Although quickly growing in popularity, walking holidays, as a concept, are still not very familiar to a lot of people. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that there are numerous misconceptions about them, some of which may be putting off potential travellers. This article is here to debunk those common myths!
Myth 1: You have to be an experienced hiker
The most popular myth by far is that only those with elite fitness levels are taking on walking holidays. This is simply not true. In fact, the sheer diversity and variety of people going on them is where the beauty lies.
Now, this misconception stems from the idea that most trails are located in challenging terrains, such as mountain ranges, which do require a high level of physical preparation. But, with so many different destinations to choose from, there is a path for everyone.
You can find routes that are gentle, such as strolling through the picturesque Cotswolds on a walking holiday in England. Likewise, you can take on a moderate trail but walk manageable distances each day, if that suits your fitness level better.
Myth 2: It’s all about roughing it
Many people tend to mix up walking holidays with typical hiking holidays, where hikers tend to carry a heavy backpack, sleep outside in a tent, eat camping food and generally forget about all comforts. There’s nothing wrong with that, if it’s enjoyable to you, but you certainly don’t have to do that!
The vast majority of walking holidays include proper accommodations each night, such as hotels or guesthouses. If anything, these tend to be super nice and comfortable, to reward you after a long day of walking. Imagine exploring the rustic charm of Ireland on the Dingle Way, knowing that a cosy B&B with an en-suite and an authentic meal is waiting for you afterwards…
The same goes for carrying your luggage – when you book your walking holiday through a travel agency, such as Orbis Ways, you may request luggage transfers between hotels. This means that you can do the walking with a light backpack, carrying only the essentials.
Myth 3: Walking holidays are not safe
The idea of walking through remote areas for hours on end can feel daunting to some, but they generally offer a very safe environment. You are never just abandoned in the wilderness – your travel agency will provide you a detailed itinerary, while most paths are very well marked and maintained. Not just that, Orbis Ways offer 24/7 support from a local contact, in the unlikely event of you getting lost or any other emergency.
If you still feel uncomfortable or, perhaps, planning to go solo and want to be surrounded by more people, pick a destination that is always buzzing with activity and tourism, like Croatia’s coastal trails. Similarly, you could opt for a guided group tour, so you don’t have to worry about your own navigation.
Myths debunked!
It’s absolutely natural for people to worry about something they aren’t too familiar with. However, a lot of the time, these misconceptions are exaggerated or not true at all. In this case, walking holidays are so versatile that you can adapt it to your own fitness level and personal preferences!
