These five keys will help you get started in hiking

Hiking has become one of the most popular activities in Europe. This trend increased after the pandemic, and today it is one of the most popular for travellers looking for a travel experience outside the cities and big urban centres. That's why today we'll take a look at five key tips on hiking for beginners.

(This article is aimed at people with no experience in hiking, providing the essential points to get started).

Why go hiking during your holidays?

Now that technology, transport and communication are so well integrated, the options for travel are many and there is something for everyone: by this ExpressVPN articleFor instance, there is a list of romantic villas inspired by the reality shows world's most famous programmes. This option has become very attractive for couples who enjoy these programmes.

Of the villas on the list, there is one in Gran Canaria, close to one of the classic villas. hiking trails in the Canary Islands. This is one of the big reasons why travellers go hiking so much: in almost every holiday destination you can find hiking trails to enjoy the majestic scenery with your partner, alone or with friends.

Below, we will look at the main keys to carrying out this activity in the best way possible.

1. Preparing the backpack

This first point is elementary, precisely because it is: hiking is a very enjoyable but demanding activity. That is why, when it comes to preparing your backpack, you should think about how to lighten its weightWe will have to charge it for several hours or even days. So, only essentials: minimal clothing, little electronics. Bring water, dehydrated food, energy, and no books!

2. Footwear and clothing

Although there are different hiking routes for beginners and experts, there are no requirements regarding footwear or clothing. Comfortable, sporty footwear is always a good option for most beginners' routes (trekking shoes or boots). However, if you are in wet, snowy or cold weather areas, it is best to hire special equipment so as not to suffer in the elements. Check with guides and tourist offices.

3. Don't overextend yourself 

Hiking is not an extreme sport, but it depends on how and where you do it. There is no point in pushing yourself too hard to enjoy the experience. Start gradually, choose trails of a few hours, not so steep, and with adequate signposting. If they have a tourist service, for example in the National or Natural Parks, go to their offices to get recommendations. Remember to take breaks, eat slowly but often, and stay hydrated.

4. Hiking applications

Although hiking is a practice that appeals to communion with nature, there is no need to go crazy: some of the most popular activities in the area are best hiking apps will be very useful to enjoy the experience, especially for beginners: from sharing our location with systems that don't fail when there is no signal, to marking our route, monitoring our heart rate or getting weather alerts, these applications can help us a lot.

5. Check the weather

Finally, another basic must: check the weather conditions, especially in areas where there is danger of avalanches (in winter some valleys in the Pyrenees are not recommended if it has snowed a lot) or any other type of factor that could be a risk. There is no worse circumstance than finding yourself in the middle of a storm, in the middle of a mountain, alone with your light rucksack.

Conclusion

Now you can get started. Hiking is a renewing activity that becomes addictive. It can be done anywhere, requires no extra expense (if you want to) and offers the opportunity to meet new people and explore majestic regions and landscapes.