Hiking gets the blood pumping and makes you feel good about yourself. The view around you certainly doesn’t disappoint, either. You’re surrounded by beautiful nature all around, and you can breathe that fresh air to your heart’s content.
If the hiking trails in your region no longer do it for you, you can always travel abroad for a new adventure. What’s more, you can even learn new and exciting things about the culture there while you work those leg muscles. However, before taking this step, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of hiking abroad. Here’s what you need to know:
The Pros
The first great thing about hiking abroad is that every forest, mountain, or hill has its own story to tell. The natural landscape there differs from the one back home. So, you might discover natural wonders that will make that hiking trail unforgettable.
Next, as you travel through different rural areas, you might come across hikers from that country. Getting to know new people will only make the experience better because you’ll have friends from different parts of the world.
Let’s not forget about the amazing effect of hiking on your mental health. Being one with nature while working those calves will make you feel better about yourself. No matter where you are.
Lastly, if you’re a fan of traveling but want to avoid huge crowds, then hiking is one of the best activities you can do. At best, you might come across two or three people, but this doesn’t compare to a large crowd.
The Cons
The first problem when it comes to hiking abroad is the language barrier. While it can be fun to hear people speak in a different language, you might have a hard time understanding them. This can make navigation, asking for help, or simply buying supplies more difficult.
Plus, the hiking trails you know by heart back home will not be the same in another country. It might be scary to attempt an unfamiliar trail by yourself. You need to be prepared in advance for different weather conditions and terrain types along the way.
Also, organizing a hiking trip abroad is more complicated than planning a hike you’ve covered a hundred times. In a foreign country, arranging transportation, accommodation, permits, and even renting gear could be more difficult. And let’s not forget about safety. Different countries have various health risks, and who knows what kind of animal you’ll encounter on your hike there?
What to Know On Your First Hike Abroad?
Planning ahead can help you have a fantastic experience with no unpleasant surprises. Here’s what you need to do:
Research Your Destination
Research goes a long way. You need to know what to expect on the hiking trip. Learn what types of trails are available there and what the best time to start one is. A great idea is to check out videos and reels from other hikers who’ve done the trail before.
Exercise More
Hiking demands a lot of physical strength and stamina, so be sure to know what you’re getting into. Exercise for at least a couple of weeks before your trip, and make sure to choose a trial with a difficulty that suits your body.
Pack Essentials
A pleasant hiking experience is only possible with the necessary gear on you. So, always ensure you’re dressed for a hike and carry a first-aid kit with you. Don’t forget about water and sunscreen.
Stay Safe with a VPN
People can’t live without the Internet, even abroad. If you also want to access the Internet in a foreign country, always use a virtual private network (VPN). It will keep your personal information safe and allow you to browse online in a secure manner.
What Are Cool Things You Can Do with a VPN Abroad?
There are plenty of cool things you can do with a VPN while abroad. Let’s say you’re tired after an amazing hike and want to chill with a movie or TV show. Apart from online security, a VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions and watch any movie or show you want from your hotel.
When it comes to making purchases abroad, whether for hotels, gear, or food, it’s super important that your financial information remains protected. This is also what a reliable VPN gives you.
Did you know that prices for flights, hotels, and car rentals can vary based on your location? Using a VPN to change your virtual location might help you find better deals and save money on your bookings.
And if you want to watch something local that can bring you closer to the country you’re visiting, use a VPN to access their local content while staying safe online.
Lastly, some internet service providers throttle bandwidth for specific activities like streaming or gaming. A VPN can help you avoid this throttling, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable online experience.