Water weighs a lot, audiobooks weigh nothing, and more semi-philosophical tips to guide rookie trekkers to a strong finish

Every afternoon near the start of my first thru-hike, I knew just where I’d find the hiker named Poncho—and that he’d greet me with advice that would help me finish the Appalachian Trail.

A few years earlier, Poncho, a fifty-something auto mechanic from Boston, had found his real home (and that nickname) on the Appalachian Trail. He had fallen in love with the path’s subtle majesty and social fabric. Early each spring, he’d return to Georgia to start his annual pilgrimage up through the other side of his home state, Massachusetts, en route to the trail’s northern endpoint. Poncho had become something of an idiosyncratic guru in the process, an intriguing hiker who would slip out of shelters long before dawn and stop in the midafternoon 20 miles up trail to build a fire and rest for the following day’s long walk.

A compact and wiry man with an exquisite salt-and-pepper beard, Poncho seemed to glow when he talked about the Appalachian Trail, proselytizing on its virtues like he’d unlocked the meaning of life. Whenever I lumbered into camp, hours after his arrival, he’d be warming his toes and drying his reptilian five-toed shoes by the fire. He always offered friendly words of welcome: “Hey kid, you got what it takes,” he once yelled, his Boston accent scuffed by a longtime love of Black & Mild cigars—the first thing he’d seek out in every trail town. “Now you just gotta learn to tolerate it!”

But Poncho had more than motivational mantras. He would tell my fledging trail family of thru-hikers about learning to carry only enough water to make it to the next stop, or figuring out how much food to tote to avoid the dreaded “hanger.” He taught us about good hostels and great restaurants, difficult sections and daily routines. What’s more, his lessons tacitly acknowledged that long-distance hiking was an endless educational process, so it was OK if we rookies didn’t have all the answers—we had plenty of time and miles to discover them.

Poncho eventually sped ahead, churning out 30-mile days while we were still inching toward 25. But I would occasionally spot a five-toed footprint in the mud, certain it was his. (He’s still the only hiker I’ve ever met who swore by the things.) I continued following Poncho’s toes north, trusting that I was indeed learning to tolerate it.

I’m still no expert in thru-hiking, and I’m not sure such a thing exists. Nevertheless, I’ve combined a bit of Poncho’s wisdom, a bit of my own, and much I’ve acquired from other trekkers into ten pointers that, if you’re new to thru-hiking this year, may help you along your way. You got what it takes, kid.

Tips for Beginner Thru-Hikers to Nail Your First Trail

1. Buy a Buff. Get creative with how you use it.

Since the benchmark for backpacking gear holds that every item you carry should have at least two uses, the humble Buff—that is, the ubiquitous brand of the common neck gaiter—is worth its weight in gold. Cold? Put it over your face, and let your nose and mouth warm you. Hot? Wrap it around your neck to shield sun and wick sweat. If you’re willing to get creative, it can function as underwear, a bra, a pillowcase, a camp towel, a rag, a mask, a wound wrap, and a dozen other things.

2. Always swim. You’ll never regret it.

During any long hike, as in life, you will make endless choices, and each decision will bend your metaphorical and literal paths in unquantifiable ways. So don’t let regret become part of your thru-hiking. Perhaps the only moments I regret from every thru-hike are the instances when I decided not to swim. From the glacial lakes of the High Sierra to the natural springs of sunny Florida, swimming during long hikes is a chance to pause and enjoy being present in nature without the weight of walking. I think about my dips in Virginia creeks or raging California rivers often. But I also remember times when I decided against it, for fear of not making milage goals, or being wet and chafed, or encountering snakes swimming in my vicinity. I would take them all back if I could. If you are thru-hiking, you are grinding, and you also stink; take this moment for yourself, and get in the water already.

3. Listen to audiobooks. Physical books are heavy.

The paperback edition of the third volume of Karl Ove Knausgaard’s epic life chronicle, My Struggle, weighs 14 ounces. Like an absolute idiot, I carried that tome during my first thru-hike, finished it, and had a family member dispatch the fourth volume (which weighs even more) to a trailside post office. Then a fellow hiker told me about Libby, an app I could link to with my library card for free audiobooks. Sans paper book, my pack weighed nearly a pound less. I realize the notion of walking silently through woods by day and curling up fireside with a book by night is romantic; I also know that, given the exhaustion of thru-hiking, it’s nearly impossible to do. You will spend plenty of time with your own thoughts on trail as is, so give yourself a mental break from yourself by spending some time listening to a great writer’s thoughts instead. Whatever you hear will make your banter with fellow hikers better too.

4. Hide some cash from yourself.

Sure, it’s totally possible to budget a thru-hike in advance and stick to your financial script. But it’s much more common to overshoot your budget. Thru-hikes are thrilling in part because they are continual highlight reels of the unexpected, but that can mean unexpected expenses, from broken hiking poles to a desperate hotel stop in awful weather. I’ve seen several fellow hikers’ trips end when their money ran out on the trail. Set your budget, then add another 20 percent. Give that surplus to a trusted friend or family member, and ask them to send it only if you really need it. Best-case scenario? You reach your terminus and come home to a financial cushion.

5. Don’t judge other thru-hikers by first impressions.

Maybe you think, as I first did, that thru-hiking involves a quiet communion with nature, void of the masses. Ha! If you start a popular trail at a busy time, the vibe will be more spring break than social fast, and you’ll meet dozens of new people every day. Don’t trust every first impression you get—I initially scoffed at fellow travelers who soon became (and remain) some of my very best friends, a process that’s taught me to be more open off-trail, too. And remember: you’re all walking along the same squiggly line for months, so the person you alienate today might be the person from whom you need help tomorrow. Don’t be an ass, even though the trail will inevitably make you cranky.

6. Think about your water consumption, a lot.

You’ll hear this axiom a thousand times on trail—one liter of water weighs two pounds, so carry it judiciously. But a liter of water actually weighs about 2.2 pounds (or four more ounces, the weight of two full-size candy bars), meaning it’s critical to be wise about the water you haul. The more you minimize the water you carry, the more you minimize the strain on your body, making it that much easier to walk across a country. Your goal should be to arrive at the next water source with a swallow left—no more, no less. The prospect of dehydration is real, but water reports or interactive digital maps like FarOut will show you refill opportunities ahead. Learn to ride that line, and your days will only get better. (Also, filtering water is a pain in the ass, but so is giardia.)

7. Make your own trail mix.

Since you’re not going on a day hike where store-bought trail mix is readily available, and because you’re essentially behaving like a professional athlete by working out all day, make your own. Buy an enormous, durable freezer bag and refill it with the salty things you love at each resupply, changing the blend as you go. My recent trail-mix formula included salt-and-vinegar pistachios, Corn Nuts, chickpea puffs, and that almighty thru-hiking staple with a love song all to its own: Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Stuff a smaller bag full of sweets into your hipbelt pocket for bursts of sugary energy as you walk. You’ll save money and perhaps enjoy eating it more.

8. Try new foods, even if no one else will.

Some hikers thrive on eating the same tried-and-true foods every day without fail. They know how much tuna, ramen, and tortillas cost and weigh and how each food tastes and feels in the belly, and these hikers don’t want to risk the consequences of failed experiments. With all due deference, that’s nonsense. There’s going to be enough monotony in your life, whether it’s the green tunnel of the Appalachian Trail or the sage bushes of the desert. Pick up one or two new things at every resupply, even if it’s just a different dehydrated food packet, and you’ll have a little diversion waiting for you at every meal. Skip the Dollar General, too, and go to whatever mom-and-pop shop you can find. Try regional candies and chips—Tennessee wins with the former, Pennsylvania the latter. Try different brands’ takes on the same item. And if the food is awful, ketchup fixes everything. (Never leave town without condiment packets, the culinary Band-Aids of distance hiking.)

9. Get curious about where you are.

I suppose it is possible to walk from Georgia to Maine or from Mexico to Canada and think only about the placement of your feet and nothing else. But that seems like a pretty boring way to exist, especially when you’re exploring new territory that can teach you so much. Google the national forest where you’re living for the next few nights or the tiny town that has a great hostel. Learn in real time. Harpers Ferry isn’t just where you get your picture taken at the “emotional midway point” of the Appalachian Trail—it’s one of the most crucial crucibles of American history (and not only because of John Brown’s raid), so read the National Park System signs. The Nantahala Outdoor Center in North Carolina isn’t just a place to get a burger and shower before climbing into the Smokies—it was a tragic hub of the Trail of Tears, another national sin with which we’ve barely reckoned. A thru-hike is a rare chance to walk through history, so take the time to immerse yourself in it.

10. You can do this. It’s fine if you decide you don’t want to do this, too.

There will be days when you want to quit, when you are certain you are wasting six months of your life on a selfish, stupid, stinking journey that is only making you miserable. There will be days when you ache, and you are certain that hiking could break your body. I have been there, and I will return soon enough. I know it can suck, but keep going. Thru-hiking requires few special skills or spectacular athletic abilities, but it requires surfeits of toughness, gumption, and grit. If you don’t have them now, you will by the time you reach your finish.

Also, don’t forget thru-hiking is your choice. If it’s only making you miserable, stop. That’s OK too. I firmly believe that trekking for extended periods of time is a way to change your mind, life, and body, mostly for the better. But there are other ways to get similar results, so it’s fine if thru-hiking isn’t your route to enlightenment, or whatever. Just walk long enough to know that you’re done, and try, as best as you can, never to look back with regret.

A flight attendant took to Reddit to share some industry secrets.

A lot of people love travelling by air. The excitement and thrill of sitting in an airplane, watching the clouds, cannot be matched by any other means of transport. However, there are some tips which can come in handy while flying. Experts are warning passengers not to add ice cubes to their drinks during their flight as doing so may expose them to harmful germs, as per a report in the New York Post.

A flight attendant took to Reddit to share some industry secrets. She said, “Don’t get ice in your drink. The ice is put in a tray with a scoop, and the trays don’t get cleaned very often.”

“Every surface on the plane is touched by hundreds of people daily and not often disinfected. We don’t have the opportunity to wash our hands at all during the beverage service,” the attendant continued.

Further, this has also been confirmed by airplane cleaners. Verna Montalvo, a cabin cleaner at Dallas-Fort Worth airport told The Washington Post in 2022, “Some flight attendants get upset because it’s not clean. Of course, it’s not clean – because this is how much (time) they give us.” She said that because of a labour shortage, her crew has only five minutes to clean, and in some situations, she has even been forced to clean an aircraft by herself.

Notably, even if the ice tray is clean, the ice cubes in the tray might not be. Since all ice is obtained from other parties, airline ice is probably of questionable quality.

In a 2017 study, researchers took 60 ice cubes from both domestic and industrial facilities. They found that ice cubes had more than 50 different bacteria strains. “A consistent percentage of the microorganisms identified from ice are known agents of human infections, and their presence indicates an environmental contamination,” the researchers said.

The experts advised people to order soda or alcohol to reduce the number of microbes, if they still want ice in their drink.

A 2019 study conducted by the City University of New York’s Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center found that there is a “consistent reduction of bacterial risk due to alcohol, CO2, pH and antibacterial ingredients of vodka, whisky, Martini, peach tea, tonic water, and Coke.”

Nonetheless, experts conclude that packing your own bottled water is the safest course of action.

Embarking on a journey to new destinations is an exhilarating experience that broadens our horizons and ignites our sense of wanderlust. Whether you’re exploring vibrant cities, hiking through majestic landscapes, or simply indulging in a relaxing beach getaway, travelling allows us to escape the confines of our everyday routines. However, amidst the excitement of travel, it’s crucial not to overlook the well-being of our eyes, the windows to the world. The unfamiliar environments, long hours of transportation, and exposure to various elements can pose challenges to maintaining optimal eye health. Taking care of your eyes ensures that your adventures are not marred by uncomfortable or avoidable eye-related issues.

Eye care tips while travelling

Dr Neeraj Sanduja, ophthalmologist, and eye surgeon, shared some simple tips on how to care for our eyes while travelling.

1) Sunglasses: Investing in a good pair of sunglasses is a must, with most of the day spent outdoors they provide protection from Sun, wind and dust. Ideally, the glasses should be 100% UV resistant.

2) Lubricating drops / Allergy medications: It is always wise to carry a few bottles of lubricating and allergy medications as an eyewash and for emergencies.

3) Goggles if swimming is on the agenda: Wearing goggles can provide invaluable protection for your eyes. They create a watertight seal, shielding your eyes from potentially harmful substances such as chlorine, salt water, or debris. Goggles also help to prevent eye irritation, redness, and discomfort that can result from prolonged exposure to water.

4) Hat and sun visor: The sun’s rays can be particularly intense in certain regions, and prolonged exposure can increase the risk of conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even temporary sunburn of the eyes known as photokeratitis. By wearing a hat or sun visor, you can shield your eyes from direct sunlight, reducing the potential damage caused by UV rays.

5) Contact Lens case and solution: Avoid wearing contact lenses on long trips and aeroplanes. Always keep contact lens case and solution handy in case of irritation if there is a need to remove lenses. Always carry extra pair of prescription glasses for emergencies.

6) Take frequent breaks while driving: If on a long road trip extended driving can lead to eye strain and fatigue. Use sunglasses to protect your eyes and frequent breaks to prevent eye fatigue.

7) Wear minimal eye make-up: While travelling especially on road trips where our eyes are exposed to dust and avoid heavy eye make-up as it attracts dust and becomes a potential source of eye infection.

8) Stay hydrated: Hydration, good sleep and clean eating are essential too for healthy eyes. Limit caffeine intake and always keep a water bottle handy.

Traveling to other parts of the world can be an illuminating experience, don’t you agree? There is so much to see and so much to experience. So, when you have a chance to do it, you shouldn’t hesitate. However, there are a couple of aspects that you need to take into consideration.

Still, the most significant one out of all of them is navigating through the cities and suburbs of a foreign country. Sure, taking a taxi or a bus might look like an obvious option to discuss. Still, we believe that renting a car would be a much better choice for you.

Many hesitate to do it simply because they believe this approach is too costly. In reality, it doesn’t have to be too hefty. Thankfully, there are a couple of ways you can cut down these costs to a reasonable amount. We want to provide you with a couple of ways you can do it, rather simply. Let’s check them out.

1. Book On Time

We don’t know whether you knew about this, but booking a rental vehicle on time can make all the difference. When you think about it, it makes perfect sense that you can get a much cheaper price when you book it before you even arrive in the country. At that time, the demand for these vehicles is high.

Sure, this is a factor that you need to pay attention to at all times. Still, it tends to be much more important during the season, like peak travel periods, or summer holidays. While that doesn’t mean you can get any sort of vehicle you want, it is helpful, because this is a much cheaper option.

Thankfully, there are many websites where you can take a look at some really good deals. Sometimes, this sort of research can become quite durable. Still, we believe that this is the simplest way to get a significant discount on renting a car in a foreign country.

2. Look for Best Deals

We do not know whether you are aware of the fact that many touristic agencies can provide some great deals. Of course, some of them even include getting a free rental car. While this may sound strange for you, there are many options out there to choose from. It is worth taking a look through these deals.

One possibility is that the hotel where you stay can provide a rental car for free. Not to mention that the combination of these services can reduce the overall costs even more. That’s why we believe that paying attention to all the possible discounts is a must. There’s always an option for a good deal.

3. Avoid Airport

In most cases, you will arrive in a new country through the airport. We all know how costly airports are. For that reason, many people try to spend as little money as possible. So, there’s absolutely no reason why it shouldn’t be any different from renting a vehicle. In fact, it tends to be quite costly.

Instead, try to take a bus to the town. When you arrive at the nearest city, this is the moment for you to look for a company. Depending on the country, you can save as much as up $100 per deal. Without any doubt, this is a significant drop in cost. So, avoid airports when looking for a rental car, at all costs.

4. Avoid Unnecessary Costs

One of the biggest disappointments is finding out about some additional costs after you conclude the deal. That’s why you should always take a look at something that you’re about to sign. The same can be said about the paperwork that you need to sign when someone rents a vehicle.

Those who rent vehicles all the time know just how many of these additional costs, clauses, or fees. Not only that, some of them are not mandatory. In fact, you can easily opt not to get them, and when you think about it, you do not need them.

We are talking about airport surcharge, early return, empty gas tank change, credit card surcharge, etc. All of these can be avoided quite easily, just if you pay attention to them. Plus, it is possible to not select them when you’re about to sign the paperwork. That’s why you should pay attention to these.

5. Save on Fuel

We know, many people tend to be a little bit reckless when they rent a car in a country that has lax road rules. Sure, the vehicle is not yours to take care of, but that doesn’t mean that we should be off the hook. We are not just talking about responsibility. It is possible to cut down the costs that way.

It needs to be said that those who drive aggressively usually pay more money on fuel. According to many studies, aggressive driving increases the cost by up to 35%, which is quite high. Because of that, it is important to be careful on the road as much as possible.

Naturally, it all depends on the gas costs in that particular country. Still, paying attention to this aspect is a big help. For those who are interested in spending a lot of their time on the road, this is a significant cost reduction. You can be sure of that.

The Bottom Line

Saving as much money as possible is something you should always strive for. In this article of ours, we’ve presented how you can do that in the case of renting a vehicle in a foreign country. We are sure that all of them will be equally helpful in all the situations of this sort you will encounter.