HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN ADVENTURE HOLIDAY?
Whether you’re looking to get out of your comfort zone and do something adventurous on your upcoming holiday, or even if adventure is what you find comfort in—you’ll need to prepare smartly and in advance, if you want your holiday to be as enjoyable for you as possible. Indian clothes and open shoes won’t work on a hiking adventure and wearing fitness gear for a temple visit isn’t ideal either. Here is our handy guide to eliminate any such mishaps.
1. Get your body prepared!
If you plan on adventuring, sports-specific training is required as being fit often marks the difference between a great holiday and a not-so-great one. Keep in mind everything you’ve booked yourself up for and then do research to find out what type of training you should be doing. For example, trekking requires leg strength while kayaking requires upper-body strength, so you can commit to a fitness training regimen and train your body accordingly. You should put forth your health at first. For e.g if you are taking medicines like that of add medicine or vitamin supplements, you must not skip those and carry with you on your trip. If you’re planning on doing something you haven’t done before, make sure you use research and observation to familiarize yourself and your body with it.
2. Get your mind and phone prepared!
Read up about the area you’ll be visiting and about its political stability and weather at the time of your visit. There are tons of virtual travel guides and other related apps such as currency exchange, language translator, navigation, etc. which you can download to help you along the way. Make sure to have a map of the place and to familiarize yourself with the place by looking at pictures of places you’ll be visiting.
3. Don’t forget to pay attention to your clothing and other must-haves!
Knowing the weather predictions of your destination is important so you can pack layers accordingly. If you are taking your pet along like that of a dog then you must stock up on dog food sufficiently. Your clothing will also affect your safety and social interactions on foreign lands. Be practical; choose fitness gear and some casual outfits over being fashionable and flashy and throw in a sarong, scarf, and hat in there. Check Visa requirements for your destination and make sure your passport has at least 6 months of validity from your departure date. Sort out your transportation to-and-from the location as well as to-and-from the activities you plan on participating.
4. Break in your backpack and boots!
Size your backpack to the size of your torso instead of your height. Invest in a lightweight, good quality backpack. Make sure you break it in using weights or your equipment and it doesn’t cause strain, rashes, pain, etc. Similarly, break in your boots even if they fit you perfectly. Make sure they’re water and weather-resistant and that the grip and material are strong enough for whatever you plan on doing.
5. Pack smartly!
Pack light but with a focus on the recommended essentials. Technical clothing is a must and you’ll need to add other sports-specific essentials such as padding, tire-puncture repair kit, anti-chaffing cream for cycling, wetsuit for water-based activities, undergarments, etc. Roll instead of folding when you’re packing clothes. Use zippered bags to separate different groups of essentials to minimize stress and stay organized along the way. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a pillow or body-bag, flashlight, earplugs, midge nets, insect repellent, etc.
6. Don’t adventure at the cost of your health!
Don’t neglect your health. Check vaccine requirements for your destination. Confirm your immunization with your health care provider and schedule a check-up before you leave and after you return as well. Pack a waterproof first aid kit and include wet wipes, blister plasters, bandages, disinfectant, painkillers, and treatments for nausea, motion sickness, diarrhea, gastric stop, etc. Keep yourself hydrated with clean water. Make sure whatever you eat has been boiled and cooked to perfection and isn’t harmful to your health. Avoid contact with local insects and animals.