by Jenny Seib From reclining in a lounge chair while slipping by exotic coastlines on an adventure cruise ship to rounding up cattle from the back of a horse, adventure vacations are perhaps the best way to experience some of the best creations Mother Nature has to offer.

Perhaps your idea of an adventure is skydiving over the lush landscape of Mexican Rivera. Maybe you’re a land lover, and yearn to tour on a bicycle through the Wild West, mush your dog team over icy glaciers, or scale a cliff face. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to swim with some of the most feared creatures of the sea: sharks. Regardless of your type of adventure vacation, you’re sure to experience more than the temperature in the motel pool. What Should You Do? Before deciding what type of adventure vacation you want, you need to first ask yourself a few questions. For instance, what is your motivation for choosing an adventure vacation as opposed to a typical one? Do you want the type of vacation where you sit back, relax, and have a strawberry daiquiri served to you on the beach? If so, an adventure vacation may not be the right choice. Or rather do you want to share a thrilling outdoor experience with your family? How much of a challenge o you want? Or, more importantly, how big a challenge are you (or your family) prepared to handle? Also consider what your and your family’s interests are. What brings on that thrill? Have you always dreamed of doing something involving flight? Do you yearn to explore the mysterious depths of the ocean or want to swim through a coral reef? Do you enjoy animals? If not, a safari or dude ranch experience may not be ideal for your adventure vacation. Do you want to stick with what you know, or spread your wings and try something completely foreign to you? Perhaps you should consider a combination of several adventures to provide a thoroughly rounded experience. Finally, consider your physical ability. Don’t attempt something truly eye-popping if you have a heart condition. Keep your adventure moderate. Likewise, pregnancy will prohibit many adventure vacations you might normally consider. Roughing It or Luxurious Whether to rough it in a two-man tent in the Arizona desert or pamper yourself with down pillows and full-body massages will depend entirely upon what your motivation for the trip is. Have a clear mental picture of your expectations for the vacation and make this clear to those outfitters you contact. If you fail to mention that you want room service and show up to a 12-mile ride on a camel through dust-storm heavy sand-dunes, you will be very disappointed. Finding the Right Guide Using an outfitter to plan your trip is the best means to achieve your goals. An outfitter is more than simply your guide throughout the experience. They will offer instruction, supplies, and equipment, and act as guide as you experience your adventure vacation. Typically, they remain with you for the duration of the trip. On my own adventure vacation in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, our experienced guides delivered instruction and equipment, and then led us through the tree canopy overlooking the jungle far below on a series of ropes stretching from tree to tree. It was one of the most exhilarating things I’ve ever done. I felt confident my guides knew what they were doing and placed the utmost importance on my and my husband’s safety. Many places will offer partially outfitted adventure vacations where the guide provides the supplies and equipment, gets you to your location, and allows you to explore or experience on your own. Always ask for references to ensure you are getting what you pay for from experienced, reputable operations. Reservations You will likely need to make reservations. It is not always necessary, but if you get to your destination and belatedly decide to go hot-air ballooning, you may find that there is no room for you. Do some research and book your trip in advance. If you plan on visiting a region, investigate adventure vacations in the area, and then call ahead to reserve your spot. It’s best to plan at least six months to a year in advance, when possible, as these types of experiences fill quickly. Everyone wants to be the next Indiana Jones. Likewise, the advance reservation will allow you to pack accordingly. You can’t go on a four-hour horseback ride through Montana’s Big Sky Country in shorts and flip flops. Be Sure to Ask:

• What do I need to bring?
• Is your staff experienced? How are they trained?
• Is the trip all-inclusive?
• Can you break down prices for me?
• Are there any health concerns associated with this adventure?
• Are there any age or other restrictions?
• Is food included?
• Is lodging included?
• Are other guests taking part in the trip? If so, how many?
• Will children be included on the trip?

Check out these handy sites to get started planning your adventure vacation: Travel Wizard Tour Vacations to Go Trek America