The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Memorable Adventure Holiday
Whether you’re jetting off to a foreign land or stepping out of your comfort zone in the wilds of your own backyard, planning an unforgettable adventure holiday takes a harmonious blend of destination selection, engaging activities, packing sensibility, and adaptability. Here’s how to get it right.
Firstly – CONGRATS!! You’ve decided to go on an adventure.
Decide on a destination
The most important first step is deciding on where you want to go. This may be influenced by what time of year you can get off work, if there’s a particular region you’re keen on visiting or the types of adventures you want to do.
Once you know where you want to go it’s then a case of whittling down your options. This will likely take some research, especially if your adventure holiday requires guides or other specialised equipment.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that you’ll need to pack appropriately for the destination. This will vary depending on the type of activities you’re planning to do, but can include things like waterproof jackets, hats and gloves. It’s also a good idea to check out the weather forecast for the area you’re going to, as this can significantly influence your itinerary. Getting caught unprepared on your holiday will not be any fun!
Start packing
Whether you’re embarking on a solo backpacking trip of a lifetime or planning an unforgettable adventure with friends, getting your gear ready will make a huge difference to the quality of your holiday. This is why it’s important to start packing early, even if it’s just a few essential items like your passport, travel documents and booking confirmations in an organised travel wallet.
It’s also worth considering your budget and the costs of things like equipment hire and any special activities you want to take part in. This will help you avoid the pitfalls of economic leakage, which can see the money you spend in your destination end up in the hands of local people rather than with the companies you’re supporting.
Lastly, don’t forget to pack your favourite accessories that will help you stand out from the crowds – a chic wide brimmed hat is a great addition to any outfit and can also protect your face from harsh sun rays. Don’t underestimate the power of an airy scarf and a bold jewellery piece either.
Get in shape
Whether you’re planning to hike the Inca Trail, cycle across Europe or ski volcanoes in Ecuador, you’ll need to be in top physical condition. This means avoiding sugary drinks and junk food, and creating a well-balanced exercise schedule. It’s also important to have a good diet, as this will give you the energy you need for your trip.
While a holiday centred around rest and relaxation may only require some light research (eg, browsing all-inclusive deals online), adventure holidays will need much more preparation. It’s important to get organised early, and this will save you time, money and frustration on the day of departure.
One of the most useful things you can do is to set up a spreadsheet and put all of your costs into it. This will make it easy to see what you’re spending, and also help with budgeting. However, don’t forget to treat yourself! After all, all that saving and hard work will deserve a little bit of fun once in awhile.
Get insurance
You’ve saved your pennies and finally got around to booking that adventure trip you’ve always wanted. Before you take off you need to ensure your investment is protected with good insurance.
Firstly, make sure your regular travel insurance covers adventure holidays (most standard policies exclude it). You may also need to get specialised coverage if you’re planning on a specific activity, for example high-altitude trekking.
Be brutally honest with yourself when assessing the risks of your trip. It’s easy to romanticise adventures, but your dream hike in the Alps could be dangerous, and a two-hundred dollar policy might save you thousands of dollars in the event of an accident, lost baggage, weather or family emergencies. It’s also a great idea to review your home insurance while you’re away as well, as a long holiday could result in damage to your property. It can be a headache to find the right insurance option, but it’s worth it for peace of mind.