According to a recent report, Britain is the third fattest nation on earth, after the US and Mexico. More troubling still is the fact that Britain is actually growing fatter faster than the two world leaders. A full quarter of her residents are overweight and nearly a third of Brits are obese.

Fortunately, a growing number of residents have decided to do something about it, on their holidays no less. We are speaking of course about Walking and cycling in Spain. Over the past two years, these calorie-burning holidays have grown in popularity by nearly thirty percent.

Why are they so popular? For starters, they are relatively inexpensive, which is a definite plus in the wake of the recession. They also offer tourists a vacation unlike any other that they have ever experienced. And that is what these tours are, an experience. Guests are taken off the beaten path to see another side of a place they only thought they knew.

Other than the destination, the most important decision tourists must make is whether they want to take a guided or independent tour. If you are new to cycling or hiking, we strongly suggest that you hire a guide. Guides will not only take you to some out of the way places, but they will also ensure that you do not get lost or injured on the way.

If you have experience on a bike or walking a trail, independent tours let you set your own pace and explore the region on your own. They will also save you a few hundred pounds on tour guide fees. Just make certain that you have properly planned your route and that you have a GPS unit handy in case you get lost.