How to Book an Adventure Vacation

If 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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. 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.
2. Research the climate. For example, avoid the monsoon season in tropical regions when travel becomes unpredictable.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't try to impress your adventure guide with how much you know. Most groups seem to have one customer who wants to act like a guide. Don't be this person.
• There are numerous guide businesses that cater to the current desire for "extreme" sports adventures. Make sure any company you choose is reputable and thoroughly trains all their guides and staff.
• See 439 Plan a Trip to a Politically Unstable Region and 444 Plan to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Look for travel options that fit your lifestyle and interests such as seniors, students or singles. Many adventure companies specialize in trips for specific groups. See 425 Organize an Elderhostel Trip.
• Don't assume travel companies in other countries are subject to safety inspections and regulations. In some countries, there's nothing to stop an unqualified person from acting as a guide. As always, you're responsible for yourself. Use your own judgment about what's safe and what isn't.