Do-it-Yourself Walking Holidays

For the independent traveler who doesn't want to be trapped in a crowd at a walking event or hustled into the bus on a tour, planning your own walking vacation is a great option.

Tools

Year-round Self Guided Walks
IVV walking clubs in the US, Canada, Britain and many European countries have thousands of self-guided permanent trails. Walkers arrive at the start point, register, take a map and enjoy the trail, which often includes the highlights of the city, town, park or area. These are a great way to spice up a visit to any location, or you can plan your entire vacation around them.

• AVA Starting Point: This book gives directions to the 1100 year-round walks in the USA. Or you can visit the AVA website for listings for each state and contacts.
• British Walking Federation Permanent Trails
• Canadian Year Round Events
• German Rundwanderwege: Complete 120 - 160 kilometers by walking various distance trails in lovely areas of Germany.
• Norway Rundvandringer
• Finland

Walking and Hiking Guidebooks and Videos

Maps and More: I count my AAA membership's biggest perk the free maps and guidebooks. With them, I can plan my own itinerary or avail myself of their free trip planning services. When planning a Southwest walking trip last fall, a single stop at AAA ensured we had hotels booked, a route planned and mapped, and plenty of ideas for where to walk.
AAA with online listings for members.

About Travel Guides: The travel information here at About is extensive. Visit areas dedicated to visiting your chosen destinations for a wealth of information on how to get there, where to stay, what to see, what to eat and more.
About Travel
Some favorites:
US/Canadian Parks
Travel with Kids

Tips For Planning Your Walking Holiday

• Don't overdo it: Be sane in your planning, only plan for walking distances for which you have trained and conditioned yourself.
• Build in rest days Plan a rest day every third day where you do only light walking and have time to catch up on laundry and postcards home. This will allow your muscles to repair so you have energy for the rest of the trip.
• Watch the watch: Build in enough time to get to your destination and enjoy the walk while the major sightseeing attractions are open. Note opening and closing times and know when to avoid the heat of the day.
• Courtesy: Self-guided walk start points need extra courtesy, please allow them to serve their regular customers before assisting you. When possible, avail yourself of their services rather than being an "ugly walker."
• Carry water and snacks: You must plan for your own comfort on self-guided trails.

Next Page >> What to Take on a Walking Vacation

Walking Vacations

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