One of the best ways to prepare for your holiday is simply to spend a little more time on your feet. You don't need a complicated training programme or expensive equipment. A little preparation before you arrive can make the walking feel easier, help you become familiar with your kit and leave you with more energy to enjoy everything else that makes a walking holiday in Andalucía so special.
The good news is that the best preparation is also the simplest. Regular walks close to home, wearing the footwear and carrying the equipment you'll be using on holiday, will help you arrive feeling confident and ready for the walking ahead.
These are the same simple suggestions I've shared with walkers over the years. They're easy to fit into everyday life and, more importantly, they'll help you arrive ready to enjoy your holiday from the very first morning.
Just Get Out and Walk
The best preparation for a walking holiday is simply walking.
If you already enjoy regular walks, you're well on your way. Try to get out as often as you comfortably can, gradually spending a little more time on your feet. Walking regularly is far more important than trying to cover huge distances or finding the steepest climb in your area.
There's no need to suddenly double your distance or push yourself beyond your comfort zone. The aim is simply to arrive feeling comfortable on your feet and knowing that several days of walking feel familiar and enjoyable.
One thing I've found is that a few hills can make a surprising difference. If you have them nearby, try including one or two gentle climbs in your regular walks. You don't need to push hard or tackle anything particularly steep. Simply getting used to walking uphill at your own pace will help prepare you for the sort of terrain you'll find on many of my holidays.
Walk in the Kit You'll Be Using
One of the easiest ways to prepare for your holiday is to walk in the same footwear, clothing and equipment you'll be bringing to Andalucía.
If you've bought new walking boots or trail shoes, don't wait until you arrive to wear them. A few local walks will help you become comfortable in them, highlight any areas that rub and give you confidence they'll be ready for the holiday.
The same applies to your daypack. Rather than carrying it empty, pack it much as you would on holiday, with water, a waterproof, an extra layer and something to eat. You'll soon discover whether everything fits comfortably and whether any adjustments are needed before you travel.
If you're planning to use walking poles or a hydration bladder for the first time, now is the perfect opportunity to become familiar with them. A couple of practice walks will help you decide what works best for you, leaving you free to enjoy the walking rather than learning how to use new equipment on your first day.
Walk as You Will on Holiday
On my walking holidays, the aim isn't to cover the ground as quickly as possible. It's to enjoy the day along the way.
As you prepare for your holiday, get into the habit of carrying some water and something to eat, and stopping occasionally for a drink, a snack or simply to enjoy the view. That's very much how we'll walk in Andalucía, taking regular breaks to rest, chat and appreciate the landscape around us.
Use your local walks as an opportunity to discover what works best for you. You may find you prefer a water bottle to a hydration bladder, or that one type of snack suits you better than another. Everyone is different, and it's far better to find your own routine before your holiday begins.
Build Confidence, Not Distance
It's easy to feel that you should be doing longer walks or tackling the biggest hills you can find before your holiday. In reality, there's no need to suddenly increase your distance or push yourself beyond your comfort zone.
A steady build-up is far more valuable than one or two exhausting days. Walking regularly, becoming familiar with your equipment and developing good walking habits will do far more to prepare you than trying to do one really long walk just before your holiday.
A little preparation done regularly is all that's needed. By the time you arrive in Andalucía, you'll feel comfortable in your footwear, familiar with your equipment and ready to enjoy every day of the holiday.
Looking Forward to Your Holiday
Preparing for your holiday doesn't need to be complicated. Spend some time on your feet, become familiar with your equipment and enjoy the anticipation. Before long, you'll be walking through the mountains and white villages of Andalucía for real.
If you have any questions while you're getting ready, just get in touch. I'll be happy to help.
