Preparing for Your First Overseas Trek: All You Need to Know

August 4, 2025

You’ve signed up for your first overseas trek. How exciting!! Maybe there’s a mix of emotions bubbling away, some nerves, a lot of questions, and hopefully a lot of anticipation. That’s normal. Taking on a challenge like this is a big step, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself or someone you love.

Whether you’re trekking to support a cause, explore a new part of the world, or test your limits, here’s what you need to know to feel ready and confident when the adventure begins.

Build Trekking Fitness for your First Overseas Trek, One Step at a Time

You don’t need to be a seasoned mountaineer to complete a trek, but a decent level of fitness will help you get the most out of it. And here’s the good news: you don’t have to hit the gym or run marathons. Walking is your best training partner.

Start by going on regular walks, gradually increasing the distance and introducing hills when you can. If your trek involves long days on a path less trodden, try to work up to doing a few back-to-back walking days, so your body gets used to that rhythm. As you get closer to the time of departure, wear the boots and backpack you’ll be using; it’s the perfect way to break them in and avoid blisters later on.

It’s not about speed or perfection. It’s about building up the stamina to keep going when the terrain gets challenging, and enjoying the journey along the way.

What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind)

Packing for your first trek can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure what to expect. The golden rule? Keep it simple. With a Different Travel trip, you are likely to be limited to a main bag and a daypack, so think carefully about what you really need.

Comfortable clothes that can be layered are essential, along with a waterproof jacket, worn-in hiking boots, and a few personal items such as hand sanitiser, sun protection, and any medication you rely on. Your kit doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive, just functional and familiar.

What is the one thing most first-time trekkers say? “I packed too much.” So lay it all out, and then take a few things away.

Getting in the Right Mindset

If we can give you one piece of advice: trekking is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. There may be moments when you’re tired, feeling sore, or wondering why you signed up in the first place. That’s completely normal but also temporary.

What helps most is going into your trek with an open mind and a flexible attitude. Things don’t always go exactly to plan. There might be early starts, basic toilets, unexpected weather, or long days on your feet. But with each new challenge comes a new chance to grow, and often, a great story to tell.

Try not to focus too much on the distance still to go. Instead, take it step by step, and soak in the scenery, the culture, and the camaraderie of your fellow trekkers.

Don’t Skip the Practical Side

Long before you set off, make sure all the practical stuff is sorted. That includes checking your passport is valid, organising any visas you need (we will advise you on what you need), and taking out the right kind of travel insurance, especially if your trek involves high altitudes or remote areas.

Visit your GP or a travel clinic to check whether you need any vaccinations or medication, and let them know about your travel plans if you’re on regular prescriptions. It’s also worth reading up on your destination’s entry requirements and cultural customs; a little preparation goes a long way in helping you feel settled when you arrive.

Embrace the Unknown

There’s no doubt that a first overseas trek takes you out of your comfort zone, but that’s exactly where the magic happens. You’ll see landscapes that take your breath away, connect with people from all walks of life, and discover a new kind of strength within yourself.

You don’t have to have all the answers or feel totally fearless. You just have to show up, take a deep breath, and trust that you’ve got what it takes. Because you do.

By the time you take that final step of your trek, tired but proud, you’ll look back and realise just how far you’ve come, in every sense of the word.

And trust us: the feeling is unforgettable.