Episode Details

“That’s one of the great things about walking-based travel in Europe: You get away from expectations. When you plan a traditional sightseeing trip you already have an idea in your mind of what you’re going to see. But when you just let the trail unfold you can let things go — and let things come to you — and really soak in the culture in a different way.” –Cassandra Overby

In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and Cassandra talk about Cassandra’s early decision to focus on trekking-travel rather than standard tourism in Europe (3:30); how trekking in Europe is cheaper, more immersive, and more social than American trekking (11:30); which classic European trails make for “bucket list” hikes, and how to find and research less-famous ones (19:00); strategies for combining hikes with public transportation, choosing the best time of year to hike, preparing physically for the journey, and whether to hike alone or with a companion (26:00); how to reserve trails, facilities, luggage-transfers, and guides in advance (32:45); useful apps, navigation aids, guidebooks, and gear for trekking in Europe (38:00); and how to use mountain huts and plan “rest days” on treks (52:30).

Cassandra Overby is the author of Explore Europe on Foot: Your Complete Guide to Planning a Cultural Hiking Adventure, which aims to help travelers find ways to discover Europe without depending on cars, buses and trains. The book provides overviews of fifteen long-distance trails (and day hikes) in Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, Great Britain, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and Turkey, with itineraries that range from one to fifteen days.

Notable links:

• Alpine Pass Route (long-distance hiking trail in Switzerland)
• Alpenhorn (musical instrument)
• Dirndl (traditional Alpine dress)
• Tour du Mont Blanc (long-distance hiking trail in Switzerland/Italy/France)
• Tour of the Lake District (English walking route)
• Camino de Santiago (network of pilgrims’ ways into Spain)
• GR Routes (network of long-distance footpaths in Europe)
• EuroVelo (network of long-distance cycling routes in Europe)
• English Way (Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route)
• Alsace Wine Route (hiking route through the Alsace region in France)
• WhatsApp (text-messaging app)
• GPS Tracks (navigation app)
• Gaia GPS (navigation app)
• Trekking poles (hiking accessory)
• Half-board (accommodation rate)
• Mountain hut (trekking shelter)

This episode of Deviate is brought to you by Tortuga Backpacks, which set the standard for the best, most durable, organized, and comfortable travel backpacks. Tor