| Adventure touring can really test your mettle, | | | | eyeglasses. Pack along your favored brand of pain |
| whether you are traveling on your own or with | | | | reliever, a wrap-around bandage and an ice pack. |
| your family. Part of the fun of an adventure tour | | | | 3. Check health and travel alerts. |
| is the inherent danger of the activity - but that's | | | | If you're traveling overseas, do yourself a favor |
| no reason to be foolish. There are ways that you | | | | and keep up to date on the health and travel |
| can reduce dangers and increase the fun quotient. | | | | alerts issued by the U.S. State Department. |
| These are five top tips to get the most out of | | | | Informed travel is safe travel. There are many |
| your adventure tour. | | | | things that might affect your safety on an |
| 1. Follow the Boy Scout motto - be prepared by | | | | adventure trip - besides the dangers you are |
| planning ahead. | | | | looking forward to braving. Extreme weather |
| There's an old saying - measure twice, cut once. | | | | conditions, the political climate and health alerts can |
| When you plan ahead, you'll be prepared for most | | | | all make a difference in your planning. Be aware, |
| of the mishaps that can happen on a wild outdoor | | | | and keep yourself informed so that you know |
| adventure. One of the best ways to be prepared | | | | what you may be facing. |
| is to book your tour with a reputable and | | | | Extra: You can research your trip and sign up for |
| experienced tour company. A responsible | | | | notifications about travel and safety alerts at The |
| adventure tour agent will provide you with all the | | | | site tracks safety, health and weather alerts |
| information that you need to prepare yourself | | | | issued by governments around the world to |
| properly for the tour you book through them. If | | | | provide accurate information that is up to the |
| they don't provide information like a list of | | | | minute for your destination. |
| documents and items you should bring with you, | | | | 4. Check in with your health insurance. |
| ask. If they don't have one to offer, you might | | | | Are you covered if you break your leg in Nepal? |
| reconsider booking a tour through them. | | | | Trip and travel insurance is a must when you're |
| Extra: You'll need the basic documents, of course | | | | traveling, but be sure that you know what will be |
| - passport, travel visa and return tickets - but as | | | | covered. Your trip insurance should cover more |
| international security increases around the world, | | | | than just treatment for an illness or accident. |
| you may require additional documentation to | | | | Look for repatriation coverage, and be sure that |
| cross some borders. Other documents you may | | | | your policy covers you for any activities that you |
| need to present include vaccination certificates | | | | plan on doing. Many travel and trip policies |
| and proof that you have booked accommodation. | | | | specifically exclude extreme sports like |
| If you are traveling with children, most travel | | | | whitewater rafting and rock climbing, or even |
| agents strongly suggest that you bring proof that | | | | skiing. |
| you have legal custody of the children. | | | | Extra: Bring along written prescriptions for all |
| 2. Bring your own first aid kit. | | | | medications that you take regularly and keep |
| Along with any prescription medication, you should | | | | them separate from your medications |
| also bring along any medications and medical | | | | themselves. Check with your travel agent about |
| supplies that you are likely to need - especially if | | | | riders on standard travel and trip insurance to |
| you're picky about brands. You won't find any | | | | extend coverage beyond the standard coverage. |
| nearby pharmacies when you're out in the middle | | | | 5. Take what you bring and leave what you find. |
| of the Amazon highlands - or the Appalachian | | | | In other words - leave nothing behind. It's basic |
| trails. If you're on an organized adventure tour, | | | | hiking advice. Eco-tours and other adventure tour |
| your tour guide should have a first aid kit and | | | | agencies emphasize the importance of preserving |
| basic medical supplies, but it never hurts to be | | | | and protecting the environment. Make a point of |
| sure you have the things you need with you. | | | | cleaning up after yourself when you stop and |
| Especially in a foreign country, there is no | | | | camp. If you bring it in with you, take it out when |
| guarantee that your favorite brand of painkiller will | | | | you leave, and if you find it on the trail, leave it |
| be available. | | | | there. |
| Extra: An ounce of prevention, says the old | | | | Extra: The best souvenirs to bring home with you |
| adage, and it's doubly true when you're | | | | are photos and memories. There's no better use |
| vacationing away from "civilization". Bug spray and | | | | for extra weight allowance than extra batteries |
| sunscreen are a must, as are enough cleaning | | | | for your video or digital camera. |
| solution for contacts, or an extra pair of | | | | |