1)       Get fit

How fit you need to be for your walking expedition will, of course, depend on what type of trekking holiday you embark on – but with all hiking breaks, you will need to have a certain level of fitness. I would talk to your doctor and see what they say about your general state of health. They might advise you to take up some more exercise before you leave the country or change your diet and lifestyle.

In general, it is a good idea to exercise regularly in the lead-up to the trip; in particular, get used to walking long distances, sometimes at speed (you don’t want to be the one that forces the rest of the team to slow down) and try to practise hiking up slopes if you’re planning to climb some mountains during your time away.

2)       Pick a trip that’s right for you

Once you have spoken to a medical practitioner and gone for a few long walks, you’ll have a better idea of what sort of condition you are in and what you’d be prepared to do. If you’re at the peak of your physical fitness, you might decide this is the ideal time to go on a walking holiday in Canada, the USA or any other part of the world.

Don’t be dismayed if you think your adventurous mountain climbing days are behind you, though, as there are plenty of walking trails you can embark on – and the locations don’t have to be any less glamorous. In my opinion, hiking through the Grand Canyon or walking through Yosemite National Park is right up there with some of the coolest things you can do!

3)       Choose a good tour operator

Now, it’s time to pick the right tour operator. After you have decided what walking demands you want from your trip, which country you would like to visit and what expeditions you are interested in, just search for travel companies that offer what you’re looking for.

It is important to research the organisation thoroughly, as you’ll want a company that has qualified guides that can ensure your safety on the hikes and inform you of the nature and history of the location as you walk. You also need one that will offer you support throughout the holiday as you won’t have your friends or loved ones there to help should something go wrong. Pick a company that has excellent reviews and you consider to be reliable, so you can be confident that going away alone is a safe and enjoyable option for you.

4)       Give loved ones details

Before you set off on the plane, it is a good idea to give your family details of the trip. I don’t just mean your flight information and what time you arrive back (although, these are, of course, useful things!), but also details about the tour operator and the itinerary. Let them know where you’ll be staying when and what dates you will begin and end your walking expedition.

This way, they can contact you if they need to and they won’t worry if they don’t hear from you for a few days if they know you’re away hiking in beautiful landscapes.

5)       Pack for emergencies

When packing, don’t forget to bring everything you need. I often rely on my friends and other half to have things that I might have forgotten (sun cream, insect repellent or headache pills, for instance) but you can’t do that if you’re going on a singles holiday.

The best way to get around this is make a thorough list of everything you need and tick the item off when you’ve packed it, so you know for sure it’s (somewhere) in your bag. Failing this, make sure you buy all the essentials you’ve forgotten at the airport – just before you board the plane is better than not at all!

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All-Day Shoes: The first type of rock-climbing shoe the beginning climber should buy is known as an “all-day” shoe. With a thick rubber sole, a fit that keeps toes flat, and a stiffer, less-flexible midsole, all-day shoes work for a variety of climbs, but as a climber develops foot-strength and climb skill, that versatility will be less important as shoes that have more specific function.

Steep Face Shoes: Steep face shoes Have a looser toe fit, allowing a more experienced climber to use toe strength to help grip the rock surface.  Similarly, the midsole is less rigid, with increased flexibility and grip on smooth surfaces (“smearing” in the vernacular), while still remaining rigid enough to hold on narrow edges.

Bouldering Shoes: Bouldering (sometimes called gym climbing) shoes are lightweight, with a snug fit that positions the toes in a crimped or curled position. this positioning, combined with a flexible, thin sole and midsole allow for incredible precision and stability while gripping cracked rock faces.  For overhanging routes, bouldering shoes can be fitted with a downturned toe for even better grip in those perilous positions.

Crack-climbing Shoes: Shoes built for traversing routes with many cracks or pockets, Crack-climbing shoes are usually pointed, with a narrow, flat-toed profile.  Combined with a stiff midsole and rigid upper, this allows the toe to be driven into thin, narrow spaces like a spike.

Some thought should be given to materials and fit, as well.  With leather uppers, stretch is guaranteed through use (which can be lessened with a lining of other materials), while all-synthetic construction has a very consistent fit, with almost no stretch. During construction, climbing shoes are built with either upturned rockers (allowing the foot to roll) or a camber, which is a downturned toe for overhead climbs. You can also find shoes suitable for a variety of toe configurations and foot widths.  As always, you should try on whenever possible. Proper fit for the proper climb, and success is within your reach.

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Motivation

Any perceptive CEO is likely to create an atmosphere whereby everyone feels involved and is made to feel like they have an important role in the operation. In practical terms, that may be in quarterly meetings of sales staff to discuss current issues and new products to move the company forward. If those meetings involve hard work as well as leisure activities, salesmen are likely to return to the field refreshed and motivated to continue to produce the goods.

With modern airline links throughout South Africa, there are really no restrictions on where meetings can be held. Businesses may decide to change locations regularly, particularly as there are quality hotel groups that can offer good standards at a variety of locations. Groups like www.tsogosunhotels.com will even respond to regular clients with special offers and packages.

Hotels

Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban are obvious places to hold meetings, but South Africa has much more to offer than those three major cities. Accommodation in Polokwane is excellent, with all the facilities needed to run a professional business event, yet there is also the opportunity to spend more informal time in the region, perhaps even a quick visit to the northern section of Kruger Park. Whilst the south end of the park has been particularly popular, there are no barriers preventing the animals from roaming at will, and there is plenty to see in the northern section.

The Word Is Spreading

Overseas visitors to South Africa discovered this growing town during the 2010 Soccer World Cup because it hosted four games in the Group Stages, including ones involving former winners of the Cup: Argentina, who played Greece, and France, who lost to Mexico in a campaign that the French would rather forget. The city also has one of the South African Premier League sides, but it has so much more.

Wildlife enthusiasts visiting southern Africa often land at Johannesburg, even if their ultimate destination is Botswana or Zimbabwe. They pass through this region en route to the north and often stop to enjoy the town and its facilities. It is close enough to the conurbations of Johannesburg and Pretoria for a weekend break, a sharp contrast to life back in the cities. Polokwane continues to grow, and as its reputation spreads, so will the number of visitors it welcomes each year.

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Location and accommodation

Of course, location is pretty important. In my opinion, it’s hard to do better than the Scottish Highlands, with its gorgeous, dramatic scenery and potential for romantic walks and great food. You need to pick your accommodation carefully, too, and I think you can’t go wrong by booking a romantic cottage.

Why a cottage rather than, say, a swish hotel? Well, it’s all about intimacy. Having your own space can really make all the difference when it comes to romance, and you’ll also have plenty of choice in terms of the style of place you go for, like rustic cottages with open log fires or ultra-luxurious options with things like four-poster beds.

What to do in the Highlands

Part of what makes the Scottish Highlands such a romantic destination is that it has a wealth of wonderful activities for two in an incredibly beautiful setting – you know, things that give you the chance to spend some real quality time together. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Walking

Walking should definitely be high on your list. Not only is it the perfect way to discover the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands, but it’s also ideal for enjoying each other’s company far away from distractions like the TV. For the ultimate escape, both agree to switch off your smartphones for the day – this really gives you an amazing sense of freedom.

There are walks in the Highlands for people of all abilities, and while it’s great just to amble aimlessly, it’s also well worth considering following one of the famous trails, like the Great Glen Way.

This 127 km route runs between Inverness and Fort William and, if you and your partner are really into walking, you could conquer the whole thing in five or six days. Chances are, though, that you’d rather just stroll along a bit of it – in that case, you’ll find the route is divided into one day-friendly sections. Or, you could just spend a morning exploring the part nearest your holiday cottage.

Cycling

If you and your partner prefer something a little faster paced, cycling is likely to appeal. There are some spectacular paths to follow, including routes through beautiful forests and alongside tranquil lochs. And, for those of you looking for something a bit more challenging, you might be interested to hear you can cycle (rather than walk) the Great Glen Way.

Other good options include exploring the Cairngorms National Park – with the Aviemore loop (53 km) being particularly fun – and cycling alongside the famous Loch Ness.

Follow the Malt Whisky Trail

Alternatively, if you and your partner are into your food and drink, you shouldn’t miss the Malt Whisky Trail. The only trail of its kind on the planet, it takes you to some of the most prestigious distilleries in the Speyside region and will teach you a huge amount about whisky production. And, of course, you can look forward to a tasting or two!

Distilleries on the trail include The Glenlivet Distillery in Banffshire, the Speyside Cooperage and the Cardhu Distillery.

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To see world-famous landmarks

India is home to some of the world’s most incredible landmarks, so naturally seeing these is a massive draw. If you’ll be on your first trip to India, your best bet is to travel around the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra.

By doing so, you can see the sights of the capital city, including the India Gate Memorial in New Delhi and Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in the country, in Old Delhi. Over in Jaipur, meanwhile, you can check out the amazing Hawa Mahal (a spectacular palace), while Agra is, of course, home to the Taj Mahal.

To try the flavoursome food

Indian food is massively popular in the UK, but no matter how many curry houses you’ve been to nothing quite compares to having a taste of the real thing. What I really love about the food here is just how much variation there is from one region to the next.

For example, Goa’s really big on seafood, while Puducherry’s cuisine blends French and Indian traditions. Andhra Pradesh is known for using heaps of chilli and spices, while northern India’s food is an interesting mix of Indian and Chinese styles. Eastern India’s staple ingredients are lentils, fish and five spice.

By the way, you’ll often taste some of the most amazing – and authentic – food in street markets. Each destination has its own specialities, but among the best is golgappas (a mixture of chickpeas and potatoes deep-fried, and popular in Delhi) and bhel puri, which is a well-loved snack in Mumbai.

To spot fantastic wildlife

India’s also pretty famous for its wildlife, so seeing some of that should definitely be on your to-do list. A lot of people come here in the hope of spotting tigers, and if that’s an ambition you share then you should plan a trip to Ranthambore National Park, which has a quite high population density of tigers. Plus, you can also see things like sloth bears, leopards and mongoose.

Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala is another amazing place to visit, and also has quite a high number of tigers. What’s really exciting is that you can see elephants here, too, not to mention a great mix of other animals; so, this sanctuary is particularly good if you want to be in with a chance of spotting lots of different creatures.

To experience the colourful culture

India has a really rich culture, and while you’ll be able to get a feel for it by doing all of the above, it’s also worth trying to throw some cultural events into the mix. Steeped in tradition, Kerala is a great place to catch some – and there’s a lot to choose from.

You could go to see some ritual theatre, for example, where you’ll watch old stories being acted out. Alternatively, head to a temple festival – these will usually include some ritual theatre, as well as things like fireworks and elephant processions. Handily, all temples in Kerala have at least one such event a year and because they tend to happen at different times, it’s always likely there’ll be one going on somewhere!

Of course, when you’re travelling to India for the first time or you’re planning an epic adventure to explore it as fully as possible, the idea of doing so while remembering to incorporate all these elements can be a little daunting. Personally, I think the best way to keep life simple without compromising on the experience you have is to organise a tour through a specialist company like TransIndus. This way, you can benefit from their expertise and, because they offer tailor-made tours too, even work with them to create a unique itinerary from scratch.

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The Stegastein Viewpoint

Perhaps the best way to explore it is by booking a cruise from Harwich, which means you can spend the bulk of your trip on the water – the perfect way to get into the spirit of the place. Of course, another advantage of doing this is that you’ll also be able to visit other Norwegian destinations along the way, such as Bergen. Before I get sidetracked talking about where else you can visit, though, let’s turn our attention back to Flam itself.

An introduction to Flam

Surrounded by mountains, Flam is awash with natural attractions, from rushing waterfalls to deep valleys. As well as being incredibly scenic in itself, it is the perfect base for exploring the vast Sognefjord and its many attractions, including the breathtaking Stegastein Viewpoint, which I’ll talk about more in a moment.

The Aurlandsfjord, where Flam is located, is a tributary of the Sognefjord.

The Stegastein Viewpoint

One of the attractions you really cannot miss is the Stegastein Viewpoint, which is on the Aurlandsvegen Road. This walkway, with a glass end, sticks out some 31 m from a cliffside high above the Aurlandsfjord. Taking a stroll down it, you’ll have the feeling of floating above this spectacular fjord – and since the platform is suspended 650 m above the water, you’ll need to have a head for heights!

Naeroyfjord

The Aurlandsfjord isn’t the only fjord worth admiring around here. The Naeroyfjord (another branch of the Sognefjord) is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world, making it a must-see. In fact, it’s so scenic that it’s been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As it’s such an important local attraction, it’s easy to take a tour to see it from Flam. In fact, if you take a round trip from Flam to Gudvangen and back again, you can explore the Aurlandsfjord and Naeroyfjord in one trip.

Another fun option is to go fjord kayaking – the perfect way to experience the Naeroyfjord up close. Being so narrow and sheltered by mountains, this fjord is the perfect place to practise the sport. By the way, if you decide to visit Flam as part of a cruise, you’re likely to find a kayaking trip is one of the excursions offered – if so, you might find a tasty grilled lunch is served on the fjord shore as part of your trip.

Norwegian cuisine

Speaking of lunch, Norway is home to some fantastic cuisine, so make the effort to try dishes that feature some local specialities. Better still, go on a foodie adventure!

One of the best options is to take a trip from Flam to Aurland via the Laerdal Tunnel. Firstly, this’ll give you the chance to go through the world’s longest road tunnel (more than 15 miles long). Secondly, by doing so you can visit the Norwegian Wild Salmon Centre.

Here, you can watch a film – interestingly shot from the viewpoint of a salmon – before browsing exhibitions and learning about the history of salmon fishing from a local historian. And the piece de resistance? A tasting of locally caught salmon.

Aurland Shoe Factory

Last on my list is Aurland Shoe Factory. You see, the Aurland Shoe is an important slice of local culture, being a traditional type of footwear that’s been made here since the 1930s.

A visit to the factory will introduce you to the process of making these shoes, while you’ll also have the opportunity to buy a pair to take home.

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But despite myriad reasons to stay in the city centre, it’s still worth taking a look at what’s outside, just in case you fancy a change of pace or atmosphere. With that in mind, here are our top five day trip suggestions from the Algarve capital.

Loule

A nice and close option, Loule is just a 40 minute bus ride from Faro and features an atmosphere untouched by time and the modern world. Ancient quarters and castle ruins, craft marketplaces and fantastic workshops – this splendid little town has everything to offer and feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Faro’s city centre. Despite being somewhat touristy, it’s often deserted if you venture over at the right time of year. Make sure you visit one of the local restaurants for traditional Portuguese cuisine. Nandos, eat your heart out.

Fatima

If you’re interested at all in Portugal’s religious history and architecture, look no further than Fatima. The parish is perhaps most famous for its Sanctuary of Fatima, the construction of which was prompted by an apparition of the Virgin Mary. A splendid building that looks as impressive and awe-inspiring as the day it was first constructed, the Sanctuary is a definite highlight of the town, but don’t forget to go wandering through the labyrinth of streets in search of hidden treasures.

Gibraltar

Not many people realise it’s just a daytrip away from Faro, but this fascinating territory of the UK is actually surprisingly close. Particularly well-known for its population of Barbary Macaques, you’ll be able to experience all manner of attractions, including crumbling fortifications and the Second World War tunnels constructed deep within the Rock itself. The towns also do an excellent job of representing Gibraltar’s vast melting pot of cultures – be sure to sample some of the local cuisines.

Lagos

Gorgeous beaches, brilliant seafood restaurants and an active nightlife – is there anything Lagos hasn’t got? Steeped in history and culture, this location is a seriously popular destination among tourists for all the right reasons, and at just under two hours away from Faro, it just about fits our criteria as an awesome day trip location. Travel there early in the day to make the most of everything it has to offer – there are some stunning cliffside walks to be done, as well as the local culture to experience.

Seville

For a quintessential Spanish experience, you need only drive for two hours from Faro to Seville, which contains some stunning architecture dating back centuries. Be sure to visit the Metropol Parasol by German architect Jurgen Mayer, which is a more recent example than some of the churches. The mind boggles at the gorgeous organic shapes he created.

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Hagia Sophia, Turkey

1)   Thailand

With the USD, GBP and other western currencies strengthening against the Thai Baht Thailand is getting cheaper and cheaper at the moment. Why not escape winter and jet off to an island paradise like Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Chang or if you’re feeling the need for a little culture instead head up to the mountainous north and kick back in beautiful Chiang Mai whilst visiting hill tribes in the mountains. It’s true to say that Thailand really has something for everyone so if you’ve yet to venture to the Land of Smiles then 2014 is the year to fix it.

2)   Turkey

With a glorious history ranging back to the Ottoman empire it’s no surprise that Turkey is jam packed full of historical importance. You can spend weeks exploring the country from Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque in Istanbul all the way across to Ani, the former Armenia capital 1500km to the east,

And if museums and history aren’t quite what you had in mind why not soar above the clouds with a hot air balloon in mesmerizing Cappadocia or hit the beaches and nightclubs of booming bodrum. Oh and be sure to eat your fill of doner kebabs and baklava – they’re like no where else on the planet

3)   Brazil

Brazil is booming and 2014 is the time to watch them boom. The football World Cup is coming to the beautiful shores of Brazil in June 2014 so it’s a must-see for any sports fanatic. The views from Christ the Redeemer overlooking Copacabana beach are arguably unrivaled anywhere else on earth. And if the city (and the football) gets too much for you? Head off on an Amazonian adventure with a local tour company, kayaking on the longest river in the world and mixing it with indigenous tribes. Brazil really can offer something than no other country can.

Football is hugely popular in Brazil

All 3 places are guaranteed to offer you the trip of a lifetime. In the budget is feeling a little slimmer in 2014, then Thailand is the place to go, no country on earth can match their beautiful tourism industry combined with the prices. If money is no object, then Brazil is a no-brainer. The World Cup in Brazil promises to be a magical occasion, and one you can brag about for the rest of your life. Finally, if you just need a week or 2 on a beach or even just a city break then Turkey has got you covered. Now all you have to do is work out the dates! Happy travels.

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Take trekking, for example. Nothing beats the freedom of being out in the fresh air, braced against the elements. But if asthma is a health issue, certain precautions and advice need to be followed.

The effects of altitude on asthmatics

Hiking or trekking at altitudes can be great fun, but asthma sufferers should be aware there is less oxygen in the atmosphere at such heights, and this could affect their condition. At high altitude air is drier and cooler and this change in the atmosphere could be a possible trigger for an asthma attack. For those with well-controlled asthma conditions, this may not be a problem, but it is important to be aware. Shortness of breath and wheezing, as well as feelings of light-headedness and nausea, can be caused when trekking at altitude.

Preparation and prevention

Prior to setting off on a trek, asthma sufferers should pre-treat with their asthma medication. Be prepared in case of shortness of breath or if a fully blown asthma attack should occur and buy Advair or similar products in advance of travel. As the air is a lot drier at altitude, pack plenty of water to keep hydrated. Make sure that clothing is warm enough as temperatures drop sharply at higher elevations. In cold conditions many asthma sufferers benefit from a muffler or scarf arrangement around their neck so that air can be warmed prior to inhaling. Know which triggers may cause an asthma attack. If certain environmental factors, such as pollen, cause asthma to worsen, avoid trekking at such times of the year. Reduce the load to carry – ditch everything from the backpack that isn’t essential. Take plenty of breaks and rests along the way. Trekking and hiking is fun and relaxing, it doesn’t have to be a race or to be finished at breakneck speed. Breathing through the nose is better than the mouth, as it warms the air before it reaches the lungs and coughing is less likely.

If an asthma attack occurs

Keep calm and remain positive. Move away from anything that may worsen the asthma attack, such as campfire smoke or dust clouds. Sit or stand upright, whichever is more comfortable. Take one or two puffs on an asthma inhaler. Try to relax and breathe slowly. If shortness of breath continues, take some more puffs on the medication after two minutes – do not continue trekking until breathing has returned to normal. If symptoms continue or worsen it is important to seek medical help. Call emergency services or send a fit and able member of the party to get help.

Hiking and trekking allows us to see the best and most beautiful parts of the world, close up. Being asthmatic does not mean exclusion from this fabulous pastime; it’s just good to be wise to the pitfalls so that the best time can be had by all participants.

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• Houghton Mill Caravan Site. This site which sits on River Great Ouse’s bank have a splendid view and it is a paradise not only for those who love to fish but also for people who are interested in cycling and walking. Bridleways and footpaths are in abundance in the area as well as many waterways. Since the site is at the fringe of Houghton, a charming village with quaint shops, campers can purchase local traditions. Fishing on this site is best done on September when the area is quieter.

• Lucksall Caravan and Camping Park. Nature lovers would relish the experiences offered by this woodland park which is bordered by flowerbeds, trees and shrubs. This site is just the place to catch a glimpse of curious otters and kingfishers that are flitting up and down the nearby river. With a direct access to River Wye, you can wonder through miles of lovely tracks winding into the woodland forest and back. If you also have a weak spot for canoeing, you are in for a treat because this is one of the premier spots for this sport in the country. Coarse fishing enthusiasts would also love this place as it is a great spot for anglers.

• York Rowntree Park. Located in New Yorkshire on the banks of the Ouse, you can enjoy your privacy as the area is bordered by glades and hedges. York, a pretty and historic city is within walking distance and the site is perfect for exploring the Yorkshire area. A walk within the city walls will bring you to a close encounter with medieval timber-framed homes. Aside from taking charming walks along the area, you get to go fishing, its open all year round and you can enjoy a variety of water sports.

• Wagtail Country Park. This site is set on the peaceful countryside of Lincolnshire and there are a lot of great sites near the area. The towns of Newark and Grantham are a short drive away and sites like the Cathedral of Lincoln is also close by. You can fish from the stocked lake nearby; they have tench, carp, rudd and more. Due to the shrubs and the leveled grass, the area offers greater privacy and there are areas which are only for adults. Onsite, there are short wildlife walks and long walks that will take you into the beautiful countryside.

• Berwich Seaview Caravan Club Site. Given its location on England’s northernmost site, you get to enjoy a combination of spectacular views in the country and across Scotland’s border. Overlooking the river estuary is a site which is perfect for walking your dogs. Small castles, serene beaches and ruins are sprinkled around the area and they are surely great destinations for caravan travelers. The nearby Goswick Golf Club boasts of the best link courses in the country and you can definitely catch some fish while enjoying the serene environment around you.

Whether you love the idea of going out to fish, walking your canines or simply stretching your legs for long walks in the countryside and spending the night camped out, these destinations are definitely good ones. Aside from these, there are numerous national parks where you can pitch a tent or park your car with towed caravan for a deserved rest.

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