Walking holidays are a great way to get under the skin of your vacation destination, and just stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air. If you are considering embarking on independent walking breaks, what should you consider before doing so? The best thing about self-guided hiking vacations is its balance of freedom and security. As you progress independently through each route, you can travel at your own pace, stop whenever you like, and take small detours. Plus, detailed maps and notes from your travel provider will be provided, which means you'll be safe in the knowledge that, while walking free from a guide and other tourists, you'll still have everything you need to make sure you don't get lost! Of course, one of the first, and perhaps most obvious, things to consider is where you would like to go. You may have already chosen a more specific country or destination, in which case your decision will be fairly simple.
Walking holidays are a great way to get under the skin of your vacation destination, and just stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air. If you are considering embarking on independent walking breaks, what should you consider before doing so?
The best thing about self-guided hiking vacations is its balance of freedom and security. As you progress independently through each route, you can travel at your own pace, stop whenever you like, and take small detours. Plus, detailed maps and notes from your travel provider will be provided, which means you'll be safe in the knowledge that, while walking free from a guide and other tourists, you'll still have everything you need to make sure you don't get lost!
Of course, one of the first, and perhaps most obvious, things to consider is where you would like to go. You may have already chosen a more specific country or destination, in which case your decision will be fairly simple.
However, if you're not decided yet, there are plenty of points you can think of that can help you choose. For example, ask yourself if there are any particular things you would like to see or do on your vacation. Gourmets, for example, are likely to enjoy breaks offering excellent cuisine, while you may want to select a place known for its coastal walks.
Linked to this you are considering how relaxing or challenging you would like your routes to be. Of course, this will also depend on your ability - those who don't walk much at home may require less steep trails, for example. By choosing your break, you will be able to see which packages comprise more demanding walking days or which offer softer options.
Whichever you prefer, you will find that there are many great destinations for walking holidays in Europe, including the magnificent castles and vineyards of Alsace and the wooded hills of Tuscany.
However, independent walking holidays are more than just choosing a destination and level of intensity. This type of rest comes in two main types: hotel to hotel and single center.
As the name implies, hotel-to-hotel getaways mean that you stay in a different accommodation during the course of your break. Generally speaking, it will change hotels every other day, reaching each one as part of its hiking trails.
Now, you can be concerned about luggage with this option, but it is not necessary. When transporting your belongings from one establishment to another, your tour operator will ensure that all your luggage arrives at the next hotel ready when you arrive. The only things you need to bring are the ones you want to take with you every day.
The beauty of this type of independent walking vacation is that you can explore much of the region you stay in, but if you prefer to stay in a hotel during your break, why not consider just downtown getaways?
With this option, you will be located in a hotel and receive detailed maps and routes that will show you excellent walks in the surroundings. Also, since these will typically contain information on expected distances, climbs, and walking times, you can select trails based on difficulty, or not! - You want every day.
Tourist guide: 5 bad things about working as a tourist guide
In general, being a tour guide is the best job in the world. With a good group on a good trip, there is no other job you want to do. But there are a few things that can guide a lifestyle towards a Nice Walking Tour.
Travel
Traveling is exhausting and every two days working as a tour guide by land, you are in a new city. I often forget where I am, what language I must speak and what currency I must pay. I wake up in a different bed, in a different place, and sometimes I have to lie there trying to remember where I am. Sleeping on night transport is completely different. If you manage to sleep on a roller coaster bus, without a pill-induced coma, you will need the intervention of a chiropractor. Travel pillows don't work and your neck / back will always be stiff.
Salary
Few people believe they are paid what they are worth, but their average land tour guide is paid well below any minimum wage concept. Note that you are on call 24 hours a day for about a month. Does $ 40 a day sound unrealistic? It is not!
Travel guides
Many guides are not only not researched and inaccurate, they are always out of date. If you are an independent traveler, the purposes of a city map can be served with an introduction to places of interest and highlights. If you've paid to join a tour group, are you going to trust an awkward book with bad restaurant suggestions or your personal food-loving tour guide who has possibly tasted all the dishes on every menu in every establishment! Too many passengers start a sentence with "But my guide says ..."
Vacation mindset
Most of the passengers are normal, well-educated human beings, but as soon as they get off the plane in a foreign country, something strange happens. They are 5 years old again. Everyday activities become difficult for them and their common sense disappears completely. Typical questions include: "Will I like this food? What should I wear? Should I bring a camera?"
They can still manage to tie their shoelaces, but many will have a hard time walking and looking around at the same time. Like a kindergarten teacher, you must make constant stops for stragglers, those who are hungry / thirsty and those who need to go to the bathroom.
