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What are the Best Tips for Outdoor Adventure Travel?

Rhonda Rivera
Rhonda Rivera

The best tips for outdoor adventure travel depends largely on what the traveler plans on doing in the great outdoors. Some tips, such as packing lightly and getting travel insurance, are typically helpful no matter what the active vacation involves, however. Frequently, it is also important to keep updated on the weather of the region the traveler plans on adventuring in, to pack appropriately, and to avoid common misconceptions; i.e., that the Hawaiian islands of the United States always have comfortable weather. If the traveler is bringing any camera equipment, whether inexpensive or professional, waterproofing the equipment can save once-in-a-lifetime pictures from being ruined.

Outdoor adventure travel may require bringing survival items, such as a water bottle and a global positioning system (GPS), with the traveler. Depending on where the traveler is staying, the rest of his or her items are left at the hotel or camp site, the latter of which being a generally unsafe place to keep anything beyond firewood. Packing only the things necessary to have a safe but fun outdoor travel adventure can help cut down on air travel costs, as well as potential losses due to bad weather or theft. In addition, leaving room in the luggage containers gives the traveler more room to bring souvenirs home.

A waterfall on the island of Tasmania, a popular destination for adventure travelers.
A waterfall on the island of Tasmania, a popular destination for adventure travelers.

In addition to packing lightly, the traveler should also take care to pack appropriately by keeping updated on weather changes. There is a big difference between a light sweater and padded ski-style coat; the traveler should be well aware of which one he or she will be using at the vacation spot. It is generally advisable to double-check the weather shortly before leaving in case of sudden rainstorms, blizzards, or tropical storms that might alter plans or cancel the outdoor vacation all together.

The Inca Trail, which overlooks the ruins of Machu Picchu, is a popular choice for guided treks.
The Inca Trail, which overlooks the ruins of Machu Picchu, is a popular choice for guided treks.

Travel insurance is usually a good thing to have when outdoor adventuring outside an area covered by the regular health insurance. Depending on the plan, this type of insurance can cover medical expenses, baggage loss, and emergency evacuation if the region is suddenly dangerous to be in. Sometimes the insurance plan will come with a 24-hour hot-line to call for advice. Travel insurance can be particularly useful if the vacation involves a physical activity that might lead to injuries.

Whitewater rafting is popular adventure travel activity.
Whitewater rafting is popular adventure travel activity.

Lastly, cameras are often considered a standard travel accessory to capture the best moments of an outdoor adventure travel vacation. It may be best for the traveler to make sure his or her camera equipment is waterproof, just in case it encounters water during the outdoor adventure travel itinerary. Both disposable waterproof cameras and casings for professional equipment exist, and can generally be ordered online.

Discussion Comments

clintflint

@Mor - In my experience it's important to plan, but also to pack as lightly as possible, especially if you are going to be hiking or traveling away from a hotel room. No matter how great your pack is, it's going to feel heavier and heavier and more and more pointless the further you have to carry it.

My favorite adventure travel tour was one in which I joined a group that explored California on a bus that converted into beds overnight. It was fantastic but space was at a premium and I quickly wished I had been less eager to bring every little thing I thought there was a distant possibility I might need.

Don't leave behind anything vital, but you don't have to bring the kitchen sink either. Particularly if you're going to be with a tour that will go past shops every now and then. You can always buy more bug spray or whatever else.

Mor

@Ana1234 - That's why I have always attempted to keep up with my tetanus inoculations as well. Even with the best gear it's common to get little injuries on a trip that might not seem like a big deal until you realize they have become infected.

But don't stress too much about being prepared for every eventuality. In my opinion, outdoor adventures are about preparing thoroughly so that you can completely relax and enjoy the trip once you get there.

Ana1234

Absolutely bring a first aid kit with you, no matter what you're doing or who you're doing it with. A tour guide will have one as well, but you can't guarantee that something won't happen to him or her, or even that there will be enough supplies for a whole group. If you ensure that there are supplies for your family and maybe some extras as well, it could be a lifesaver.

You can get all kinds of different pre-made first aid kits from any outdoors shop, but the best kind is one you've put together yourself. If you've got any special concerns (like allergies or diabetes, etc) you should also bring any possible medications you could need for that.

Adventure travel is necessarily going to be dangerous, but it often includes being far away from help and there's no telling what could happen. The last thing you want is to come away from the trip wishing that you had remembered to bring a kit.

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    • A waterfall on the island of Tasmania, a popular destination for adventure travelers.
      By: magann
      A waterfall on the island of Tasmania, a popular destination for adventure travelers.
    • The Inca Trail, which overlooks the ruins of Machu Picchu, is a popular choice for guided treks.
      By: Bryan Busovicki
      The Inca Trail, which overlooks the ruins of Machu Picchu, is a popular choice for guided treks.
    • Whitewater rafting is popular adventure travel activity.
      By: VILevi
      Whitewater rafting is popular adventure travel activity.
    • Firewood may be useful during an outdoor adventure.
      By: Edsweb
      Firewood may be useful during an outdoor adventure.
    • Outdoor adventure travel activities may include paragliding.
      By: ueuaphoto
      Outdoor adventure travel activities may include paragliding.
    • Adventure travel may include trips to an exotic beach.
      By: Liv Friis-larsen
      Adventure travel may include trips to an exotic beach.
    • Many people enjoy long distance cycling trips.
      By: david hughes
      Many people enjoy long distance cycling trips.
    • Some travel insurance protects against loss of or damage to baggage during transit.
      By: varandah
      Some travel insurance protects against loss of or damage to baggage during transit.
    • Training can prior to travel can decrease the risk of exhaustion during an adventure.
      By: Maridav
      Training can prior to travel can decrease the risk of exhaustion during an adventure.
    • A picnic is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.
      By: micromonkey
      A picnic is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.
    • Outdoor adventure travel can include going for a jog on nature trails.
      By: Dusan Kostic
      Outdoor adventure travel can include going for a jog on nature trails.
    • Mountain hiking is a popular outdoor adventure travel activity.
      By: vetal1983
      Mountain hiking is a popular outdoor adventure travel activity.