TRAVEL TIPS
Adventure travel vacations are meant to be exhilarating and exciting! Naturally, however, when traveling in exotic destinations, one prefers to avoid the often hair-raising surprises that can befall the unprepared wayfarer.
In my 20+ years of experience leading adventure vacations for women, I’ve encountered raging snow storms… in August; boated through crocodile-infested lakes; been “robbed” by marauding bears; and slept with 25 pounds of cameras to ward off hotel thieves.
Here are my best tips for avoiding inconvenient issues on your adventure vacation with AdventureWomen:
Tip #1: Travel Light!On adventure trips, there is often limited storage space on the sailboat, camel, raft, llama, helicopter, and other transport vehicles we employ to travel on our trips. Therefore, try to limit your luggage to one (yes ONE) manageable suitcase and one carry-on small bag. Remember you are often the one carrying your own bag and therefore, be good to yourself. Can you run up the stairs with your bag?
Tip #2: Plan Ahead For When You Discover Hidden TreasuresWherever we travel, we find amazing keepsakes and souvenirs which will allow you to remember your AdventureWomen vacation for years to come. Bring an empty lightweight nylon or canvas bag in which to carry a beautiful kilim rug from Turkey, a carving from Africa, an Icelandic sweater, or a fabulous bottle of Italian Chianti home. We make time for shopping!
Tip #3: Carry-On Your EssentialsWhat should you pack versus put in your carry-on? Medications which you might not find easily in overseas or wilderness locales… toiletries… your camera equipment and film… one change of clothing… travelers checks and your passport and visa documents. It’s also a good idea to wear any items which would be essential to your trip such as your hiking boots if you are on a trek, for example.
Tip #4: Tag Your Bags!The fact that luggage manufacturers make almost every bag black is one of life’s great mysteries. Don’t let this deter you. Mark your bag with identification tags both outside and inside.
Tip #5: Avoid Paperwork Delays: Pack Document Copies and 2 Extra Passport PhotosYou will speed up logistical delays if you make several copies of your passport (first 2 pages only), airline ticket, travelers check #’s, visas, credit card numbers and distribute these between your luggage, carry-on and your home. I once had my passport, visas, $$ and ALL my identification stolen in Shanghai…this one tip saved me from days of delays. You cannot get a new passport if yours is lost or stolen without 2 passport photos. Bring extras! When my documents were stolen in China, the Consulate had run out of film and it was a Sunday – my trip was leaving at 6am Monday morning. Don’t leave home without these!
Tip #6: Find a Friend! Tell Your Family!Leave a copy of your trip itinerary with friends or family. Make sure you include fax and phone numbers.
Tip #7: Confirm Your Flights!Always call the airline at least one day in advance to check schedule or flight changes.
Tip #8: Leave Your Jewels In Your Jewelry Case... At HomeEspecially when traveling to developing countries, please don’t wear or bring expensive jewelry. Gold necklaces, earrings, rings are often an irresistible temptation to those less fortunate who live in less wealthy economic circumstances.
Tip #9: Barter BasicsIt’s fine to bring “for trade” items such as pens, bandannas, T-shirts or hats with you to exchange for in-country artifacts and souvenirs. In some developing countries, these are sometimes considered more valuable than cash and you can often get some great deals by making them available. Don’t be afraid to barter. This is a very time-honored custom in many countries!
Tip #10: Be Open To Adventure! Use Your Sense Of Humor!Any adventure vacation necessitates being a good humored realist, able to laugh at new situations which may not be expected but you can often turn into a wonderful memory which makes your trip truly unique. Try to remain open to new situations as they occur and remember that laughter is the universal language of all travelers. Happy Trails!!