Adventure travel holiday favourite

ADVENTURE travel is taking off as a holiday favourite, with adrenaline junkies swapping rest and relaxation for thrills and spills.

Student Flights brand leader Darren Lloyd said surfing, cycling, mountain climbing, white-water rafting, jungle trekking and shark diving were among the holiday activities that Australians were now actively taking part in.

"While many people like nothing more than to take time out from their busy work schedules by winding down on a beach, just as many are looking for a taste of adventure.

"The good news is there is literally a world of options, regardless of the type of holiday activity you're looking for.

"While it is always important to take the necessary precautions before you leave home, it's even more critical when you're heading to a remote area or embarking on the kinds of adrenaline-charged activities that Australians love to take part in," Mr Lloyd said.

Student Flights has compiled a pre-holiday checklist for soon-to-be adventure travellers.

Check-in for a medical check-up before taking off:

If you were hitting the road for a driving holiday, you'd probably take the time to ensure the car was in order.

Naturally, it pays to take a similar precaution with your body if you're relying on it to get you through a rigorous holiday adventure.

There's never a good time to find out that the body's engines are not firing on all cylinders, but it's infinitely better to identify any issues before you take off for the adventure of a lifetime.

See a doctor for a check-up and, if required, have that grease and oil change now to ensure the body is up to the challenges you're setting it.

Comprehensive medical insurance is a must:

Let's face it, you're not going to be spending all of your days in five-star luxury or relaxing on a beach if you're on an adventure holiday.

Things can go wrong if you're pushing the limits, so be sure to take out a comprehensive insurance policy.

Always read the fine print to ensure you're covered for the activities you plan to take part in.

Where are you and how can we reach you?

Regardless of where you're going and what you're doing, it's important to keep family and friends informed so they know where you are and how to contact you in an emergency.

Register your details with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smart Traveller website.

Study up:

Before booking your arrangements, talk to your travel agent about the style of adventure you're considering and what you expect.

If you want five-star luxury, a truck safari for a handful of dollars per night may not fit the bill.

Examine the itinerary in detail and consider the level of supervision and support provided, the style of accommodation - tents, hotels or hostels - and the means of transport you will be using.

Expect the unexpected:

Prepare for any accidents that may arise, particularly when you're venturing into remote areas.
Help may not be immediately at hand so pack a medical kit, sunscreen, insect repellent, drinking water and, of course, toilet paper.

Pack accordingly:

Depending on what you're doing and where you're going, you're probably not going to want to be lugging suitcases around.

Leave the Louis Vuitton luggage at home and opt for something that is lightweight and easy to store.

A similar rule applies to clothes - light weight and quick drying are generally good options.

When it comes to jewellery and valuables, if you don't need them, consider leaving them at home.

Passport maintenance:

While it's generally good advice to keep your passport with you, it's not such a great idea if you're canyonning in Switzerland, white-water rafting in North Queensland or swimming with the great white sharks off Cape Town.

Keep it dry and secure it safely.

Use commonsense:

It's an adventure holiday, but that doesn't mean all the normal rules from home can be forgotten.

Your safety is, of course, paramount. You wouldn't share a Vespa with three friends or ride on the roof of a train or bus at home, so don't do it on holiday.

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