Planning a hiking holiday? A hiking holiday is a superb way to explore beautiful parts of the world, get out in nature, be active, and escape the stresses of daily life. Preparation is the key to success with any hiking holiday as they can be challenging to plan, so here are a few of the key areas to focus on to plan the perfect expedition.
Choose Your Destination
Obviously, a major decision will be your destination. This can be challenging as there are so many amazing places to see all around the world, with national parks, mountain ranges, and fun outdoor activities. Booking hiking tours is a great option as you will be led by a local expert, and it is a great chance to meet new people. A few popular places for hiking tours include Sardinia, Bhutan, the Amalfi Coast, and the Nepalese Himalayas.
Physical Preparation
Whether you are new to hiking or have been doing it for a number of years, you will always need to prepare for the physical challenges involved in a hiking holiday. Hiking abroad (often in hot climates) and multiple days in a row can take its toll, so you want to take time to physically prepare for the trip. This could include hiking nearby, cardiovascular exercise, and strength training with a focus on leg strength. Eating well and getting enough sleep will help to optimize results. Keep in mind that it can take some time to build up physical fitness, so you should start this process as early as possible.
Packing
Packing can be challenging as you want to make sure you have everything you need while minimizing the amount that you take. It will depend on the climate and where you are traveling to, but a few key items include:
- Walking shoes
- Suitable clothing
- Hydration system
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Whistle
- Toiletries
You also need to make sure that you have a high-quality, comfortable, strong, and practical rucksack for your items.
Relax
Finally, you need to try to relax as you prepare for your hiking holiday. It is understandable to be excited and/or nervous, but you should try to relax so that you feel fresh and prepared for the trip. You should also stock up on essential snacks like energy bars and trail mix and buy a high-quality reusable water bottle.
These are the key areas to focus on when it comes to planning a hiking trip. A hiking holiday allows you to reconnect with nature, see the beauty of the world, and escape the stresses of daily life, but you must make sure that you are well prepared for this kind of trip as they can be more challenging than a typical sun, sea, and sand vacation.
