You have decided on a guided walking holiday, which tour operator do you use?
Your walking holiday may be self guided and planned by yourself or purchased from a tour company specializing in this type of vacation. A common question is which company to purchase your walking holiday with.
Guided Walking Holiday, 7 things to consider:
Destination – you will not only want a destination that you personally find exciting but you will need to consider any flight or train connections to get you there. Are you looking a guided walking holiday that is somewhat exotic like the Inca Trail in Peru or a more traditional walking holiday in the English Lake District.
Years in business – how long has the guided walking holiday company been in business. Companies that have been in business for years have the experience to plan great routes which have been over time by other hikers. This is considered green travel and many walkers are environmentally sensitive, what is the policy of the walking holiday tour company?
Variety of walking – consider the level of fitness required on the walking holiday. Some guided walking holiday companies only offer one walk each day for everyone and as long as that fits your level of fitness that is fine. Other companies offer easy, immediate and advanced walking so that you are challenged at your own ability and will be walking with other hikers of the same fitness level.
Walking leaders – how experiences are the walk leaders and how large is the group size. Can they point out local vegetation or historic sites? Do they know the best lunch and snack spots? Can they find their way? Are they qualified to handle any emergency that may arise during the walk?
Accommodation – consider the rating of the accommodation. You may prefer a more rustic type of accommodation and some companies specialize in using basic local hotels while others use 4 or 5 star properties. Which do you prefer? And how close is the accommodation to where your will be walking? How is luggage handled if you are moving from destination to destination?
Many walking holiday tour operators offer a single share program so that if you are traveling alone you can save on the price by sharing with another guest.
Meals – which meals and snacks are included in the base price. Food can be expensive in destinations such as Switzerland. If not included be sure to visit a grocery store on arrival to stock up. In addition some walking holiday tour companies have a welcome or farewell cocktail or wine party and other extra inclusions.
Local transportation - is transportation from the railway station or airport to your accommodation included or can it arranged easily. Also are local buses or chartered coaches used to take you to the start of the walk each day.
In addition some most guided walking holiday companies will have requirements regarding the insurance coverage.
You may wish to check out our review of a walking holiday through the villages of Umbria.
The cost of walking holidays to a similar destination will vary between guided walking holiday companies but is usually a result of the quality and inclusions of your vacation