So you’re looking for a new adventure 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 healthy holidays, more immersive experiences and embrace the benefits of a slower pace of travel. Whether you’re planning a series of gentle strolls along scenic walking routes 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 you’re a first timer, choosing the right walking holiday will depend on how independent you want to be and the level of hikes you want to do. After that, it’s all about getting as hiking-ready as you can to ensure your trip runs smoothly.
Planning your walking holiday
For anyone who is new to hiking, planning and navigating routes on your own can be both tricky and time consuming. Plus, trail signposting varies enormously from one country to another.
Concerns about fitness levels and whether you want to join a group are also common. In fact, some people choose to test out a short walking break as a way of building confidence and to see whether this sort of holiday is for them.
But unsurprisingly, joining a guided walking holiday where literally everything is done for you is a popular option for a first-time hiker. There’s 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
What is important, whether it’s a short walking break or a full week, is that you choose 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 day’s 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.
Comfortable walking boots with good ankle support are also, of course, imperative so 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.
Packing for a walking holiday
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. Hats are also a must – broad-brimmed to shade your face if you’re walking in the heat of the summer, and a warmer hat if you’re in the mountains. Walking poles are optional (but highly recommended) but do try them out before your holiday. You can see our full kit list here.
Weather Expectations
The weather can be highly changeable, whenever and wherever you’re hiking, so it’s best to be prepared for anything. Recent years have demonstrated that the weather is increasingly fickle and completely beyond our control! Certainly, you should have a waterproof jacket with you at all times, and a fleece and waterproof over-trousers are essential if you’re hiking in the mountains.
Local Culture
Connecting with nature and improving your fitness and wellbeing are some of the best bits of a walking holiday. But equally precious 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.
Healthy Eating
We all know the benefits of eating healthily but we all 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. We have our own recipe pages to help to get you started.
What to expect from your holiday
Managing your overall expectations will certainly make 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 unexpected surprises.
Being part of a group, inevitably, means 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’re now a fully-fledged hiker!
