Start Walking in Good Time
Good preparation starts with walking regularly. It is better to walk regularly for several weeks than to suddenly start walking long distances shortly before your trip. For example, go for a few walks each week and gradually increase the distance. This gives your feet, legs and fitness time to get used to longer periods of exercise. You do not need to walk the same distance every time. Alternate shorter walks with a longer walk.
Train for Elevation Changes
In the Canary Islands, you will regularly encounter elevation changes. A 15-kilometre walk with a lot of climbing and descending can feel very different from 15 kilometres on flat terrain. If you mainly walk on flat terrain at home, it is therefore useful to occasionally choose a route with hills or elevation changes. You do not need to train in the mountains specifically. Longer stairways, bridges, dunes or hilly terrain can also help your legs get used to climbing and descending.
Practise Walking on Consecutive Days
During a multi-day hiking holiday, your body does not get a full day of recovery every day. You may be walking for four, five or more days in a row. As part of your preparation, try walking on two consecutive days from time to time. Once you are comfortable with that, you can also plan a weekend with several walks on consecutive days. The aim is not to walk extremely long distances every day. It is mainly about letting your body experience what it feels like to walk again the following day.
Walk in the Shoes You Will Use During Your Trip
During your preparation, use the same walking shoes that you plan to wear on your hiking holiday. This allows you to find out in advance whether they are comfortable and whether they cause any pressure points or blisters. Wearing new shoes for the first time during your hiking holiday is therefore not a good idea. During your training walks, also wear the walking socks you plan to use during your trip.
Practise with Your Daypack
For our hiking holidays, luggage transfers are arranged when they are included in the trip. This means you only need to carry a light daypack during the walk. It is still a good idea to walk with this backpack a few times beforehand. This helps you find out how much water and how many items you like to carry, and allows you to adjust the backpack properly. A well-adjusted backpack helps prevent unnecessary strain on your shoulders and back.
Get Used to Longer Hiking Days
A hiking holiday is not only about a certain number of kilometres. You are often out walking for several hours. As part of your preparation, try doing a longer walk from time to time and take your time. This helps you get used not only to the distance, but also to walking for longer periods. You do not need to walk quickly. A steady and comfortable pace is more important.
Find Out What Works for You
Use your preparation to find out what works best for you while hiking. For example, think about how much water you like to carry, when you prefer to take a break and which clothing and socks feel comfortable. You can also use longer walks to try out which snacks or other food you like to take with you. This means you do not have to figure out what works for you once you are already on your hiking holiday.
Get Enough Rest
Training is important, but recovery is part of the preparation too. Especially when you are gradually increasing the distances, it is important to give your body enough time to recover. You do not need to suddenly walk much more in the last few days before departure. It is better to start your hiking holiday feeling well rested.
How Do You Prepare for a Multi-Day Hiking Holiday?
Not every hiking holiday requires the same preparation. A shorter, relatively flat hiking holiday requires something different from your body than a multi-day trek with significant elevation changes. Before your trip, check the distances, elevation gain and terrain of your hiking holiday. This gives you a good idea of what to expect along the way. Are you unsure whether a particular hiking holiday is suitable for your fitness level? Feel free to contact us. We can look at the distances and hiking grade of the trip together.
Our Practical Tip
Do not make your preparation more complicated than necessary. Regular walking, an occasional longer walk and practising on consecutive days provide a good basis for many hikers. Make sure your walking shoes are broken in, practise with your daypack and pay extra attention to elevation changes if your hiking holiday involves a lot of climbing. You do not need to be in top shape before you start. Good preparation is mainly about helping you begin your hiking holiday with more confidence and enjoy the walking.
