Is a Self-Guided Trip for me?

The Perfect Option for Independent Hikers

Should I take a guided or a self-guided hiking tour? That's certainly a fair question, and one we hear frequently. One of the reasons Alpenwild guests are so delighted with their hiking or walking vacation is because we do a great job of helping people find the best tour for their particular style, skill level, and travel interests. We want people to wind up on the tour they will enjoy the most.

Cost

Since cost will likely figure into your decision, know that all of our hiking vacations offer exceptional value. Still, our self-guided programs will be less expensive for the same itinerary, not just because there are no guide expenses to cover, but also because self-guided programs generally do not include lunches, trail snacks, and luggage transfers. Keep in mind that for some treks such as the Haute Route, the cost of luggage transfers for just one or two people can be prohibitively high. We can help you work out those details and options.

Do-it-Yourself

But aside from the cost factor, we find that guests who most enjoy self-guided programs are do-it-yourselfers as they like figuring things out on their own. They enjoy routefinding, navigation, and occasionally a little bushwhacking-that's part of the adventure. They can even put up with getting off the trail from time to time (never lost, mind you-just not quite where they should be) and then figuring out what they need to do to get back on track.

Self-guided hikers enjoy working out the details of their trip. They want a custom vacation where they can pick the dates, the itinerary, and decide how long they want to stay in any particular spot. They want to set their own pace and not be tied to the group's timetable. They want ultimate control—and don't we all!

Travelling Independently

They enjoy traveling independently, although not necessarily alone. Maybe they want to have a leisurely breakfast and not have to chat it up with others at the table. They may want to spend time on the trail in peaceful reflection, or enjoy the scenery and wildlife on their own terms. They may want to jog on some parts of the trail and stop for an afternoon nap in an alpine meadow. They want to be in charge of their own schedule. More power to them.

Self-Directed

You may want a self-guided hiking tour if you enjoy taking responsibility for your own learning. Our guides are great at identifying wildlife, naming wildflowers, pointing out geological features, sharing local history, and exposing you to the traditional culture. But if you are an avid reader and want to study and discover those tidbits on your own, you can bring your own guidebooks and be your own guide.  

Are You a Self-Guided Hiker?

So does this sound like you? Do you have what it takes to be a self-guided hiker in the Swiss Alps?  If so, contact us and tell us what you'd like to do and when you want to go. We'll offer some suggestions, and work out a customized self-guided tour proposal at no cost to you. We detail where you'll be staying, what you'll be seeing, what's included, what's not included, and what it's all going to cost. When you fall in love with the itinerary and start dreaming of your hiking vacation in the Alps, then you can make a small deposit to guarantee your space and lock in the tour price.