Seasonality

A trekker's home away from home

Group Size and Social Dynamics

Most treks and guided backpacking trips are limited to about a dozen participants. This not only keeps the logistical problems to a minimum but reduces the impact made on the environment through which you pass. This is of particular importance on Himalayan treks, which generally include two or three porters for every paying customer. Small group sizes also mean that there is time to get to know the other members of the trip. The very fact that you have all signed up for the same trip means that you probably have a bit in common.

Keep in mind, however, that you will be on a group trip and that your enjoyment of the trip may hinge on the attitude of another member of the trip. One bad apple . . . you know. Also, remember that should you become ill or unable to continue hiking, the group will not be able to alter its itinerary for you. You will probably be left someplace safe with someone to attend to you until help can be summoned.

Family Matters

Want to bring the kids? Not a problem. Many trekking companies offer trips specifically for families. Such treks are usually along fairly easy routes and no more than a week long. Don't worry about your youngest ones getting too tired. There are always porters willing to carry small children.

Backpacking adventures, however, are a different story. Due to the strenuous nature of such trips and the necessity of carrying your own gear, guided family backpacking trips are much less common.

Move on to Meeting Expectations

GORPtravel — Trekking & Backpacking Trips
Find a Trekking & Backpacking Trip Destinations United States Algeria Antarctica & Arctic Antigua & Barbuda Argentina Australia Austria Bahamas Barbados Belize Bhutan Bolivia Borneo Botswana Brazil British Virgin Islands Bulgaria Burma (Myanmar) Cambodia Canada Chile China Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt England Ethiopia Falkland Islands Fiji France Galapagos Islands Germany Greece Guadeloupe Guatemala Haiti Honduras Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Ireland Irian Jaya Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kenya Kyrgyzstan Laos Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Mali Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Mongolia Morocco Mozambique Namibia Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Norway Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Romania Russia Saint Kitts & Nevis Scotland Seychelles Singapore Slovenia Solomon Islands South Africa Spain Sweden Switzerland Syria Tanzania Thailand Tibet Tonga Trinidad & Tobago Turkey Uganda United Kingdom US Virgin Islands Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe __________________		Top Spots North America South America Asia Australia Central America Africa
Editor's Choice GORPtravel Experts have been there . . . check this link for the cream of the crop.

---

Article © Karl Samson.