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Planning Hiking Vacations,
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Whether you know where you're going or are still looking for ideas, this site has you covered.
Where's your favorite |
Obviously where you're going is the most important part of planning because everything else relies on this detail. Since everybody has their preferences, I'll leave the destination up to you, although there are suggestions below.
Once you know where you want to go decide when you want to go. It's important to know when you want to go on your hiking vacations because different regions of the world have different "busy" and "slow" seasons and some close down altogether. If you wait until the last minute to make arrangements for a hiking trip you're likely to be disappointed. It's amazing to me how popular hiking and camping have become especially at the National and State Parks. Places I use to leave for on a moments notice are booked months and sometimes even a year ahead of time.Make your hiking vacation plans and arrangements as far in advance as possible for the best chance of getting the hiking trip or hiking tour you really want. Next find out the "how"...
Once you get to where you're going are you 'only' going to hike or did you want to throw in a half day of canoing, rappelling, or even caving. Even though we're focused on hiking vacations it's still nice to mix it up once in awhile. :-) The reason I ask is again it's good to plan for this and make arrangements ahead of time otherwise you may miss out on an activity you really would have liked. This also goes the other way, maybe you just want to relax and not think. That's fine too, heh, after all it's your vacation. ;-)
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Also if you're going to a very remote area decide how it is your going to get to the start of your trip. Some areas are harder to get to than others and still others may be dangerous due to weather, disease (check on immunizations), or guerilla activity. It's better to get the facts than to get surprised in a foreign country without preparation. Prepare by reading books written by experts that have been where it is you want to go for your hiking vacations. Next?
Each time before you leave for one of your hiking vacations decide how long you're going to be gone (i.e. have a plan)?
Know and tell others in the position to help you your plans and when you'll return before you leave for any hiking vacations, so they can send help if you need it. Because if something goes wrong and you don't return as planned you won't be on your own. Other people will start searching for you and you've increased your odds of survival. Sound morbid? Read
Aron Ralston's story.
Planning is important for both your safety and comfort. After all you'll want to make sure you bring the right equipment (i.e.
hiking checklist,
hiking accessory ideas,
hiking boots,
hiking shoes,
and equipment used for hiking and/or camping
). OK, I admit there's been at least once I wished I'd brought along a certain piece of hiking gear that would have made the trip easier. But only once isn't too bad, right. ;-)
On the same note planning your hiking trips will also let you decide if you're over-packing. After all carrying extra weight can add up in a hurry. A few pounds here and there doesn't sound like much but if you add it up and your backpack weighs more than you do, that's a problem. One area not to skimp on though is an emergency kit.
No you don't have to pack a pharmacy but at the same time plan enough ahead that if you got stranded somewhere you'd be able to survive the ordeal. This may be as easy as adding some extra food and water purification tablets to your kit or on extended remote hiking holidays bringing along a larger kit including a satellite phone and/or personal locator beacon. Since each situation is different I recommend planning for your worst-case scenario.
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Y! MyWebConsider the local wildlife for your hiking trips. Are there venomous snakes, poisonous spiders, animals, or people to be aware of? Is your gear appropriate? Will you have a chance to get additional supplies? Does your guide have the experience to get you to your destination safely? Do you have a back-up plan in case something happens? These are all things to keep in mind.
Your needs will be different for remote Alaska hiking vacations than they will be for a day trip in Utah hiking through the desert. Remember: Don't hike alone, tell others in detail your itinerary, and plan for emergencies because they do happen.
OK, now for the fun stuff. How about hiking trips ideas on where to go?
North America: You might want to check out REI as they have a nice selection of hiking vacations, and here are some others.
Alaska Hiking
Canada Hiking
Florida Hiking
Grand Canyon Hiking
Hiking of Washington
Now, you've seen some of my ideas. But I'm only one person. So...
Where Is Your Favorite Hiking Vacation Spot? Do You Have A Tip, Story Or Review?
Have you found a slice of paradise? Share your tip or story about the destination you love!
Do you have a great hiking trip suggestion that would help others that I've missed? Do you know a beautiful place that no one else knows about? Or do you have some trip tips that you've learned through hard-won experience that you'd like to share?
If you've got a picture to go with the story, even better. Other hikers would love to hear about it. Guide us to the best.
I hope this hiking vacations information has been helpful.
Looking for more hiking and gear inform-
ation in addition to hiking vacations?
