Here's How:
- 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.
- Scout Out Adventure Travel Trips Designed for Families
Many companies offer trips designed for families with kids of varying ages. Visit 5 Fantastic Family Vacations for exciting trips during summer and other school holidays. Austin-Lehman, for example, has some terrific trips for families. REI Adventures also has fun family trips close to home and around the globe. Find and click on the "family" link on each site for a list of trips.
- Talk to Adventure Travel Companies
Once you've narrowed down the list call the companies 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'll find more suggestions for picking a tour operator in Choosing an Adventure Travel Company.
- 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 tour operator 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. Magellans is a treasure trove of gear, clothing and travel gadgets.
- Here's a "Must Take" List
- First Aid Kit: To make a first-aid kit and learn some first-aid fundamentals visit About.com's First Aid guide, Rob Brouhard's page on buiding a first aid kit. Or, go to 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.
- 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. Check out these nine health tips for before you leave and during your trip.
