How to Prepare For a Hiking Holiday
Hiking trips and holidays are some of the most fun, rewarding experiences. You get to enjoy the great outdoors, exercise, breathe in the fresh air, see genuinely amazing views, and potentially meet new and interesting people. If you’re planning a hiking trip abroad, you could even get to experience an entirely new culture!
However, this doesn’t mean you should just drive to a remote location and start hiking without doing any prep work. In fact, there are a few things you need to do to make sure that your holiday goes off without a hitch. So, let’s take a closer look at how to prepare for a hiking holiday!
Prepare Your Feet In Advance
You can go on a hike if you have a sore wrist, but you can’t go on a hike if your feet are unprepared. For example, if you have been putting off a bunionectomy, you need to get it done at least a few weeks before your trip. Alternatively, if you have been dealing with joint pain in your feet and ankles, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce pain while hiking. Finally, always remember to get a good pair of hiking shoes (if you don’t already have them) that can properly support your feet on long journeys.
Determine Your Budget
Most people don’t think about the budget on a hiking trip. After all, you’re just walking, right? Isn’t that free? While hiking holidays tend to be less expensive than a beach getaway or a lavish cruise, you will still need to set a budget. This budget should include the cost of any transportation to get to your hiking location, hiking equipment, food, and lodging. Setting a budget will help you know exactly where you can afford to go and for how long.
Choose Your Location
Once you have a budget in place, you can choose your location. Naturally, the site of your hiking holiday should be directly linked to your experience as a hiker. If you’re just looking for a casual walk through the forest, you shouldn’t book a trip to Mount Everest! However, you may want to get off your home turf and go see foreign lands. Just remember to scout the location (virtually) in advance to get a lay of the land.
Get Your Gear Ready
The type of hike you want to do will determine how much gear you need. For example, if you’re hiking a trail with freshwater resources, you won’t need to bring a water purifier. Additionally, if you plan to stay at hotels or similar lodgings, you won’t need a tent. In any case, you will need to do a complete inventory of the gear you plan to bring and ensure everything is in good condition before leaving.
Tell a Friend
Finally, you should always tell a friend or family member where you are going before you leave on a hiking holiday. It may sound grim, but if you were to get lost or injured, you want to make sure that there is at least one person who knows exactly where you are located. Ideally, you could even invite someone along to serve as your hiking holiday buddy!
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