Adventure Tips

Trip Planning!

It can be both thrilling and overwhelming planning your next adventure. So it helps to know a few tips and tricks that take the pressure out of it. Here are a list of tips to help you plan your next trip :

  • How to save money.

  • What insurance to get.

  • The best gear to pack.

Adventure is about creating lasting memories. Making sure you have everything you need makes the whole planning process as easy as possible so you can focus on what matters!

Flights

The first step to planning your adventure is picking the destination. Two user-friendly sites for booking flights are Google Flights and Skyscanner. Both let you view monthly prices to find quality flights at reasonable prices. Flying direct may be more expensive, so mix and match your flights and layovers. A longer layover or switch between flights can be a cheaper option. It can also be a money saver booking flight tickets individually rather than booking for multiple people at once, so don’t be afraid to play around with fares. 

Seats become available 24 hours before the flight, so remember to check in and book your seats the day before, don’t leave it to the last minute. If your flight is 7 hours or more, book an aisle seat so you can get up, stretch, and walk around the cabin without being stuck next to the window in an uncomfortable cramped position for the next several hours. 

My number one tip, book it. It’ll feel scary, but if you come across a price that makes you go “wow,” it probably won’t get any cheaper. So book it!

Travel Insurance

Once the flights are booked, the next step is to figure out travel insurance. It’ll help cover the cost of medical treatment and protect the value of your adventure in the event of cancellation. World Nomads and Campbell Irvine Direct are two good options. Regardless whatever insurance provider you choose, make sure to read the policy to ensure it covers the activities that you want to do.  

Phone

If you’re traveling outside of the country, get in touch with your phone carrier and explain where you are going. Most phone carriers have international lines that they can activate for a reasonable price. This is essential in case of emergency and if you need to contact home, insurance provider, or US Consulate if overseas. 

Power Pack + Phone Charger

Regardless if you’re traveling internationally or not, it’s a good idea to bring a power pack to charge your phone and devices when away from home. 

If you’re traveling outside the country, research what kind of adaptor you’ll need for the country you’re traveling to so you can charge your power pack, phone, and other devices. 

All power packs are equipped with a lithium battery which must go into your carry on. It is illegal for them to be as the static discharge could explode the battery and start a fire. So place them in your carry on.

Credit Card

If you’re traveling outside of the country, get in touch with your credit card carrier and explain where you are going. Your bank or credit card carrier will instantly freeze your account if they notice any suspicious activity on your card. So make sure to inform them before you leave so that you have a working card in case of emergency. 

Folding Money

If you’re traveling outside of the country, do your research on what currencies are acceptable in the country you are traveling too. Most countries have currency exchanges at local banks, hotels and airports. There are also ATMs to make withdrawals. 

Before you leave, go to your local bank and make a withdrawal of $400 in pristine 20 Dollar bills. Counterfeit bills are a serious issue in many countries outside of the US, so when making currency exchanges, a certified official will examine every bill being exchanged. If a bill is not in pristine condition, has a small tear, missing a corner, it will be rejected. Having a extra stack of money is great for a back-up source of money alongside your credit card in case of emergency as not all lodges/hotels use credit cards, and you have small bills that can be exchanged for foreign currency as needed. 

Accommodations

Once you have your flights and insurance covered, start planning on where you will be staying. If traveling through a travel company, be sure to read up on accommodations being provided. If traveling by yourself, Booking.com is a great resource for finding great deals. 

Guide Book

Guidebooks are a great resource that feature the best things to do, what to eat, where to stay and more. If traveling via a travel company, they usually provide a curated brochure and info packet for you ahead of time. If traveling on your own, it’s a good idea to read up so you are prepared before you touch down in a new place.

Gear

The gear that you take will make or break you. Whether you’re going for a weekend getaway or a month-long odyssey, one of the most important parts of your adventure will be the gear that you bring with you. Most travel companies and event organizers will provide a curated list of recommended gear to bring with you, so read carefully and double check your bags before you leave. 

Running Gear

    • Running Shoes

    • Running Socks

    • Running Shorts + Leggings

    • Running Shirt

    • Sun Glasses

    • Sunblock

    • Hat + Gloves

    • Compression Sleeves

    • Watch

    • Hydration Vest or Water Bottle

    • Gels

    • Electrolytes

Carry-On

    • Carry On Bag

    • Nomatic Backpack

    • Osprey Quasar Daypack

    • Travel Wallet

    • Foldable Water Bottle

    • Travel Scarf

    • Travel Pillow

    • Eye Mask + Ear Plugs

    • Laptop + Charger

    • Camera

    • Phone Charger

    • Power Bank

    • Headphones

    • Travel Adapter

    • Hand Sanitizer

    • Wet Wipes

    • Tissues

    • Lip Balm

    • Light Sweater

    • Sunglasses

    • Gum

    • Snacks

    • Meds

    • Change of clothes

What not to pack in Carry-On : lots of liquids, scissors, knives, and other sharp objects.

Don’t pack too much. Keep only the most important items easily accessible. 

Summer Gear

    • T-Shirt + Tank Tops

    • Nice Blouse

    • Dri-Fit Top

    • Athletic Shorts

    • Skirt

    • Maxi Dress

    • Sungress

    • Long-Sleeve Shirt

    • Lightweight Cardigan

    • Leggings

    • Jeans

    • Lightweight Raincoat

    • Bathing Suit

    • Bathing Suit Cover-Up

    • Sports Bras

    • Socks

    • Underwear

    • Sneakers

    • Sandals

    • Lightweight Wedges

    • Flip-flops

    • Hat

    • Travel Scarf

    • T-Shirt + Tank Top

    • Dri-fit top

    • Polo shirt

    • Dress shirt

    • Flannel

    • Shorts

    • Athletic Shorts

    • Jeans

    • Lightweight Raincoat

    • Board Shorts

    • Socks

    • Underwear

    • Sneakers

    • Dressy Shoes

    • Flip Flops

    • Hat

Winter Gear

    • Coat

    • Thermal Base Layer

    • T-Shirts

    • Long-Sleeve Shirt

    • Flannel

    • Sweaters

    • Warm Skirt

    • Jeans

    • Leggings

    • Tights

    • Socks

    • Bras + Underwear

    • Ankle Boots

    • Tall Boots

    • Thick Scarf

    • Tech Gloves

    • Warm Hat

    • Coat

    • Thermal Base Layer

    • T-Shirt

    • Long-Sleeve Shirt

    • Button-down Shirt

    • Flannel

    • Sweatshirt

    • Jeans

    • Long Pants

    • Socks

    • Underwear

    • Boots

    • Scarf

    • Tech Gloves

    • Warm Hat

Here’s To Adventure!

— Ben Rideout