Experience the Year-Round Beauty of the World's Top Trekking Destinations
Want a different type of vacation this year?
If you’ve always wanted to go on a trek but you’ve never had the chance, it’s never too late to start. With some simple preparation and an understanding of the natural environment you’ll be visiting, your first trek can be even more successful than you’d imagine.
With time and experience, trekking allows you to see natural wonders and breathtaking historical sites that you never thought you’d be able to see in your lifetime. We’ve outlined some of the world’s best destinations for trekking, alongside a few practical tips for planning your first adventure on foot.
Inspiration: Four of the best countries for year-round trekking
1. Switzerland
The Swiss Alps are one of the most legendary mountain ranges for trekking holidays. Famous mountains include Matterhorn and Piz Bernina, but both exceed 13,000ft in elevation – so you should only attempt to summit them with a guide and suitable experience. But for families and beginners, there are plenty of breathtaking trails there too.
2. Australia
Trekking in Australia is a bucket-list activity for the most eager adventurers. Hiking destinations include Lamington National Park and the trails on Kangaroo Island, where you’ll be certain to get up close and personal with local wildlife. You could keep the adventure going with an AuVisa and spend more time discovering Australia and all it has to offer.
3. Chile
Stretched along the western edge of South America, Chile offers a bountiful variety of hiking opportunities. With routes suitable for beginners and experienced hikers, you can discover luscious green forests or gorgeous coastal routes. Most day hikes can be attempted without a guide, which could be useful for families.
4. USA
If you’re scared of flying or you just feel like staying closer to home, you can still experience incredible trekking in America. Yosemite National Park tops the list for many beginner and professional trekkers, but there are also natural wonders at Zion National Park and the unforgettable Rocky Mountains too.
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Going on a trek for the first time?
It’s understandable if you’re feeling a little bit apprehensive about your very first serious trek. But if you’re using the best quality equipment possible, you only need to do some research and a little bit of training before your adventure starts.
Every trek is different, but as a general guide, we’d suggest that you:
Research the climate thoroughly before booking travel tickets.
Check if you need a guide, especially in mountainous areas.
Buy your clothing and equipment according to the expected weather conditions.
Pack spare clothing, preferably lightweight base layers.
Take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your activities.
Look after your health and take any medication with you.
Train your body by going on some practice treks near home.
How to stay environmentally responsible on vacation
If you’re flying to a different country for your trek, there might always be some guilt associated with the environmental cost of jet fuel. While it might be impossible to offset these emissions, there are certain things you can do to ensure that you stay responsible on your trek.
The most important rule to follow is to leave no trace. Respect the natural environment and aim to leave no evidence or trash, no matter where you go or how far it is until the next town.
If possible, try to join local community initiatives or organizations dedicated to sustainable tourism. Alternatively, supporting independent traders and local businesses could make more of a difference than you’d expect.
Overview
With the right preparations, embarking on your own trekking adventure could become something that you repeat year after year. Over time, you could collect a portfolio of first-hand experiences that go far beyond anything you could see on the big screen.
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