If the idea of connecting with nature and completing personal challenges appeals to you, you will love nothing more than an adventure travel experience. However, as you might be trekking through remote locations, such as forests, deserts, and mountains, you will need to ensure you are 100% ready for the trip.
It doesn’t matter if you are planning to hike, bike, or climb; you should find out how to prepare for adventure travel.
Visit Your Doctor to Discuss Your Travel Plans
Before you step onto a plane, you should book an appointment with your doctor to discuss potential health risks at your destination. For example, you might need to receive one or more travel vaccinations to ensure you don’t contract a disease abroad, such as malaria or yellow fever. You also must identify if you are living with an underlying health condition that could prevent travel, and request any prescriptions you will need while abroad.
Pack a Comprehensive First Aid Kit
If you are serious about adventure travel, you would be smart to pack a comprehensive first aid kit. A challenging trip can lead to unwanted illnesses or injuries, which could pose a serious risk to your health.
For example, sunstroke could lead to fatigue, dehydration, and a splitting headache, or you could succumb to a stomach bug. Ensure you are prepared for many small and serious health issues by stocking up on over-the-counter painkillers, bandages, antibiotic cream, eardrops, Aloe Vera lotion, band-aids, and antihistamines.
Get in Shape
While the right clothing and first aid supplies are important, you must be both fit and healthy to undertake a physically demanding challenge during your trip. For example, if you want to climb a mountain or hike your way across an extensive walking trail, you must get in shape before you travel. This mean cutting out junk food, spending more time in the gym, and climbing or hiking during your spare time.
Active adventures will put your body to work and will require you to use almost every muscle you have to complete the task. So, adopt a healthy diet and workout regularly. You can even try different exercises to target various parts of your body; for example, yoga can increase your flexibility, while swimming and cycling can strengthen your knees and back muscles.
Check Your Passport is Valid
After paying for your trip, hitting the gym and packing your suitcase, you might simply look forward to tackling a challenge overseas. However, your excitement could soon turn to disappointment if you’re refused onto a flight because of an outdated passport. Many countries will reject travelers with six months or less on their passport, so ensure it is in date for the duration of your trip.
Take Plenty of Layers to Tackle the Cold
While you might not like the idea of carrying 20 pounds of gear on your back, you’ll be glad you packed those all-important layers when the cold weather sets in. Ensure you’re prepared for every possible weather condition, so you can warm up and cool down with ease, as the weather could take a turn for the worst even in the warmest of climates.
Try to Stay as Dry as Possible
It is crucial to stay as dry as possible during adventure travel, or you could seriously risk your health. For this reason, you must remain as dry as possible during the experience, which means investing in waterproof, breathable clothing. After all, you can get just as wet from sweat as you can from the rain. You also must not neglect your feet, so try to sort durable waterproof boots and socks to protect them from the elements.
Reduce Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is caused by sudden exposure to a low amount of oxygen when at high elevation. For example, it is possible you could experience splitting headaches, dizziness, tiredness, insomnia, or vomiting when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Thankfully, you can reduce Kilimanjaro altitude sickness by taking Diamox.
Wear a Money Belt to Keep Your Essentials Safe
The last thing you will want to do is lose your money, passport or credit cards during an active adventure. Ensure your important belongings are never far away by always wearing a money belt. So, you won’t be left stranded or broke at your chosen destination. If you simply want to keep the items in your luggage, you should store them in a plastic, resealable bag to keep the essential documents both safe and dry.
Read Travel Advisory Warnings on Your Government Website
While government travel advisories can often exaggerate the potential risks and dangers abroad, it is still crucial to read them before you book a trip. Never ignore a government’s warning against traveling to your destination, as a trip could potentially put your life in danger. If travel is too risky, book a different experience that suits your need for adventure.
Do Your Homework Before Booking a Tour Operator
Don’t book the first tour operator you find for an epic trek, climb, or a scuba diving experience. It is vital to thoroughly research the different tour operators to ensure you book a reputable company.
Look for impartial reviews online to learn more about different travelers’ experiences, which could provide some answers to your important questions. Only book a tour operator once you feel completely confident that they are the best company for your needs.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
In many cases, you might be required to put your life in various professionals’ hands during a trip. As nothing is more important than your safety when overseas, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask them questions if you don’t feel safe or comfortable.
For example, if other travelers don’t care about wearing a helmet but you do, simply request one. If you need a little more clarification before climbing a mountain or scuba diving in the ocean, don’t be afraid to ask questions to receive the answers you need to feel more comfortable with an activity. Always trust your instincts when tackling any mental and physical challenge.