Self-Guided Travel: How to Navigate With a GPS on Your Adventure Holiday

To the uninitiated, self-guided travel can seem daunting. “How do I know I’m on the right path?” “How do I even use a GPS for navigation?” “What happens if I’m late arriving at my hotel?” “Are there places to eat along the route?” We hear these types of questions all the time from travellers beginning their first self-guided adventure, but they quickly fade away once the realization sets in that self-guided trips really are just an easier, safer, and more fun way to travel.

Whether you're hiking through scenic trails of Patagonia or cycling along the winding paths of the Amalfi Coast, self-guided tours offer an unbeatable combination of freedom and structure. And with the help of a reliable GPS, exploring on your own has never been easier, or safer. Self-guided hiking and cycling tours offer a better way to travel, allowing adventurers to immerse themselves in their destination while enjoying the assurance of meticulously crafted routes.

Curious about how you can utilize a GPS app to navigate your next self-guided holiday? This guide will tell you everything you need to know to confidently set off on your next adventure.

Why Choose Self-Guided Travel?

Self-guided hiking and cycling tours are rapidly becoming one of the most popular ways to travel, and it's easy to see why. They strike the perfect balance between structure and freedom, letting you explore at your pace without worrying about logistics. And when it comes to navigating with a GPS, the advancements in technology and various options that are available mean it really couldn't be easier.

Here’s why self-guided travel is worth considering:

• Flexibility and Freedom: Stop whenever you want to snap a photo, linger at a viewpoint, or take an extra coffee break without feeling rushed.
• Immersion: Self-guided tours allow you to connect with your destination on a deeper level, discovering hidden gems, meeting locals, and uncovering spots you might miss on a guided group tour.
• Carefully Curated Routes: The routes are meticulously designed by local travel guides who know the area best, so you’ll get to see everything a region has to offer while avoiding the pitfalls of planning your own route.
• Safe Solo Exploration: Self-guided tours provide independence while equipping you with every tool you need to feel safe and secure.

Make no mistake, self-guided travel isn’t about “going it alone.” It’s about having the freedom to chart your own course while having all the logistics seamlessly handled in the background. With most popular adventure tours in Europe and around the world taking on this format, it’s easy to see why it is fast becoming the preferred method of travel for many keen adventurers.

GPS Navigation Made Easy

A dependable GPS app is your best friend on any self-guided adventure. The routes are created and tested by local tour operators who know the terrain, ensuring you can focus on the joy of exploration without stress. But how does it work?

• Meticulously Mapped: Routes are curated by local teams who test and refine them. You’ll be guided through the best trails, quiet roads, and must-see landmarks, usually avoiding any tricky or dangerous areas.
• Tailored Information: Depending on the tour, your GPS may even include points of interest, fun facts, or historical insights about the region!

While the details vary by tour, the idea remains the same: turning your smartphone or device into a powerful tool for exploration. And for those who are a bit old school - or simply want a back up plan - digital files or physical copies of maps and route notes are always available to give you an extra point of reference.

Recommended GPS Apps

Most self-guided tours rely on user-friendly GPS apps. Here are two popular options that are often used your local tour partners:

• Active Nav (Hiking): This app is great for route tracking and breaking each hike into manageable daily stages.
• Guibo (Cycling): This GPS app works especially well for cycling tours and is paired with mounts to keep your phone securely in view as you ride.

These aren’t the only navigation apps out there, but they are becoming standard on many adventure tours. Feel free to do some research on the apps ahead of any trip to ensure you are comfortable with using them.

Now, let’s explore how to use GPS for both hiking and cycling adventures!

Navigating Hiking Tours with GPS

Using GPS for hiking tours is straightforward, especially since everything can be done via your smartphone. Here’s what you need to know:

How It Works

• Downloaded Routes: Before you start, download your hiking route through the app provided by your tour operator (usually Active Nav). Once it’s downloaded, you won’t need an internet connection while on the trail.
• Daily Stages: Hiking routes are typically broken up into daily segments, making it easy to track your progress and stay focused on manageable distances.
• Supplementary Notes: Some apps provide detailed notes on points of interest and the surrounding area. Others may focus only on navigating the route itself, supplemented with additional paper or digital route notes.

Things to Keep in Mind

• The GPS usually maps the path from town to town (like from one town square to another), rather than from accommodation to accommodation. Travelers often use Google Maps to complete the final leg to their stay.
• Bring along a portable phone charger so you have enough battery to last the day.
• Cross reference the route notes for your specific trip, as there may be key pieces of information that differ from the base tour.

Even beginner hikers will find navigating with GPS easy, enabling you to explore confidently without getting lost.

Navigating Cycling Tours with GPS

Cycling tours offer incredible freedom to cover more ground while soaking in scenic landscapes. GPS makes navigating these tours a breeze.

How It Works

• Same System, Extra Gear: Just like with hiking, you’ll download your cycling routes. However, most cycling tours include a bike mount for your phone so you can ride hands-free.
• Dedicated GPS Devices (Optional): Some tours provide a separate GPS device tailored for cycling, giving you an even more efficient way to follow your route.

Things to Keep in Mind

• The Guibo app is frequently used for cycling tours thanks to its intuitive navigation setup.
• Many cycling GPS devices or apps allow you to filter by cyclist-friendly paths, ensuring smoother and safer travel. Just like hiking tours, consider carrying a phone charger to avoid running low on battery partway through your adventure.
• Same thing in terms of cross referencing your route notes for the specific trip. You don’t want to miss out on any key pieces of information that differ from the base tour.

The Self-Guided Travel Experience Awaits

Self-guided hiking and cycling tours are redefining how we explore the world, offering the perfect mix of freedom, adventure, and safety. Whether you’re navigating a secluded mountain path or pedaling through charming countryside villages, using a GPS ensures you'll never stray too far off track (unless you want to).

At 10Adventures, we specialize in self-guided tours so you can focus on making memories while we handle the logistics. Take a look at our hiking tours and cycling tours to find your next unforgettable adventure.

Your next big trip is just a few clicks away. The world is waiting - are you ready to explore it?