Whilst many of us love nothing more than to jet off an annual holiday for some sun, sea, and relaxation, many others like to do something a bit more exhilarating. If you’re the adventurous type and looking for your adrenaline fix, you may be interested in going on a hiking trip. Before you head off, it’s important that you’re well prepared, so here are five essential tips on how to prepare for a hiking trip.
Define Your Trip Style
First and foremost, you must spend time deciding on what type of hiking trip you wish to go on. There are all sorts of questions to ask yourself first, such as whether you want to camp out at night, stay in a luxurious lodge, or go hiking in the Adirondacks. Deciding what type of trekking is right for you is crucial, to give you a clearer idea of where you want to go.
Choose Your Trip
Once you’ve decided on the type of hiking, walking, or trekking you want to do, you need to find a trip that’s right for you. For example, if you want to stay put in the UK, HF Holidays offer a range of guided hiking holidays which allow you to explore stunning walking locations. Whether it be the rolling Cotswold Hills or the granite cliffs of the Cornish coast, you are bound to find an area that’s suitable for you.
Assess Your Fitness Level
Unlike a beach holiday where the most exercise you will likely do is going from your sun lounger to the pool, a hiking holiday requires stamina and energy. To get the most out of your trip, it’s only natural that you will want to see as much as you can, so walking mile after mile can take its toll, especially if you’ve put health and fitness on the backburner. Before you head off on your trip, you will need to assess your fitness level. If you aren’t sure how to do this, your tour operator will be able to help.
Train for your Trip
Once you’ve established your level of fitness, you will be able to begin training for your hiking trip. It’s best to start a month or two before you head off, so whether it be spending time at the gym build your muscles and stamina levels, or even working out from the comfort of your own home, remaining consistent and focused is key. We all know how important regular exercise is for our health, so staying active will help you get the most out of your hiking trip.
Bring the Right Equipment
If you haven’t got the right equipment with you, your hiking trip won’t be one you’ll want to remember! There are all sorts of weather conditions you will face, so knowing what to pack for your adventure is crucial. Wearing the right books to support your feet, and the right clothes to wear is important, so don’t hesitate to contact your tour operator for more information. The last thing you want is to find yourself in torrential rain with nothing but a flimsy jacket on!
To get the most out of your hiking trip, it’s important to establish your level of fitness first. The more training you do, the better! Also, bringing the right equipment along with you is crucial, so if you aren’t sure where to start, make sure to ask your tour operator for help.