At the outset of planning your next vacation, there will be whole lot of planning ahead of you. It all starts with one question though – what type of vacation? Perhaps you’re feeling the need for serious rest and relaxation and are off to somewhere like beautiful Hot Springs Village in order to be surrounded by comforting amenities.
Or perhaps you’re feeling the need for something a little more active, the need to go hiking in astonishing nature and to come back fitter and healthier than when you left. That type of vacation will certainly involve some considerable physical activity, though you will still come back feeling refreshed.
The physical vacation – hiking, nature, cabins, and all the rest of it – is certainly one that takes some planning though. You’re going to come up against the challenges of nature, not simply have it sooth you at its gentlest.
Accordingly, the planning for travel, accommodation and packing can all be pretty considerable. Luckily, it’s not like millions haven’t done it before, so there’s plenty of advice to follow.
So, wherever you are off to, it is likely somewhere close to the mountains and the trails. This entails a list of things that you would be foolish not to pack.
Save Yourself the Stress
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to save on the stress of travel, finding the accommodation, and making it through the first night without stress. Then, you will be refreshed to tackle nature without also having to worry about what you didn’t bring or where you’re going to sleep. The trick is to prepare well in advance.
A vacation doesn’t need to be sedentary to be refreshing but stressing about such things is never going to be conducive to a great vacation. So a great tip here is to create a few checklists concerning everything from travel to accommodation to packing. Do this far enough in advance and you will have a gentle grace period within which to accumulate everything you need.
What to Pack
But what do you actually need? Here are a few of the absolute mountain/nature essentials, so start here:
A Rain Jacket
You’ll want to stretch those muscles and get a little out of breath but becoming wet as you do so is the type of physical exertion that you definitely don’t want. In these upland areas, rain is common. So, pack a warm, waterproof rain jacket.
Hiking Shoes
Well, of course. But what makes a good hiking shoe? Ensure they are waterproof (see above), close-toed, and tough. However, do not punish your feet by bringing boots that are too stiff and tough. They should be supple enough for long walking, too.
Back Pack
A backpack is a must as you will not be near any stores for refreshment when you’re out on the trail, and there’s a lot of things to bring with you in order not to become miserable. A good waterproof backpack with comfortable straps and enough room for everything you need is essential.
Sunscreen
It might not be hot, but the sun damages your skin via its UV rays – not heat. Moreover, up in the mountains, you’ll be closer to it.
Bug Repellant and Bear Spray
The first of these will save you discomfort and irritation, the second just might save your life. However, be sure that your bear spray is a last resort. Learn how to avoid bears by not leaving food lying around and following other such tips.
Account for the essentials long before you leave, and you can head off on the trail and into nature with stress-free confidence.
