So what is a walking holiday anyway?
Walking is a popular outdoor activity enjoyed by people of all ages. And it is a great way to explore nature and enjoy the outdoors. To go walking, all you need is some basic equipment and knowledge on how to prepare for your walk.
In this blog, we will tell you about what a walking holiday is, what to consider when booking a walking holiday, what to bring with you and, more importantly, leave at home, and the benefits of a walking trip.
What exactly is a walking holiday?
A walking holiday is a holiday where walking takes centre stage and you go hiking one or more days in a row. During a walking holiday, you usually stay in different accommodation every day. This could be a hotel, a refuge or a small guesthouse. However, there are many different types of walking holidays: From holidays where you walk 5 kilometres a day at a leisurely pace to mountain treks where you walk from lodge to lodge and cover as much as 20 to 24 kilometres a day.
Walking holidays are an increasingly popular way to spend a holiday. It can be done by anyone and there are many different types of walking holidays to choose from. Which walking holiday suits you depends on your level of experience, time available and what you want to get out of your trip. You can also think about what kind of terrain you want to hike on: mountainous, rocky, wooded, sandy? Or are you looking for more of a challenge? If so, you might want to go mountain climbing during your walking holiday, carrying all your gear with you over long distances.
What should you consider when booking a walking holiday?
If you are thinking about booking a walking trip, here are some things to consider:
- Consider your condition: you should have a good basic condition before booking a walking holiday.
- Do you arrange your walking trip yourself or do you choose a specialist who arranges things exactly the way you want? In the latter case, you can enjoy hiking without any worries.
- Think in advance about how many km you want to walk per day. And do you want your luggage being transported or do you want to carry it on your back yourself? Do you choose to sleep in different accommodation every day or do you prefer a place from which you can make several walks?
- During the walking holiday, you need to drink a lot and eat healthy and good food. Fast carbohydrates and sugars are especially important here. Read this blog to get inspiration.
- It is useful to know what to take along on your walking trip: you will find our ultimate packing list for your walking holiday here.
What do you bring and what do you especially leave at home?
This is a list of gear you should at least take with you for a walking holiday.
– A map of the region.
– A compass and map of the area.
– A first-aid kit with bandages, painkillers, sunscreen and insect repellent.
– Energy bars or snacks such as nuts, dried fruit and chocolate.
– Waterproof clothing, including waterproof trousers and jacket.
You can find our ultimate packing list for your walking holiday here.
LESS IS MORE. Especially if you choose to carry your luggage yourself. Therefore, don’t go walking with:
– Heavy items
– Items not essential for the walk (for example a heavy camera)
-Items that take up too much space in your rucksack (big bottles of shampoo, for example)
One of the most important things to take with you on walking holidays are a pair of good walking shoes. Hiking boots are designed to protect your feet from rocks and other obstacles, while also providing stability and comfort.
It is important to take good care of your hiking boots. Of course, when buying them, pay close attention to whether the fit is appropriate for your feet and whether your shoes are suitable for the terrain you will be walking in. After all, this differs for each walking trip. I myself walked the Camino Frances on low walking shoes. That was fine. Others swear by semi-high shoes for a pilgrimage to Compostela. So it is quite personal which walking shoe is best for you and which walking holiday you are going to make.
What different walking holidays are there?
Generally speaking, you can choose between 2 types of walking holidays, individual walking holidays or guided group walking holidays. Each type of walking holiday has some pros and cons. If you want to reassess everything, look back and look forward at the same time, it’s best to go out on your own. Walking together can be done in different ways. With your partner or with one or more close friends or in a group. If your partner is a good match and you want to go on a nice walking holiday together, it is a very special experience. You can read more about this in this blog.
Arrange it yourself or choose a specialist?
If you are planning to go on a walking holiday, you obviously want to be well advised and feel carefree. Of course, you can also arrange everything yourself. But where do you start? How do you do this properly? And how do you make yourself understood in a language you don’t speak yourself? Many walkers do not have the time, interest or knowledge to organise a walking holiday themselves.
What you want is to rely on a specialist who handles things exactly the way you want. No surprises and no misunderstandings. That is why it can be interesting to hire a specialist. In this blog, we explain what a specialist is, what a specialist does and give you 5 reasons to hire a specialist.
Why choose a walking holiday?
Walking is healthy, that’s common knowledge. But did you know that walking is also good for your brain? Besides, you can improve your fitness by walking regularly and push your own limits on walking holidays. Discover another camino in beautiful Italy, explore the beautiful island of Menorca on foot or challenge yourself in the peaks of Picos de Europa.
On a walking holiday of 8 to 22 days where you walk 10 to 20 kilometres daily, you become increasingly fit. The need to eat healthy meals and drink plenty of water increases. So a walking trip also has certain health benefits. It can also break down emotional barriers.
The benefits of a walking holiday are clear. You decide who you hike with and can also choose to hike on your own. You can walk at your own walking pace and rest when you white. Walking is freedom, happiness.
A walking holiday is also a cheap way to holiday. Once you have the right equipment, a walking trip is a cheap way to travel. Europe is blessed with countless unforgettable hiking destinations that are cheap to get to.
Walking holidays with WAW.travel
Thinking about booking a walking holiday? WAW.travel has a varied range of walking holidays. From walking holidays in Mallorca and Menorca with overnight stays in comfortable hotels to pilgrimages on the Camino de Santiago. Both individually and in groups. With us you can book a hiking trip that suits you perfectly. Along the way, you will enjoy yourself to the max and discover the most unique places. We stand for personal service and contact: before, during and after your journey! Get in touch with us.
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