Thinking of going on a trip? Why not try adventure travel? You could be going on a vacation you'll never forget! Adventure travel is an exciting way to spend your holidays with your family or friends and a great way to expand your horizons, meet new people, experience other cultures and learn new skills or maybe even a new language.



There are dozens of choices for the kind of adventure travel that can fit your interests and that of your family. Choose the adventure that will fit your hobbies and abilities or, if you're feeling exploratory, try out some new things. Here are a few adventures categorized according to your enthusiasm level:

Relaxing Adventure Trips

1. Nature walks and hiking

2. Bird or animal watching

3. Saltwater and freshwater fishing

4. Cruises, Yachting

5. Culinary, Historical trips

Moderately Active

1. Going on a safari

2. Environmental exploration

3. Dude ranches and horseback riding

4. Digging for archeological artifacts

5. Swimming with marine animals or diving

Very Active

1. Extreme sports (wakeboarding, skydiving, zero-gravity, bungee jumping, wind tunnel, flying)

2. Rock climbing, mountain climbing, ice climbing

3. Dog sledding

4. Touring/Mountain biking

5. Expeditions

There are dozens of adventure companies who specialize in travel adventure. Go to their websites and check out their offerings. Even your travel agent may have a department that offers adventure trips. Ask for a brochure and talk to the sales person to discuss your choices.

Before going on a trip, here are a few reminders to make sure it's as smooth sailing and hassle-free as it should be:

- Talk to the adventure company and make sure you know what is in the adventure package so you know what to expect. Ask the company or call up foreign embassies to inquire about visa requirements.

- Bring your own first aid kits, prescription and emergency medication. Most companies will provide first aid and some medical assistance, but it's best to have a kit handy. And, since you're going on an adventure, the nearest pharmacy may be a dozen miles away.

- Be sure to have photocopies of your important documents - passports, visas, identification, reference numbers, credit cards and the like. Keep a set with you and leave another with somebody you can trust to fax it to you should you need it. Have your documents scanned and save them in your email just in case you lose or misplace them.

- Bring extra photos (passport size is good). Some countries require photographs for documentation.

- Check your travel insurance.

- Get the addresses and contact information of your embassies in the country you're visiting.

- Get medical advice. Ask your medical practitioner what you need to do to protect yourself. You might need to have vaccine shots done a few weeks prior to your trip. Inquire also what medical or health hazards you should watch out for in the particular area or country you are planning to visit.

- Make sure that you are physically and emotionally ready for the kind of adventure that you signed up for. If you have a fear of heights, then a hot air balloon will not be a good idea. Sure, it's an adventure but scaring yourself is really unnecessary.

- Read as much as you can about the country you're visiting - its people, customs and traditions. Remember that when you visit a country, you are a foreigner there and as a sign of good will, why not show respect for certain traditions or customs by being aware of them and avoid offending anyone.

- Pack lightly and bring the right kind of clothing. Waterproof, sun-protected clothing with breathable fabrics are good ideas. Pack also some essentials like a flashlight, sewing kit, toiletries, lighter, tape, safety pins, padlocks, all-in-one-knives and even plastic bags for extra containers.

- Be sure to bring the right kind of footwear. Some of the best adventure trips have been ruined because of the wrong kind of shoes. Besides, the type of shoes you need or your size may not be readily available in the country you're visiting.

- Be sure to find a safe way to carry around your money and credit cards. On trips, there is always a chance that you will spend more than you planned, so bring extra cash and keep it in a safe place. During the trip, don't touch it unless absolutely necessary. Make sure too that you have access to banks and ATMs just in case you run short.

Lastly, remember that even the best laid plans can suffer from glitches. Don't expect too much and be flexible enough to fully enjoy your adventure while you're there. No vacation is perfect, but with the right attitude and thirst for adventure, each trip will be as uniquely inspiring as it will be unforgettable.