Planning an adventure trip should be one of the most exciting things to do, but it can often become stressful and overwhelming. This is the last thing you want. There are many things to think about, such as finding the right activities to do, the perfect destination, logistics, imagination, and more. So whether you are dreaming of hiking through the dolomites or kayaking through the fjords, a trip that is well-planned will ensure that your adventure is smooth, fun, and memorable (for all the right reasons).
To help you on your journey, here are some practical tips to help you properly plan and prepare for an adventure of any scale.
Build your vision
Before you dive into booking your flights or accommodation, it can be important to start with your vision for the trip. This can make sure that everything that is in your head and all of your expectations are met. Consider the reason why you want this trip and what you want to do and feel. This will form the foundation of all your plans and the decisions that you will make. Consider the following:
- What do you want to feel on this trip? (adrenaline, challenge, tranquility)
- Do you have a guided group or solitude?
- How physically demanding do you want the trip to be?
When you have an intention, the destination and plan will begin to reveal themselves naturally. You can also create a mood or idea board on platforms like Pinterest to help inspire you.
Research like a strategist
Once you have built your vision, it is a good idea to start the next step of structured research. There are many travel blogs out there that can be a great source of information, but it is also important to layer in credible sources for your adventure planning, for example, local tourism boards and National park websites.
Consider things like:
- Seasonal conditions
- Local regulations and permits
- Accessibility and travel times
Create a realistic budget with a cushion
The costs of adventure travel is often underestimated, which can cause a lot of unnecessary stress. Adventure travel doesn’t have to be expensive, but there are many expenses that are unexpected, unplanned for, or not well-researched. These can then accumulate very quickly, and if you are not prepared, can cause a very big issue. When planning your budget for your trip, research the different costs associated with the time of your trip that you want. This might include:
- Specialized gear (purchased on rental)
- Transportation (not just there and back, but to different activities)
- National park fees
- Parking fees
- Local guides
- Food
- Insurance
After your research, build a budget that feels realistic. Don’t just stop there; it is also important to consider a cushion for yourself. This may be at a minimum, 15%-20%. This will give you peace of mind before, during, and after your trip. It will also mean that if you want to do anything spontaneous, you will have breathing room to do so without stress or the sense of missing out.
Use smart logistics to simplify your travel
?Once you have chosen your destination, you can begin to map out your logistics. A good way to do this is step-by-step, so you know exactly what you need and where you are going.
Include:
- Flights
- Buffers between connections
- Transportation and transfer options
- Proximity of accommodation to activities
- Shops for gear purchases and rental
- One often overlooked logistical option is luggage storage. Many people who are on an adventure bring bulky gear or clothing they don’t want to haul around the whole time they are on a multi-day trip. When you know you can store your belongings safely between activities, especially in airports and cities, you can enjoy your trip more, knowing you don’t need to carry unnecessary weight or items.
Function over Instagram
A trap people fall into nowadays is packing all the things they want or need to look good for their Instagram photos. However, this can mean a lot of unnecessary or inappropriate items. Packing for an adventure can be a precise art. You want to pack in a way that is comfortable and isn’t too much to carry around. However, you are going to need durable, multi-use items.
Consider the important categories of items. These might vary depending on what type of trip and activities you will be doing. This may include:
- Warm base layers that are breathable and moisture-wicking
- Technical outerwear for seasonal conditions (windproof, insulated, waterproof)
- Footwear (not brand new and untested)
- A reliable and durable rucksack for day-to-day use
- Navigation tools
- Water bottles or bladders
- First aid kit
- Safety equipment (flashlight, headlamp, batteries)
Always research what equipment is essential for your comfort and safety, so you only pack what you need. You can also research what items you can rent locally to save you packing.
Learn safety skills
While you might have common sense and a good eye for safety, adventure trips can often take you off the beaten path and away from environments that are predictable or familiar to you. It is therefore vital that you brush up on safety skills, especially ones that are specific to the activities and destination that makes up your adventure. Skills are important to help increase your confidence on your trip, deepen your sense of freedom, and increase your safety.
The skills are going to be specific to your adventure, but common and recommended skills to consider learning may include:
- How to read maps and navigate trails
- Basic first aid
- Weather pattern recognition
- Wildlife awareness
- Water filtration methods
- Foraging
- Emergency signalling
Plan for flexibility
Nothing is certain, and it can be helpful to make a plan, but at the same time, keep it flexible. This will give you the best chance to do all the things you want on your trip, while being able to pivot when necessary. This might be due to weather shifts or transportation issues. Consider buffer days, alternative routes and activities, and flexible dining options.
Adventure travel is more than just a vacation; it is a chance to challenge yourself and make memories. With intentional planning, you can find the right balance and plan the perfect trip.