A step-by-step guide for planning adventure travel
New to adventure travel? Welcome! You won't ever look back. 😉 But you probs need some help to get started, as budgeting and planning for an adventure trip isn't second nature. So let us guide you through it, step by step.
1. Choose a location
Choose somewhere that is really thrilling to you, no matter what anyone else is doing or thinks about it.
2. Research if travellers are welcomed and safe
Attitude and behaviour towards women
Attitude and behaviour towards LGBTQIA+ folks
Stability of the region
What diplomatic ties are in place?
3. Decide on your trip's duration and activities
4. Make a budget
A. Find out what everything costs
Airfares (be sure you get prices that include airport taxes) A new or renewed passport (as discussed in step #7) Local transport (from airport transfers to trains, buses, etc.) Accommodation (check to see if airport transfers are included, as well as perhaps other local travel) Food and drinks (you may need to buy drinking water depending on your location) Travel insurance (see step #14) Any national park and similar permits and fees, which cam sometimes be hefty (see step #13) Any necessary gear and clothing (see steps #15 and #16) A tour operator fee (it's mandatory to use a tour operator on some adventure trips, like climbing Kilimanjaro) A tour guide, driver, porter, etc. (again, these might be mandatory)
A visa or visas (if visiting Bhutan this would actually be a major expense) Service tips (check if this is expected for your type of adventure trip) An international adapter and power bank (see step #17) Any vaccinations or other meds like anti-malaria tablets (see step #6) Souvenirs and gifts (more on this below)
Top tip: if you don't already have one, look into obtaining a credit card that offers traveller rewards and travel insurance when you buy flights with it.
B. Refine your itinerary if necessary
C. Make a savings plan if necessary
D. Consider what initial costs and deposits are needed
Try to ensure your money goes into the local economy
5. Research health risks and requirements
Pro tip: don't leave things to the last minute. A yellow fever vaccine, for instance, can make you feel icky for a few days, and moreover needs to be done 10 days before your trip.
Plan a small first aid kit
Antiseptic A sterilised cotton wool pad Plasters (band aids) A small bandage Anti-diarrhoea medications Anti-constipation medication Anti-nausea medication Hay fever medication
6. Check your passport date
7. Look into visa requirements
8. Decide if you want to travel alone or with others
9. Sign up with a tour operator or book things yourself
10. Book flights
11. Book accommodation
12. Purchase any necessary permits
13. Buy travel insurance
14. Look into what equipment you need
Decide if you want to rent or buy
Firstly, local rental shops know the sort of equipment that's required to safely and comfortably do the activity for which the region is known. Provided you don't go to a dodgy shop basement shop that's trying to offer a ridiculous bargain, you should find informed sales staff who are able to explain and direct you towards what's needed for your particular adventure. Secondly, renting is a great option for expensive items that you're unsure you'll use again. If you're camping in a cold climate for the first time, for instance, you don't necessarily want to buy your own four-season sleeping bag. You want to first see how much you enjoy the experience before considering making such a big purchase! Thirdly, renting means you don't need to transport certain items (which are often heavy and bulky) across the globe. Even if you have a piece of equipment at home, you might opt to rent it at the location.
15. Research if you need any special clothing
Top tip: plan to pack your most important clothing and shoes in your carry-on luggage. This way any lost luggage doesn't completely derail your adventure trip.
Decide if you want to rent or buy
16. Check your gadgets' plugs are compatible
Check that there'll be plug points along your adventure route before taking along heavy equipment that you won't be able to charge. Or ensure you take along a power bank. Research the plug points available in the destination country to ensure your items will be able to be plugged in there. If not, you'll need to purchase a suitable adapter. If your equipment relies on batteries, check the ones in it still have some juice. And then pack spares. Always packs spares. Check if drones are allowed in your adventure destination before taking yours along.
Top tip: in some places you have to pay to charge devices. Find out if this is the case so you can budget for it and ensure you cash for such payments.
17. Notify the bank of your travel plans
Purchase foreign currency
Pro tip: ensure your bank notes (local or foreign) are kept neat and unbent, and aren't torn. In some places damaged or bent notes aren't of value.
18. Share copies of your itinerary and insurance
a copy of your itinerary a copy of your insurance policy, with a contact number highlighted the contact details of your tour operator and/or accommodation
19. Switch your phone to roaming