In 2016, mere days after we got married, Aaron left the comforts of home (and his new husband) and set out for almost 6 months to hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. He loved being outside, walking miles a day, and sleeping under the stars every night. Three years later, he got the itch to hit the trails again, but this time Jon wasn’t going to let Aaron go without him. Thus the Rainbow Chasers were born. We planned this trip entirely on our own – no agency, no packages.

Instead of doing one long-distance trail (like the AT or PCT), we decided to explore a mix of trail and cities to satisfy both of our interests. We diligently researched several long-distance hikes, ranging from 4 to 20 days out on the trail, and carefully laid many plans in advance (but you know what happens to those). We never once rented a car, and traveled everywhere listed below by bus, train, or plane. We stayed in a combination of Airbnbs, Hostels, and our own tent – no hotels or spas (this isn’t a vacation!). From architecture and monuments to trails and mountains, we searched out the very best of Europe and East Asia. We left the beaten path far behind and sought out the natural beauty of the Alps, the Scottish Highlands, the Arctic Circle, the Kii Mountains of Japan, and much, much more.

We hope you enjoy our blog, our pictures, and our adventures, and that we inspire you to chase your rainbows too.

– Jon and Aaron