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Posts Tagged ‘Thrill’

Explore the wild and untouched beauty of Zimbabwe, go rafting on the Andes or explore the Thai forest on elephant back. There are endless places and ways to combine vacation with adventure.

An adventure vacation enables you to test your physical limits while also exploring the natural beauty of the great outdoors. More Americans are opting for abroad vacations that enable them to interact with the culture and environment of the country.

An adventure vacation requires you to prepare for the physical demands of the trip as well as potential emergencies that may require medical attention or even an air ambulance flight back to the US. We’ve compiled a brief list of health related tips that covers a few essentials from research to medical escort services.

Research your destination. You should find out what health and safety precautions to take. What is the political climate? Are there environmental dangers? What is the best season for your adventure vacation? Off seasons are great for pricing deals but may not be the best time for an adventure trip. For example planning a rafting trip when the waters are dangerously high.

Assess the physical demands. Don’t overestimate your physical abilities. If your trip will require 5 miles of daily walking in tough terrain you need to make sure that you’re up to the challenge. An adventure trip is not the time to begin a fitness program. If traveling with an adventure outfitter, discuss your normal fitness routine to ensure that you are in shape for the trip. Online travel forums can be an excellent resource for information from those that have “been there and done that.”

Be prepared for medical emergencies. You could experience chest pain while sitting at your desk. Imagine having that chest pain occur when you are in a foreign country. If you experience a serious illness or injury while traveling, it’s likely you will want to come home for treatment. No one wants to be hospitalized far from friends and family. An air ambulance service can transport you from a foreign hospital to a hospital in your home country. As you prepare for your trip, keep the number to a medical air transportation services with your other emergency numbers. One such number would be 800-863-0312 or 941-536-2002. If something goes wrong, you can call their 24 hour number and arrange a medflight back home.  Read more...

Backpacking Wondering what backpacking really is? The definition is varied but the bottom line is that Backpacking is low-budget, independent, round the world, off-the-beaten-track traveling. It is for those travelers who are averse to lots of luggage and conventional package holidays.

Backpacking is a term that has historically been used to denote a form of low-cost, independent international travel. Backpacking is slowly but surely turning into a subculture of generally youthful travelers exploring the planet on a limited budget. The name connotes travelers that travel with a rucksack (a large backpack) instead of the usual holiday suitcase. They may go hiking and camping, backpacking in the other sense, but they more often explore more urban settings.

This is an infectious sub-culture attracting enthusiastic and intrepid travelers everywhere. The determining factor is to see as much of the world as possible on slim wallets; a passion for exotic places at the least cost.

The adventure is all about low-cost options such as sharing lifts, last minute flights, relatively cheap round-the-world air ticket which permits numerous stops, youth hostels, free hospitality services and buying food at supermarkets abroad instead of going to restaurants. Some backpackers get free accommodation by teaching the local people in return for their services. Some simply volunteer their time and skills as they travel.

The most popular backpacking destination is undoubtedly Australia. The key advantage of backpacking in Australia is that, if you’re aged between 18-30, you qualify for a working holiday visa. Other attractive destinations include beautiful places with low costs of living such as Africa, South America, India, Morocco and even Thailand.

Destinations being exotic means travelers must change their lifestyle accordingly. You may have to live with the bare essentials. You may have to get accustomed to habits and facilities such as pit latrines, going without running water and even the luxury of three proper meals a day.

Before you go gather information to help you before you embark, from advice on passports and visas,airport parking and travel insurance through to what you need to pack. You can read up on specific gap year advice, find out about working abroad and get tips on transport too. Read through country guides to give you an introduction to the location itself and gain advice about working there. Browse hostel listings to help you find the right budget accommodation.  Read more...