Eating well is important. Your body will need fuel, so take some energy bars, fruit paste, cereal bars or dried fruit with you. Staying hydrated is just as important. Aim to drink at least 1.5 litres of water a day, and up to 2 litres in hot weather. Drink regularly throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at once. You will find water along the way, either at village fountains or by asking local people.

If you are walking abroad and have any doubt about the water quality, consider using purification tablets.

Almost all our routes are waymarked. We provide a route book and maps for every trip, except on some international destinations where maps are not available, in which case you will receive a detailed written description. Basic map reading can be useful, although on most of our routes the waymarking and route notes make navigation very straightforward.

Self-guided holidays: On the Camino de Santiago, finding your way is easy. Routes are clearly waymarked, and we provide a route book. Our route books combine route notes with maps, and include an explanation of how to follow the waymarking.

Take time to read the route notes carefully before each stage.

Guided holidays: No route book needed. You walk with a guide who will share the history of the trail, the local wildlife and the character of the regions you pass through.

We offer two optional individual insurance policies: Tranquillité and Tranquillité CB. You must contact the insurer directly, before or during your trip, to activate the cover. Insurance premiums, visa fees and booking fees are not refundable by Walks in France or the insurer. For the full terms and conditions, including the scope of cover, excesses and exclusions, we recommend reading the policy documents carefully. These are available on request or on our website under "Terms and Conditions". A copy of the policy will be sent with your booking confirmation, or on request.

Insurance must be taken out at the time of booking, or within 48 hours of booking.

Our insurance policies are open to everyone, regardless of your country of residence.

The Tranquillité policy (assistance, repatriation, cancellation and trip interruption cover) is charged at 4.15% of the total trip price.

The Tranquillité CB policy (cover that tops up your Visa Premier, Infinite, MasterCard Gold or Platinum card, after your card insurer has declined the claim) is charged at 3.15% of the total trip price.

Cancellation fees

If you cancel your booking and have not taken out our cancellation insurance, cancellation fees will apply:

• More than 31 days before departure: 15% of the trip price.
• 30 to 21 days before departure: 30% of the trip price.
• 20 to 14 days before departure: 55% of the trip price.
• 13 days or fewer before departure: 75% of the trip price.

If the person you were sharing a room with cancels, you will be charged the single room supplement. This will be refunded by the insurer, provided the supplement is less than the cancellation fee.

To cancel before departure, contact Walks in France on +33 (0)4 71 74 47 40. We will handle the process for you.

During your trip, before taking any steps, contact Assistance Mutuaide on +33 (0)1 45 16 43 47 (whether you hold a Tranquillité or Tranquillité CB policy).

If you have questions about your policy, you can call the hotline on +33 (0)5 32 09 21 81.

Failure to arrive on the departure date, or leaving during your trip without a valid reason, does not entitle you to a refund.

A copy of the policy, with full details of your cover and the claims procedure, will be sent with your booking confirmation.

For all our international destinations, we provide details of the required formalities. You may need certain vaccinations, a valid passport or identity card, and in some cases a visa. Do not leave these arrangements to the last minute. For our current international destinations, no specific vaccinations are required, but you should be up to date with your routine vaccinations.

Start early. Some of these procedures can take time.

Remember to check your insurance cover too. We offer a comprehensive policy covering cancellation and assistance/repatriation in case of trip interruption. If you are already insured, check your cover carefully with your provider.