Now you’ve decided to go on a trekking trip. The following provides help for you to choose a trail.
Compile Your Bucket List
Do you already have a bucket list? If not, then Google to find out best hiking trails in the world to get suggestions. Different websites will have different lists, and you can compare them to compile your own list.
Some trails have stunning views (e.g., Patagonia W Circuit). Some are famous for historical importance (e.g., Hadrian’s Wall). There are also trails providing both (e.g., Inca Trail). Select trails based on your interest and ability.
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Start with an Easier Trail
We started with Inca Trail, which was probably not a good choice because of the high altitude. Some people we met while hiking at Everest Base Camp told us that it’s their first trekking trip. We never saw those people later, and I suspected that they gave up at some point.
It is safer to start with a shorter trek without a lot of elevation changes. Some El Camino trails and West Highland Way are generally considered as a good starting option.
You Can Go at a Slower Pace
Standard West Highland Way trail is a 7 or 8-day trekking walking 9 to 20 miles a day. However, you can break a long day of 20 miles into 2 days of 10 miles each.
It is also possible to use transportation (e.g., train, bus, taxi, Uber, gondola) to shorten your hike.
You Don’t Need to Complete an Entire Trail
It takes about 5 weeks to complete the entire French Way, but many hikers only walk the last 100 or 200 kms. When we hiked Alta Via 1, we only did the north section due to time constraint. (We may decide to walk the south section sometime in the future.)
High Altitude Hiking
Pay attention to the altitude of the trails. If you will climb higher than 10,000 ft, then you should do some acclimatization hikes 2 to 3 weeks before your trip.
Medication also helps. We took Diamox after reaching 11,000 ft. We’re not sure whether we can go higher without medication. However, it will be too late when you get sick. The only quick remedy then is to immediately go down 1,500 ft or so to ensure your safety.
Rei also recommends bringing an oximeter to monitor the oxygen level in your blood.
Have a Plan B
Ailment, Inclement weather, or trail closure among other things can derail your perfect plan. It is essential to have a Plan B. In the case that you cannot continue walking, consider using transportation (e.g., train, bus, taxi, Uber, gondola) to reach next or alternative destinations. The most important thing is to ensure your safety, hopefully without needing to be rescued.
Combine Your Trekking with Sightseeing
Adding a sightseeing component to your trekking plan will make the trip more interesting. For example, we combine our one-week West Highland Way with another week of Scotland sightseeing that extends our experience to the Scotland culture. Rei enjoyed Sicily sightseeing in Palermo, Taormina, Siracusa and Catania a lot more than the Magna Via Francigena hike.
Happy Trekking!
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Amy 'n Rei 