Adventure travel trips and advice

The following information is an excellent guide for Adventure Travelers.

Introduction Your trip is unique Take Precautions Getting Medical Advice

Your trip is unique...and so are you When choosing an adventure trip or excursion, there are many things to consider. Under-estimating the risks or having too much confidence in your own abilities can lead to trouble, especially in extreme conditions or at unusual destinations. Even though others are doing it, the risk for you may be different. Research your destination and be aware of the dangers. Conditions may vary from month to month.

In 1998, a young couple from Newfoundland went on a surfing holiday to a popular beach in Indonesia. On the second day of the vacation, the woman watched helplessly as her boyfriend disappeared into the ocean. He was unfamiliar with local conditions and had underestimated the strong currents and undertow. His body was recovered four days later.

Two high school students and an adult guardian were drowned during a field trip along the rocky coast of California. A freak wave hit and the 45-year-old woman was pulled into the water. The two students died in a failed rescue attempt.

"It's safe because I'll have a tour guide."

Having a guide doesn't eliminate risk. There are many situations that guides cannot control.

A young, physically fit woman went on a guided rafting expedition in Nepal. On her way back to base camp, she and three others, including her guide, were crossing a small river. The current swept her down the river to her death. Her body was never found.

"It's safe because I'll be part of a group."

Traveling with a group doesn’t eliminate risk, either. Never yield to others the responsibility for your own safety. Carefully research the company you plan to travel with. Speak to other clients who have already made the trip. Is the company responsible enough to reject clients who do not meet established preconditions?

A woman from Toronto signed on for a nature tour in Latin America. She became tired and told the guide she was going to stop for a rest and wait for the group to return. The group returned as arranged, but she wasn’t there. She was never found despite extensive searching.

Please choose from the following sections:

Introduction
Your trip is unique...and so are you
Take Precautions
Getting Medical Advice

Canuck Abroad takes no responsibility for the information or accuracy contained in this section and suggest you go to: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/pubs/out_limb-en.asp
for the latest information.

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