
About the Experience
Croatia is everything unexpected. It’s an open history book whose pages reflect turbulent war-torn years, earthquakes and a royal battle for independence. Imposing fortresses and cathedrals, immaculate walled cities and the regal palaces of aristocrats remain and enchant everyone who stands in their shadows. The unearthly national parks, twee marinas and palm-lined promenades and abandoned villages will fill your senses to the brim.
From slick Zagreb to ancient Dubrovnik, the denim and teal coastline is a sailing nirvana. The culture is rich and decadent–and Wild Women’s Croatia Active Adventure takes a big bite out of it.
The Mediterranean climate is evident in the olive plantations, tidy rows of vineyards, fig, mandarin and pomegranate trees. Enjoy the bounty on this itinerary that offers lingering visits to local wine and cheesemakers. Taste just-caught sea bass, cuttlefish, truffles and lamb baked in an ash-covered cauldron. Indulge in the full bodied Plavac Mali wines the region is famed for and sample sage, cherry, plum and carob brandies.
You will visit family-run taverns and stay in opulent boutique hotels. Wind your way through the marble-tiled alleys. Learn to forage for wild mint, rosemary and the ripe fruit of strawberry trees (yes, there is such a thing).
Hike and sail around and along a coastline dotted with more than 1,200 islands and islets. Swim in aqua lakes or wade into the clear-as-gin waters of the Adriatic. As the church bells sound out over the cobbled city and the sun sets on the terracotta rooflines, swifts take to the skies in a peppered stream. Is it all a dream?
Island hop from Hvar to St. Clement to Vis by water taxi, sailboat and catamaran. It’s a buoyant time that swells with the remarkable waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, the 1,700-year-old magic of Split and the unmatchable wonder of Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town. Yes, it’s everything you never knew you wanted.

About the Experience
Croatia is everything unexpected. It’s an open history book whose pages reflect turbulent war-torn years, earthquakes and a royal battle for independence. Imposing fortresses and cathedrals, immaculate walled cities and the regal palaces of aristocrats remain and enchant everyone who stands in their shadows. The unearthly national parks, twee marinas and palm-lined promenades and abandoned villages will fill your senses to the brim.
From slick Zagreb to ancient Dubrovnik, the denim and teal coastline is a sailing nirvana. The culture is rich and decadent–and Wild Women’s Croatia Active Adventure takes a big bite out of it.
The Mediterranean climate is evident in the olive plantations, tidy rows of vineyards, fig, mandarin and pomegranate trees. Enjoy the bounty on this itinerary that offers lingering visits to local wine and cheesemakers. Taste just-caught sea bass, cuttlefish, truffles and lamb baked in an ash-covered cauldron. Indulge in the full bodied Plavac Mali wines the region is famed for and sample sage, cherry, plum and carob brandies.
You will visit family-run taverns and stay in opulent boutique hotels. Wind your way through the marble-tiled alleys. Learn to forage for wild mint, rosemary and the ripe fruit of strawberry trees (yes, there is such a thing).
Hike and sail around and along a coastline dotted with more than 1,200 islands and islets. Swim in aqua lakes or wade into the clear-as-gin waters of the Adriatic. As the church bells sound out over the cobbled city and the sun sets on the terracotta rooflines, swifts take to the skies in a peppered stream. Is it all a dream?
Island hop from Hvar to St. Clement to Vis by water taxi, sailboat and catamaran. It’s a buoyant time that swells with the remarkable waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes, the 1,700-year-old magic of Split and the unmatchable wonder of Dubrovnik’s medieval Old Town. Yes, it’s everything you never knew you wanted.
DAY ONE: WELCOME TO CROATIA
Meet your fellow Wild Women in the lobby of the slick Dubrovnik Hotel in Zagreb at 1pm for welcome drinks and apps. We will take a group shuttle from Zagreb to the verdant Samobor Highlands (20km from the capital). After checking into our hotel, shake off the jetlag with an easy guided walking tour through Zumberak and Samobor Highlands Nature Park.
You will learn about the locally treasured heart-shaped ginger cookies and the love story attached to them. The riverside village is a showcase of Baroque and Art Deco architecture and equally impressive giant sycamore trees. In February, the annual feverish street party swells the population from 35,000 to 150,000, in celebration of the cherished love poetry festival. In the warmer months, everyone stylishly gathers in the square for conversation and tipples around the elaborate water fountain that promises a lifetime of good health to those who drink from its spout.
Just ten minutes from the city, the remains of the immense stone fortress of the Samobar castle and moat offer a perfect bird’s eye view of Slovenia, just 5km away.
Bonus? The afternoon is sweetened by espressos and slices of the famed Samoborska kremšnita, a traditional custard cream cake sandwiched between two flaky pastry layers. Yes, it’s a cakewalk! You should also try the bermet wine, made with locally cultivated red grapes. The aperitif is boiled over an open fire and spiced with a witch’s brew of mugwort, cloves, nutmeg, licorice, coriander and mustard seeds in addition to dried figs, carob, quinces, raisins and lemon or orange zest.
After the cakewalk, we return to the hotel to chill out before meeting for our first dinner together as a group.
Meals Included: Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Livadic Hotel
DAY TWO: TOURING PLITVICE LAKES
After a satiating breakfast at the hotel, we will take a group shuttle to a family farm to sample the local bounty. Enjoy sweet elderberry flower water and generous samples of wild boar sausage, seven different cheeses (including sheep, goat and pumpkin cheese!), chestnut honey and warming plum brandy.
After the farmhouse tastings, we will travel further south to experience the wonder of Plitvice Lakes National Park. It’s an early start to ensure we can spend a relaxed day on foot, taking in the countless waterfalls and sections of the 18km boardwalk that winds through the park.
Plitvice Lakes is the oldest and largest national park (30,000 hectares) in Croatia. The park is divided into the upper and lower lakes–they shift from denim blue to a mesmerizing aqua to teal to slate. Sixteen lakes (and several unnamed lakes) spill into each other in a fable-like way. Waterfalls magically pound into every single one in torrents or thin streams or cascade over rocks, sometimes below the stairs that you climb! The tallest waterfall in Croatia (78m) is here!
Depending on the group’s pace and activity level, we can walk 8 to 12 km along the boardwalks with ample time to photograph the unique karst terrain, old-growth beech forest, travertine barriers, caves and surreal limestone or dolomite-bottomed lakes.
The park was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1979 and is home to a mosaic of animals and birds: bears, boars, badgers, wolves, deer, black storks and cuckoos.
After the hike, we will check-in to our posh accommodations for the night. The park has an efficient electric boat ferry and “train” system that will return us to our waiting shuttle (and then hotel).
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Etno Garden
DAY THREE: HIKING THE VELEBIT MOUNTAINS
We have an early start today and will have a boxed breakfast to go with a 2-hour transfer south to Paklenica National Park. As we pass through the highway tunnel through the Velebit Mountains, there is a near-instant transition into the Mediterranean climate. The famed “bura” (northeasterly wind) is often to blame for closed roads as its force can overturn cars.
Our hike through the park is a remarkable one–the forest is a diverse mix of beech, black pine and downy oak trees with unexpected old stone water mills appearing like ghosts of the past in the greenery. Learn about the funeral rites of past residents whose graves were marked by head and footstones that indicated their height. The bodies were moved to a lower village but their soul remains in the mountains, carried in the whispers of the bura through the black pine.
After a challenging rock-strewn climb of gradual elevation, we will take refuge at the family-owned alpine hut. Everything is delivered to the hut on foot or by mule. The family lives here year-round and the lunch is a grand, hearty affair.
Depending on the group’s skill-level and pace, we can hike to Velika Paklenica, a giant valley with knock-out views of the Velebit mountain range.
The linear trail is about 12km (return) on mixed gravel and stone stair terrain with a 600m elevation gain. Hiking poles and hiking shoes or boots are recommended due to the rock (and roll!). If you would like to opt out of the hike, there is a tunnel complex under the 400m mountain, dubbed the “Bunkers.” It was built during the political crisis with the Soviet Union by the Yugoslav army between 1950-1953. You’ll find a cafe, indoor climbing wall, museum and interactive displays about knot-tying, alpine history and the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service.
Paklencia is known for its international rock climbing competitions and mountaineering history. The park is busy with colourful climbers ascending playfully named routes like “The Show Must Go On”, “Black Magic Woman” or “50 and Life to Go.” Watch the climbers belay and Spider-Woman their way up the rock faces while you await the group’s return.
Tonight’s accommodation and dinner will be at our hotel in Starigrad, located adjacent to Paklenica National Park.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Hotel Rajna
DAY FOUR: SPLIT LIKE A LOCAL
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive two hours further south to the splendor of Split. After settling into our next hotel and recharging with a punchy coffee or tea, lunch will be in a classic taverna in the city–expect the catch of the day! Think marinated sardines, grilled sea bass, fish pâté…
Later, we will meet a talented local potter for a bowl-making workshop. It’s time to improve on that ashtray you made for your parents at summer camp! We’ll dive right in and have fun exploring the transformative properties of clay while learning about the glazing and firing process as we create our own individual pieces. For women who are interested, the pottery bowls can be safely shipped directly to your home for an additional cost (please advise our instructor if you wish to do this. The estimated cost is 20 euros for shipment to Canada or the US).
Before dinner, we will wander around the grandeur of the city and the palm-lined Riva promenade along the harbour’s parade of bobbing boats. For Game of Thrones fans, you will recognize many of the filming locations, especially the tunnel/cellar under the Diocletian Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Daenerys kept her dragons here when she was in Meereen! Croatia’s second largest city is a giant and remarkable step back in time. Like, 305 A.D.!
While on the Adriatic, it’s a no-brainer to eat as much fish as possible. Cuttlefish risotto or stewed pork neck are popular dishes in this region. And, as always, there will be plates of salty capers, briny olives, salami and crusty breads to sweep in golden olive oil and a tart local vinegar.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Hotel Peristil
DAY FIVE: PADDLE THE PAKLINSKI ISLANDS
This morning we will catch the one-hour ferry to Hvar Island, a Dalmatian coast golden treasure. Relax and absorb the stellar views of the approaching islands (look for Hvar’s hilltop fortress!), sailboats and yachts. We will check into our hotel (you can unload everything for three nights!) before venturing out to paddle around the Paklinski Islands.
We will take a water taxi from Hvar to secluded Zdrilca Bay for an introduction to paddling tandem (sit-on-top style) kayaks in the ocean. There are numerous coves and bays to poke around, some in the shade of ancient pines. There will be time to swim in the Adriatic, snorkel or chill out with an even chillier drink at the beach bar. We will slowly kayak back to Hvar in the late afternoon–expect to be in the saddle for 3-4 hours with breaks.
In the event of inclement weather, a tour of Saint Clement’s island may replace the kayaking activity. The flora and fauna of the isle won’t disappoint! Among the vineyards, forests of cacti, strawberry trees, fragrant wild rosemary are signs of the elusive wild boars. You’ll learn about historic shipwrecks and the discovery of rare cave artifacts on the isle too!
Meneghello Palmizana, Saint Clement’s famed artist’s retreat is a fun open-air gallery of busty mermaids and eccentric pieces donated by international painters and sculptors who visit Dagmar’s sanctuary and gardens. She originally came to the island as a journalist to interview a ‘hermit’ and fell in love! She is now in her seventies and her family-run restaurant by the beach is the ideal place to hang out and be inspired.
After returning from St. Clement or kayaking, you are a free range chicken. Your Wild Women guide will be happy to recommend the best secret places for tapas and wines. The alleys come alive and aglow at night with locals and the lure of all the kitchens preparing fish, scampi and gnocchi. Be sure to enjoy the local plonk: Plavac Mali wines!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Villa Nora
DAY SIX: HIKING HVAR ISLAND
After breakfast, we will explore the abandoned villages of Velo and Malo Grablje (a 20-minute shuttle from the bus station near our hotel to the trailhead). En route to the village of Velo Grablje, we will learn about the rich foraging opportunities of the island. Lavender and rosemary are still distilled here today and the processing buildings attract many in the summer when an annual festival is held to celebrate all things lavender. Ten percent of the world’s lavender production was here before a massive fire destroyed the fields.
The area is an en plein air apothecary with numerous plants and herbs with medicinal properties. Learn about the surprising uses of sage (to clean your teeth or steeped for a sore throat), agave (a UNESCO-designated lace is made from the fibre), walnuts (for PMS, SPF and brandy!), fennel, St. John’s Wort and Dalmatian Oak (for “acorn coffee” of course). Mediterranean species abound: fig, almond, mulberry, mandarin and wild pistachio. Wild mint and rosemary is underfoot for most of the trail. Inhale! Be sure to ask your guide about the unique significance of the carob seed too! No spoilers here.
Grapes and olives are well-established here as well, despite a fungus that wiped out wine production nearly a century ago. The blight resulted in a great migration of expert wine growers to California and Chile.
Malo Grablje is abandoned except for Berti Tudor’s 100% charming family-run taverna. Enjoy a glass of his homemade wine–he’s usually distilling something! Lunch will be traditional of course–expect grilled meat in a divine gravy with potatoes and the customary plates of sardines, prosciutto, salami, capers, olives and cheese to start.
After lunch, if the group is interested, we can extend the walk another 7 km along the coast back to Hvar. The trail has rocky beach sections, some single-track trail and cobblestone stairs. The views really shouldn’t be missed–it’s impossible to not take a dozen photos of the metallic sea and iconic artist-occupied lighthouse.
There is an option for a transfer to the hotel if everyone would prefer to head back and explore the town instead. You can choose to dine where you like this evening and take in the vibrant buzz and twinkle of Hvar.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Villa Nora
DAY SEVEN: SAILING TO VIS
Amazingly, this twee 12th-century fishing village was closed to visitors until just 25 years ago as it served as headquarters for the Yugoslav military. For ABBA fans, this is where Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again was shot! The jukebox musical opted for Vis over Greece! In the honeyed words of ABBA, “My, my, how can I resist you?” (The original film was shot on the Greek island of Skopelo or “Kalokairi” as fiction would have it.)
Vis is an island that celebrates wine, food, tradition and deeply-steeped history. It’s the oldest established town in Dalmatian history (397 A.D.). In spring 2019, the Vis Archipelago became the second UNESCO Global Geopark in Croatia.
This morning we will enjoy a brilliant day under the power of sails followed by an exploration of the island of Vis. It will take about 2 hours from Hvar to Vis town on our sailboat if the winds cooperate. Upon arrival in Vis town, we will walk around the harbour and then travel by shuttle vans to check out the isle’s fertile fields and traditional Dalmatian stone villages.
We will have a unique lunch at Roki’s. Stewed fall-off-the-bone lamb and veal are baked in cauldrons covered in hot ash. The wine tasting of a local white, red and rose with a roaring fire keeps conversation fluid! Be sure to check out the cricket bat and trophy collection. It’s a merry place with snoozing dogs and sometimes Elvis as the soundtrack!
After assessing the leggy wines, we will return to the port and sail back to Hvar. Tonight is a free evening for you to relax and unwind or climb the stairs to the fortress or enjoy the syrupy sunset from the hotel’s rooftop or…whatever makes your heart pound.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Villa Nora
DAY EIGHT: WINE AND UNWIND
This morning, we will board the 3-hour catamaran ferry in Hvar to Dubrovnik. Depending on the weather, when we arrive in Dubrovnik port we will either have a light lunch or boxed lunch to-go as we transfer to Konavle (40 minutes). We will explore the cypress-spiked hinterland of Dubrovnik’s Konavle region. The pastoral landscape is dotted with old mills, houses that bear the scars of the Yugoslavian war, countless vineyards, farms and an old Franciscan monastery.
After drinking in the view, we’ll stop for a wine and liqueur tasting at ZlatoVišće. The vintner will walk us through samples of sage, walnut, carob, loquat, cherry and plum brandy. Paired with candied orange, quince and cow’s cheese, it’s a decadent alternative! There are also merlots and a rose to swirl and judge!
Heading back to Dubrovnik, we’ll have two options. For those who are interested in going directly to the hotel after the wine-tasting, a transfer to the hotel can be arranged. For those who would like to explore the city for the afternoon, we can establish a rendezvous point to reconnect with the rest of the group and local tour guide for the Old Town city tour and afterwards, dinner.
The grand stories of earthquakes, executions, lepers, the cathedral’s relics, a renowned pharmacy and its healing elixirs, water fountain and clock tower with its sundial and lunar phases, is an engaging dose of the Old Town’s evolution. In 1991, over 600 missiles were launched, damaging 90% of the city’s terracotta roofs. The resilience of the area is demonstrated in the restoration and gleaming marble roads and alleys. At night, the city and harbour are illuminated in a truly magical way. Swifts take to the sky and chatter, making the walled city feel so otherworldly.
After the medieval city tour we will have an extravagant farewell dinner at a nearby restaurant. There will be champagne! It’s the perfect night to reflect, swap stories, highlights and inside jokes with your Wild Women group. The big question: where next?
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tonight’s Sweet Sleep: Hotel Lapad
DAY NINE: DUBROVNIK AND DEPARTURE
After a relaxed breakfast, you can extend your stay (hotel is not included tonight) and continue to explore the city’s twists and turns independently or depart home. There will be a group airport transfer provided in the morning. Otherwise, for those extending their stay, a taxi or bus (not included) to Dubrovnik (DBV) airport are reliable for the 30-minute transfer. On your flight, if you have a window seat, you’ll have the opportunity to check out some of the islands that you visited. Warning: you will be pacing to get back to them!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Click here to see upcoming trip dates to book your spot!- Easiest + Fastest Option: Fly into Zagreb’s Franjo Tudman Airport (ZAG). There are plenty of taxis and transfer options available on the airport website from ZAG into Zagreb City. It takes about 30 minutes. The public transport system (trams, buses) are also efficient and easy to navigate.
- Slower + More Scenic Option: Take a bus, train or ferry into Croatia.
If you decide to arrive early, you must make your own arrangements up until Day 1. Below are a few resources that will help you with such decisions. Travel Edge can also help you organize your pre-trip plans.
Group Rendezvous Point
- Date: Day 1
- Time: 1PM
- Location: Meet your WWE guide and group in the main lobby, Hotel Dubrovnik, Gajeva ul. 1, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
- One group transfer from Hotel Lapad to the Dubrovnik airport is included on the last day of the trip. Otherwise, the bus service and taxis are reliable and affordable.
- Book flights for mid morning or later.
- A hotel stay is not included on your last day. Book in advance if you plan to stay in Dubrovnik post-trip (you will want to!)
Drop-Off Point:
- Date: Day 9
- Time: After breakfast
- Location: From Hotel Lapad to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV)
Note: Travel Edge only provides services of 3-star quality or greater. For budget alternatives, please refer to the Lonely Planet guide for your destination.
Important: For international and remote destinations, there is always the risk of flight delays, baggage delays and flight schedule changes which may cause late arrivals, which may, in return, result in you missing the group tour departure. For these reasons, we encourage you to consider arriving a day early, which will also help you overcome any jet lag from traveling!
- Passport
Most countries and airlines recommend passports be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected return to your home country. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Citizens of EU countries can enter Croatia with only their ID card.
Croatian authorities require all foreigners to register with the local police when they arrive in a new area of the country, but this is a routine matter normally handled by the hotel, hostel, campground or agency securing your private accommodation. If you’re staying elsewhere (e.g. with relatives or friends), your host should take care of it for you.
Important: A copy of your passport must be emailed to the Wild Women Expeditions office by 130-days pre-trip.
- Visa
Generally not required for stays of up to 90 days.
Citizens of many countries, including EU member states, Australia, Bosnia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, Macedonia, Montenegro, New Zealand, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea and the USA, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Other nationalities can check whether they need a visa and download application forms on the website of the Croatia’s Ministry for Foreign & European Affairs.
Note: As fees and policies can change, we highly recommend that you contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
- Customs and Immigration
With an economy that depends heavily on tourism, Croatia has wisely kept red tape to a minimum for foreign visitors.
Travelers can bring their personal effects into the country without paying excise tax.
- Biosecurity
There are restrictions on food crossing into Croatia from non-EU countries.
A group tip for the captain is a suggested €50 EUR (total).
It is always fair to round up the bill at a restaurant, and tipping an average of 10%-15% is appropriate. Of course, this becomes arbitrary if you really enjoyed your meal and service!
In other realms of the hospitality industry, rounding up your bill for the taxi driver is not expected, but appreciated. Handing a hotel porter 10-20 kuna for every bag they carry is expected. Your hairdresser and spa service providers should also be granted 10% for their services. When you’re at coffee shops or bars, it never hurts to throw your change in the tip jar.
All in all, show your appreciation for the quality of service you are receiving, Croatians do work very hard to ensure you’re happy, satisfied, and enjoying every aspect of Croatia.
- Rooming Arrangements
Our trip prices are based on a twin-share (minimum of two women per room), so we’ll team you up with another solo wild woman to share with if you’re on your own, or of course, you can share with your travel partner.
- Private Upgrade
There are four single supplements available for those who prefer their own room. First come, first served. Email support@wildwomenexpeditions.com to request.
- Bathrooms
All hotels have western flush toilets, hot water and nice showers! Throughout the day, your guide will ensure reasonable stops are made so everyone can use the toilet, but don’t be shy if you need one in between. Most places we visit will have toilets.
- Internet / WiFi / Cell Coverage
All hotels have wifi and for the most part, you are in places with cell coverage. Consider buying a local SIM (tourist SIMs are 55 kn and give you 10G’s) as this is MUCH cheaper than adding a plan with your home carrier. See AI Package Sample Here
- Potable Water
Tap water is drinkable across all of Croatia. Bring a reusable water bottle! Fresh, safe drinking water will be provided throughout the trip for you to refill your water bottles.
If you would like to join Wild Women Expeditions in its commitment to reducing single-use plastic, you can travel prepared with your own water treatment system!
Quick Facts
- Capital: Zagreb
- Other Main Cities (by population): Split, Rijeka, Osijek
- Language: Croatian, using the Latin alphabet
- Currency: Kuna/ HKR (2019 may be Euro)
- Main Religion: Roman Catholic
- Currency Exchange Offices & Banks
You can exchange money at any of the country’s banks, bureaux de change, post offices and at almost all travel agents and hotels.
Please check online for current exchange rates. Wild Women Expeditions likes XE Currency Converter
We highly suggest you read this article: Where to Exchange Currency Without Paying Huge Fees for more information about this for your trip.
- Automated Teller Machine (ATM)
ATMs can be found throughout Croatia and are tied in with international networks such as Cirrus and Maestro.
Most ATMs also allow you to withdraw money using a credit card; note that you pay interest on the amount immediately and are charged a withdrawal fee. Privredna Banka usually has ATMs for cash withdrawals using American Express cards.
All post offices will allow you to make a cash withdrawal on MasterCard or Cirrus.
- Credit Cards
IThe majority of establishments and ATMs will also accept credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners, etc. Many smaller restaurants and shops do not take any credit cards at all.
- Cash
Smaller restaurants, shops and private accommodation owners only take cash.
Please note Croatia has adopted the Euro, starting January 2023.
Money in Croatia – Croatian Kuna & using Euros and ATMs – Visit Croatia
- Taxes
Value Added Tax (VAT) of 25% is included in all prices. You can request VAT refund receipts and claim this at the airport upon departure.
Getting Fit
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to enjoy your Wild Women expedition. Not by a long shot! You’ll be surprised at what you can achieve with our experienced guides at your side and a little camaraderie.
That said, you’ll definitely enjoy yourself far more if you do some preparation so your body is conditioned and ready to enjoy and make the most of the outdoors.
Here are a few ideas to help you get ready:
- Take every opportunity you can to be active.
You can improve your fitness a lot just by adopting some new habits; take the stairs at work, go for a walk at lunchtime, park your car away from work and walk. Aim for 30 minutes a day and keep a diary so you can look back on it and feel proud. These may sound trivial but they’re all building blocks!
- Rev up your ticker!
Think ‘interval training’, which means doing short bursts of high-intensity work with recovery time in between. Depending on how fit you are this can mean strolling with bursts of power walking, or jogging with sprints. Either way, the aim is to get your heart rate up.
- Join a local walking or running group.
This is a great way to get fit and you’ll also see new places, meet great people… and make them all jealous when they find out what you’re about to go on your travels.
- Warm up, cool down and stretch.
If you’re doing a workout then make sure you start and finish gently and stretch any tight muscles – this will help you avoid any aches, pains and pulled muscles. If you’re a member of a gym try some yoga, tai chi or pilates classes to build up your flexibility, stability and balance.
- Hydration.
When you suddenly ask your body to walk or be active, it needs a bit more fuel than it needs when, say, sitting at a desk all day! The main thing your body needs is water, so stay hydrated and practice sipping water often. Getting a water bottle or hydration bladder is a great way to make sure you have it on hand at all times. Make a habit out of taking a bottle of water with you wherever you go.
- Nutrition.
Eating little and often will keep your body well fuelled for outdoor exercise, especially food like nuts, dried fruit and bread. The odd bit of chocolate and a few boiled lollies are good for keeping your blood sugar levels up while you’re hiking as well!
- Have fun!
The most important point of all! You are about to embark on the trip of a lifetime. You’re going to meet some amazing people, see some wonderful places and create memories that will stay with you for life. The more prepared you are to tackle the various challenges, the more fun you will have. Also, with all the endorphins you create from all this training, you’ll be smiling from ear to ear! It’s a great way to boost your happy vibes.