In order to end up with the perfect adventure vacation for you, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.
Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of adventure vacations are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in an adventure vacation.
Research the market: Adventure Vacation essentials
The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the adventure vacation market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:
Length of trip: You can go rock climbing for a day, or go white-water rafting for several days. The length of the trip influences the overall cost.
Experience level: Each tour should provide enough information about the hiking, kayaking, biking, or other adventure scheduled for each day so that you can judge whether you are experienced and fit enough to take the tour. This information should include the distance traveled, the time that travel is expected to take, and changes in elevation. Classes of rapids you will encounter should be mentioned. The level of diving and snorkeling expertise you should have must be stated clearly. Many tours offer a variety of options for each day's adventure. In this way, travelers who have a variety of fitness levels can use the same base of operations.
Itinerary: For each day, the tour should include when and where the day's travel begins and ends; what that day's adventure experience will be; what you can expect to see along the way; meal stops and whether they are provided with the tour; and what free time you will have. If you will be staying in hotels or hostels, the itinerary should include a description and rating of the place you will stay. Any special events, such as a side trip to a wild life sanctuary or a rock wall climb, should be mentioned.
Equipment: The tour should be brand-specific about what equipment is provided. Then you can check with your local outdoor equipment store to see how widely that gear is recommended. If you bring your own gear, check with the tour operator to see that you have what you need. You don't want to haul anything your guide will tell you is unsuitable.
Lodging: Adventure tours offer a variety of overnight accommodations. On some tours you will camp out. You might camp out with minimal creature comforts, or in the lap of luxury. On other tours you might stay in hostels or bed-and-breakfasts. If your tour will house you in hotels, they may be of varying quality. Ask for the names of the places you will stay. Then you can obtain information about them on the Internet or through your travel agent.
Amenities: Should you bring your own food or will it be provided? If you cannot continue the activity on a certain day, does the tour provide transportation for you? How does the group get from one base of operations to another?
Traveling Companions: Many tours are meant for specific age groups such as young families, grandparents traveling with their grandchildren, or teens. Your traveling companions affect the overall feeling of the trip, not just its pace.
Free time: All tours allow some free time, even if it is only to nap. Check the day's events to be sure the free time falls in a place and at a time you will be able to enjoy it.
Versatility: You can purchase a tour that includes all lodging, most meals, and transportation from base camp to base camp. You can travel with or without a guide. Many tour operators will create a package for a family or other small group.
Experience: The more experience you have at your chosen activity, the less experience you need in a guide. Still, you will want your accommodations to be ready as expected, and the required gear to be on hand. And for those with less experience, an established tour company and staff can be critical, not only to your vacation pleasure, but to your safety.
References and Reviews: Read references and reviews in magazines or on-line to research details about the accommodations, guides, and service. Since so much depends on your day-to-day guide, and guides are often short-term employees, check that the review is recent.
Price: Where you go and when, how long you stay, whether you need to hire equipment or guides, will all determine the cost of your adventure vacation.
Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself
Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in an adventure vacation. For example, will you take the adventure vacation as only a once in a lifetime thrill-seeking experience or do you intend to go regularly?
You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.
| Have I had an adventure vacation before? |
| | If you have, work out what you did or didn't like about the vacation. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient. |
| What do I want my adventure vacation to provide? What specific adventure activities do I want to participate in? |
| | You may want to run rivers or mountain bike. Or you might prefer a trip that offers several experiences. Look for destinations that can offer you a variety to suit your taste on different days. |
| How far from home will I go? |
| | This depends on what sites you particularly want to see. You may want to see a particular river canyon or icebergs up close. Or you might be able to find something closer to home. You may be amazed by the adventure spots you can find only hours from your home. |
| What do I want to do in addition to my adventure activities? |
| | You may want to spend some time shopping in major cities or learn about the ecology of your vacation spot. Be realistic when planning your vacation, don't expect to do too much especially if your days are going to be physically challenging. Depending on the duration of your vacation, think about having free days when you can spend time doing less strenuous activities. |
| What sort of lodging do I need? |
| | You might not be willing to sleep in a tent, or you may crave a hot tub after a long day of abseiling. Having a few creature comforts at the end of the day may add that special touch to end your day. |
| How physically fit am I? |
| | Be truthful with yourself. Adventure travel is not a stroll in the park. Don't book a vacation you don't think you can complete. |
| Do you have the necessary training for your adventure? |
| | Especially if you plan to go alone, evaluate your skills carefully. |
Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.
Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of adventure vacations and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.
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