PLANNING YOUR ADVENTURE VACATION

The searchable database on America Outdoors' Website adventurevacation.com is a great resource for searching for a recreation service provider by location or activity.

The majority of the outdoor trips and adventure vacations available through America Outdoors outfitters are appropriate for people and families with little or no experience. They are not at all like the wild adventures you may have seen on television. Yes, there is some level of adventure and challenge, but for many trips, especially those designed for families the challenge is not overwhelming and it is managed through the assistance of an experienced guide. Some trips are designed for enthusiasts with some prior experience and skill, but your outfitter can help you decide if a trip or adventure vacation is appropriate for your skill level.

As you begin to explore the many opportunities to enjoy a family vacation or an adventure vacation, we encourage you to look for outfitters and guides that are members of America Outdoors. America Outdoors outfitters are provided a Code of Ethics to follow that includes public service and safety, industry professionalism, and conservation of our natural resources. In addition, members are encouraged to adhere to a Sustainable Recreation Policy that supports the continuation of our national legacy of quality outdoor experiences on Americas' lands and waters in a manner that sustains the long-term ecological integrity of natural resources and the economic well being of communities.

FINDING THE RIGHT OUTFITTER

An outfitter or an "outfitted trip" means that you will be using the services of a professional to provide instruction, to guide your trip, or to provide the supplies and equipment that you will need. There are fully outfitted trips and adventure vacations where the guide(s) stays with you for the duration of the travel experience and leads your trip. There are also partially outfitted trips where an experienced operator might rent you equipment, help you get into the backcountry, and then allow you to enjoy the experience on your own.

To select the right outfitter for your needs, consider the following:

SELECTING THE TRIP THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU

What is your primary motivation for an adventure vacation? Do you want to challenge yourself, to share an outdoor experience with your friends or family, or just kick back and have a good time?

What does your family or group like to do? What activities do you want to participate in? Do you want your outfitted trip to be on land, on water, do you want to bike, horseback ride or combine several activities into one trip? Do they like learning something new? As you start your outdoor trip planning you'll need to have in mind where you want to go and how much time you have. Are you planning a two-week vacation, a day trip, or something in between?

PHYSICAL ABILITY

What is your physical ability and the ability of the others in your family or group? Most activities do not require a high level of conditioning, but some physical conditions may not be advisable on some trips. You will need to inform your outfitter of any special conditions as you discuss the trip. Outfitters are good at providing reasonable accommodations for various conditions, but some trips may have essential eligibility requirements.

LUXURY CAMPING OR ROUGHING IT?

Are you looking for an outdoor trip that provides creature comforts where guides cook, set-up camp and cater to you or do you want to do more of this on your own? You'll be surprised just how comfortable the thick sleeping pads and cozy flannel sleeping bags are. With a creek murmuring nearby, you'll probably sleep better than you do at home.

THE LODGING OPTION

Many outfitters also have lodges, cabins or other facilities so that you can enjoy the backcountry during the day and head back to a shower and bed at night.

Regardless of how you answered these questions, America Outdoors' website adventurevacation.com with its searchable database can help direct you to an outfitter that fits your needs.

You many want to take notes about your experience with each outfitter as you do your research starting with your first phone call. Did they seem friendly and helpful? Did you feel they were focused on your needs and questions?

HOW DO I KNOW IF A COMPANY IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Ask for references, preferably from some guests who been on a trip recently from your area. Get several, not just one and call them.

PLANNING FOR A GROUP

If you are planning for a group, take an important intermission -- ensure that your trip is the right "fit" for everyone. Take a few minutes with yourself, family, friends and/or group to talk over what each member wants from the trip. Be sure the entire group is informed of the nature of the trip. If possible, give them a copy of the brochure that describes the experience. Ask yourselves:

Do we want to relax, just play, be intensely challenged, or all of the above?

How long do we want to be away?

How much can we spend?

When do we want to go, and how flexible can we be?

What kind of scenery are we looking for?

How much do we want to do ourselves, and how much do we want somebody to do for us?

FAMILY VACATIONS and OUTDOOR TRIPS

Most outdoor outfitters and tour operators welcome children on their trips. Activities for children as young as three are available with many outfitters. For many trips or activities no prior experience is required and you don't have to be an athlete to participate. So, even children can participate. Ask the company how much physical activity is required or if any previous experience is necessary. It's important to ask the outfitter how often they accommodate children with ages and abilities comparable to the children in your group.

Full service or outfitted assisted, self-guided trips?

Many families take fully outfitted trips. The outdoor outfitter or tour operator supplies all the equipment and food, and provides trained guides and cooks. Your personal items and clothes are all that you have to bring. These trips differ from those where you rent the equipment and guide yourself.

Some outdoor outfitters offer services that provide you with the equipment or assistance to reach a location in the backcountry, after which you're left alone to enjoy the area on your own. For example, an outfitter with horses may carry your gear into the high mountains, after which you camp and cook on your own. These trips are better for families or groups with prior camping experience in remote areas.

FAMILY ADVENTURE CAMP

The family adventure camp offers a package of week-long or weekend adventure with lodging and meals to make your planning easy. This is a real adventure vacation. Some companies offer cabins with family style meals at a base camp. Other packages offer a tour of rivers or various activities as you travel by van over several days from location to location. A variety of activities may be offered depending on special niche the company has pursued. You may just wish to rent lodging and take it easy or embark on your own adventures in the area at your leisure. For example, your family may raft one day, learn how to paddle a touring kayak, or take a bike tour the following days. Some programs have planned meals. Each evening families will make new friends dining together. Guest ranches have attracted families for years with activities usually centered around horses and other outdoor recreation activities. Be sure to ask which activities are included in the price per person and if there are additional charges. Costs will vary but range in the neighborhood of $150 to $250 per day all inclusive.

DO WE ALL HAVE TO DO THE SAME ACTIVITY?

Having the whole family together on a trip can be very rewarding. But if you've got a variety of ages and tastes in your family and not everyone wants to do the same thing, ask about other activities or options. Most outdoor outfitters have a variety of outdoor trips or services, or there may be other activities in the area if part of the family wants to do something different.

ARE PARENTS REQUIRED TO SUPERVISE THE CHILDREN?

You should understand the degree of supervision expected by you during the trip. Are you required to accompany the children and supervise their activities or do trip leaders assume some of this responsibility?

ARE THERE TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES DESIGNED ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN?

Some outfitters have special family packages or trips with activities to appeal to smaller children. Some outfitters include "fun directors" on their trip to entertain children with games and exploring. Ask how often similar families take the trip you are inquiring about. How long will your children have to be on the water or on the trail at any one time? Are breaks planned, with plenty of time to explore? Activities like swimming, hiking, watching wildlife and hunting for that special river rock or gemstone are among the activities included on some trips. On almost every trip to a new area you can expect your family to learn something new about the outdoors.

WHAT WILL YOU BE REQUIRED TO WEAR AND WHAT TEMPERATURES SHOULD YOU EXPECT?

Lifejackets are required on whitewater trips. Sometimes the availability of an appropriate size lifejacket for a child determines the availability of a river trip. Be sure to provide the outfitter with an accurate description of your child's weight and height. You should know whether or not wetsuits are ever required for your river trip and, if so, is one available for your child. Helmets may be required for certain activities. It is very important for you to understand in advance what you are required to bring to wear and what is available through the outfitter. Outfitters' brochures are usually very specific about the appropriate wear and equipment you're expected to bring. If you are going on an extended trip, make a checklist of items you need to bring. Remember there may be limitations on how much gear you can take along, so ask about that if it is unclear.

WHAT FOOD IS PROVIDED ON THE TRIP AND DOES IT MATCH YOUR CHILD'S TASTES?

Outfitters are known for providing excellent cuisine. On multi-day trips, you may want to ask about the meals. Be sure to inform the outfitter if there are any special dietary requirements for your family to determine if they are available on the outing.

MAKING YOUR RESERVATION

After reviewing the literature you received and your notes, call and book your trip. Half or one-day trips can usually be reserved as late as the day before you want to go. Certain trips, especially the more popular ones, fill up fast. Longer trips should be booked earlier, so plan at least six months to a year ahead if you have specific dates for traveling. Make sure you understand the cancellation policy!

Some Additional Questions You May Want to Ask:

How experienced is your staff?

Is the trip price all-inclusive?

Can the outfitter provide for your special dietary needs?

Can they tell you about other guests on your trip? Are there children? Other families?

Are there any age or other restrictions?

Always advise the outfitter of known medical conditions or special accommodations you may need.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Your outfitter will provide you with trip information, which could include suggested travel arrangements, pre-trip fitness tips, waivers, directions, lists of what to wear and bring, suggested stays before and after your trip, etc. If you have any questions, whatsoever, about getting ready for your outdoor trip or adventure vacation, call your outfitter and ask. Not only is it their job to answer your questions, they expect it. And it's everybody's best interest for you to be well prepared and enthusiastic.