How to Book an Adventure VacationIf you'd rather be rock climbing than rumba-ing, camping than cabana-ing or sailing than sunning, choose a vacation that pushes you more than coddles you. But since an adventure is, by definition, not entirely predictable, it's good to have all of your bases covered.
Decide on your level of adventure and choose a destination. Trips range from Italian bicycle tours (see 430 Plan a Bicycle Trip With a Tour Company) to an Everest expedition. Be realistic about your budget, tolerance for adversity (see step 8), stamina and abilities. If you get in over your head, the trip may become expensive, scary or dangerous.
Research the climate. For example, avoid the monsoon season in tropical regions when travel becomes unpredictable.
Choose
a primary activity such as kayaking, rafting, bicycling, mountain
climbing, skiing, sailing, scuba diving or camping. An activity you're
familiar with is good, but it's also fun to push yourself and try
something new.
Consult
a travel agent or do your own research. Search the Internet using key
phrases such as "climb Denali," "ocean kayaking," "adventure travel for
women" and so on.
Keep
it fun. If your vacation involves a new or physically challenging
activity, don't overestimate your ability. Talk to prospective
traveling companions about what you hope to accomplish and what your
abilities are. For example, if you're trekking in Nepal, make sure the
group agrees on the schedule, level of difficulty, desired or necessary
amenities and the pace of travel.
Create
a budget, including extra for unexpected events. Base your budget in
part on how much gear you must buy or can rent from the guide company.
The hassle and expense of transporting gear on an airplane can make the
rental option attractive. Ask yourself whether you expect to use the
equipment for future adventures (and how much enjoyment you get out of
owning cool gear). See 226 Set Up a Budget.
Choose how secluded you want to be. Do you want to be out of touch with the world--no phones, e-mail, radio or TV? Seclusion might mean serenity, but it also means fewer amenities and difficult evacuation in case of trouble.
Decide
on the level of hardship or deprivation you can sustain. Is there fresh
water for washing? What are the bathrooms like? What kind of food will
you eat? How are meals prepared and by whom? How brave are the bugs and
rodents? While many yearn for a simple life, there are very good
reasons for the continued popularity of indoor plumbing, screen doors
and pizza delivery.
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