Leave the planning to the professionals and book a walking tour or trek with an outfitter. Small and large companies offer adventure travel vacations that include walking or hiking in great locales around the world.
Itineraries may be as short as an afternoon or as long as a month. Many companies offer all-inclusive packages including land travel during the tour, some meals, walking event entry fees and park and museum fees, etc.
When choosing a walking tour company, look for one that matches the style of vacation you want.
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See it all: Some companies offer very detailed itineraries for the group, with every minute planned. On such a tour you must usually stay with the group except during designated free times. Walks may be guided and assisted by local historians or naturalists to help you learn about the areas in which you are walking.
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Relax and enjoy: Other companies have a much more free-form style. They get you to the destination, give you maps for walking opportunities, then let you enjoy yourself while they remain available for any questions or problems.
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Group size: Ask about the size of groups that will be on the tour and the number of tour leaders and assistants. Don't be just one of the herd.
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Accommodations: Ask about the quality of the hotels used and meals to make sure it will match your price range as well as your comfort level.
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Walk distance and difficulty: How far will you be walking each day? What is the terrain - city vs. forest, flat vs. mountains?
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Treks and Hikes: A tour billed as a hiking tour or trekking tour will usually be in natural terrain and may involve camping rather than using hotels. Llama packing is a great way to visit the high country without carrying a backpack.
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Tour Leader Experience: Ask about the tour leaders and assistants - how long have they been doing walking tours?
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Company Experience: How long has the company been in existence? Has it offered the tour before? How familiar are they with the locale to be offering a walking tour there?
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Clientele: Ask about the typical group - ages, sexes, abilities. Match yourself as well as possible to the type of clients on the tour.
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Roommates: Some tours will match you up with a roommate if you are traveling alone, upon your request.
Budget
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A guided walking tour including lodging and land transportation will run from $80 - $200 a day per person (double occupancy). Extra is usually charged for those who want a single occupancy room.
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Airfare often is not included, although the tour operator may be able to secure a good fare for you from your home airport.
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You can often get a discount by recruiting friends, family, or club members to take the same tour.
Walking Tour Companies
Llama Trek Companies
Walking with Llamas
Adventure Travel
Next Page >> Do-it-yourself Walking Vacations
Walking Vacations
Major Walking Events and Walking FestivalsDo-it-yourself
What to Take
