Active travel
Cycling & Hiking Tours
Plan hiking trip
Planning a hiking trip: Your ultimate guide for unforgettable experiences
Dreaming of an unforgettable hiking trip but not sure where to start? No worries! With our step-by-step guide, planning becomes a breeze. Learn now how to create your own dream tour and which equipment is essential. Need personal advice? Contact us for a customised hiking trip plan!
The topic, briefly and concisely
Careful planning is crucial for a successful hiking trip. Consider your personal preferences, your abilities, and your budget.
Use online tools, hiking guides and local experts to find the right route. Pay attention to the difficulty level, the length, and the elevation gain.
Pack the right equipment and pay attention to the safety precautions. Good preparation can minimise the risk of accidents and enhance the experience.
Discover the best tips and tricks for the perfect hiking trip. Plan your route, pack correctly, and experience unforgettable moments in nature.
Planning a hiking trip involves more than just packing a backpack. It's about creating an unforgettable experience in nature that is both safe and fulfilling. At GoTuro, we understand that planning such a trip can be challenging. That's why we offer you this comprehensive guide to help you tackle every step – from choosing the right route to assembling the perfect packing list. With our tips, your next hike is guaranteed to be a great success.
What does hiking trip planning mean?
Hiking trip planning involves the detailed preparation and organisation of a multi-day hike. Unlike a day hike, a hiking trip requires more extensive planning, taking into account accommodation, meals, and transport. There are two main types of hiking trips: self-guided and guided. For a self-guided hiking trip, you are responsible for all aspects of planning, while a travel organiser handles the arrangements for a guided tour. Berge & Meer offers a variety of guided hiking trips, which make planning easier for you.
Why is good planning important?
Thorough planning is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, safety is a key factor. A well-planned route, taking into account weather conditions and the right equipment, can minimise the risk of accidents. Secondly, planning enhances the experience and enjoyment factors. By knowing what to expect ahead of time, you can focus better on the natural beauty and fully enjoy the hike. Thirdly, good planning helps with cost control. By booking accommodation early and comparing prices, you can make the most of your budget. Europ Assistance emphasises the importance of travel insurance to cover unexpected costs.
Hiking trip: Define personal goals and set a budget
Before you begin the actual planning of your hiking trip, it's important to establish some preliminary considerations and objectives. These will help you find the right route and travel style. At GoTuro, we recommend first considering your personal preferences and expectations.
Personal Preferences and Expectations
Ask yourself what kind of experience you're looking for. Are you seeking an adventure with challenging ascents and remote paths, or do you prefer a relaxing hike through gentle hills and picturesque villages? Do you prefer hiking solo to enjoy the tranquillity of nature, or in a group to share the experience with others? The type of landscape also plays a role: do you prefer the mountains, the coast, or the lowlands? Defining your preferences will help you find the right hiking trip. Aldi Reisen offers a variety of hiking trip types, from leisurely hikes to challenging alpine crossings.
Realistic Assessment of Your Own Abilities
It's crucial to assess your own abilities realistically. What's your fitness level? Do you have any prior experience in hiking, especially on multi-day hikes with luggage? Are you good at navigation and orientation, or do you need support? Overestimating your abilities can quickly lead to the hike becoming overwhelming. If in doubt, start with an easier tour and gradually increase the difficulty level. Fraeulein Draussen recommends beginning with shorter tours to gain experience.
Budget Planning
Budget planning is another important aspect. Consider all potential costs, including transportation costs (travel to the starting point, return from the destination, possible transfers during the hike), accommodation costs (hotels, guesthouses, campsites), catering costs (food, drinks, restaurant visits), and equipment costs (hiking boots, backpack, clothing, etc.). Create a detailed breakdown and compare prices to make the most of your budget. Also, think about unforeseen expenses and plan for a buffer.
Finding hiking routes: Use online tools and local experts
Route planning and research are crucial for a successful hiking trip. There are numerous resources available to assist you in selecting a route. At GoTuro, we recommend combining online tools, hiking guides, and local experts.
Resources for Route Research
Online platforms like Komoot, Outdooractive, and hiking blogs offer a wealth of information on hiking routes. Here, you will find detailed descriptions, maps, elevation profiles, and reviews from other hikers. Hiking guides and maps are also indispensable, especially for remote areas. Local tourism offices can provide valuable tips on regional hiking trails and current conditions. Abenteuerzeilen recommends using multiple sources to verify trail conditions.
Criteria for Route Selection
When selecting a route, you should consider various criteria. The difficulty level should match your fitness level. Pay attention to the length and elevation gain of the route. Check the availability of accommodations and food options along the way. Ensure that the route is well connected to public transport if you are not traveling by car. The Eifelsteig offers, for example, various stages with different levels of difficulty and lengths.
Using Komoot for Route Planning
Komoot is an excellent tool for route planning. The desktop version provides a better overview and more features than the mobile app. You can create your own routes or use existing tours. The import of GPX files allows you to integrate routes from other sources into Komoot. Komoot also offers premium features such as sports-specific maps and a multi-day planner. Fraeulein Draussen highlights the benefits of the Komoot route planner, particularly the ability to find accommodations.
Precisely plan hiking time: Factors and formulas for realistic stages
Stage planning and time management are crucial to making your hiking trip a success. A realistic assessment of your daily performance and the consideration of buffer times are essential. At GoTuro, we help you plan the hiking time precisely.
Factors Influencing Daily Performance
Various factors affect your daily hiking performance. These include your fitness, the pack weight, the terrain, the weather, the altitude, your nutrition, and the type of accommodation. A challenging route with lots of elevation and heavy luggage requires more hiking time than a flat route with light luggage. Fraeulein Draussen emphasises that daily performance cannot simply be transferred from day hikes to multi-day tours.
Calculating Hiking Time
There is a simple formula for estimating hiking time: Allow for 4 kilometres per hour on flat terrain and add an hour for every 300 metres of elevation. Also, account for breaks. A realistic estimate of your own pace is important. If in doubt, start with shorter stages and gradually increase the distance. Abenteuerzeilen advises calculating the hiking time more accurately by halving the smaller of the horizontal or vertical distance and adding it to the larger.
Flexibility and Buffer Times
Always plan for flexibility and buffer times. Unforeseen events such as bad weather, injuries, or route closures can disrupt your planning. A Plan B is therefore essential. For group trips, you should adapt the stages to the group's abilities and cater to the needs of all participants. Hillwalktours recommends adjusting the pace to the slowest participant.
Optimising Your Packing List: The Ten Most Important Pieces of Gear for Every Hike
The right gear and packing list are crucial for your safety and comfort during a hiking trip. A carefully compiled packing list helps you remember nothing important and avoid unnecessary weight. At GoTuro, we provide you with an overview of the most essential equipment items.
The "Ten Essentials"
The "Ten Essentials" are a basic collection of gear that should be included on every hike. These include navigation (map, compass, GPS device), sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat), insulation (extra clothing), lighting (headlamp), first aid (bandages, medication), fire (lighter, matches), repair kit (knife, tools), nutrition (energy bars, dried fruits), hydration (water bottle, water filter), and emergency shelter (bivouac sack). Frag Team Clean emphasises the importance of these ten essential items for every hike.
Footwear and Clothing
Appropriate hiking boots are essential for a hiking trip. Choose boots that suit your terrain: lightweight trekking shoes for paved paths, sturdy mountain boots for rugged terrain. Functional clothing in a layering system (base layer, insulation layer, outer layer) allows you to adapt to changing weather conditions. A rain jacket and trousers are a must-have in any backpack. Europ Assistance recommends opting for breathable and quick-drying materials.
Backpack and Packing Strategy
An ergonomic backpack with the appropriate volume is essential to protect your back. Pay attention to good weight distribution and carrying comfort. Pack heavy items close to your body and distribute the weight evenly. Conduct a trial run with a packed backpack to ensure everything sits comfortably and nothing chafes. Europ Assistance stresses the importance of testing the backpack before the trip to ensure comfort.
Safety First: Navigation, First Aid, and Emergency Measures for Hikers
Safety and Emergency Preparedness are crucial to fully enjoying your hiking trip. Good preparation and knowing how to respond in emergencies can save lives. At GoTuro, we place great importance on your safety.
Navigation and Orientation
Don't rely solely on your smartphone. Maps, a compass, and a GPS device should always be with you. Skills in reading maps and orientation are essential for finding your way in remote areas. Practice using a map and compass before setting off. Frag Team Clean emphasises the importance of navigation with a compass and map.
First Aid and Emergency Equipment
A well-equipped first aid kit is mandatory. It should contain personal medications and bandaging materials. Also, consider emergency communication devices like a mobile phone or satellite phone. Familiarise yourself with the emergency numbers and procedures for the region you are hiking in. Europ Assistance recommends taking out travel insurance that also covers medical emergencies.
Behaviour in Emergency Situations
Familiarise yourself with the right behaviour in emergency situations. Do you know how to make an emergency call and provide first aid? Learn about dealing with wildlife and natural hazards in the area. Good preparation can help you respond calmly and confidently. Europ Assistance offers 24/7 support in an emergency.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is a must for any hiking trip. It should include trip cancellation insurance, overseas health insurance, and possibly additional policies like luggage insurance. Compare the offers of different insurers and choose the plan that best meets your needs. Europ Assistance offers various travel insurances specifically for hiking trips.
Sustainable hiking: Protecting the environment and respecting nature
Sustainability and Environmental Protection are important aspects that should be considered when planning and conducting a hiking trip. At GoTuro, we are committed to responsible interaction with nature and would like to show you how you can contribute.
Leave No Trace Principles
The "Leave No Trace" principles are a set of guidelines designed to minimise the environmental impact of hiking. These include Planning and Preparation, Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces, Proper Waste Disposal, Leaving Natural Items in Their Place, Minimising Campfire Impact, Respect Wildlife, and Be Considerate of Other Visitors. Frag Team Clean emphasises the importance of adhering to these principles.
Eco-friendly Products
Use biodegradable soaps and cleaners to prevent unnecessary harm to the environment. Avoid plastic waste by using reusable water bottles and containers. Pay attention to eco-friendly packaging and avoid unnecessary consumption. Europ Assistance recommends using small, lightweight, and environmentally friendly hygiene products.
Supporting Sustainable Tourism Offers
Choose accommodations and providers with environmental certification to support sustainable tourism offerings. Use public transport to reduce your carbon footprint. Inform yourself about regional conservation projects and support them through donations or voluntary work. Wikinger Reisen, for example, is committed to sustainable tourism and supports various environmental projects.
Book a hiking trip: Compare offers and check cancellation conditions
The choice of provider and booking are the final steps in planning your walking holiday. There are various ways to book a walking holiday: individually or as a package deal. We at GoTuro help you make the right decision.
Individual Planning vs. Package Deals
With individual planning, you are responsible for all aspects of the trip yourself. This offers you maximum flexibility, but also requires a higher level of planning effort. Package deals usually include accommodation, meals, and luggage transport. This is more convenient but limits your flexibility. Weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of both options and choose the one that best meets your needs.
Well-Known Providers of Walking Holidays
There are numerous providers of walking holidays, including Wikinger Reisen, Berge & Meer, and Aldi Reisen. Compare the offers from different providers and pay attention to the included services (accommodation, meals, luggage transport, guidance) and the flexibility and customisation options. Die Eifel Tourismus GmbH also provides telephone support for inquiries.
Comparison of Offers and Services
When booking, pay attention to the cancellation conditions. Find out about early booking discounts and last-minute offers. Cancellation advice can help you make the right decision if you need to cancel the trip. Europ Assistance offers cancellation advice to assist travellers in making decisions.
Plan unforgettable hiking experiences with GoTuro: Start now!
More useful links
Deutscher Wanderverband offers information on premium trails for hikers.
Umweltbundesamt (UBA) provides information on sustainable tourism and eco-friendly travel options.
Deutscher Alpenverein provides information on different hiking types and safety aspects of hiking.
Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz provides information on hiking trails in Bavaria.
Naturpark Altmühltal offers ideas and suggestions for hikes in the nature park.
Deutscher Tourismusverband (DTV) provides information on special types of tourism, including hiking tourism.
FAQ
What are the key aspects to consider when planning a hiking trip?
The key aspects are choosing the right route, having a realistic assessment of your own abilities, planning your budget, gathering the appropriate equipment and implementing safety measures. Good planning minimises risks and maximises enjoyment.
How do I find the right hiking route for my needs?
Use online platforms like Komoot, hiking guides, and local tourist offices. Consider the difficulty level, length and elevation gain of the route, as well as the availability of accommodation and catering options.
What equipment do I absolutely need for a hiking trip?
Essential items include suitable hiking boots, layered functional clothing, an ergonomic backpack, navigation tools (map, compass, GPS device), sun protection, a first aid kit, and enough water and food supplies.
How do I realistically calculate hiking time?
Calculate with 4 kilometers per hour on flat terrain and add one hour for every 300 meters of elevation gain. Consider breaks and your personal fitness. Always plan for buffer times.
What should I consider when budgeting for a hiking trip?
Consider all potential costs, including transport costs, accommodation costs, food costs, and equipment costs. Compare prices and plan for a buffer for unforeseen expenses.
How can I make my hiking trip more sustainable?
Observe the “Leave No Trace” principles, use eco-friendly products, support sustainable tourism offers, and utilise public transport.
What is the difference between personal planning and a package deal?
With personal planning, you are responsible for all aspects of the trip, which offers more flexibility. Package deals typically include accommodation, meals, and luggage transport, providing more convenience.
What travel insurance is recommended for a hiking trip?
Comprehensive travel insurance should include trip cancellation insurance, overseas health insurance, and, if necessary, additional insurances such as luggage insurance.
