Most Elderhikers we know can easily hike 8 or 10 miles in a day, over almost any reasonable terrain. Six miles is a short walk for us, but 12 miles is getting close to the most we like to do, and still call it easy. Fortunately, there are hundreds of places on this earth where you can find hikes between one good place and another that are between six and twelve miles. Sure there are lots of isolated outposts where it is hundreds of miles to the next isolated outpost, but hiking is not an option between such places. Where hiking is expected, and trails are available, and huts, hostels, hotels or camp sites are available, it is common that two of these will be no more than 6 to 12 miles apart. I have just defined the trip planning requirements:
Hiking is expected,
Trails are available,
Huts, hostels, hotels or campsites are available,
Less than 12 miles apart, (perhaps one day in several will be longer).
All of the trips or treks we have ever been on fit this description.
In North America, there are hundreds of trips you could design for yourself,
especially in the Sierra, the Rockies, and the Appalachians You could hike
around Heron Island on Australia's' great barrier reef, climb Ayers Rock,
do the Milford Track in New Zealand, or select from a wide choice of Long
Distance Path trips in Europe, or Great Britain. The sections below describe
how we plan several different kinds of trips.
Everywhere we have gone in the last several years, we have been able to charge our hotel and most meals to our credit card. We carry just a minimum amount of cash to handle incidentals, lunches from grocery stores, etc. We also take travelers' checks and cash some at the larger hotels, as we go along. We also get cash at ATM machines, but these are usually only available in the larger cities where banks are also located.
You will, in most cases, get the most favorable exchange rate by using a credit card, or ATM card. Note that some companies charge both a service charge and interest on cash withdrawals via credit card, but using an ATM card is only subject to a service charge. Keep all your receipts, and use them to audit your statement when you get back home. Most of the people you deal with are completely honest, but we have heard of some altering the amount on the credit slip before submitting it to the company. If you don't have the receipt, you can't prove that the amount was altered.
Think about how you will keep your cash, credit cards, and passport safe. I use a wallet that hangs down from my neck, inside my shirt. For incidentals, I carry about $20.00 worth of cash loose in my pants pocket. You will also be less of a target for trouble if you don't look too prosperous. Leave the expensive jewelry home. Don't wear expensive rings, watches, necklaces, etc. We also keep copies of our passport title page scattered around our luggage, and keep the receipt from the travelers' cheques in a separate location, just in case the worst happens. We have never had a single problem, anywhere we have travelled, but we read about enough incidents that a reasonable amount of caution is justified.
Other topics covered in the book:
On your own, but not alone; Camping trips using a packer; Leading your own pack animal; Camping trips using porters; Staying in Inns, hotels or hostels; Hiking Inn to Inn in Europe; Inn to Inn in the USA; Tips for photographers; Bathroom etiquette;