Boundless Journeys Blog

Traveling to a foreign country, you’ll quickly spot the differences, the subtleties and the intricacies of a new culture. On a walking tour it’s even more marked, as you get to engage on a personal level with your surroundings.

Moroccan treats

Food is an integral part of a country’s culture, however it’s not always the first thing you explore – we all sometimes keep to what we know and seek out familiar tastes: a big mistake! Foreign food is traditional, regionally specific and often thoroughly delightful! It’s also not uncommon to find dishes and staple foods that are surprisingly similar to those from back home, just with a twist. Take bread for example: it’s eaten all over the world, but in Botswana it is prepared as dumplings and flat cakes, now travel to India you’ll commonly have it baked in a tandoori oven and sometimes stuffed with potatoes or minced lamb.

And yet, other dishes served up in local villages bear no resemblance at all to what we put in front of ourselves, so be prepared…

Key to the diversity of foreign dishes is the local herbs and spices, which we in the west only occasionally enjoy – and often just from a packet. A typical South Indian meal, for example, will finish with a selection of spices chosen especially to aid digestion: cardamom, cloves, arecanut and aniseed. Some travelers keep their distance from such gourmet delights: it is wise to take care in certain regions, especially if you know in the preparation the water wasn’t boiled – and it’s here the wise words of your local guide will prove valuable.

Here are some of the best local delicacies you could sample on an exotic adventure vacation:

In India try kormas, tandoori meals and biryanis.

In northern China ask for crab shell cakes, while if you travel to China and visit the southern provinces, you’ll discover stir-fried dishes with elegant presentation.

Moroccan chefs favor lamb over all other meats, perhaps try a shish kebab (skewered marinated meat and vegetables).

Cebiche (Seviche) is a Peruvian favorite. It’s raw fish marinated in lemon, with chilies, onions and garlic.

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

One of the highlights of our Palau: Oceania Odyssey tour is a visit to the secret and surreal Jellyfish Lake, where we encounter thousands of non-stinging jellyfish.

Their existence in Jellyfish Lake is a fascinating evolutionary story, tracing its origin back 35 million years to the time the Rock Islands were first created as a result of colliding tectonic plates. Over time, erosive forces slowly ate away at the exposed sea bed, carving away what are now hundreds of islands, with pockets cutting holes in the limestone. These pockets continued to carve deeper and deeper into the rock until they reached through to the salt water. Throughout geologic time, the sea water continued to percolate through the porous limestone to create a number of salt water lakes. With the sea water came microscopic organisms, including a particular variety of jellyfish. Trapped inside the lake, with little plankton to prey upon, the jellyfish were forced to evolve away from their predatory ways, to an existence based on photosynthesis. In the end, the stingers became extraneous and were lost.

As witnesses to this evolutionary phenomenon, guests on Boundless Journeys’ Palau tour float gently in the water of the lake, equipped with masks and snorkels. It is incredible to feel the delicate bodies of the jellyfish swimming against you — truly a special experience; one you will only find in Palau!

Click here to see a video from recent Boundless Journeys’ guests on a Private Collection tour to Palau.

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Palau's World War II History

When preparing for a hiking tour, a trekking tour, or an adventure travel vacation, most people think to pack boots, and waterproof and fleece jackets.

Well, in some cases you might not need more than  a bikini, trunks and a snorkel! In fact, if you are packing for travel to Palau, we would suggest these items be in your carry-on luggage as this Pacific archipelago has some of the most amazing azure-blue snorkeling sites on the planet.

Palau’s Rock Islands are protected by a fringe reef, which leaves their seas calm and safe. Many of the islands are uninhabited, which further helps preserve the sanctity of these waters, although, deep underneath the surface, is evidence of a less peaceful past. Hidden out of sight, but easily discovered by divers and snorkelers, are the steel skeletons of more than 75 World War II-era Japanese warships. The Battle for the Pacific brought U.S. forces to these shores in 1944 when the first U.S. Marine Division landed at Peleliu ahead of a difficult campaign. As troops fought through caves and dense jungles, the battle out at sea raged on. As part of the assault, the U.S. launched bombing raids from aircraft carriers and it was these that finished off the Japanese fleet. Yet, now where you might expect to find only the shells of vessels, you’ll find life; the Pacific has reclaimed the rusting hulks and covered them with a carpet of corals.

It is rare for snorkelers to have so much choice, a freedom shared by kayakers who can safely paddle from island to island. Exploring this way, you’ll soon notice the large rock overhangs and cave entrances. Inland, there are further treasures to be found: recent archeological works have unearthed evidence of fishing communities dating from AD 250.

Now enjoying much more peaceful times, the islands of the Palau archipelago offer their own rewards and one of the richest marine environments in the world.

Palau: Oceania Odyssey:  Explore Palau’s unrivaled sea kayaking and snorkeling in the Rock Islands, paddle to hidden marine lakes, hike to waterfalls deep in the rainforest, and discover remnants of World War II archaeology.

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

The Great Rift Valley

Using ‘great’ as the adjective to describe this natural wonder underplays its true size: At a little more than 3,700 miles in length, this fissure in the ground runs north from Mozambique, all the way to Lebanon. The Earth’s surface comprises tectonic plates, which inevitably meet. It’s at these junctions where life is born. Where plates overlap springs molten lava, gushing from fissures at sea through remote island volcanoes. Where plates meet on land, nearby regions are intensely fertile: their sulfur-rich soils supporting life, and attracting animal and human settlers since the earliest of days.

As these gigantic shifting structures met, they divided into the Ethiopian and Kenyan rifts, and again into Eastern and Western rifts, around the dense Tanzanian craton. It’s little surprise then that Tanzania is home to such natural beauty as that found on the wild plains of the Serengeti. It is claimed that American hunter, Stewart Edward White was the first westerner to discover this region, and when he did, he said: “We walked for miles over burnt out country… Then I saw the green trees of the river, walked two miles more and found myself in paradise”.

Home to an ecosystem that helped support the oldest recorded human existence, Serengeti has long attracted naturalists and explorers. Thankfully, it is a place well protected by UNESCO and is divided into carefully monitored national parks. Also under the watchful eye of conservationists is the Ngorongoro crater, at the Serengeti’s eastern edge. Surrounded by steep mountain walls, this region has evolved in the center of a collapsed volcano and is seemingly boundless in its natural diversity. It’s here the daily struggle for existence between lion and wildebeest, and cheetah and gazelle can be observed. At the same time, on the Serengeti Plain the Maasai tribe continues to herd its cattle, close to the Olduvai Gorge and the cradle of humanity.

Tanzania: Migration Safari – Here, everything that is Africa converges in a beautiful display. This Tanzania safari follows the migration of the great herds of the Serengeti from our luxurious tented camps. Join our December, 2010 Charity Event safari for an important opportunity to have your adventure make a positive difference in the lives of the local people.

Tanzania: The Best of East Africa – Experience some of the most epic landscapes and wildlife on the planet – the Great Rift Valley, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the vast Serengeti.

Tanzania: Beyond the Serengeti – Any Tanzania safari must delve into the rich wildlife of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But this safari also takes you beyond these places, to discover the private Loliondo game reserve and its local Maasai people, and the great elephant herds of Tarangire National Park.

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

The 'Layer Principle' at work in Bhutan

All seasoned hikers and travelers will tell you that having the correct clothing is essential. But sadly, just buying the best gear you can afford is no guarantee it will keep you warm (or cool).

Travel to Scotland and you’ll find views similar to those of a Canadian Rockies hiking tour, and similar weather. So be prepared and apply the layer principle. The best clothing is often described as ‘technical’. Simply, this means it has been designed for a set purpose or sporting activity. However, most important in getting the best out of hiking and trekking gear, is learning to wear it properly. The layer principle is ‘the’ established technique, tried and tested by explorer’s and sports people the world over, to wearing outdoor clothing.

It’s really easy to apply: You build up or reduce clothing in layers in response to the changing climate and your work level, based around these layers:

Layer 1: The Thermal Layer
Designed to keep skin dry by wicking moisture away from the skin and retaining heat. Tight, stretchy fabrics are preferred as are synthetic fibers, such as the much-lauded Merino wool.

Layer 2: The Insulation Layer
The warmth trap! Hikers commonly use fleece, and in colder extremes down jackets. Fleece is quick drying and traps heat thanks to its closely-knit fibers, while feather and down jackets help trap warm air.

Layer 3: The Waterproof / Protection layer
This is to keep out the wind and rain. Gore-Tex is the most recognized material for this job, although there are others on the market. The best jackets use multiple layers, and feature activity zones that stretch and offer protection where it’s most needed.

But take care: Simply piling on the layers cannot guarantee warmth; at some point the trapped heat will escape, although good insulation will help you warm up quicker. So, if you still get cold, try some light exercise and you’ll soon warm up. You will also really help yourself by wearing only the minimum number of layers you need to keep warm. This way, you can easily add more when you need them – just because you are warm in a down jacket, doesn’t mean you couldn’t pack it away and save it for when you really need it!

Keeping warm is easy: you simply add extra insulation layers. Cooling down is equally straightforward: you take them off.

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Avoid Travel Hassles

Travel should be fun: every moment of it. Especially when headed to one of The World’s Great Adventures such as hiking in Italy, a safari in Botswana, or trekking in Peru.

That said, the farther our adventure journey takes us, the more changes and transits we experience. To travel to Tanzania, or to get to the start of a Nepal trekking tour, takes an international flight, or two. So, here are a few tips to help make the time spent in airports that bit more fun.

Line-busting
Do anything you can to avoid the lines; they are truly the fly in a traveler’s ointment! Thankfully, most airlines let you check-in online, so take advantage of any of the online opportunities.

Arrive early
It always says you should “arrive at least two hours before take off” for international flights. Ideally, you get there just as the counter opens and are first in line. Although, realistically, there will already be a group of eager travelers already waiting; but early is always good.

Get those bags in quick
There’s no way you can check-in 40lbs of luggage online. In the end, you have to check it in yourself. So, get rid of your checked baggage as soon as possible, take the weight off your shoulders and relax.

Get in line late
So you’ve found your carrier’s desk and there is already many travelers waiting. Ask yourself: “Why stand in line, when I can get a coffee and relax?” A little unconventional, but why go through the stress when you can sit nearby, one eye on your magazine, another on the thinning crowd?

Think ahead
As John Candy found out to his cost, planes, trains and automobiles get delayed. So be prepared. If you’re flying with lots of connections, you should be ready to spend a night in an airport. Those seats are rarely comfortable, still as an adventure traveler you should have some helpful gear to make your stay a bit more enjoyable.

Take supplies
Duty free shopping may be cheap, yet in airports regular goods are not always easy on the wallet. Instead of draining your funds, take a look in your pantry before you leave home – there’s always fruit, water and snacks that you can take with you: keep your dollars for your return.

Traveling is a state of mind. If you can enjoy the journey, you’ll always enjoy the destination…

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Tiger's Nest Monastery

Along the lofty ridges of the Himalayas lies the Kingdom of Bhutan, a place that has remained blissfully untouched by the rest of the world. With very few visitors entering the country, Bhutan’s landscape has remained pristine, its rivers pure, and its mountains magical. Bhutan’s people are gracious, the culture is rich, and spirituality is prevalent. On our active tours into this last remaining Shangri-La, we meet welcoming local people, red-robed lamas, and nomadic yak herders as we learn about the Bhutanese way of life. We hike to remote gold-roofed temples and monasteries, and through peaceful villages in emerald valleys surrounded by spectacular Himalayan scenery.

Boundless Journeys offers many ways to explore this unique Himalayan Kingdom, suited to different travel styles. Explore colorful festivals, trek deep into sacred mountains, or take a Private Collection trip for just you and your friends and family on the dates of your choice. No matter your preferred type trip, Bhutan is a fascinatingly unique country that must be on every intrepid explorer’s list.

We hope to see you on the trail!

BHUTAN: A Journey Into the Peaceful Kingdom

Our award-winning adventure through the isolated Kingdom of Bhutan offers glimpses of a sacred heritage and distinctive identity that for centuries has remained shrouded by high peaks.

2010 Fall Trips:
Sep 28–Oct 09, Oct 12–23, Oct 26–Nov 06, Nov 09–20

2011 Spring Trips:
Mar 22–Apr 02, Apr 12–23, May 10–21

2010 Land Cost:
$4695 per person

For more information on this journey to Bhutan, or to make a reservation, please visit Bhutan: A Journey Into the Peaceful Kingdom, or call 800-941-8010.

BHUTAN: Festivals of Bhutan

This cultural tour through Bhutan is highlighted by two days at a colorful festival, mingling with locals and soaking up the ancient traditions of this rich Himalayan Kingdom.

2010 Fall Trips:
Sep 13–21

2011 Winter Trips:
Feb 09–17, Mar 12–20

2010 Land Cost:
$4095 per person

For more information on this journey to Bhutan, or to make a reservation, please visit BHUTAN: Festivals of Bhutan, or call 800-941-8010.

BHUTAN: The Chomolhari Trek

Trekking in Bhutan amongst the lofty ridges of the Himalayas, breathtaking views abound as we witness a rich Buddhist culture, friendly people, and few other visitors.

2010 Fall Trip:
Oct 18–30

2011 Spring Trip:
Apr 24–May 07

2010 Land Cost:
$4595 per person

For more information on this journey to Bhutan, or to make a reservation, please visit BHUTAN: The Chomolhari Trek, or call 800-941-8010.

BHUTAN & NEPAL: Himalayan Kingdoms

This combination of Himalayan landscapes is infused with complementary cultures, beautiful vistas, and a revitalizing trek among the Annapurna mountains.

2010 Fall Trips:
Sep 24–Oct 06, Nov 01–13

2011 Spring Trip:
Mar 04–16

2010 Land Cost:
$4695 per person

For more information on this journey to Bhutan & Nepal, or to make a reservation, please visit BHUTAN & NEPAL: Himalayan Kingdoms, or call 800-941-8010.

BHUTAN PRIVATE COLLECTION: Hidden Kingdom in the Himalayas

This private tour of the Kingdom of Bhutan combines exploring interesting villages of western Bhutan on foot, and meeting welcoming local people, with immersion into a fascinating culture.

2010 & 2011 Trips: Choose your dates and traveling companions

2010 Land Cost: From $4495 based on a sample 9 day itinerary (cost is variable depending on length of stay)

For more information on this Private Collection journey to Bhutan, or to make a reservation, please visit BHUTAN: Hidden Kingdom in the Himalayas, or call 800-941-8010.

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Whether it’s during a Tanzania safari or just on general travel to Tanzania, every traveler should have mastered some of the local language before they arrive.

Habari (Hello)

There are always certain phrases that will prove invaluable when traveling. That said, it’s not always easy, but it can be just plain rude to leave without learning the simplest of greetings. In most countries, even the attempt to converse in your host’s language is enough to earn their respect. As travelers we owe it to the people of whichever country we visit, to speak, where possible, in their language. So, for people packing their gear before a Tanzania vacation, here are a few useful phrases to help you on your way, and links to the most informative sites we can find.

Tanzania – Spoken languages are English and Swahili -also known as Kiswahili, of which there are more than 120 local dialects.

Ten handy Swahili phrases:

Hello/ How are you? – Habari/ Hujajambo? (informal).

My name is… What’s your name? – Ninaitwa… Wewe unaitwaje?

Thank You – Asante

Good to meet you – Nafurahi kukuona

I’m from the United States of America. Where are you from? – Ninatokea Marekani. Wewe unatokea wapi?

I can / can’t speak Swahili – Ninaweza kusema Kiswahili /Siwezi kusema Kiswahili.

I am traveling – Ninasafiri.

One language is never enough – Lugha moja haitoshi

Goodbye! – Kwaheri!

Goodbye! I’m pleased to meet you – Kwaheri! Nimefurahi kukutana na wewe.

Useful resources:

The Five College Center for the Study of World Languages offers video tutorials and translations. It covers basic communications, shopping and services, culture and social life and transportation.

http://www.umass.edu/fclang/

This Swahili language page also has useful language and cultural resources.

http://www.glcom.com/hassan/lessons/useful_swahili_words.html

Perhaps the most authoritative sources are Yale University’s Kamusi Project and Columbia University’s African Studies pages.

http://www.kamusiproject.org/en

http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/indiv/africa/cuvl/swahili.html

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

By Maeve Kelly. Boundless Journeys Ireland guide

Rugged Irish Coast

As a true-blooded Irish woman I love Ireland, but it was a special sense of pride I felt when the new Western Islands trip I designed for Boundless Journeys was named a “Tour of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler magazine.

What is it about the Emerald Isle that calls travelers back time and again, when there are so many wonderful places to explore in the world? The western shores of Ireland are rugged and wild; it’s an off-the-beaten-path area that few really get to explore. From the stark beauty of Achill Island, to the majestic mountains of Connemara, and the ancient stone walls of the Aran Islands, summer breezes whisper stories of pirate queens, epic battles, and mythic Irish heroes. We island-hop from Achill to Clare, and explore the Aran Islands from the largest to the smallest.

Complementing the serene seascapes, we’ll also venture into the hustle and bustle of Westport town, the heart of western Ireland, bursting with color. We will stay with old friends in charming inns each evening; places I have been coming for years. We’ll sample the best of western Ireland cuisine, including fresh seafood and locally sourced produce. After dinner, we have time to explore town in search of spontaneous trad sessions – the best way to experience Irish music and culture!

Do you hear the call to step into Irish time for just awhile? If so, I look forward to showing you her magnificent Western Isles on the Boundless Journeys, Ireland: Walking the Western Islands.

Hope to see you soon,

Maeve Kelly

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Most people, when they go on an adventure vacation leave the family silver at home. And considering all the hiking, trekking and adventuring in store, its best that you do so without your expensive jewelry or watches, too.

It’s just common sense. But that’s not to say travelers don’t have valuable items in their luggage. In fact, when flying out for your Tuscany walking tour or to any destination, you are at a disadvantage: everything you need is probably in just two bags – even more reason then to protect them however you can.

Thankfully, pick pocketing and theft are infrequent and airlines are well schooled in handling your luggage. But what precautions can you take to protect your valuables when you’re off on a hiking tour?

Here are a few tips:

Don’t and do keep your eggs in one basket: This is especially good advice when it comes to carrying money. Keep cash on your person – in your front pocket and never your back pocket – and have a small reserve stashed in a separate location, perhaps zipped into a travel belt or tucked into one of your bags. Cash is always king when traveling, especially in the more remote regions. You can keep it in a hip pouch, a wrist wallet or a pouch around your neck. The most discrete, however, is the front pocket.

The advice is similar for travelers’ checks: Keep them separate from your purchase agreement to avoid fraudulent use; don’t countersign them; and treat them as if they are cash.

We’ve all been there: traveling to the airport, the last check before you leave the house goes like this: Wallet, passport, tickets, money, camera, phone, vaccination info, etc. With passports and tickets you have little choice but to keep them on your person. Once settled in, you have to decide: room safe or round your neck. You can minimize the amount of important paperwork you carry by booking on line. But loose your passport and you are going nowhere…

Don’t flash the cash: Being seen as a tourist with money is a sure-fire way to draw unwanted attention. You can avoid this by first getting to know the currency, what it’s worth, what each note looks like, and second by preparing the amount you need in private before you buy goods. This way, all your hard earned dollars won’t be on display when you finally come to part with them.

Lock ‘em up: There has been an increased interest in special baggage locks. There are mesh bags surround your luggage, locking with a regular padlock. They make it harder for thieves to break into your left luggage, but again draw attention to the value of the bag. While acting as a deterrent, this screams out ‘I have valuables inside’ and with this in mind, perhaps the thing best of all is to watch your bags like a hawk. Some bags have integral zipper or combination locks. A thief will think nothing of these, and will take a knife to the bags’ fabric, rather than try a mission impossible code break.

Hard bodied cases are therefore more secure though more difficult to travel with on an adventure vacation. Duffel bags are perhaps the easiest to get in to, so if you are concerned about the security of these then consider a good quality mesh bag lock.

Get insured: For some tours it’s optional, but for adventure vacations and hiking tours it’s highly recommended. We’re not just talking about accident coverage, but additional coverage to protect your credit cards from fraudulent use. Remember, cards should never be taken from your sight, and cover your pin number when you enter it after a purchase. Furthermore, before you board your international flights take down the international number to call if your card is lost or stolen. And speak to your card provider about which level of insurance you can have against fraudulent card use.

Hotel safes: Use them. If you are in anyway concerned about the integrity of the safe in your room, speak to the hotel staff to use the larger, more secure hotel safe.

Padlocks: Always good to pack a padlock. Great for public lockers in train stations, swimming pools and even to help you secure equipment. Pick the best quality you can: brass is best outdoors, although solid and alloyed steel are tougher.

Leave your keys at home: Why take your house keys hiking, when they will be better off with a friend or locked in a drawer at work? If you’ve no need for them, don’t take them – they are just another thing to keep track of.

Four further security tips:

Keep bags in sight at all times. If you have to wander off, leave them with a travel partner. If you are traveling alone, they just have to come with you, period. Clearly marking your checked luggage may be a good thing as it helps you recognize it, but remember: it helps everyone recognize it!

If you have to wait in transit for a connecting flight and want to take a quick cat nap, loop a luggage handle or strap around your feet, and use one bag as a pillow, with one arm through the strap.

Keep your document wallet underneath your clothing until you need to use it.

Do not advertise you are a tourist: the more you blend into the background, the better.

Summary

Considering the millions of international flights each year and the thousands of people who take adventure vacations, it’s only a very small number who lose or have things stolen. Take sensible precautions, and your Tuscany walking tour, Peru Trek, Galapagos Cruise, or Botswana Safari will be remembered for the irreplaceable memories you gained and not the items you lost.

About Boundless Journeys

Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.