In the UK, the average walking trips over a mile increased in the past two years. People go for a walk three or more times a week for educational or leisure purposes, which is great for general well-being. But as good as it is, travelling on foot can be quite dangerous if you’re unaware of your surroundings. So, if you have considered this option, here are some tips on how to make the most out of it.
Table of Contents
Organising
Travelling on foot requires more organising than choosing other transportation modes because you’re only counting on your feet and a map, but travelling with a vehicle is more accessible and safer. Here are some things you need to consider:
- Your health condition. We know travelling is fun, but if your body can’t take the weather and road conditions, it’s best to limit your mileage. For example, if you’re staying in the sun too much while making a physical effort, you might get sunburn or have trouble breathing.
- Your travelling experience. If it’s your first time going somewhere on foot, you should make a shorter trip and see if your body can take it. You shouldn’t start forcing yourself to walk too much, because your journey will be ruined and you won’t try travelling on foot again. Moderation is key.
- Preparing everything in advance. If you want to ensure you won’t get lost, you should make a detailed plan about where you’re going to walk so you can be prepared for anything that might suddenly occur.
- The weight you’re carrying. If you’re walking, you can only take your luggage in a backpack. Depending on what kind of adventure you’re having, you should adequately organise what you’re bringing with you. For example, if you’re going somewhere to camp, you’d need a tent, but if you’re planning on getting accommodation, your backpack will contain only necessary things (water, food, documents).
Safety
Even if it seems quite safe to travel on foot, it can be dangerous if you’re going alone or in a troubling area. Plus, many road accidents include pedestrians, despite the decreasing trend. For example, in the UK, 2020 was the least deadly year for pedestrians because of the pandemic, meaning that there won’t be fewer accidents in the future, as the number of cars worldwide is still increasing. So, the first safety tip, especially if you’re a beginner, is to choose a less circulated path by car.
Know that if you ever experience a road accident, you can make a compensation claim in the UK if it’s proven that someone else was at fault. If you’re wondering how to sue someone, an advisor can help you win your case and get the compensation you deserve to cover all costs of injuries. But you need proof that someone breached their duty of care. You have up to three years available to make your claim, but you should act as soon as possible.
Besides road traffic, you must be wary of your surroundings at all times. It’s obvious that travelling at night is not a great idea, so try to walk in the daytime and find accommodation for the night. That’s why it’s crucial to have a plan ahead because, in case of an emergency, you know where to ask for help.
Don’t forget to let your relatives know where you’re going and update them regularly, so if you get lost, it will be easy to track you. You wouldn’t want to get in the same situation as Aron Ralston, who was stuck in a deep crevasse for 127. His experience was put on the screen in the movie “127 hours”. Take notes, and don’t spontaneously travel too far.
Foot care
If you’re going to travel on foot, know that you should take care of your legs, as well as maintain your physical condition. First, you want to ensure that you have proper shoes. Regular sneakers won’t do the job, so you should look for shoes with great structural support, zero drops and cushioning.
Remember to wear new shoes before travelling, to avoid blisters. Take into consideration the fact that your feet might swell when walking, so choose your shoes wisely.
Then, look out for toenail infections. Avoid manicures and trim your toenails regularly to prevent injuries. At the same time, keep your shoes clean (you can throw them in the washing machine if the material allows). If you’re often travelling, consider carting with you some foot essentials, like moleskine, foot powder, bandages and antibacterial ointment.
Other important suggestions
Get plenty of rest
Walking can make you more tired than usual, so make sure you’re sleeping well at night. Also, take it slow. After all, you’re not participating in a competition. You’re travelling on foot because you want to enjoy the scenery and the experience, so take many daily breaks and hydrate yourself.
Take a first-aid kit with you
It’s better to be safe than sorry, so having a first aid kit in case of emergencies or small injuries is the best thing to do if you want to avoid infections or further medical severe issues. Additionally, learn how to use it. If you don’t, you may be even saving someone else’s life, if not yours, so it’s a great thing to keep in your backpack.
Consider updating your vaccinations
It’s less likely that you’ll travel to another country on foot, but even if you’re going to a close city, it wouldn’t be that bad to check your current vaccination situation and ask your doctor’s opinion on what’s best to do. You might need one if you’re going through an illness or you have a weak immune system.
Final thoughts
Always remember to pay attention to where you’re going and think ahead of the challenges you might face. It would help to go with a group of friends if you want to be safer, and you can always do research on travelling websites and forums.
