Filed under: Biking, Climbing, Hiking, Paddling, Scuba Diving, Skiing, Surfing, Business, Gear, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America, Antarctica, Thailand, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Camping, Ecotourism, Budget Travel, Travel Health, Consumer Activism, Central America, Caribbean, Women's Travel, Luxury Travel, Travel Security"Adventure travel" is a nebulous term these days. But whether your idea of a thrill is a Class-III rapid or climbing Everest, there's one thing that's ubiquitous when choosing an outfitter: safety. There are hundreds of adventure travel companies worldwide; not all are created equal. There are key things you should look for when choosing a company or independent guide, whether you're booking a three-week luxury trip, or a one-day backpacker's special.
I'm not implying adventure travel in general is risky, or that most operators and guides don't know what they're doing. There are numerous certifications in place (they vary according to country) to ensure companies adhere to national and industry safety standards.
The following are tips on what to look for or avoid when choosing a company or guide, based on personal experience and what I've gleaned from the owners of several highly regarded adventure companies. I've done trips with each company, but I have no personal gain in endorsing them: I've just found them to be, among the dozens of outfitters I've used, the best of the best.
My sources include Mark Gunlogson, president/guide of Seattle's Mountain Madness, a mountain adventure guide service and mountaineering school; Marc Goddard, co-owner/guide of Bio Bio Expeditions, a whitewater/adventure travel company in Truckee, California, and Britt Lewis, co-owner/guide of Austral Adventures, a custom travel company on the island of Chiloe, in Chile.
I'm also including a few horror stories based on guide negligence. That's why, the first thing you should do when planning any kind of adventure activity or trip is...
Do your research
Even a brief online search will bring to light any serious breaches in safety or conduct. Safety doesn't just apply to those who plan to scale the Andes or kayak the Zambezi. Even the tamest "adventures" require guides who are knowledgeable about the area and activity, and are currently certified in emergency first aid and rescue procedures.
[Photo credit: Flickr user Luis Fabres]Continue reading How to choose a reputable adventure travel company or guideHow to choose a reputable adventure travel company or guide originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
No comments:
Post a Comment