado
Hidden within a dramatic box canyon and surrounded by soaring peaks and wildflower-filled valleys, Telluride is one of Colorado’s most spectacular mountain towns. Once a thriving Victorian mining settlement, the town still retains much of its Western heritage, with historic storefronts and beautifully preserved architecture lining its streets. After exploring trails to Bridal Veil Falls or Bear Creek, hikers can retreat to Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, where mountain-view suites, a luxury spa and a heated outdoor pool provide the perfect recovery. Rooms at Madeline Hotel & Residences start from £360 per night. colorado.com