Travel Tips on Adventure Travel

Articles

• Whale Watching Tips

Tips

• When trekking, always leave a trip plan with a responsible friend with whom you’ll check in at regular intervals.
• Protect camera equipment by keeping it in a watertight plastic bag. You’ll find many uses for bags, so bring several.
• When learning an intensive new activity such as snowboarding, kayaking, or rock climbing, invest the time and money in a formal class rather than letting a buddy teach you. Trust the instructors to show you the best techniques, recommend equipment, and warn of potential dangers.
• Looking for a unique camp experience for your kids? Aviation Challenge® runs a five-day program giving simulated hands-on aviation experience as well as classroom learning for kids 9 and over.
• Thinking about a self-guided tour in a foreign country? Consider these questions:
  • Do you have at least a minimal grasp of the language, or have a good phrasebook?
  • Are you a confident navigator? If you get lost, could you get back on track?
  • Are you sure the area to which you’re traveling is safe for tourists?
• If the answers are no, you might consider traveling with a tour group.
• You’ll learn the most about the world (and yourself) if you don’t take the same vacation each year. Try different activities and locations, and then revisit your favorites occasionally.
• When cycling, keep hydrated. If you’re thirsty, dehydration has already begun. Begin drinking water or sports drinks a couple of hours before a trip, and take sips throughout the ride. Follow-up with some more liquid refreshment when the ride is over.
• If you are trekking and come across an animal, remain calm. Speak calmly and back away slowly. If you have a bike, keep it as a shield between you and the animal. Most animals won’t attack unless they are provoked or feel trapped.
• Snakes can only jump the length of their body. If you come across one while hiking, a quick jump or two should put you out of range if it decides to lunge.
• Take (at least) a few weeks to get in shape before embarking on a bicycle trek or other active vacation where you’ll be stressing your body beyond its normal routine. This will pay off by helping prevent the strain that normally occurs as the body shifts into ‘active’ mode.
• Have an expert size your bike to you. They can adjust the saddle height, stem, and handlebars to help prevent a sore back and other aches.
• When training for a bike tour, build up slowly until you can easily carry a load approximately the same as you’ll be carrying on your trip.
• Not confident in your navigation skills? Take a class before heading on a wilderness hike. Learn how to read a topographic map and use a compass, along with other skills.
• Make a copy of your map and highlight your intended path. Leave this in your car at the head of the trail. If a rescue operation ensues, rangers who find your car will have a good clue as to where you might be.
• The sound of a whistle carries farther than your voice. Keep one handy and give three short blasts if you need help.
• To make the return hike easier, note landmarks. Frequently turn around during a hike to see the terrain from the reverse perspective.
• Sports climbing—where climbers follow planned routes using pre-placed bolts—lets climbers concentrate on difficult moves and speedy ascent. Most gear is lightweight and streamlined.
• When selecting a snowboard, consider if you’ll be carrying a backpack for long trips. The extra weight could mean you’ll need a larger board.
• Altitude sickness commonly occurs over 8,000 feet. Some tips to prevent it are:
  • ascend slowly
  • stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol
  • stay warm
  • rest frequently.
• If symptoms occur, return to lower elevations immediately.
• Snowboarders and skiers are prone to sun blindness. Get sunglasses with UVB protection.
• If you plan to snowboard or ski in backcountry areas where regular avalanche control isn’t performed, take a course on the subject first.
• If you arrange a canoe trip with several friends, plan to share equipment to save precious cargo space.
• Consider each person’s skill level when planning trips revolving around an activity (canoeing, biking, sailing, etc.). Plan longer, more challenging routes only when all are capable of completing them. Until then, stick to overnight and weekend journeys.
• Before paddling on a long trip, do a test run. First make sure all your gear fits in the boat. Tie down your bags and capsize the boat to ensure everything is secure.
• Saltwater can degrade boat hull materials and corrode metal parts. Rinse your boat after paddling in saltwater.
• Boat hulls can get distorted by excessive heat. Don’t store your boat, kayak, or canoe near a water heater, furnace, or other heat source.
• Hips, not shoulders, are a woman’s most efficient load-carrying area. Therefore backpacks should be packed with heaviest items near the bottom. A pack’s hip belt should be placed on the hips, not the waist.
• Women’s feet tend to be less padded than men’s. Consider a boot insert for extra cushioning.
• We can’t stress enough the importance of sunscreen! Even if you wear sunscreen daily (as you should), increase the SPF if you will be on the water, on the slopes, or are traveling to a tropical destination.
• Before loading gear onto a roof rack, check your owners’ manual for the weight limit.