Packing for Active Trips and Adventures
 On an adventure trip you may be carrying everything with you all the time. If you are going on an organized tour your outfitter will likely have a packing list prepared for you. Ask for it.
When it comes to clothes, comfort and function will be more important than style. The best approach is layering the garments you wear, so you can add or subtract clothing as the temperature and elements dictate. Many new microfiber fleece garments have become available in recent years that are warm, light, and easy to pack. Surf shoes are good for fording rivers, but serious hiking boots are what you'll be wearing almost all the time. Be sure to break them in well before your trip. A well-stocked first aid kit is also a must.
| Adventure Travel Checklist |
 Alarm Clock or Watch |
Compass |
Luggage Locks |
| Batteries |
Earplugs |
Maps |
| Binoculars (small) |
Flashlight |
Money Belt |
| Camera and film |
Guidebooks |
Phrasebook |
| Citronella Candle |
Luggage Tags |
Sweater or Jacket |
Packing for the Desert
In the desert your enemies are the sun, the dryness, and the dust. You'll need good boots as well as loose fitting, light-colored clothing, preferably made of cotton or silk. Bandannas have multiple uses for wiping off the sweat, and warding off the dust. A wide brimmed had such as a Tilley hat (Tilly Endurables of Canada) can help a lot.
A less obvious need is an anorak for sudden wind storms, and a sweater for when the temprature plummets after sundown. Some package tours will include evenings when you'll need to dress up. Long skirts and sundresses are appropriate for women. Khakis and a casual shirt are right for men.
| Desert Travel Checklist |
| Anorak |
Day pack |
Insect Repellant |
| Bandanna |
Dressy Outfit |
Sun Hat |
| Camera (dust proof) |
Film |
Sweater or Jacket |
| Cooler |
Hiking Boots |
|
 Packing for the Tropics
Two pairs of long pants but they should not both be jeans. Bring your bathing suit. Remember that walking shorts can double as a bathing suit in a pinch. Nothing too short for the women - You can't rely on the styles. Sunscreen, sun hat and insect repellant are as important as in the desert, but proper care of your feet is even more so. Shoes should allow your feet to breath. Sandles for the beach. Gore-tex, open weave nylon, or canvas boots for the rain forest or jungle.
| Tropics Travel Checklist |
| Anorak |
Day Pack |
Sports Sandals |
| Antifungal Foot Powder |
Dressy Outfit |
Socks (fast drying) |
| Bandanna |
Film |
Sun hat |
| Cooler |
Hiking Boots |
Umberella |
| Cotton Clothing |
Insect Repellant |
|
Packing For Winter Weather
When packing for a winter trip, chosing your wardrobe for layering can save you from a bulky packing nightmare, and leave you warm and looking great. Start with long-johns made of a moisture-wicking synthetic. Shirts and turtle-necks go on next, with a sweater over top. Finish with your snow-suit or ski parka.
Synthetics are also great for your feet, and high-tech socks fabrics change from year to year. They maintain their insulating properties when wet. And they will be getting wet, so bring several pairs. A hat and a fleece coller or neck gaiter will go a long way to keep your whole body warm.
As usual, the sun is your enemy. Light reflected off the snow can still do you harm, so remember your sun screen and lip balm. If your pockets aren't roomy, you should take wear a fanny pack for these items as well as tissues for your nose and fogged glasses.
| Winter Travel Checklist |
| Anorak |
Hat |
Snow Pants |
| Bandanna |
Lip Balm |
Snow Boots |
| Camera (water-resistant) |
Long Johns |
Street Clothes |
| Fleece Gloves |
Indoor shoes |
Sweaters |
| Fleece Neck Gaiter/ Scarf |
Ski Gloves or Mittens |
Thermal socks |
| Parka |
Goggles/Sunglasses |
Turtlenecks |
Packing for Hikes in the Mountains
As you gain altitiude you can find yourself passing through a lot of different temperatures. In addition, your physical exertion will warm you to varying degrees as you go up and downhill. Layering comes to your rescue once again. Moisture-wicking synthetics go next to the skin on both body and feet. Cotton pants or hiking shorts go on next, depending on the time of year. Tee shirts or turtlenecks can be covered with a fleece pullover or down vest. Rembember to bring street clothes (including shoes and socks) if your day is going to end in a restaurant.
| Mountain Hiking Checklist |
| Anorak |
Hiking Boots |
Thick Socks |
| Bandanna |
Insect Repellent |
Snow Boots |
| Camera (water-resistant) |
Extra Laces |
Trousers or Shorts |
| Day Pack |
Liner Socks |
Tee-shirt |
| Fleece Gloves |
Long Johns |
Turtleneck |
| Fleece Pullover |
Street Clothes |
Warm Hat |
Destination Links
NetGuide Travel
Preview Travel Destination Guides
Travelocity Destination Guides
Roadside America
City.Net
CitySafari
Fodor's
Geographia
The Insiders Guides
Leisure Planet
Lonely Planet Online
Rec.Travel Library
Rough Guides
Web of Culture
World Travel Guide
Travel Page
Route 66
|
