The team here at S2Si are now going to bring you a series of articles on adventure travel activities. This will be a basic introduction to the various things you can do whilst visiting the new and exciting travel destinations we offer.
Not all adventure travel activities are for athletes, there are many things you can do no matter your age, or even disability, even families can enjoy there time together whilst they all go sailing, horse riding or trekking, for example.
One of the reasons we, S2Si, are different to many other organisers of adventure travel activities is that we pride ourselves on our excellent safety record. On certain expeditions, due to their length of time and location, we provide our own medical team and equipment. This will offer families, older travellers and travellers with disabilities much ‘piece of mind ‘.
We are sure that if you went around the world on a vacation, called into a local tour operator and booked some adventure travel activities that you would have a good time and most trips end with everyone satisfied, camera full of pictures and plenty of memories to share later. However, the ones that don’t always end so good are the ones that we hear about – fatalities or survival situations, for example.
So you don’t become one of the unlucky few who are not happy with their trip or, even worse, suffer due a lack of safety equipment or experience whilst outdoors, here is a basic guide for things to watch out for in the early stages:
- Does the equipment used seem excessively worn or abused? Check belts or straps for wear and tear, are ropes fraying, brakes on mountain bikes, leaks in kayaks, etc.
- Are you given the right safety equipment for the chosen activity? Lifejackets for all water sports, a proper lifejacket (not a floatation vest) when sailing, helmets in nearly all sports, if diving and partnered with a stranger make sure they know the safety procedures.
- No matter which activity or where, is there a first aid kit available and someone trained to use it? Ask to see the first aid kit, does it contain a suitable array of equipment for the activity you are about to engage in? Is is well packed, clean and items in-date?
- Actually ask about safety concerns. What is their plan is for emergencies, how have the dealt with issues in the past? If they say they have never had any issues at all then they are probably lying – all the staff at S2Si have had to deal with medical emergencies in the past and would be happy to discuss the procedures used.
- Finally – trust your instinct and don’t be affraid to say NO and leave the agency/office! If something doesn’t feel right then there might be good cause for that feeling. You can’t thoroughly enjoy a day rock climbing if you have a nagging concern over the safety of the kit!
Our series is up and running, starting with Mountain Climbing, have a read –> Adventure Travel
Tags: What are the best character building activities, What are the best outdoor adventure activities, What are the best outdoor adventure sports, What can I do on my gap year
