Coolstays and the Guardian are calling for hiking enthusiasts across Europe to share their best trail recommendations for a chance to win £200 toward an accommodation voucher. The travel publication is seeking detailed accounts of memorable summer hikes, whether multi-day mountain treks through the Alps or gentler riverside and lakeside walks across the continent.
Tom Hall, editorial director at Lonely Planet, will judge the submissions each week. The winning tip earns a £200 voucher redeemable at any of Coolstays' 3,000+ properties worldwide, including boutique cottages, rural retreats, and unique stays across Europe and beyond. Selected tips will appear in the Guardian Travel section and on its website, providing visibility for contributors' recommendations.
This initiative taps into the growing appetite for active travel and hiking holidays. European hiking destinations remain perennially popular, with trails in Switzerland, Austria, Italy's Dolomites, and France's alpine regions consistently drawing visitors seeking both adventure and natural beauty. The partnership reflects how travel media increasingly crowdsources authentic traveler insights rather than relying solely on professional critics.
Coolstays specializes in independent accommodations that cater to travelers seeking alternatives to mainstream hotels. By pairing this campaign with Lonely Planet's authority in travel writing, the competition positions hiking as the ideal precursor to finding distinctive lodging in remote European locations. Winners and featured contributors gain recognition in a respected outlet while encouraging others to explore lesser-known trails.
For hikers planning summer trips, this presents an opportunity to both contribute to a community resource and potentially offset accommodation costs. The weekly selection format means multiple winners emerge, increasing chances of recognition. Participants should detail their routes, difficulty levels, seasonal timing, and what made each hike memorable. Strong submissions likely balance practical hiking information with evocative descriptions of landscapes and experiences.
The competition reflects broader travel trends emphasizing slower, more