Whether you decide to take on one of the Camino de Santiago routes or simply pick a nice trail, walking holidays are a highly rewarding way to explore a new place. Not only that, they can also be very budget-friendly, since the majority of attractions you walk past are nature-based or free to visit. The only thing that stops some travellers is being unsure how to plan this unique type of holiday. But, worry not! We’ve put together a guide with the essential tips.
Picking your destination
The first and perhaps the most important step is picking where is it that you want to walk. There are so many different destinations you may choose from, in and outside of Europe.
Camino de Santiago is, of course, a common choice, with such routes as Camino Frances, Camino Portugues, Camino del Norte, and Camino Ingles being the most popular amongst walkers. However, there are also ample other walking routes, outside the Santiago route network.
To help you pick the perfect place for your walking holiday, consider such things as climate and terrain. Do you want your walking holiday to be a nature experience, or would you prefer to walk through historical towns instead? Perhaps a nice mix of both? Different destinations and routes also vary in difficulty levels, so be mindful of that.
Pre-booking accommodation
One of the trickiest steps in planning a walking holiday is booking accommodation. You should do this well in advance to ensure that you have a guaranteed place to stay.
Most popular walking holiday routes will have a range of options, from hotels and guest houses to campsites. The tricky part is planning ahead on how far you will be able to walk each day and where you should be staying. Depending on your route length and pace, you may want to plan some rest days or additional time for sightseeing in larger cities.
Planning the transport
Many walking holidays start in obscure places or towns that may not necessarily be near the airport. Therefore, you will need to research your transport options early on and plan how you’ll get around. Of course, this should include pick-up and drop-off at the airport, as well as the starting point of your trip.
Packing your backpack
Since you will not be staying at the same accommodation more than once, you will have to carry all of your belongings with you throughout your trip. Packing smart is, therefore, key. You want your backpack as light as possible, while having all the essentials, such as your water bottle, sun cream, a small first aid kit, navigation tools like GPS or maps, and weather-appropriate clothes.
Alternatively, use an agency
If all of this is still sounding a bit too overwhelming, a walking holiday agency may be what you need instead! Santiago Ways is the leading agency with 4.7/5-star rating on Google Reviews, specialising in the organisation of walking holidays, including Camino de Santiago. They offer a large selection of walking routes, with options for both guided and self-guided walking holidays.
Using an agency means you do not have to worry about anything, other than showing up and enjoying your trip. Santiago Ways will organise all transportation, accommodation, guided tours, and even luggage transfers for you. They will also provide all the necessary route information, with top recommendations for local attractions.
Conclusion
Planning a walking holiday involves a lot of research, but the experience will undoubtedly make it worth the headaches. If planning is not your forte, though, an experienced agency is always a handy option.