HIKING AN TREKKING, “THE ROAD GOES ON FOREVER”
BY CLAY LARROY
It
doesn't matter if you take a trip across the state line or the border, being
far from home can be exciting and also a bit stressful. When considering
traveling, it is important to think of the best mode of travel. Traveling by car can offer
many more sights and opportunities for side trips. Traveling by train can offer
a chance to relax and get some work done if they wanted. Planes can cover
ground fast but don't allow much movement and one cannot get off the plane in
flight. Each mode of travel has its own advantages and disadvantages to be
considered. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
PLANNING
When considering hiking
tours, one final consideration is preparedness. Some hiking tour operators will
provide almost everything you need in terms of equipment, while others will
provide little more than an itinerary and expertise. Find out what is expected
of you and make sure that you know what to pack. Be aware that if you need to
buy equipment for a tour, this will add to the overall cost of your trip.
Also find out whether any
prior experience is needed. Some tour operators ask hikers to take courses or
training. This is especially common on more rugged hikes that include more
risks and physically demanding terrain. Even if no previous experience is
needed, some preparation on your part will make your hiking adventure much more
enjoyable. Learning about the places you will go and perusing hiking guides,
travel guides, and wildlife guides, for example, will allow you to appreciate
what you see on the trails.
Since hiking tours are very
physical vacations, your first preparation before any trekking adventure is to
get into good physical condition. Work with your doctor and tour operator to
create a training schedule in the weeks leading up to the tour. Take hikes a
few times a week where you live, or train in advance by running stairs or
adjusting your treadmill to an incline. This will help you break in new hiking
shoes and will also get your body used to a trekking workout schedule.
When getting ready for your
trip, you may want to ask the tour operator whether a shuttle bus will be made
available to you. Many tour operators have a bus to transport hikers between
lodges and trails, to use in emergency situations, and to carry equipment and
water. Find out whether you are able to place your equipment on the shuttle. If
you are not, you may need to be far more cautious about how you pack your
backpack, since you will have to carry it each day.
As mentioned, be sure to
consult with the tour operator about what to pack and what the weather will be
like. You will need hiking shoes and a back up pair, if at all possible. These
shoes should be designed specifically for hiking and should be made by a
reliable brand. They should have great treads for traction, a metal shank for
support, and ankle support, in addition to being waterproof, light-weight, and
very comfortable. Try on many pairs and choose the best quality pair with the
most comfortable fit - this is not a time to try to save $50 if it means
you"ll be anything less that totally confident in your shoes. Bad shoes on
a hiking tour can cause great discomfort and even injury. Never break in a new
pair of boots or shoes on your trip; wear these shoes while you train for as
many hours as possible.
You will also need to pack
high-quality socks to avoid painful blisters, shirts for layering, and light
rain jackets. Look for the newest synthetic sports materials that whisk sweat
away from your body. You may need mittens, hats, and cold-weather wear on some
hikes, along with sunscreen, insect repellant, and sunglasses. You may also
want to pack your sketch pad, notebook, or camera to record your trip - keeping
in mind that you’ll be carrying it. Some hikers also like to use walking sticks,
heart monitors, or pedometers.
If you are traveling outside
of the country or even your immediate area for your hiking tour, ask your
doctor to recommend you to a physician with travel medicine experience. Inquire
about any vaccines you may need for your journey. Also ask about any water and
food precautions for your destination. Depending on where you go, you may need
to make special provisions to ensure that what you are eating and drinking is
safe. If you are hiking at altitudes above 7,000 feet, you should discussed
additional considerations with a doctor. Talking to a knowledgeable travel
medicine specialist is your best way to ensure that you will relax and enjoy
your active travels.
If you are leaving the
country, you may need a passport and visa. It is good to arrange for these
travel documents well in advance in case there are delays. You will also want
to arrange for travel and health insurance to make sure that your tour is
hassle-free. Finally, if you are traveling to your destination by airplane, be
aware that new airport regulations may affect your ability to travel with your
equipment. You may need to check much of your hiking equipment before getting
on the plane.
All travel entails some
risks. Trekking tours have additional risks associated with outdoor physical
activity. For these reasons, you will want to work with a responsible and
safety-conscious tour operator that your professional travel agent can
confidently recommend. In addition, you can do many things to stay safe on your
hike:
- Drink plenty of water,
wear sunscreen and a hat, and don’t push yourself beyond your physical
limits. Even on overcast days, the sun can wreak havoc on unprepared
hikers.
- Follow all the rules
that your tour operator sets out for you. These rules are made for your
own safety.
- Only go on hiking tours
you know you can physically handle and only after approval by a qualified
doctor. In most cases, the tour operator will note that you are taking the
tour at your own risk, so it is your responsibility to make sure you can
handle the trek.
- Respect the environment,
the tour operator, your hiking companions, and anyone you meet on the
trip. Be friendly and do not go off by yourself, away from approved hiking
areas. Do not pick up or remove plants or animals from their natural
environment. Do not litter. Strive to leave the environment just as you
found it, or better.
- Use good equipment -
especially good hiking shoes. If your tour operator offers you equipment,
make sure it is safe and in good condition. If you buy your own, make sure
you buy the correct equipment from a qualified store. Get a salesperson to
help you.
- As with all travel, good
trip interruption and medical insurance is highly recommended. Remember
that your own medical insurance policy may not cover you for
out-of-country travel.
You’ll find hiking tours out
there for almost every trekking enthusiast and every beginner. If you are a
seasoned expert, or if you can picture yourself getting in the best possible
shape over your next holiday while on an adventure of a lifetime, a trekking
tour is an exciting way to hit the road.
REFERENCE SITES:
Hiking in undiscovered places is a
lot of fun.
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