How to Choose a Family Adventure Trip

Choosing and preparing for a family adventure trip that everyone, from your 5-year-old to your teen, will enjoy can be a family venture. Here are some tips for finding and getting ready for your first family adventure travel trip.

Get Your Kids Involved in the Planning
If they have a say in picking an adventure trip they’ll look forward to it more. Let everyone old enough to read look at brochures to learn about each trip you are considering. (Show toddlers pictures.) While looking, one locale may resonate with some kids because they’ve studied it in school. If one child hates biking but they all love hiking and rafting you’ve narrowed the field. Let your kids help plan a trip and everyone will have a better time.

Talk to Your travel Agent or Adventure Travel Companies
Once you've narrowed down the list call your travel agent and ask about the trips you are interested in taking. Discuss your children’s abilities and interests to see if the trips are right for your family. If you didn't choose this company via word-of-mouth, ask for references from satisfied travelers who have taken the trip you are considering.

You've Chosen a Trip, Now What?
The "what" depends upon the type of trip. Bottom line: make sure your kids have enough stamina for the trip. If it's hiking, start taking walks with the kids. If they don't carry backpacks, get one for each and fill them with a water bottle, a windbreaker or change of clothing and high-energy snack bars so they get used to carrying the weight. If you're going rafting, canoeing or kayaking and there's a lake nearby spend an afternoon paddling a boat.

Learn More About Your Destination
Here's a reason to spend evenings as a family making an armchair tour of your destination. Pick up guide books or brochures about the region you'll be visiting. Ask the tavel agent or outfitter for a list of suggested reading. If one child has a special interest -- such as birds and butterflies -- and you're going on a hiking trip, get a book describing creatures in that region. Let older kids scout the Web for information.

Packing for Your Trip
Ask your outfitter for a list of recommended clothing and gear. Waterproof and breathable clothing, sun-protected clothing and pants with zip-off bottoms are all high-priority items for adventure travel. 

Here's a "Must Take" List
First Aid Kit: To make a first-aid kit and learn some first-aid fundamentals visit a Red Cross shop and look at the Family First Aid Kit.

Extra medicine, in case of a travel delay and your trip takes several days longer than planned.

A backup pair of eye glasses.

Bring Copies of Key Documents
Photocopies of key documents – driver’s license, passport, toll-free numbers to report lost or stolen credit cards and any medical records if there is unusual health problems such as allergies.

Heading to a Remote Location or an Exotic Country?
If you're heading to a remote location or an exotic locale vaccinations or other pre-trip health preparations might be necessary. A strong healthcare component to any travel insurance you purchase should be considered. Be prepared.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com