July 2026
Rise of the runcation: Active tourism searches soar as travellers swap sun loungers for trail shoes
Chief adventurer of CamperDays, Max Schmidt, shares his guide to the latest travel trend and the best spots for a late summer/autumn runcation
With searches for active tourism on the rise, it’s clear that modern travellers expect more than the traditional fly and flop and are instead looking for travel that satisfies a craving for adventure with runcations (running holidays) coming out top.
Max Schmidt, CEO and Chief Adventurer of CamperDays, Europe’s leading campervan and motorhome tour operator, says: “Over the last month searches for active tourism have increased 5,000% vs the preceding month and the same period last year, with searches for trail running particularly strong (up 20% vs the same period last year).*
“Despite the name, active tourism is primarily associated with time in nature and exploring local surrounds without the need for public transport. It allows you to experience destinations on a much more visceral level as opposed to simply driving through a town or stopping at popular tourist spots.
“And, if you think a runcation means pounding the trails from morning until night, think again. For the uninitiated - far from requiring professional levels of athleticism - a basic level of fitness is, in many cases, all that’s required. In fact, stopping for photographs, coffee and snack breaks, to catch your breath or even for a chat with those you’re with is all part of the experience.
"A campervan trip lends itself particularly well to this style of travel. Simply park up, lace up your shoes and head out to explore for the day. Come evening, there's no need to head into the nearest town to search for a hotel or restaurant. Instead, you can return to your own hotel on wheels, put your feet up, cook dinner and enjoy a glass of wine surrounded by nature."
Below, Max shares his top spots for late summer/autumn runcations in Europe:
Chamonix, France
Arguably home to Europe's most iconic trail running routes, Chamonix offers everything from gentle valley paths to alpine terrain that will challenge even the strongest technical runners. With an extensive network of marked trails and spectacular scenery, it's a bucket-list destination for hikers and runners of all abilities.
The Dolomites, Italy
With dramatic limestone peaks and alpine meadows, the Dolomites combine unforgettable scenery with an extensive trail network. Routes range from accessible valley runs to more technical mountain adventures.
Trail running here comes with the bonus of Italy’s Rifugio culture - think alpine huts serving delicious home-cooked meals, drinks and a place to recharge with stunning views, scattered across the trails. The network of Rifugios ensure you’re able to travel light when you head out each morning, safe in the knowledge that there will be plenty of places to stop for refreshments.
The Black Forest, Germany
Known for its dense woodland, rolling hills and picturesque villages, the Black Forest offers hundreds of kilometres of well-maintained trails. Runners can enjoy peaceful forest routes, panoramic viewpoints and traditional cafés. What could be better post-run than a slice of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cake)?
Madeira, Portugal
Often referred to as the "Hawaii of Europe", Madeira has become one of Europe’s premier trail running destinations. Its network of levada paths (trails that run alongside a style of aqueduct specific to the region), dramatic cliffs, lush forests and mild climate make it ideal for runners looking to challenge themselves against a backdrop of spectacular coastal scenery.
Mallorca, Spain
Stretching along Mallorca's northwest coast, the UNESCO-listed Sierra de Tramuntana offers an exceptional mix of mountain trails, ancient stone paths and breathtaking Mediterranean views. With something for everyone, runners can enjoy tackling everything from gentle coastal routes to more demanding climbs, before cooling off with a dip in the sea or enjoying some well-earned local cuisine.
*Google Trends search data, correct as at 07 July 2026
About CamperDays
Launched in Germany in 2013, CamperDays is Europe’s leading camper tour operator, working with 150 partners in over 1,000 locations globally.
CamperDays facilitates access to over 40,000 vehicles available for rent worldwide, including in the UK, Europe, Australia, USA, Canada and South Africa. The platform allows customers to choose from a selection of trusted providers globally via an easy three step booking process, with rentals available from just £70 per day.
Since it was launched, CamperDays customers have booked over 1,000,000 nights in vehicles rented through the site. CamperDays provides access to a broad selection of campervans and motorhomes catering to every type of traveller, with transparent pricing and no hidden costs. All vehicles come with insurance, with excess, as standard, to allow renters a truly carefree holiday.