Ten Adventure Travel Tips for 2010
January 24, 2010.Whether I’m laughing my way through Lava Falls in the Grand Canyon or camel trekking in the Sahara desert, I love to travel. I’ve explored five continents and paddled or rowed my way through nearly 200 whitewater rafting trips, and I’ve never tired of meeting people and experiencing life through their eyes. I go hog wild researching an area before arriving at my destination—I enjoy the research almost as much as the vacation! Here are 10 tips that can assist you before booking your adventure travel vacation.
What Are You In The Mood For?
- Be honest, you’ve worked hard for this vacation. Do you want to crank up the adrenaline, relax and enjoy a river from the bow of a boat, explore desert canyons and Native American artifacts or paddle your way through misty Canadian bays in search of killer whales? Do you want to relax around a campfire and sleep under the stars or would you like to experience a hot shower and linens at the end of your day—or perhaps you’d prefer a little of each? If you are traveling with a friend, child, and/or loved one, make sure you want similar vacations to avoid unnecessary friction.
Research Research Research:
- Do you need to hop a flight to your destination? A friend and former travel agent once told me she counted more than 200 different fares on a flight from NYC to London. Before I book a ticket, I check multiple search engines, often several times, (Hey, I am a Virgo!) including: Kayak, Airfare Watchdog, ITA Software, Sidestep.
- Read. Google. Bing. Atlas. Library. Rent movies. It’s always fun to research the area in which you will be traveling. Though guides on your trip have tremendous insight into a region, you’ll appreciate your vacation even more knowing details about your destination before you arrive. You don’t want to miss any must-see sites!
- Be aware of your tour company’s booking and cancellation policies. Read the fine print and ask questions.
Compare Prices, Ask Questions:
- It is always wise to shop around and compare prices. When doing so, be sure to compare all the details of your trip and specifically what is included in the final cost. You may find a large discrepancy in prices between tour operators, just as you may find a large discrepancy in what those prices include. In my experience, you get what you pay for when it comes to selecting a tour operator. Check a company’s website to discover what you should expect with their adventures.
Know The Company You Are Traveling With:
- When selecting a tour operator, start by asking your friends and family for recommendations, and then ask the company for references, explore online reviews, visit their Facebook page, and ask other travelers about their experience with the company. CBS News Travel Editor, Peter Greenberg says, "And for Facebook, are there any benefits if you’re under 25? Of course. Not only is it a great place to share travel photos and anecdotes for all your friends, but it’s also a good resource to seek out advice and tips from other travelers before you go."
- For a list of more than 1000 adventure vacation options from the leading travel companies in the industry, visit www.adventurecollection.com.
- Is the company environmentally friendly? Booking with a company that has a responsible travel statement and/or policy posted on their website will not only ease your conscience, it’s a wise choice.
Book Early for Best Trip Choices:
- Popular trips, such as rafting through the Grand Canyon on the Colorado River or down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho with O.A.R.S. tend to sell out early. You deserve the vacation of your dreams, so when you’re certain of your vacation days, book your trip as soon as possible.
Travel Insurance:
- Most major travel arrangements include cancellation fees that are applicable regardless of why or when you might need to cancel. In most cases, travel insurance covers non-refundable payments should you have to cancel your trip at the last minute due to illness or injury. Always ask questions and read the fine print before purchasing insurance.
What Should You Pack?
- What to bring on your vacation and what to wear is as varied as your adventure options. Your gear will depend on your trip choice, the time of year, temperature and the weather for your trip.
- Most tour outfitters will supply you with a detailed packing list compiled by their experienced staff and guides that has been honed over many years, trials and tribulations. Trust their suggestions!
- If you are on a multi-day whitewater rafting trip, it’s best to take extra rain gear and warm clothes. The gear doesn’t weigh much, and if you don’t use the gear, it hasn’t taken up much space. However, should you need it, you’ll be glad you have it!
Are You In Shape?
- Are you planning to hike into or out of the Grand Canyon; paddle Class IV rapids; hike, sea kayak, raft or ride horses all in one vacation? If you are planning a trip that involves a lot of hiking, get out on your local trails and use them as much as possible. If you do not have access to trails or hills, hit the gym or try running or walking up and down bleachers, subways or stairways.
- O.A.R.S. adventurers range in age from 4 to 84 and older. Although there are few prerequisites for joining their trips, being healthy and reasonably fit certainly makes your experience more rewarding. Leave the motto “no pain, no gain” at your local gym and enjoy your vacation!
How To Find Travel Deals:
- Sign up for regular email or e-newsletters from your favorite adventure travel companies—you’ll be the first to hear of their specials.
- Join Twitter and follow folks who regularly tweet travel deals—such as @TravelEditor, @KAYAKdeals, @PerrinPost.
Go With The Flow:
- Outdoor vacations are an adventure travel company’s specialty, and they work hard to provide their guests with a positive travel experience. Although your outfitter will do everything it can to adhere to its planned itinerary, sometimes ‘things happen.’ You’ll enjoy your vacation much more when you are able to take a deep breath if something unplanned happens.
- A company such as O.A.R.S. will work with you should any part of your trip under their control not meet your expectations.

.jpg)
.jpg)





Waterblogged in your inbox



Blog Feed
Bloglines
Waterblogged in your inbox