Have Tips, Will Travel: General Travel Tips

Climbing essentials

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Basic specialist equipment needed for hill climbing – the really most basic base – consists of one item: a pair of walking (hiking) boots. In fact, you can climb many a hill and a surprising number of mountains in trainers – the author of this article recalls hiking up to 2,000m above sea level in the High Tatras in cheap sneakers and well above 1,000m in Carpathians – but even of decent, well marked and maintained paths it's only possible in dry weather and for a fit youngster and even then not advised as particularly sensible.For climbing ''hills'' (ie nothing that requires serious scrambling, or rock climbing) and general mountain walking (the pursuit also called hiking and trampi...Read More

Basic specialist equipment needed for hill climbing – the really most basic base – consists of one item: a pair of walking (hiking) boots. In fact, you can climb many a hill and a surprising number of mountains in trainers – the author of this article recalls hiking up to 2,000m above sea level in the High Tatras in cheap sneakers and well above 1,000m in Carpathians – but even of decent, well marked and maintained paths it's only possible in dry weather and for a fit youngster and even then not advised as particularly sensible.

For climbing ''hills'' (ie nothing that requires serious scrambling, or rock climbing) and general mountain walking (the pursuit also called hiking and tramping in various countries) outside the winter season, lightweight walking boots are sufficient. They should be waterproof (leather or canvas lined with a waterproof, breathable material like Gore-Tex) and offer ankle support, good tread to prevent slips and a sole which has a balance of thickness (for protection) and flexibility (for comfortable walking). Generally, you get what you pay for in hiking boots, but low to medium priced boots will be adequate for most people. The older, the less fit and heavier you are the better boots you need to buy. Brasher (this writer's favorite), Meindl, Scarpa, Alt-Berg, Salomon, Merrell, Hi-Tec (great for kids and budget boots) & Berghaus are all reputable makes.

You will also need – obviously – clothing, but although the world has moved on from the times when Alpine peaks were attempted in plus-fours and tweed jackets, basic hill- walking doesn't require specialist clothing. A waterproof jacket is essential in all but the driest environments, as in most mountains weather can – and does – turn quickly. Depending on the weather and the season, you will start out wth anything from numerous layers to a t-shirt. Modern preference is for man-made fibres that wick moisture away from the body, but silk, wool, cotton and recently popular bamboo have all its advantages, especially closer to the skin. You need enough to stay warm if the weather changes and layers are essential. Polar fleece and its variants is light and can be very warm. Waterproof over-trousers are advised in some areas (Scottish Highlands for example) though are not essential unless on a very long or winter hike. Thick above-ankle socks are required for most walking boots.

A hat or a headband to keep your head and ears warm is important (remember temperature drops as you go up and winds are stronger higher up, on ridges and exposed hillsides). On sunny days, a wide-brimmed sun hat (with straps or elastic to secure it) or a peaked cap are very important: the sun is stronger the higher you go. Sunglasses are also advised for all but the most cloudy locations (and particularly if there is snow higher up as the reflected glare is vicious).

You will also need a backpack (day-pack) to carry spare clothing, water and food. On cold days a flask (thermos) with a hot tea or coffee is an excellent thing to have: nothing is as lovely to behold as a hot drink passed to you as you huddle against horizontal rain and gale-force wind in a marginally more sheltered nook of a rock after bagging a Scottish Munro.

Some items of gear are unessential in certain environments and become absolutely basic in others. A tourist map of the area with paths and terrain marked on it is always good to have, though many hill and mountain trails in Europe for example so well maintained and sign-posted, so a map might not be strictly necessary. In other places (eg Scottish Highlands) a map – as well as a compass – is a must.

And finally, a knife (a good multi-purpose one like a Swiss Army knife is best) and means of making fire in an emergency end the list of the basics.

None of the above (apart from, obviously, the boots) need to be special 'hiking' or 'hill walking' items.

Those going for a hike longer than a half-day should carry a torch (flashlight) and means of making fire . Some very basic first aid kit (plasters, bandage, pain killer, disinfectant) is advisable and in some locations insect and tick repellent will make life much more pleasant. Many people feel better with a whistle to attract attention in the emergency. A fully-charged mobile (cell) phone is worth carrying although many areas won't have coverage – but people have been saved from life-threatening scrapes by being able to make that vital call. Read Less

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Kit for a day hike

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The vital equipment for a day's hiking in the mountains will mostly depend on the mountains in question and on the time of the year. The absolute essentials for any full day's hiking in any mountains include food, drink, map and compass, rain gear, matches/lighter and a knife or multi-purpose tool. These are, obviously, in addition to appropriate clothing and walking/hiking boots.This basic list should be supplemented by items appropriate to the area and season of the hike. John Shannon of the Texas Sierra Club developed the original "ten essentials" proposed in the 1930s by the Seattle Mountaineers into the "ten essential groups"s, which form a great starting point for choosing the vital ...Read More

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Backpacking in Europe: What to Remember

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Europe is accessible, interesting and safe. English is widely spoken, especially by the young and travel infrastructure is well developed. With a bit of planning, European backpacking trip will be the experience of a lifetime.(1) Europe seems small to the Americans, Canadians and Australians, but the short distances are misleading. The density of population and, crucially, the density and variety of cultures is such that what seems like a short hop of two hundred miles might actually have enough to see and experience to take several weeks. You will not see all of Europe during one backpacking trip, so be selective.(2) Consider the weather and the holiday season when you plan. C...Read More

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Been there, got the stiff neck: Long Distance Rail Travel

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Traveling by train is among the best, if not the best way to cover long distances overland. Trains are far superior to buses as means of overland travel and can compete with driving on many levels. Long distance train travel is an experience in itself and in many countries, the preferable way to cross the country. Before embarking on a long-distance, do consider some of the following tips. In this article, long-distance means a journey that takes over 12 hours, but many of the tips are applicable to shorter trips too.(1) Does the train have a sleeper service? For very long journeys (20 hours plus) as well as for overnight journeys, a sleeper (or anyway, some form of a berth as ...Read More

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Take the stress out of long drives

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"Stress-free" and "car trip" might seem like a very unlikely combination, but a little bit of basic planning will make a big difference: you can't do anything about traffic, weather and other drivers, but you can make sure you are ready to take them on in a (relatively) relaxed manner. All of the below apply even more if you are travelling in a foreign country or unknown area, vehicle or climate.(1) Give yourself enough time.This is probably the most important of the ways towards a stress-free car trip. There is nothing more stressful than having to hurry when driving, and it's also likely to seriously impact your safety. When calculating the time for the trip, make a realistic...Read More

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Travel Tips for Female Travelers

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Women can travel and do travel, and many do it solo. Most travel tips apply as much to women as they do to men, but there are some aspects of travel in which women need to exercise more care than men (there are also some in which women are, sometimes surprisingly, safer). The specific travel tips for women depend on where and when and how you are travelling, but many general rules apply everywhere.(1) Don't let the fear stop you from exploring and getting out of your comfort zone. Although women travelers are vulnerable to some dangers, they are safer from others. Follow your instincts, but not your prejudices. In most cases, things will turn out fine.(2) Enjoy the opportunitie...Read More

Women can travel and do travel, and many do it solo. Most travel tips apply as much to women as they do to men, but there are some aspects of travel in which women need to exercise more care than men (there are also some in which women are, sometimes surprisingly, safer). The specific travel tips for women depend on where and when and how you are travelling, but many general rules apply everywhere.

(1) Don't let the fear stop you from exploring and getting out of your comfort zone. Although women travelers are vulnerable to some dangers, they are safer from others. Follow your instincts, but not your prejudices. In most cases, things will turn out fine.

(2) Enjoy the opportunities for interaction that being a woman can give. In many societies, male strangers will not be able to talk to women, especially married women, socially. As a woman, you may gain insights into the life of local women and families that are completely hidden from men.

(3) Exercise similar caution you would at home. This is perhaps the most important tip – and rule – that applies to all travel, be it a two-week package tour or a six-month backpacking trip. The general rules of safety, be it in the street, in a bar or on a train don't change just because you are abroad.

(4) Learn something of a local language. This doesn't need to be much (although generally, the more the better), but even a few words always help. Particularly in any kind of emergency, if you can ask for help somebody that doesn't speak English, it may make all the difference.

(5) Learn something of a local culture. Rules of behaviour, and of what is appropriate for men and women, differ between cultures and countries. You rarely have to respect all the local rules, but it often pays to do so. In many countries, a woman travelling alone is an oddity. In many cultures, behaviour that is normal in Europe or US will be seen as provocative. To avoid sexual innuendo, harassment and unwanted advances, cover up if this is a local custom (particularly useful in Muslim countries), avoid direct eye contact and if you can, try to interact with women rather than men. Take cues as to appropriate behaviour and dress from local women. On the other hand, certain behaviours or attitudes that are offensive to American or Western European women, are normal in other countries. Withhold judgement and don't assume your values and attitudes are necessarily better (and even if they are, keep quiet until you know your opinion is sought after).

(6) Invent a husband or a fiance. Although it might seem hypocritical, an imaginary husband or a fiance is a very useful thing (even as far as a fake ring). Many men in foreign places will be much less likely to harass you if you say that you are betrothed to somebody.

(7) Be careful about holiday romance. Holiday romance, either with a local or a fellow traveller, is for many an essential part of the travelling experience. But as in tip 1, remember to take precautions (sex on the beach is not automatically safe sex) and try to avoid predatory and mercenary encounters. Always carry condoms (unless you are absolutely certain you would stay celibate), and if you can, have emergency contraception or information on how it can be obtained with you.

(8) Appear confident but not cocky. Walk purposefully, stand tall, and know where you are going. If followed or harassed, appeal to a local, ideally an older woman or a family group. This is more likely to work if your dress is not overtly provocative, but is always worth doing.

(9) Don't carry a handbag (use a money belt or a neck wallet), but always have enough cash on you to be able to afford to get a cab or use a telephone in case you get caught out late in a less savoury area.

(10) Don't be afraid to ask for help or assistance. In many countries, a woman travelling alone, especially a young one, will be naturally taken under wings of older women or families. Use this willingness to help (but know when to cut the strings too) both for safety and insight into the local society.

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How to make your travels greener

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Travel is a way of life for some, and an essential component of a successful vacation for many people. As all human activities, travel uses resources and thus engenders concerns about its ecological impact. Amid the concerns about greenhouse emissions and water shortages, "green travel" or "responsible travel" might sound like an attempt at green-wash and might seem that the greenest thing would be not to travel at all. Greener travel is, however, possible, and the green way to travel might be the best way to travel altogether.1) Reduce CO2 (and other pollutant) emissions while getting there and traveling around. There are several ways of accomplishing this task.– G...Read More

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