Planning and embarking upon travel in 2021 is, well, a little different! It may have been a while for some, and it may have been a challenge just to get there for others (read more advice on planning), but these moments are what it is all about.

Top things to remember are to book ahead (for every meal, any attractions you wish to visit), to pack the new gear-list essentials (masks, hand sanitizer), and to do your research (what documents you need, the rules where you are going).

But beyond that, the experience is still so enriching. Moments matter when it comes to travel. Sometimes it is a summit, sometimes it is a sea view, sometimes it is the start, sometimes it is the end, sometimes it is just something that made you pause for a moment to acknowledge, appreciate, and enjoy.

Thank you to everyone in our community who has shared their photos as part of the #MacsMoment contest, or left a review online.

Speaking of summits...

You've put in the effort to get there, and the sense of accomplishment is a joy every time. It doesn't matter if it's a mountain, a rocky outcrop, or a gentle farmland or forest uphill stroll. Stop to absorb the views and appreciate the achievement.

Thanks to Ian and friends, returning to the Coast to Coast after 2 years, having missed the Lake District views the first time (thank you, British weather!), the long-awaited views from the summit of High Raise did not disappoint.

Celeste - the views over Lake Tahoe

Re-fuel!

Food and drink is surely one of the best things about any trip! Not only can it be a great insight into local culture through the fresh produce, the specialities, or even the little eating and drinking rituals; but it is also just wonderful to have meals and drinks prepared and served for you! Savour every meal, from the hearty hotel breakfast to the post-trail libations (especially after a day on a walking or biking trail).

Thanks to Debbie for this #MacsMoment on the Tour du Mont Blanc. What a backdrop! 

Svetlana shared this moment of bliss after a day walking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path

The Sunshine and the Rain

As the famous axiom goes, there's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing.

The West Highland Way can deliver perfect blue skies and sunshine (thanks JD for the photo)...

...and the sun may not always shine in the Cotswolds, but the smiles do! (Thank you Mike for this moment)

Beginnings and ends

There's the sense of anticipation at the start, but the conclusion can be just as wonderful. If you've completed a tough trail, the momentary feeling of "phew, glad that's over" is often quite quickly replaced by "let's do that again!".

Giorgia ready to embark from St Bees on the Coast to Coast, England

Thanks to Annie for this photo, after completing the West Highland Way

Travel tales

It may have been a while since you have been able to travel, but these August 2021 reviews and tales show that the experience is just as enriching as ever.

Camino de Santiago - "Little Haleion", Utah

"I have travelled the Camino three times. It began as a way to connect with a family member and has turned into an annual pilgrimage, each year different mix of pilgrims."

Hadrian's Wall Path - (Anonymous), Buckinghamshire

"Having recently retired and been locked up like everyone else this was a chance to get out and do something different, something a bit challenging. The experience was everything we wanted it to be. The middle section of the wall is spectacularly beautiful as the wall follows a roller coaster ride across the countryside. This section was challenging to walk but provided a great sense of achievement when complete."

Walking the Cotswolds - Ryan, London

"Really fantastic adventure. We booked this as a family and had an absolutely amazing time. We have just arrived home and wish that we could do it all over again."

Walking the Alsace Wine Route - "Mother/daughter"

"My daughter and I wanted to enjoy a mother/daughter experience where we could be active hiking, feel safe while exploring, and enjoy seeing new places. The trip accomplished all of those things. The villages we visited and stayed in were gorgeous. The hiking from village-to-village was beautiful and not overly taxing. The accommodations were lovely. My daughter and I hiked to many different castles over the few days and enjoyed each one. I would absolutely recommend this trip!"

The Dingle Way, Ireland - Kelly, Washington

"Great trip... All the accommodations were great. Alternative transportation was available if you didn't feel like hiking or didn't want to hike that far. We did this trip in August 2021 and had to follow all of Covid rules exactly. Vaccine status was checked at all restaurants and pubs. Make sure you do your homework."

And finally, a few more great moments...

Thanks to Ann, walking the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland.

Al's selfie with Hadrian's Wall

Carolyn - 8 women walking and talking on Hadrian's Wall Path

All of these photos and memories are curated from 2021 adventures. To find out more about available experiences and independent adventures, contact the team on hello@macsadventure.com.