A trekking holiday is a dream vacation for intrepid travelers looking to satisfy their wanderlust. Explore different cultures and landscapes on your own two feet and get up close and personal with nature. Every breathtaking hiking adventure begins with a single step.
Whether exploring Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania or the exotic cities and spicy aromas of Morocco, a trekking holiday allows travelers to see a destination in a completely different way – on foot.
The best walking holidays allow travelers to see some of the most beautiful and remote places on Earth. Placing one foot in front of the other is all it takes to hike and trek through the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
Here are the top 11 reasons to book a trekking holiday
1. Get away from the crowds
One of the best things about a walking adventure is getting away from crowded tourist spots. You get to experience a destination instead of being herded around like cattle. You have the time to really explore everything a destination has to offer without feeling rushed. Whether catching a glimpse of an elusive Bengal Tiger in Nepal’s national park or following the most famous section of the ‘Jordan Trail’ from Dana to Petra.
2. Leave technology behind
Nothing is better than turning off your phone and leaving the computer at home. Disconnect from technology and the outside world’s demands as you explore at your own pace. Give yourself time to recharge and reflect on what’s important in life. In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to forget how just to slow down and appreciate the world around us. On a walking holiday, connect with your surroundings and take the time to really see everything around you.
3. Get active and explore
What’s the fun in just getting sunburnt on a beach? Don’t get me wrong, we all love a lazy afternoon relaxing in the sun here and there, but why let life pass you by? Get out there and get a little mud on your boots. Have an adventure, get your heart pumping, and get out of your comfort zone. You might even burn off a few pounds with all that fresh air!
4. Connect with nature
Whether you’re admiring the views from the top of a mountain or taking a dip in a pristine waterfall, you’ll be blown away by the natural wonders you encounter on your travels. Walking and trekking bring you face to face with the natural world and will leave you breathless at the beauty around you. Connect with nature and appreciate all that it has to offer.
5. Amazing photo opportunities
Another reason to book a trekking holiday is for the amazing scenery you are sure to pass through. Capture the thrill of your hiking adventures for a lifetime. With a camera in hand, you can document your incredible trekking experiences and share them with your friends and family back home. With all the natural beauty you’ll encounter while on holiday, you’ll want to make sure that you have a way to remember it forever!
6. Learn about new cultures
Stay in quaint mountain villages or ride on a rickshaw around Vietnam’s capital as you experience new cultures firsthand. Meet friendly locals who can teach you the customs and traditions of different cultures in a way you can’t get from reading a book or watching a documentary. While on your journey, you’ll get to try new foods and learn about different lifestyles. It’s an experience that you’ll never forget!
7. Make new friends
One of the best things about an adventure holiday is sharing the experience with like-minded people from all over the world. Fellow adventurers who share your passion for traveling to remote regions. From sharing stories around the campfire to exploring new places together, you’re sure to make some lifelong friends on your travels.
8. Unforgettable memories
Adventure holidays are an opportunity to create some unforgettable memories that you’ll treasure for a lifetime. From summiting a mountain to taking a dip in a hidden waterfall, you’ll experience things you never thought possible and come home with stories to tell.
9. Eco-friendly travel
By its very nature, trekking is an eco-friendly way to travel. By using your own two feet to explore, you’ll leave a minimal carbon footprint and help to preserve the environment.
10. Sense of achievement
There’s no better feeling than reaching the summit of a mountain after a long and challenging hike. Completing a hiking adventure will give you a sense of achievement like no other.
11. Delicious local cuisine
Sample exotic flavors and unique local cuisine you can only get on a trekking holiday. With fresh ingredients and unknown spices, you will try dishes you never find at home. From Moroccan tagines to Indian curries, there will be no shortage of variety to delight your palette.
Trekking holiday guide
Trekking holidays are becoming increasingly popular as travelers look for new ways to explore the world. Unlike traditional travel tours that visit cities and tourist attractions, trekking holidays offer a more unique and immersive experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there are a variety of walking tours that are right for you, with multi-day hikes and trekking trips ranging from easy to challenging.
What to consider when booking
If you are looking to book a trekking holiday, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
Your fitness level
There are a variety of different fitness levels required for different types of trekking holidays. If you book a trip that is too challenging for your fitness level, you will not enjoy the trip as much as you had hoped.
Do your research and book a trip that matches your fitness level to enjoy your holiday to the fullest.
Trekking/walking tour difficulty
Before choosing your travel destination, consider the difficulty of the trekking or walking tour. Are you looking for a leisurely stroll or more challenging treks? Make sure everyone in your group is comfortable with the physical requirements for your hiking adventure.
Length of trip
How long do you want your trip to be? You can find walking and trekking tours that last from a few hours to several weeks. Consider how much time you have for your holiday and book accordingly.
When to go
The best time to book a trekking holiday will depend on the location of your chosen destination. Climates and weather patterns can vary significantly across the globe, and you want to select the best weather window for your trekking trip.
Travel documentation and vaccinations
When booking your trip, ensure you have all the necessary travel documents and vaccinations for your chosen destination. Give yourself plenty of time to get everything in order before your departure date.
What to pack
You have decided on a destination and a trekking trip; it’s time to consider what you need to put in your bags. When packing for your trekking trip, bring comfortable walking shoes, a daypack, rain gear, and plenty of sunscreen. You may want to consider getting some trekking poles if it’s a challenging trek.
Don’t forget to pack your camera so you can capture the incredible scenery.
Double-check with your tour guide before your trip to ensure you have everything you need.
FAQ
What is trekking?
Trekking is a form of walking undertaken with the specific purpose of exploring and enjoying the scenery. Usually, you trek in mountainous regions, but it can also be through rainforests, coastal areas, or even cities. Trekking is often challenging but always rewarding; it is a great way to get some exercise while taking in some of the most stunning scenery in the world.
What is the difference between trekking and hiking?
The main difference between trekking and hiking is that trekking generally refers to multi-day trips in remote areas. In contrast, hiking can be done in a day and doesn’t necessarily have to be in a remote location. Trekking usually includes camping overnight, while hikes can be done in a single day.
What equipment do I need for trekking?
A good pair of walking shoes or boots are the most essential trekking equipment. They should be comfortable and provide good support for your feet, as you will be doing a lot of walking. You will also need to pack clothes suitable for the weather conditions in the area you are visiting. Other valuable items to pack include a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit.
How fit do I need to be for trekking?
You don’t need to be super fit to trek, but you must be reasonably active. If you are not used to walking long distances, training for a few months before your trip is a good idea. This will help you build strength and endurance to enjoy your trekking holiday.
Where are some of the best places to go trekking?
There are countless beautiful places to go trekking all over the world. Some popular destinations include Nepal, India, Bhutan, Tibet, Morocco, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, and Norway. There is no wrong answer when choosing a trekking destination – it all comes down to personal preference.
Final thoughts
No matter where you decide to go trekking, you will indeed have an unforgettable experience. With beautiful scenery, delicious food, and a sense of achievement, trekking is a great way to see the world and get some exercise at the same time. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next trekking adventure today!
Mike Humphrey is a level 3 ski instructor and race coach and an avid hiker. He lives in Japan where you will find him hiking and skiing the local peaks. Read more of Mike’s articles at mykhumphrey.com
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