Many people dream of traveling the world. But for some, the real calling is the ability to get out into nature and experience life away from civilization, just as our ancestors did.
Hiking is one of the best and most accessible ways to do this. While you need some equipment, the barriers to entry tend to be low. You can start with a good pair of boots if you only plan on hiking in the summer.
But how do you make hiking in foreign countries your life? Here’s what to do:
Assess Your Skills
The first step is to assess your skills and try to work out where you are now. You’ll want to think about your experience, fitness levels, and financial limitations.
Don’t assume that just because social media influencers can walk all day it’s the right option for you. Your fitness levels could be much lower.
Also, try to figure out how you’ll fund your expeditions. Social media is an option, but you’ll want a decent number of followers first to succeed.
Learn The Language
The next step is to learn the languages of the places you want to go. Being able to say a few words or ask questions can be an excellent way to keep you safe and enable you to ask for help when you need it.
If you’re not strong in a language, go on a crash course to learn the basics. You don’t need to be able to write newspaper articles, but it does help if you can ask for help or order food.
Get The Right Gear
You’ll also want to choose the right gear for your trip. Picking an outdoor clothing brand that you trust can help you make the most of your adventures and enjoy them more instead of getting soaked in the rain or having a miserable day because your backpack broke.
Winter gear is generally much more expensive than summer gear because it is heavier and has to cope with more extreme conditions. You’ll also need specialist gear if you are going to be scrambling over rocks at altitude or walking on soft surfaces, like sand or snow.
Choose Your Destinations
Once you’ve done all that, you’re ready to choose your destinations. If you want to make hiking your life, find places that excite you. You don’t want trips to feel like long slogs to the next hotel or campsite.
Some people choose pilgrimage routes. These are fun because you often find friends along the way and there’s a spiritual element to the journey.
Other people prefer to go to wilderness locations. These are great for when you just want to appreciate nature and get away from it all.
Prioritize Safety
Finally, you’ll want to prioritize safety to make foreign-country hiking sustainable. Before you start, always put emergency protocols in place and research potential hazards. Also, study the weather carefully and take a tent with you for shelter if you think you might get caught in a storm.