How to Prepare for Your Walking Tour

on September 5, 2011
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Break in your shoes.

Spend plenty of miles in the walking shoes or hiking boots and socks you plan to wear on your trip. It’s best to have two pairs, so you alternate, allowing the insides to dry out.

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Prepare for Your Walking Tour

Get ready for your walking tour with these six useful pointers.

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Add hills to your workouts.

If your tour includes hiking, prepare by adding some hills to your walking workouts. If you live where there are no hills, head to a high-school football stadium and hike up and down the stairs. Ask your tour guide for guidance on physical preparation for your particular trip.

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Consider a pair of hiking poles.

These light, collapsible poles can really take stress off knees, hips and ankles as you trek up and down hills.

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Buy the right bag.

Even for city tours, you’ll likely need a comfortable back or fanny pack to carry a water bottle, camera, sunscreen, snacks, wipes, baggies and possibly rain gear. Walk with it ahead of time so you can adjust the straps appropriately.

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Pack light.

You don’t want to injure yourself moving a hefty suitcase to a luggage rack or out of your trunk.

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Be prepared for rain.

Most tours will go on unless there are thunderstorms or flood warnings. I find a hooded poncho (with rain pants, if you’ll be hiking) works best. You and your bag can stay completely dry. Waterproof shoes or boots are a blessing.