GEARED FOR ADVENTURE

Geared for Adventure by Eagle Creek

It’s always a good idea to do some research on local language, currency, customs and the like. If you overlook one of these, you may be in for an adventure that involves missing a plane, getting the wrong change or not being able to strike up a conversation.

Plus, it’s true, you’re “the adventurer,” the representative of your country; having done some background work will automatically create opportunities for bonding regardless of your cultural differences.

Create Peace of Mind

Having all of your travel necessities taken care of before you even hit the concourse will take a load off your mind. You’ll want something to organize all your travel docs (passport, visas, ID) and to keep your money close at hand—and out of others’ hands.

Once you’re through the baggage claim area and on your way to the fun part of the adventure, you’ll exude confidence if you’re not fumbling around for your Spanish Pocket Phrase Book or correct bus fare. Here’s the part where you can truly switch gears and enter the “traveler’s stream,” where fellow travelers are open to sharing a ride, changing plans and offering fresh info on local rates and “can’t miss” destinations that you didn’t read about in your pre-trip research.

The Best Adventures Sometimes Require us to be Light on our Feet

It’s pretty common to over pack for an adventure, whether it’s checking out New Hampshire’s fall leaves with the kids or traveling through southern Chile.

Take a look at what you’re planning to pack. You can bring it all, but if you do, you may set yourself up for being pretty weighed down.

Try this: Challenge yourself to take one pair of shoes instead of two. You’ll discover that you can tango in sneakers (while your friends laugh hysterically).

The Give and Take of Travel

We like to think that travel is as much about surprise encounters and unplanned side trips as it is about itineraries, so it’s good to be prepared when the unexpected arises.

Choose Wisely My Friend

You may think that the best way to get more out of your trip is to cut corners on your travel gear and spend the money on (insert adventure/passion here) but here’s why that doesn’t work:

It’s never fun when you lose your passport or a strap breaks and you spend an entire day in a hot, slow-as-molasses foreign embassy or searching all over town for a new backpack.

So choose gear that is built to last, highly functional, lightweight and gets you from Point A to Point B without any worries.

Because that’s what good travel gear should do—trip after trip.