Anyone who knows me knows that hiking and travel are my two favorite things to do, and when I can combine them, all the better. Over the years, I’ve trekked across Lapland, discovered some of the , led yoga and hiking retreats in and explored the Alps and the Mediterranean in my . A hiking vacation is simply one of the best ways to maximize your annual leave, discover new places off the beaten path and stay active.

If you're not properly prepared though, you might spend your entire trip with aching legs or searching for trails. With more and more people getting interested in the outdoors, I thought I’d put my experience to good use and offer some of my best tips for a successful hiking holiday, from packing and training to recovering afterward. If you’re checking a bag or driving to your destination, you might be happy enough to pack your trusty old hiking boots and you’ll be ready for any terrain.

If you’re heading off to the Alaska backcountry, this is probably a good choice, but be aware that different places call for different , and when you’re traveling, it can be good to bring shoes that are lighter, more comfortable and can be worn across different activities. Bearing in mind that any shoes you wear on the hiking trail should always have good traction (think: ), for well-maintained paths such as those you might find in Yosemite, a good pair of sneaker-style will provide ample protection and grip and be comfortable enough to wear on the plane and for other a.