How to Choose a Walking Tour Outfitter

A walking vacation is an adventure worth taking. Walking Tours immerses the traveler into the deeper region surroundings that you can’t get from a tour bus trip. Walking tours provided the hiker with an experience that is up close and personal. Walking is a slow relaxed way to discover a region or country. The hiker encouraged to linger and experience the sights, sounds, smells, and touch what is around you. Walking tours provide an opportunity to sit down and talk to the local people; learn about their history and culture. It is a great way to spend a holiday or a weekend getaway. However, how do you choose a good walking tour?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper and pen
• maps
• computer for research
• guide books

1. Research local, national, and global tour outfitters that provide tours in the country or region that you would like to tour. Research the internet, guidebooks, and travel clubs and agencies for walking tours. Make a list of the ones that interest you and begin a deeper research into those. Look over the maps of the region that the tour takes. Is it a region that you are going to enjoy?

2. Decide on the structure of the tour. Ask Questions. Do you want a private or custom tour? Do you want a tour that you can venture off by yourself to explore? There are many types of tours. A La Carte tour might be the idea tour, if freedom to explore is important. If a hiking adventure over rugged trails important, then a more strenuous trip should be researched. If a private or custom tour is important, choose a tour outfitter that provides programs that you can customize to meet your needs and interests.

3. Call and ask questions before you book a walking tour from an outfitter. Make sure you understand what is included in your package. Ask questions about what the outfitter requires you to bring on a walking tour. You may not need a full backpack, but you may need a day pack.

4. Choose the Itineraries that fit your interests as well as budget. Many outfitters offer all–inclusive packages, complete with airfare, meals, and entry fees for parks and museums. Some do not; ask questions about the itinerary. Choose itineraries that involve visiting historical places, if you are a history buff. Alternatively, choose a tour that stops frequently at parks, if nature and environment is important. Choose a walking tour outfitter that matches the style of walking vacation that you want to take.

5. Decided on the activity level that is needed for a walking tour. Decided how structured a tour is needed to get the most out of the trip. Research the ratings of the walking tours. Each walk should be classified into easy, moderate, and challenging. Choose a tour that is best for your skill and activity level. An easy tour is usually walking up to 4 hours a day, traveled over 6 miles on a gentle even terrain. A moderate tour is walking up to 6 hours a day, traveled over 10 miles on uneven terrain and hills. A challenging tour is hiking up to 7 hours a day, traveled over 14 miles on rugged mountainous terrain.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare for your trip with good comfortable walking shoes.
• Prepare a day pack with snacks, water, first aid kit, and small towel.
• Don't buy new shoes -- break them in before your trip. Sore feet will ruin a good walking vacation.

Resources

• Wordpress Link

[1960texan]

on 9/22/2009 Lots of great information and tips to prepare for the walking tour.

[joycetmann]

on 6/28/2009 Walking tours are great fun. Thanks! 5*