Planning a walking holiday is an exciting, but equally a daunting task. There is a lot to research and consider, making sure that your trip is well-planned. This particularly because no two walking holidays are the same, as every person has their own needs and preferences. So, this article explores whether using a travel agency to help you is the right choice.
What’s involved in planning a walking holiday?
There are numerous different factors involved in planning a walking holiday:
Route selection
First and foremost, you must select the best route for you. Whether this is one of the Camino de Santiago routes or any other walking trail, your choice depends on your own interests and fitness level. You must research your route thoroughly to make sure there are no ‘surprises’ when you get there.
Accommodation booking
Finding and booking the accommodation is one of the trickier parts of planning your walking holiday. You must book a new place for each night of the journey, however, you have to take into account the pace at which you will be walking and the towns you will reach each day. Of course, any rest days must also be considered and pre-planned.
Transportation
Before you can embark on your walking route, you need to get there first. This involves booking any flights or trains to the destination of your choice. Moreover, you will have to organise pick-up from the airport and drop-off at the end of your trip.
Other services
You may want other services, depending on your personal preferences. For example, you could arrange luggage transfers between different hotels, so you do not have to carry all of your belongings with you. If you want any guided tours, these will have to be booked with local guides in advance too.
Benefits of using a travel agency
There are numerous travel agencies available to plan the walking holiday for you. Santiago Ways, for instance, is an industry leader, boasting 4.7 / 5-star customer rating on Google Reviews. Using their services will offer several benefits:
Expertise and local knowledge
Santiago Ways specialises in walking holidays and Camino de Santiago trips. They have extensive knowledge of the local area, providing you with advice and recommendations based on your interests. They also have established a network of connections with hotels and guides, which means they can secure favourable prices when booking it for you.
Time-saving
Researching and booking every aspect of your trip can take hours, if not days. Santiago Ways agency is here to handle everything for you, from suggesting the best routes for you to the smallest details along the way. This leaves you to focus on preparing yourself for the journey, both mentally and physically.
Stress reduction
With all the logistics taken care of, you can relax knowing that your transportation is booked, and your luggage will be waiting for you at each stop. That can drastically reduce the stress surrounding holiday planning and, therefore, improve your overall experience.
Support during your trip
Santiago Ways offer 24/7 support during your trip, giving you additional peace of mind. If any issues arise during your walking holiday, you can simply call the emergency number and get support from English-speaking staff.
Conclusion
In conclusion, planning a walking holiday independently can be a part of the adventure for some people and a complete headache for others. If you are the latter, opting for a travel agency is certainly the right choice for you.
