Walking vacation advice

• If you or your children have any particular health needs, always tell your walking guide.
• Make sure you all stay hydrated. It is hard to get kids to drink water sometimes, but they won’t realise how much they need it when walking. Even if the sun isn’t shining. Consider hydration backpacks, style Camelbak, so that they have water on them at all times.
• On a hike in remote, wilderness areas, don’t drink from the rivers. Even if they are glacial and gorgeous, they can be a source of bacteria. You can boil the water, but do so for five minutes in elevated areas. You can also filter using purification tablets such Biox Aqua drops. Note iodine tablets are now illegal in the EU.
• Make sure you are up to date with routine vaccinations and if you are traveling far afield, visit your GP at least six weeks before travel to obtain any other vaccinations. The NHS website Fit for Travel gives detailed health information worldwide.
• Be wary of touching animals while hiking, especially wild cats and dogs, as rabies is still prevalent in many countries.
• Consult your doctor or travel clinic before remote walking vacations - they may be able to prescribe antibiotics and antidiarrhoeal medication to take with you, as well as recommending other items such as antihistamines, rehydration salts and medication for altitude sickness which you can take with you. And have a basic first aid kit too.
• Treat altitude with respect. It does not matter how fit you are, or how many times you’ve been at high altitudes before – the symptoms are unpredictable, and the only real cure is descending. Always let your leader know if you are experiencing headaches or a significant shortening of breath.
• If you are not traveling with a guide at high altitude, a good rule of thumb is that once you are above 3,000m do not increase the altitude at which you sleep by more than 300-500m a night. You can go up higher during the day, but each night go back down to lower level. Dehydration makes altitude sickness worse – you need to drink much more at high altitudes. Kids under three should not travel to high altitudes at all.
• Even if it is cooling off, or indeed cold, in the mountains, the sun can still be very strong, so always wear sunscreen.
• Inform yourself in advance about any dangers from wildlife. Or insects such as ticks which carry Lyme disease. Make sure you carry tweezers so that you can remove them and be sure to inspect your bodies carefully at the end of the day. Always apply a deterrent (a natural one is best for children such as lemon eucalyptus) and then suncream. Read this guide for top tick tips.
• Never eat berries or plants that you spot on your hikes unless you have been thoroughly trained to identify them. Similarly, avoid contact with certain plants like Poison Ivy.

Walking vacations are a good opportunity to learn how to be scouts again. And great to share this with children too. Be prepared with maps, compass, rain gear, pocketknife, matches and a whistle. You can buy mini emergency kits on eBay for a tenner.

Write down the local emergency numbers before you set out, including mountain rescue, if relevant. And always tell someone where you are going. Make sure your mobile phone is charged too.

Wildlife awareness does not just apply to walking safaris in Africa. In many countries you need to be aware of animals such as bears, snakes and others. So, swot up on this before you hit the hills. Do not let your children wander too far ahead of you, so that you can keep a close eye.

Be wary of lightning storms and, if they do occur, get below the treeline and stay away from summits or isolated trees. Stay as low as you can.

One of the most common causes for mountain rescue is hypothermia usually brought about by exhaustion and injury. So make sure you have enough food and water, the right layers and a shelter. The Mountaineering Council of Scotland is a font of knowledge on all things.

If you are on a self-guided walking vacation, always check get a detailed weather forecast before you set out and if you are in the mountains, , turn back if the weather turns bad. Or take shelter if in doubt. The World Meteorological Organisation is excellent.

Hiking in extreme heat can be dangerous and deaths do, tragically occur. In warm climates, walk early in the morning and late in the afternoon, cover up and drink lots. Consider adding rehydration powders to your water. Many walking companies don’t offer trips in the height of summer anyway, for health and safety reasons.