When taking a trip, prior planning and preparation are very important aspects to take into account. It's not just about deciding where we want to go and booking accommodation. We must think carefully about the destination we are going to, the activities we are going to do or the people we are traveling with. On an adventure tourism trip this is even more necessary.

Without a doubt, active tourism is an ideal option for nature lovers who want to discover new places and surprise themselves by practicing Adventure activities. The options are multiple: hiking, trekking, rafting, kayaking, climbing, caving... Activities that, sometimes, involve certain risks or issues that should not be overlooked.

On the other hand, we must take into account the environment in which we find ourselves. If something defines adventure tourism, it is that it is carried out in full contact with nature. Therefore, our way of behaving at the destination must be in line with this.

Below, we present a series of Tips to make your active tourism trip a success, with the opinions of 7 renowned travel bloggers. Additionally, at the end of the article you will find an infographic that visually summarizes everything discussed! I hope you like it 🙂

Tips for your first active tourism trip from Nattule

#1 Choose your destination well.

The first thing is to decide where you want to go. This decision depends on many factors, of course: the time you have, the budget you have, whether you are traveling alone, in a group or with your family...

And, of course, your preferences. There may be a Nature Reserve that you have always wanted to visit, or that the dream of your life is observe the Iberian wolf in freedom. In that case, the destinations are marked.

In any case, keep in mind that you don't have to go far to go on great adventure trips. Within Spain there are truly amazing nature destinations that are worth knowing. What counts, above all, is your desire to explore.

#2 Investigate.

Once the fundamental decision has been made, it is important to seek information about the destination. Especially if you are going to travel to a different country, you should find out about the necessary documents, vaccines or medical precautions, languages, currency, etc.

But even without leaving Spain, it doesn't hurt to take some precautions. For example, if you are going to visit a protected area, such as a National or Natural Park, you can find out about the restrictions that exist for your visit, if pets are allowed or if there are areas that cannot be visited.

Of course, you will find information about all this on the internet or in travel guides. But if you want first-hand information, let other travelers advise you. Experience counts.

#3 Pay attention to luggage.

Several aspects influence what luggage we should take on an adventure trip. The most obvious is the climate of your destination, which will depend on the area you want to visit and the time of year you go.

But beyond that, the activity or activities you want to practice will also determine what you should put in your suitcase. For example, if you are going hiking in the mountains you should not forget good boots and something warm; If water sports are your thing, the swimsuit should come first.

They are very obvious examples. The point is to take into account the objectives of your trip when packing your suitcase and avoid bringing unnecessary things. In any case, remember that for almost all adventure activities the key is to wear comfortable and light clothing.

#4 Be aware of your physical condition.

Think that on an active tourism trip you are mainly going to exercise. Be honest with yourself and determine what activities you are or are not capable of carrying out. If you are not prepared to do that this year ascent of Mount Toubkal What were you waiting for, don't worry. I'm sure there are other equally incredible routes you can start with. The mountain is not going to move from there.

In the meantime, train. Take advantage of your free days to go on small excursions and thus arrive with a good level of physical fitness for your vacation. You will surely appreciate it.

#5 Pay attention to the guides.

It seems obvious, but sometimes we forget. Active or adventure tourism activities usually involve a certain risk. Therefore, it is very important to always follow the rules and instructions of the guides and instructors when carrying out any activity.

Even if you think you know how to do it well (which is possible), think that they dedicate themselves to this every day and have much more experience. Paying attention to everything they tell you can avoid some scares.

#6 Carry a small first aid kit.

We have already said it: we are going on an adventure, and adventure entails risks. Even if all you're going to do is hike through the countryside, there can be small mishaps: falls, bites, etc.

Therefore, even if you have contracted the activity with a company and are accompanied by a guide, it never hurts to carry a small personal first aid kit with you at all times. Among the things that should not be missing are insect repellent, sunscreen, pain relievers, antihistamines and bandages.

We hope you don't have to use it; But don't forget: a cautious adventurer is worth two.

#7 Free yourself from technology.

You are immersed in nature, enjoying a hiking trail under the moonlight, or perhaps exploring the territory of the Iberian lynx in Andújar. Do you really want to see all that through your mobile phone screen?

It's okay that you want to send pictures of all the amazing things you're discovering to your family and friends, but now is not the time. I'm not saying don't take photos; You will also want to have memories of your adventure. But avoid spending all your time glued to your cell phone, broadcasting your trip to others.

Enjoy every moment, live and without technological ties, because you may not be able to repeat it again.

Up to here, the tips from Nattule.

Tips for your first active tourism trip from expert travel bloggers

Next, 7 travel bloggers give you their personal advice so that your adventure comes to fruition:  

#8 Look for different alternatives.

Cristina Rodríguez, creator of Round trip – Travel blog- , encourages us to look for different alternatives within the same destination.

“First of all, look for information and document all the options there are. Choose according to the time of year and the destination, and look for alternative routes out of the ordinary. A clear example is the visit to El Tranco [in the Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Natural Park], not very well known and totally recommended.”

#9 It has specialized companies.

Fernando Chacón and Verónica Cussi, bloggers of Tourist, they suggest we contract the activities with specialized companies such as Nattule.

Furthermore, in their own words, this type of portal will allow you to “discover more about active tourism and learn about all the alternatives you may have if you are considering taking a trip of this type.”

#10 Prepare for the activity you are going to do.

For José scribe, from the blog Routes through SpainThe most important thing is preparation.

“To enjoy the experience you have to be well prepared. We must wear appropriate footwear, a light backpack and water. If we go with children, we must first check the difficulty of the activity and whether it is appropriate for their age.

Adventure tourism is a fun experience if we use our heads and are prepared. We will enjoy it more if we take the appropriate measures.”

Totally agree!

#11 Plan the route.

Iradier Rovira, one of the authors of Memories of my backpack, emphasizes planning the route to be taken.

“You have to plan an adventure trip well before doing it: route to follow, appropriate clothing… If possible, it is better to go with someone; and, of course, bring reserves of water, snacks, etc. But, above all, enjoy!”

#12 Respect the environment.

Iradier's partner in Memories of my backpack is Rebeca Gavilán. She focuses on one of the most important topics when taking an adventure trip: respect for nature.

“When we enjoy activities in nature, we must always be respectful of the environment, taking care of the flora and fauna so that they remain as if we had not been there.”

#13 Let yourself be surprised.

Miguel Ángel Múñoz, photographer and author of the blog Like at home anywhere, encourages us to detach ourselves from the material and focus our attention on the details.

“He carries little physical baggage and a lot of mental baggage; enjoy the minimum; take different photos, that escape from the usual.”

#14 Enjoy!

This is the advice of Gonzalo Da Cuña, blogger Land without limitsWell, in his words, “daring with an active tourism trip will make you discover something more, feel in contact with nature and get to know the charms of the area in a different way. In a different way that you will never discover if you just get out of the car or train to take the photo.

Surely if you try it you will repeat, because it is a new and very fun way to enjoy the charms of the corners of our country.”

Surely you are already looking forward to packing your suitcase.

Infographic: Tips for your first active tourism trip

I hope that these tips are useful to you or that, at the very least, you have been bitten by the active tourism bug. Do not forget: plan, enjoy and respect the environment. Only in this way will we be able to use responsible and beneficial tourism for ourselves and for nature.

What are you waiting for? Adventure awaits you!