How to prepare for your first walking holiday

Booked your first walking trip? Great! Here are five tips to help you get ready for your hiking holiday, including what to pack and what training to do.

Written by: Caitlin Middleton - Product Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Updated: 29 January 2026

Ready to lace up your walking boots? Before you book your first walking holiday, we’re here to answer those burning questions – will I be fit enough? am I packing the right things? what about blisters? – so you’re free to get excited.

The good news is you don’t need to be a marathon hiker or live in the mountains to enjoy a walking trip. With the right preparation (and a realistic idea of what to expect) a walking holiday can be a rewarding way to travel, even as a complete beginner.

Here’s everything you need to know before you go, from choosing the right grade to avoiding blisters and knowing what a typical day looks like on tour:

Preparing for your walking holiday 101:

Preparation: With the right boots and kit, a little hill practice and a realistic grade, preparing for your first walking holiday is all part of the adventure.
Fitness: You don’t need to be superhuman, just comfortable walking for several hours, ideally on consecutive days.
Footwear: Well-fitted, broken-in footwear and decent socks will make a bigger difference than almost anything else.
Packing: Think light, layered and practical. You’ll only carry what you need for the day.
Support: Small groups, an experienced leader and a sociable pace mean you’re never doing it alone.

1. What to expect on your first walking holiday

If you’ve never done a walking tour before, it helps to know what actually happens on the ground.

Explore Worldwide's walking holidays are run in small groups, led by a qualified, experienced leader who knows the terrain, the culture and the best places to stop for a break. You’ll walk together during the day, but there’s no pressure to be chatty every step. Some people walk and talk, others enjoy the quiet.

Each day has a planned distance and ascent, designed to match the trip grade. Walks usually last between three and six hours, with plenty of breaks for water, photos and snacks. Lunch might be a picnic with a view, a village café or a simple local restaurant, depending on where you are.

Evenings are generally relaxed time to shower, eat well, stretch tired legs and enjoy being somewhere new. And if you’re travelling solo? You’ll be in good company – many of our walking guests come on their own.

2. How to choose the right walking trip grade

Choosing the right grade is one of the most important steps in preparing for your first walking holiday – and one of the easiest ways to make sure you enjoy it.

At Explore Worldwide, we use a clear grading system that looks at:

Daily walking distances
Amount of ascent and descent
Terrain (paths, tracks, rocky ground, hills)
Consecutive walking days

In simple terms:

Leisurely / Easy-paced grades suit people who enjoy regular walks at home and want gentle terrain with modest distances.
Moderate grades are ideal if you’re comfortable walking for several hours and tackling hills, but still want time to enjoy the scenery.
Challenging grades are better for experienced walkers used to longer days, steeper ascents and rougher ground.

If in doubt, choose the easier option, many first-time walkers find they enjoy the experience more when they’re not constantly pushing themselves.

3. Training for your first walking holiday

You don’t need a military-style training plan, but a bit of preparation will go a long way.

What to focus on:

Back-to-back walks: Try walking on consecutive days to get used to how your body feels.
Hills and steps: Find local inclines, stairs or bridges, ascent is often more challenging than distance.
Time on feet: Build up to walking for the length of time your trip requires, rather than focusing purely on speed.
Carrying a pack: Practice with a lightly loaded daypack so it feels familiar.
Strength and balance: Simple leg and core exercises can really help, especially on descents.
Walking poles can be useful, particularly on steep or uneven terrain – and many first-timers quickly become converts.

4. Footwear, socks and foot care

Whether you're hiking the Lycian Way or walking the Picos de Europa, happy feet make happy walkers (and most foot problems are avoidable with the right preparation).

Boots or trail shoes?

Walking boots offer ankle support and stability, especially on rough or uneven terrain.
Trail shoes can be lighter and cooler, but should still have good grip and structure.
Whichever you choose, make sure they fit well and are fully broken in before your trip. New boots on day one are a recipe for blisters.

Socks and foot care tips:

Choose technical walking socks – avoid cotton as it holds moisture.
Some walkers prefer a liner sock plus outer sock combination to reduce friction.
Keep feet clean and dry; change socks if they get wet.
Bring blister plasters, tape and wipes, even if you’ve never had issues before.
A little daily foot care goes a long way on a walking holiday.

Travel essentials for your walking holiday including poles, sunglasses and boots

5. Clothing & packing

When it comes to walking gear, simple and versatile wins every time.

What to wear:

Breathable layers you can add or remove easily
A lightweight waterproof jacket
Comfortable walking trousers or shorts
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)

What to carry in your daypack:

Water bottle or hydration system
Snacks
Waterproof layer
Warm layer
Sunscreen and hat
Camera or phone
Personal first-aid items

Your main luggage is usually transported between accommodations, so you’ll only carry what you need for the day.

Naturally, what you pack will depend on your destination – walking in Asia is a very different experience to walking in Scotland – so always check your trip's recommended packing list.

Explore Worldwide walking tour

6. Food, water & nutrition

Walking uses more energy than you might expect, so fuelling well makes a real difference.

Drink little and often, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Carry snacks you enjoy – nuts, dried fruit or energy bars are popular choices.
Lunches on walking tours vary: picnics, cafés or simple local restaurants.
Evening meals are often a highlight, showcasing regional dishes and local produce.
Dietary requirements are catered for, just let us know in advance.

Common questions and answers for first-timers on a walking holiday:

Will I slow the group down?

No. Leaders set a sociable pace with regular breaks. Groups naturally spread out and regroup.

What if I need a rest day?

Is there time to relax?

What’s included?

Can I join as a solo traveller?

Don't just travel, Explore!

Your first walking holiday should feel exciting, not intimidating. With carefully graded routes, experienced leaders and small groups, Explore Worldwide's walking tours are designed to help you enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

From gentle coastal paths to longer distance routes, you’ll find classic trips that suit first-time and seasoned walkers alike.

View all walking tours

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