Parallel Trips are “Facilitated.” What the Heck Does That Mean?
Our most recent blog posts have been working through some of the most frequent questions we get in a bit more detail. In this post, we explore what it means that your Parallel hiking trip is “facilitated,” and not “guided” or, alternatively, “self-guided.”
At Parallel, your self‑paced adventure is a facilitated experience – the sweet spot between the a DIY, “self‑guided” trip and the imposed structure that can come with a “guided” tour.
Most importantly, our facilitators take care of all the logistics and small decisions in the background so that you can focus on staying present and enjoying your experience. Among lots of other things, your facilitator will move your luggage, help with your dinner reservations, and provide that pickup when you want to call it a day. A facilitated trip means you will leave your vacation feeling accomplished, relaxed, and supported – instead of run down from decision-fatigue and logistical stress.
On a self-guided trip, anonymous company representatives might help make reservations and arrange for luggage transport, and provide a 1-800 number to call if you’re stuck. Otherwise, you are largely on your own. And, conversely, on a guided trip, you may find yourself mindlessly following the group as your guide waves the little flag in front of you for miles. Neither option represents the vibe we want on Parallel trips.
So, what do facilitators do on a Parallel Adventures trip?
From before, during, and after your trip with Parallel – you can expect your facilitator to keep things running smoothly by doing the following:
- Communicate via WhatsApp the day before your arrival to ensure your pick-up and transport plan is in place
- Deliver a daily morning briefing detailing the hike and hiking options for the day
- Remain available for alternate pick-up times and locations every day, any time
- Transport your luggage to the next town so that you only have to carry a daypack with some extra layers and your tasty picnic
- Pick out a spot for happy hour each afternoon and take care of your first drink!
- Make dinner reservations for you and your group if you need!
- Bring positivity, local knowledge, curiosity
- Take photos for your trip memories
- Help with your end-of-trip logistics
- Host celebratory welcome and farewell dinners
At Parallel, the facilitator’s role is to keep the trip running smoothly so travelers can focus on the hiking and the experience, not the logistics – and simultaneously leave plenty of room for you to create your own experience. This means handling the planning, communication, daily briefings, luggage transfers, pickups, reservations, and general on‑the‑ground support with a friendly, reliable presence from start to finish.
Here are a couple of choice quotes from our guests about Parallel’s facilitators:
“Jack’s facilitation was perfect! It was fun meeting him and he was hilarious! His zest for life was contagious!”
– Julie T., Spain’s Costa Brava, Spring 2025
“Miles was excellent. A wonderful combination of trip leader, facilitator, and group member. I enjoyed getting to know him and hanging out with him. He had clearly prepared for facilitating and was able to prepare the group for the hike and the destinations.”
– Josh C., Ireland’s West Coast, Spring 2025
Questions about what it means to be on a facilitated hiking trip? Reach out to us at info@parallel-adventures.com anytime!