YOU'RE finally on holiday. You've arrived at your destination, unpacked your bags, worked out where the pool is and now you're ready to explore.
Walking is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to get to know a new town, beachside village or natural environment. It helps you understand how places connect, say hi to new people and uncover local secrets that could be easily missed by car. It's also a great way to stay fit and healthy while on holiday.
Many cities and towns will have walking guides available to help you explore - when you arrive, head straight to the tourist information centre and ask for their walking maps.
If you want to take your walk beyond a stroll, Tourism Australia has some great tips on fantastic walks across the country.
Another way to keep walking while travelling is to be part of Heart Foundation Walking (http://walking.heartfoundation.org.au/ ), Australia's largest free walking network.
Once you're a member of a walking group in your own home town, you can also connect to walking groups in other areas - walkers are a friendly bunch, and meeting up with a Heart Foundation Walking group is a great way to get insider knowledge of a new place.
Join the movement
To be part of Heart Foundation Walking, find your local group by visiting the Heart Foundation website (http://walking.heartfoundation.org.au/ ) and entering your postcode.
Once you find a group near you, complete the registration form and contact the group's walk organiser to let them know you will be joining the walk.
Heart Foundation Walking is a great way to introduce physical activity into your life. Walking with a group of people provides motivation to keep going every week. Even better, joining a local walking group might even help you be a tourist in your own town and discover new places by foot.
If you're travelling within Australia, you can make contact with another Heart Foundation Walking group by finding them on our website or calling 13 11 12.
If you're visiting a particularly hot destination, joining a shopping centre walking group might be a good option - you can fit in a 'mall walk' in between a shopping trip or visit to the beach.
- Start travelling by foot today and visit the Heart Foundation Walking website or phone 13 11 12.
Heart Foundation Walking is proudly funded by the Queensland Government.