Must Know Tips for Planning your Summer Adventure
It seems strange to be writing this on a grey Monday afternoon, as rain pours dramatically outside of my window. However, the prospect of summer is perhaps the only thing pulling us all through the difficult months of January and February. If you happen to be in need of something to look forward to, what better than planning an adventure-filled summer away. There are copious amounts of options to choose from, whether you’re interested in physically demanding activities, beautiful scenery to capture or socially-engaging environments. I’m going to guide you through everything you need to know, which is sure to get you excited and ready for summer to hurry up and make its long awaited arrival!
Where will you go?
You know you want the sun and everything that comes with it, but can’t pin point exactly where you’d like to go. To begin with I suggest you ask yourself a few questions in order to understand exactly what it is you’d like to gain from this experience. This will give you a great starting block and help narrow down options, hopefully leaving only destinations that answer your specific needs.
Gap Year
Perhaps you are looking for something a little longer than just a holiday or summer break. Gap years are fast becoming a go to option for a wide range of people. Traditionally this was something you’d associate with young school leavers looking for a well-earned break after three years of studying. To be more precise, a distraction from life’s hardships.
To avoid finding this process incredibly daunting, start with the basics. Budget - this is number one on your list when thinking about what your gap year will entail. You won’t be going anywhere without money in your back pocket. I suggest you start saving by cutting back on extra treats, takeaways, excessive nights out, etc. Take a run rather than pay for that overpriced gym membership and so on; all of these are significant small changes that will gradually save you a small fortune. Once your money pot starts to look healthy, it’s time to organise it into sections, starting with money for flights and pre-trip expenses such as insurance, not to forget vaccines!
Secondly, use the chunk of money you have left to ensure you have enough money per day to cover factors such as food, accommodation and general safety money. A good amount I recommend to put aside per day is roughly £30 - £40.A fantastic option and one that is so readily available nowadays is to work abroad whilst you travel. Meaning your money worries are less strained as you have the guarantee of an income. Dedicate a good amount of time to researching gap year opportunities and what’s on offer. I’m sure you’ll be happy with what you find.
Ruck sack must haves
Packing can be a mammoth task, especially if you’re planning on leaving for a whole year. It’s simply not possible to pack your entire wardrobe; be selective and remember you’ll likely buy some new stuff once you reach your destination (that’s just traveller code). Rucksack essentials include: sun cream, lip balm, sunglasses, hat, and first aid kit. Always take an extra lightweight bag for days when you do not wish to be lugging around everything you own. Lip balm might sound a little unnecessary to some but I cannot stress how much you’ll appreciate it when your lips are dry from both heat and salt water.
Security is also important, especially if you are carrying valuables and intend to leave them in your bag or accommodation overnight. Ensure your ruck sack has a locking mechanism, and if it doesn’t, you can buy a padlock to prevent any wanted snooping.
Meet People before You Travel
The prospect of travelling alone can seem daunting, especially if you’re heading into uncharted territories. It used to be that finding a travelling partner was much harder, but in the days of instant connectivity, there are a wealth of resources online to help you meet that special travel buddy. Websites such as TravelBuddies or Meetup.com make forming groups for travelling easy. This being said, always ensure you take proper precautions when meeting new people to travelling with.
Photography essentials
A once in a lifetime summer adventure deserves to be documented appropriately, so I’d always recommend stocking up any essential photography equipment before your trip. When you look back years from now, your photographs will be treasured memories and you’ll want a decent camera to ensure you’re capturing all the highlights in top quality fashion. What you get will usually be based around your budget. Starting low, there’s the basic point-and-click cameras; these usually skimp on advanced features but are easy to use, robust, and can usually squeeze high quality image resolution into very compact products.
On the higher end of the budget spectrum, there’s your professional DSLR’s including brands such as Nikon and Canon. These are much more expensive and delicate than their consumer counterparts, but offer hundreds of features and functions, as well as exceptionally high quality image capturing. Needless to stay, DSLR quality pictures will look stunning, representing your trip in the best possible way. If you’re serious about documenting your trip visually, a DSLR will be perfect for your needs.
There’s also plenty of photography accessories which can come in handy for your adventures. Naturally you’ll need a bag to store and carry your equipment on your travels. Polarising lenses will also remove any sun-glare from your photos, ensuring everything you capture in a sunny settingis clear as day. Also useful is waterproof casing for your camera, which encases your kit in leak-proof plastic.Planning some scuba sessions? This could be the perfect accessory for you.
Guest post written by Will Chivers