World ExpeditionsBig Adventures. Small Footprint.https://assets.worldexpeditions.com/BlogWhat I love about self guided walkinghttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/3619/what-i-love-about-self-guided-walkingActivities,Trekking/Walking,Community,Traveller StoriesTue, 17 Nov 2020 04:19:21 GMT<p>Nothing feels better than that first day out on the trail. You’ve left behind the city and all that comes with it; the crowds, the lights, the noises, and the hustle and bustle. You are free to forget about work; the deadlines, the emails and your 9 to 5 routine.</p> <p>There’s no room for any of that in the bush. You are too distracted by the beauty of where you are and the need to keep putting one foot in front of the other. It's truly an amazing feeling to know that for the next few days you don’t need an alarm clock, you don’t need a schedule. All you need to think about is getting from one campsite to the next. That is the beauty of a <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Walking-Self-Guided" target="_blank">self guided walk</a>, it opens you up to live life completely on your own terms.</p> <p>The other upside is that all the nitty-gritty details of organising transport, food, accommodation, route logistics and mapping were all taken care of beforehand. Meaning that you can simply focus on your experience ahead.</p> <p>Something I love to do when I go bushwalking on my own is to take my watch off – leave it behind completely. Why do I need a clock anyway? I can eat when I’m hungry, sleep when I’m tired and wake up to the sun. I take pleasure in the fact that I don’t need to set an alarm. Instead, I always try to position my tent so that I am facing the sunrise; there’s no better way to wake up than to the sunrise.</p> <p>A self guided walk gives you freedom. The freedom to walk at your own pace, stop when you want or keep walking as long as you want. You can spend 15 minutes getting that perfect photo of a beautiful wildflower, or just sit and look out and contemplate. There will be no one telling you that it’s time to leave or to hurry up because you are running late. No one telling you to stop and rest when you don’t need to.</p> <p><img alt="Walking self guided on the Overland Track in Tasmania" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="755890" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/croppedImages/Blogs/TAS/Holly-Self-Guided-1.jpg-755890-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Blogs/TAS/Holly-Self-Guided-1.jpg-755890-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <p>Though you shouldn't worry about being completely isolated as you won’t be the only one out there doing it on your own. You will meet other people who are also enjoying the perks of a self guided walk. While you may not walk with them during the day, they will all be waiting for everyone to arrive safely at camp. It becomes a lovely little community with everyone looking out for each other, sharing some tea or some chocolate and lending a hand if something breaks.</p> <p>By the end of the week, you will have formed friendships with other hikers – who knows, you may have found a new hiking buddy for future adventures!</p> <p>There may be moments where you second-guess yourself on the trail, where you think, 'Maybe I can’t do this? Maybe I should have bought that other pair of boots or an extra layer of warmth or that flask of port?' By the end of the walk though, you will have had to motivate yourself, talk yourself through situations, saying, 'Hang on, I can do this!'</p> <p>Knowing that you made it all this way, relying on no one other than yourself, awards you with such a great sense of achievement you will be planning your next self guided adventure on the way back home.</p> <p><strong>Ideal for the confident and independent traveller with support in the background, self guided hikes are fun and flexible. </strong><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Walking-Self-Guided" target="_blank"><strong>Find your walk today ></strong></a></p> <p><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Walking-Self-Guided"><button class="btn btn-borders world-ex mr-xs mb-sm" type="button">View self guided hikes</button></a><em></em></p> <p><em>Words by Holly Van De Beek, co-owner of Wild Island Adventure Hire. Over the past decade, Holly has been involved in the gear and outdoor industry in Tasmania and the Northern Territory, having walked almost every major trail.</em></p> 3619Know before you go: tips to prepare you for a self guided trekhttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2483/know-before-you-go-tips-to-prepare-you-for-a-self-guided-trekActivities,Trekking/Walking,Australia,Gear and Training TipsThu, 26 Jul 2018 01:11:00 GMT<p><strong>While hiking in the great outdoors with family and friends is a wonderful experience to share, if you're keen for a new challenge then a solo, <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Walking-Self-Guided?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=Self_Guided_treks" rel="noopener" target="_blank">self-guided trek</a> might be just the ticket.</strong></p> <p>You have the luxury of being able to choose your own adventure, set your own pace and make your own decisions without having to factor in other people’s needs and wants. Though solo trekking can be reclusive, it's a refreshing break from the usual fast-paced lifestyle. Chances are you’ll be enjoying your hike so much, you relish the quiet isolation and the chance to be in your own company for a time.</p> <p>But before you set out, here are some factors to consider which will help make your journey much more enjoyable.</p> <h2>Choose a realistic goal</h2> <p>If you have never attempted a solo overnight or multi-day hike before, start small with a three-day hike on a well-marked trail, then <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Walking-Self-Guided?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=Self_Guided_treks" rel="noopener" target="_blank">build up to bigger challenges and longer hikes</a> as your confidence, fitness and skills grow.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_0916-larapinta-sign-selfguided-nicola-conville-1024x768-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_0916-larapinta-sign-selfguided-nicola-conville-1024x768-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Discovering the Aussie outback at my own pace.</span></p> <h2>Build up your fitness</h2> <p>Being in the best physical and mental shape you can be is vital for a safe, enjoyable trip. The length of time and amount of training you need to do will depend on your baseline fitness and the length of the trek you wish to attempt, but generally three to six months of solid training is a good guideline.</p> <p>Aim for three to five sessions a week and mix it up with walking, swimming and cycling. Practice hiking in all weathers, over different kinds of terrain with a pack.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_1087-1024x430-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_1087-1024x430-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">A self-guided trek is a great option for the independent traveller.</span></p> <p>Generally, if you are on a multi-day hike, you can expect to be carrying around 15-20kg of gear, so get used to walking while carrying a similar weight. Yoga and pilates are also great for balance, centring yourself and staying grounded. You can also sign up for an adventure training program.</p> <h2>Learn basic orientation skills</h2> <p>Without a leader to guide you, or a friend to confer with if you wander off the trail or hurt yourself, you will need to be as self-sufficient as possible. Learn basic map reading and first-aid skills and learn to use a compass. There are plenty of one-day courses on offer which cover these topics.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_1053-larapinta-waterhole-selfguided-nicola-conville-768x1024-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_1053-larapinta-waterhole-selfguided-nicola-conville-768x1024-###width###px.jpg" width="768" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Taking a break by a picturesque waterhole.</span></p> <h2>Invest in good gear</h2> <p>Lightweight clothing that wicks the sweat away from your body makes for a more comfortable hike. Pack a few layers which you can add to or take off, depending on the temperature. A good hat that covers your neck will protect you from the hot sun. Choose comfortable, waterproof leather or Gore-tex boots and wear them while training prior to your trek.</p> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/gear/3-gear-mistakes-to-avoid-when-going-on-a-trek/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>RELATED: <span style="text-decoration: underline;">3 gear mistakes to avoid when going on a trek</span></strong></a></p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_0932-hiking-boots-larapinta-selfguided-nicola-conville-e1532565048193-1024x768-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_0932-hiking-boots-larapinta-selfguided-nicola-conville-e1532565048193-1024x768-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Invest in a good pair of hiking boots for multi-day treks.</span></p> <h2>Pack light</h2> <p>The gear that is provided on World Expeditions’ <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Walking-Self-Guided?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=Self_Guided_treks" rel="noopener" target="_blank">self-guided treks</a> is lightweight, of excellent quality and easy to use. You will be provided with a tent and sleeping gear, cooking gear, rain jacket, lightweight trekking food, maps and an EPIRB (Emergency position-indicating radio beacon station) for emergencies.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_0960-snack-view-larapinta-selfguided-nicola-conville-768x1024-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_0960-snack-view-larapinta-selfguided-nicola-conville-768x1024-###width###px.jpg" width="768" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Enjoying supplied snacks with a view.</span></p> <p>The remaining gear you’ll need to bring includes your footwear and clothing, camera, first aid kit and personal toiletries. Pack what you need, but pack wisely.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/DSCF2433-larapinta-selfguided-nicola-conville-1024x768-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/DSCF2433-larapinta-selfguided-nicola-conville-1024x768-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Test your load on a day hike as preparation.</span></p> <p>Remember that shaving off a few grams here and there with each item may add up to a couple of kilos, meaning a lighter load to carry.</p> <p>Happy trails!</p> <p><em>Words and images by Nicola Conville, who trekked the Larapinta Trail solo. </em></p> <p><em><strong>Have some tips to add to the list? Share them in the comments below.</strong></em></p> <h2>Experience it yourself</h2> <p>Check out our range of <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Walking-Self-Guided?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=Self_Guided_treks" rel="noopener" target="_blank">self-guided walks in Japan, New Zealand, Chile, Australia and across Europe</a> which give you the flexibility of solo travel, but have the perks and benefits of a group tour. Experience travelling under your own steam where the hassle of logistics (think: route descriptions, maps and local sightseeing information, etc.), transfers and accommodation are all taken care of, so you can focus on savouring the sights and experiences of the region. <strong><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Walking-Self-Guided?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=Self_Guided_treks" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">View trips</span> ></a></strong></p> <p><strong>READ MORE:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/activities/adventure-travel/3-reasons-to-join-an-active-womens-adventure-and-where-to-go/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">3 reasons to join an active women’s adventure (and where to go)</span></a></li> <li><a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/activities/trekking-walking/6-must-read-gear-tips-for-your-trek/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">6 'must read' gear tips for your trek</span></a></li> <li><a href="http://blog.worldexpeditions.com/destinations/south-america/patagonia/patagonia-ecocamp/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sustainable ‘glamping’ in Patagonia’s Torres Del Paine</span></a><br />  </li> </ul> 2483