Hiking trips overseas

I am about to depart for our trip to Bulgaria and there are 2 travel tips on my mind. Many of us worry when we travel that our luggage may not make it when we do. if you are setting off immediately on a hiking trip (or any outdoor trip) this can be even more worrisome. One thing we recommend is that you wear your hiking boots on the plane. This way, if your luggage does get lost, at least you will have these. Clothing can be borrowed and bought, but your boots are broken in to your feet, and getting a new pair or borrowing another person's probably won't do.

They are not the most comfortable "plane shoes", so bring a pair of slippers as well (or a cozy pair of socks) so you can take your boots off during the long flight. You may also want to throw your fleece in your day bag for the plane - this can double as a pillow for the flight, a warm layer if that a/c gets too cold, and you will also have one extra layer should your bag not arrive.

The other thing people wonder about is hiking poles. When you travel internationally you cannot bring these on the plane, even wrapped in bubble wrap or a blanket. But nearly all trekking poles are telescoping, meaning they loosen and then slide into smaller sections. Instead of leaving them at home, collapse them as small as you can and fit them in your checked luggage, If your poles don't telescope small enough, they also might be able to be taken apart. If you don't know how to do this, take them to a reputable outdoor store and ask for help. You want to be able to get them back together when you arrive!

Clearly, if your luggage does not arrive, neither will your hiking poles. But chances are everything will get to the baggage claim when you do. If you are traveling only with carry on luggage - try to find a place that you can rent poles when you arrive, or another person to travel with them for you. Hike on! -- Deb