So, you’ve decided to take your trekking skills international and travel overseas — or to a new country — for the very first time with Hobnail (or some other, less-cool trekking company). Good for you for stepping outside of that pesky, American comfort zone! I can say with 99% certainty that this will be an experience that will stay with you forever.
Now, let’s cover some things that will keep you from looking like a total rookie on the trail.
1. Choose Your Boots Wisely
Feet are weird things, and long flights + altitude changes + miles of hiking = swollen feet. Get yourself some quality, comfortable, well-broken-in boots, and consider going half a size up. Nobody wants to see you hobbling into Machu Picchu like Mamaw after knee replacement surgery — you should be striding around like you own the place. (In a nice, respectful way, of course…) When you finish reading this article, check out this post I wrote on selecting the right boots for the job.
2. There is No “American Portion Size” on the Trail
If you’re used to a plate of pasta that could feed a basketball team, prepare for a reality check. Meals are hearty, but they’re meant to sustain you, not send you into a food coma. In places like Nepal and Peru, carb-heavy dishes like dal bhat (rice and lentils) and quinoa soup will keep you fueled — just don’t expect super-sized fries on the side. (You probably won’t want to eat everything anyway if you’re trekking above 12K feet. Force it down anyway!)
3. High Altitude is Not Your Friend
Sea-level lungs, meet thin mountain air. The higher you go, the harder everything gets—walking, eating, sleeping, even tying your shoes. Hydrate like it’s your job, go slow, consider Diamox, and avoid being the person who thought they could “push through” altitude sickness. (Spoiler: You can’t, even if you’re an Olympic athlete. High altitude is an equal-opportunity punisher.)
4. WiFi is Not a Human Right
Trekking in the Scottish Highlands or the Himalayas means embracing “airplane mode” in real life. WiFi is often slow, expensive, or nonexistent. Tell your loved ones you’ll be off-grid, and if you absolutely need to check in, buy a local or virtual SIM card or consider a satellite messenger like a Garmin inReach Mini 2, which uses satellites to communicate rather than cell towers. (They are pricey: $300+.)
5. Squat Toilets Are a Thing
And no, there isn’t always toilet paper. Whether you’re in a teahouse in Nepal, a remote lodge in Tanzania, or even a Far East airport, be prepared to get comfortable with the squat-and-go method. Bring TP, hand sanitizer, and a sense of humor. (Hint: It’s not as weird as you think and gets easy after the first couple of “gos.”
6. Guides are Not Just Human GPSs
On the contrary, your guide is steeped in history, culture, and wilderness first-aid skills that can come in mighty handy. Be nice, tip well, and for the love of all things good and holy, listen when they tell you not to pet the yak, even when they look really cute. (Pro tip: When passing stock animals on a steep trail, give them the right-of-way and move over to the mountain side of the trail, not the cliff side.)
7. “Hot Showers” Are a Loose Concept in Some Places
Yes, you might get a hot shower. But it might also be lukewarm, ice-cold, and/or cost you extra. Most days, you’ll just have to embrace the grime. Wet wipes and dry shampoo are your new best friends. Wear Merino wool base layers to combat stink.
8. Weather can be Downright Rude
One minute, you’re basking in the sun. The next, a snowstorm rolls in as if you accidentally angered the mountain gods. Layer up, and always bring a quality rain jacket. (See this article about rain jackets.) Bonus tip: Nothing dries well at altitude, so pack extra Merino wool socks unless you enjoy the smell of mildew.
9. “Spicy” Means Different Things in Different Countries
You might think you can handle spice, but Tanzanian pili pili sauce or Peruvian rocoto pepper will test your limits. If a local warns you that something is “very spicy,” believe them. Otherwise, prepare for a stomach adventure that may require an emergency stop at the squat toilet.
10. You Will Return a Changed Person (And Possibly a Gear Snob)
After experiencing the magic of the mountains, the kindness of locals, and the joy of walking for days without checking your inbox (turn it off!), I promise that you’ll never see travel the same way again. Also, you’ll probably start lecturing your friends about why their cheap hiking boots are garbage. Resist the urge…
So, there you have it. Trekking overseas is always an incredible experience — just be prepared, stay flexible, and leave your hiking ego at the door. Now, choose a trek and let’s go!
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