So, you’re this side of 60 and toying with the idea of embarking on your first walking holiday. It’s not as mad as it sounds. And it’s not just you – walking holidays are becoming increasingly popular as we seek out more immersive experiences and embrace the benefits of slow travel.
Whether you’re planning a series of gentle strolls or heart-busting alpine hikes, a walking holiday will get you out in the fresh air, surrounded by natural beauty, and hopefully, leave you at the end of each day weary but inspired.
However, the key to a successful trip is most definitely in the preparation. If this is your first hiking holiday, you need to decide from the outset how independent you want to be. After that, it’s all about getting as hiking ready as you can to ensure your trip runs smoothly.
Planning Your Holiday
Checking into a rural hotel and enjoying some pleasant local walks may feel like the simplest option, particularly if you have concerns about the hiking. But if you’re new to hiking, planning and navigating routes can be tricky. Bear in mind also that trail signposting varies enormously from one country to another.
If you like the idea of point-to-point hiking and want to hand over the research to someone else, some companies offer the independence of self-guided hiking, allowing you to follow planned routes with the aid of maps and GPS directions. They’ll also transfer your luggage, so you get to stay in several locations and experience different environments.
Alternatively, a popular option for a first walking holiday is to join a guided group hiking holiday where literally everything is done for you. No need to worry about routes or directions, or fret over where to stop for lunch – just put one foot in front of the other and enjoy the view and company!
Choosing the Right Level Holiday
Whichever option you select, it’s vital that you know the right level holiday for you. Look carefully at both the average and maximum length of the hikes, as well as any ascents and descents involved. Check also if you can cut short your walks if you’re feeling weary or if you have to complete the whole route. The secret really is to feel moderately challenged without feeling out of your depth or so tired that you can’t face walking the next day.
How to Prepare for Your First Walking Holiday
It’s never too early to start training! The better prepared you are, the more you’ll enjoy it, so start some sort of training programme as soon as you’ve booked your holiday. Apart from anything else, it’ll make you feel great!
Jogging, running, cycling, swimming and Pilates are all excellent ways of building your leg muscles and core strength but putting in the walking hours will also stand you in good stead. Intersperse long training walks with shorter brisk 30-minute walks, perhaps with a few hills, to raise your heart rate.
This is also the time to break in new boots if you want to avoid blisters and other common feet-related ailments on your holiday.
What to Take
If you’re travelling with a tour operator, you should receive a comprehensive kit list. In addition to your boots and socks, take lightweight quick-drying clothes to keep your luggage light. Little extras such as a waterproof cover for your rucksack, a sustainable water bottle and a small portable charger can come in very useful, and a basic first aid kit is always a good idea. I’m a staunch supporter of walking poles but do recommend trying them out before your holiday.
Local Culture
But it’s not just about the walking. Part of the beauty of a walking holiday is the joy of walking through the landscape and getting to see things you might not see if you were travelling by car or train. Get the most from your trip by reading up on the local culture, wildlife and history before you go and consider choosing a book that’s set in the region you’re visiting for your holiday reading material.
Eat Healthily
We all know the benefits of eating healthily but sometimes need that extra little push to put it into practice. Eating well during the run-up to your holiday will definitely stand you in good stead so fuel up on complex carbohydrates such as brown rice and wholewheat bread, lean proteins and healthy fats to build energy reserves.
What to Expect from Your Holiday
Managing your expectations will make quite a difference to how much you enjoy your holiday. Read through the itinerary carefully so you have a good idea about the terrain you’re going to cover, as well as the accommodation and restaurants on the schedule, so there are no nasty surprises.
If you’re joining a group, inevitably there will be a mix of people. Of course, you may not want to be best friends with everyone, but the more open-minded you are, the more you’ll get out of meeting your fellow hikers.
As for the walking, you’ll quickly find out that there’s nothing quite like the thrill of reaching a mountain peak or the end of a lengthy trail and discovering that you can become a hiker at any age!
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Have you ever been on a hiking holiday and if so, where to? Did you hike independently or join a guided group? Is there anywhere you’d particularly like to explore on foot?
