Hiking (101 Essential Tips) Price: $5.00 Pages: 72, Paperback, DK ADULT

Take a walking holiday and travel the world. You will have the opportunity to enjoy great scenery, meet other hikers, and see another country. Listed below are seven walking holiday planning tips to get you started for a great holiday hiking.

Tip 1 – Good planning makes for a great holiday

The easiest way is to book with a travel company that specializes in walking holidays.

They will arrange the hikes with experienced guides, the accommodation and perhaps some meals. Some offer one hike a day, a sort of one size fits all method. Other companies offer different level hikes each day suitable for different skill levels. If you are tackling a major multi-day walking holiday check on the level of fitness and experience required.

You may decide to plan your own walking holiday and should consider a hiking guidebook of the area to assist in research the trails, accommodation and local transportation.

Tip 2 – Walking Holidays gear

If you do not already have hiking gear purchase it today as you need to do some training walks in your local area prior to your holiday. Base essential gear for a walking holiday include hiking boots, a packsack, good socks, hiking poles, water bottle, rainwear and other clothing which will depend on your destination.

Do not forget to pack such items as insect repellent, sunscreen, a first aid kit and perhaps even bear spray for some destinations. A digital camera is essential to record your walking holiday experiences to show friends and family upon your return.                        

Tip 3 – Warm up walk

Start a program of light walks progressively gets harder to get in shape. Break in those hiking boots and test all your equipment. Make sure you know how to use the GPS, hiking poles and other equipment.

Tip 4 –Transportation

Book your flight and/or train arrangements. It is also essential you purchase travel insurance when travelling outside your local region. If you have purchased a walking holiday from a travel company insurance is normally mandatory, check on the level of coverage required.

If travelling to Europe for your walking holiday consider a rail pass which frequently includes discounts on local buses, mountain railways and cable cars to get you to the start of the hike.

Tip 5 – Documentation

Check on the required documents such as passports, visas, vaccinations. These may take a while to obtain so make arrangements well in advance. Be sure to take photo copies of all important documents along on the trip as well.

Tip 6 – Accommodation

Where you stay is an important consideration. What about a room in a chalet with a balcony overlooking the Swiss Alps? Accommodation in popular hiking areas can fill up quickly so book well in advance. Consider taking a walking holiday off season for cheaper prices and more availability.

Tip 7 – Local Culture

Check up on local sightseeing opportunities to enjoy the local culture along with your walking holiday. Visit castles, historic sites, natural wonders, wineries, museums, etc.

If visiting a foreign country it is considered a courtesy to learn a bit of the local language.

You are now ready to hit the trails, enjoy planning your walking holiday.

Originally posted 2009-12-08 12:51:59.