With fitness in fashion, walking holidays are all the rage. While they’re an ancient activity, with pilgrimaging being the original form of travel, we have circled back around to see the benefits of setting off on foot. But, how do we go about booking such a unique trip for the first time?
Defining Holiday Goals
The first consideration is being realistic about your current fitness levels and experience. Be honest about your endurance (but remember you can quickly build it up before setting off) and gauge how well you handle different terrains and elevations. If muddy hills and bushwhacking put you off, that’s far from an issue trips can be entirely on paved roads if needed.
Researching Potential Routes
Online resources like Reddit can help find suitable walking routes. Check for up-to-date trail conditions and closures, along with the weather. Apps like AllTrails offer GPS tracking and recent reviews from hikers worldwide. But, don’t be afraid to ask locals for advice in regional-specific forums, pages and subreddits. Take seasonal factors into account, like peak tourist periods or wildlife movements that could affect your trip. Also, think about transportation options to and from trailheads.
Planning Your Itinerary
When setting daily mileage, use GPS apps like Gaia GPS or Komoot to measure distances and elevation changes accurately. These tools help you visualise the route and estimate how long each hike will take. Start with modest distances, especially early in the trip, to allow your body time to adjust. Plan rest days too after tough sections, especially if you want to indulge in local foods and sites.
Specialised Walking Holiday Companies
Specialised walking holiday companies can take the burden of planning away from you, leaving you with just the fun bit (setting off). Orbis Ways is a good example, offering self-guided trips across Europe on various famous routes. Orbis Ways will help manage the logistics, like the route, accommodation booking, and even luggage transfers. This is amazing for those who would prefer to not hike with their full luggage on their back.
Essential Gear
For a walking holiday, pack light. When being minimal, each garment has to count. Ideally, they will be moisture-wicking clothes which repel bacteria. And, of course, don’t use brand-new hiking boots, make sure to wear them in before setting off.
Merino wool is the best material for being light, warm and dry quickly. It’s worth considering a physical map and compass as a backup, but a phone with reliable GPS should be fine on most routes. Safety gear should include a small first-aid kit and emergency shelter.
Preparing Physically and Mentally
Your walking holiday can be just that – a walking holiday. It doesn’t need to be a test of mental willpower or a grand achievement, though it can be if that’s what you’re after. In either scenario though, you need to be prepared. To do this, start by walking at least every other day with a backpack that resembles the weight you will be carrying on the trip. On the weekends, test out the kinds of daily mileage you’ll be walking on the trip and see how you feel the day after. If you’re nervous, the best cure will be in your preparation.
Final Word
Walking holidays attract a broad range of people – from those who enjoy nature to those who want a religious experience on a pilgrim trail. Fortunately, you’re in control of your trip whether or not you use a company to organise it for you, because they have varying route difficulties. So, for your first trip, opt for something realistic and perhaps save the “big challenge” for your second trip once you gain some experience.