Adventure Travel
It doesn’t matter if you’ve mountain-biked in Kyrgyzstan, conquered Patagonia in a pair of hiking boots or scaled the sleek rock arches of the Colorado Plateau—even the most experienced travelers can still find new adventures. In this Adventure Travel Web Guide you will find vacation ideas and trends, travel agencies, information about gear and safety, flight search tools and training tips to help you get physically fit before your trip. You’ll gain inspiration for a high-energy getaway with help from our Adventure Travel Web Guide.
Expand All Guide SectionsAdventure Travel Agencies
Your adventurous odyssey should be the perfect mix of spontaneity and structure; enter the ... read more »
Adventure Travel Requirements and Safety
If you are planning an international adventure, this section of the guide can help you arrange some ... read more »
Preparing for Adventure Travel
Whether you’re climbing mountains or holding yoga poses, the right gear and level of fitness can enhance your experience. This section helps adventure travelers find proper equipment and get in shape before a trip.
Dulcinea's Insight
- If you have arranged to travel through a trip provider, be in touch with them for information on the equipment you’ll need on your trip.
- Some adventure travel agencies list required gear on their Web sites, which can help you form a preliminary packing list. A basic guide can be found at WorldClassGear.com, a site that recommends brands in each category and has links to purchase them.
- If your trip has exceptional physical requirements (if you’re planning to summit a mountain, for example) consider working with a personal trainer during the months before your trip. Read the findingDulcinea Personal Trainers Web Guide for tips on what to look for when hiring a trainer and many other helpful resources. If you’d prefer to go it on your own, consult the findingDulcinea Fitness Web Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For basic preparedness …
Nomadik
is a guide to outdoor life. This section of the site offers a series of short articles that outline practical information regarding what to know before you go on an adventure trip—links within each article take you to more in-depth explanations. Some ads appear within the text, but the advice is worthwhile.
For equipment reviews …
Outside Online
is the Web site of Outside magazine. Use the “Gear” link to read product reviews and see basic gear questions answered. Lists of products and buyers’ guide reviews are a good source for researching the latest travel accessories.
National Geographic
offers user reviews of gear for various types of adventure travel including camping, hiking and climbing. Click “more” (as in “more socks” or “more jackets”) to see additional items from many different brands.
For purchasing and renting gear …
The Outfitters
has an extensive selection of products to buy or rent for different adventure trips, as well as gear specifically for men, women and children. Kayak tours are also available.
Backcountry.com
has extensive product lists for men, women and kids. In addition to gear like jackets and footwear, there are also specific categories such as “Camp/Hike,” “Climb,” “Trail Run” and “Travel,” for example.
BentGear.com
has products geared specifically toward adventure travelers. Find ice axes, helmets, slings and cords, and ski and snowshoe accessories, along with other general items like apparel and sunglasses.
For fitness advice …
WebMD
's fitness articles address a variety of exercise concerns, myths and theories, and provide doctor-verified advice. If you're experiencing workout-related pain, you'll find pertinent information in one of more than 1,000 fitness-related articles in the archive. Use the search function to wade through it if you have a specific concern.
eMedicineHealth
has a comprehensive introduction to strength training. Learn the benefits of lifting weights, as well as types of strength training, dietary considerations and common injuries.
For training tools …
Traineo
helps you get fit through outside motivation: create an account and pick friends or relatives to be your "motivators." Those selected will get weekly progress reports to stay updated on your exercise. Traineo has plenty of fitness and exercise information, and tools like graphs and logs to help you manage your training.
The Lawrence Berkeley Lab
has an online mileage log for running and cycling that keeps a tally of your total mileage and treats it as if you're running across the United States. As you trace the trans-American route from Virginia to Oregon, you're supplied with pictures of the road at different routes to simulate the experience—a great way to get excited about your upcoming adventure.
For seniors and kids fitness …
The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
provides a 36-page PDF guide for kids ages 6–17 that explains the basics of physical fitness and offers a sample exercise regimen to assist them in shaping up for the President's Challenge, a five-event primary school fitness test. The workout program places emphasis on flexibility, aerobic activity and muscular strength.
The National Institute on Aging
provides an 88-page exercise guide for anyone seeking advice on senior fitness. Find information on safety, motivation, exercise programs and nutrition. It also supplies printable charts to help you keep a record of your activities.
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