How to behave on a hike: 9 rules of tourist etiquette

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Remember this so that outdoor recreation is pleasant not only for you, but also for those around you.

Summer is the time for exciting travel and hiking. Thousands of people pack up their backpacks and leave the stuffy cities in search of new experiences and an incomparable feeling of complete freedom. However, even if you climbed high in the mountains or hid in the thicket of the forest, this does not mean that you can do absolutely whatever you want.

In this article, we will tell you about the rules of good behavior that must be strictly followed. This information is especially useful for novice hikers or those people who go abroad.

1. Give way to those going up

The hiker going up experiences a much greater physical stress than the one going down. In addition, he has a smaller field of view, focusing only on what he sees in front of him.

Always let people go up the narrow path. Just take a step to the side and give them a clear path.

2. Be careful when approaching cyclists and riders

In general, cyclists should make way for you on footpaths. But you never know what's on the minds of these crazy people, especially when they rush down on their mountain bikes. Therefore, when they approach, it will be wiser to step aside and give them the opportunity to drive safely.

Be even more careful when meeting a rider or equestrian group. Do not make sudden movements, do not try to flirt or feed the horses, as this may scare them.

3. Do not occupy the entire trail

The trek is doubly enjoyable when you are in good company. The road is long, and you have so many topics for conversation, so many new experiences that need to be discussed. But no matter how you get carried away with conversations, do not forget about those around you.

Do not walk in pairs or as a group if the trail is too narrow to pass freely. This is especially true of popular tourist spots where traffic can be quite intense.

4. The slowest is ahead

The members of the group may have different physical training, therefore, for each, their own pace of movement is optimal. Strong and inexperienced tourists often run far ahead, leaving the weak and equally inexperienced somewhere behind. As a result, the former often have to stop and wait, while the latter crawl practically without rest, cursing everything in the world and, first of all, their nimble friends. Tension and mutual irritation grows in the group.

To prevent this from happening, you should focus on the weakest participant. Invite him to walk in front so that he can set the pace for the movement of the entire group. It is better to move a little slower, but keep a good mood and a positive attitude among all the participants of the hike.

Although, of course, this rule may have variations and exceptions. For example, you can redistribute the load, or invite the fast walkers to head forward to prepare camp and prepare food while the slower ones arrive.

5. Monitor the volume

People go hiking to become one with nature. Listen to birdsong, watch the surf, enjoy beautiful sunsets and sunrises. Nobody wants to rest to your screams, screams, swearing, songs or dances. Keep quiet.

Separate greetings to the owners of wireless speakers that carry sound throughout the district. This can only be justified in one case: you are walking through an area full of bears, which you are trying to scare away in this way. Otherwise, it is better to wear headphones.

6. Stay on the trail

On the territory of the former USSR, there was a fairly free order, so tourists are used to walking wherever it is directly and clearly not prohibited. However, there are many countries where such habits are unacceptable. There, movement in the protected area is allowed only along the paved tourist path, any deviation is punishable by fines.

7. Leave no trace

We think that our readers do not need to once again tell about the fact that you cannot litter. In addition, you should not break trees, leave fires, dig holes, take something with you as a keepsake.

In short, your parking space should remain exactly as it was before you arrived. Imagine that the redskins are chasing in your footsteps, so absolutely no trace should be left. If they find you, they will burn you at the stake. And rightly so.

8. Say hello

For city dwellers, this may seem unusual, but all tourists greet each other when they meet. And with the locals too. Especially if you are in hard-to-reach places where people rarely walk. After that, it is not at all necessary to start long conversations, bombard travelers with questions or forcibly share impressions. You just need to smile and greet.

9. Follow the rules

Yes, we get out into nature to escape from the urban routine and the usual order. But this does not mean that in nature you can do whatever you want. In addition to the generally recognized rules of good manners listed above, there are many restrictions that apply in individual countries or even on individual routes.

Somewhere you can't walk with dogs. Elsewhere, you may find yourself on a trail designed exclusively for horse riding. In some countries, sleeping in tents is strictly prohibited, in others it is even allowed on private territories.

In any case, when planning your trip, try to familiarize yourself with the relevant rules for this area and follow them. This will help you avoid trouble and make your vacation enjoyable and memorable.