Part Five:  Participation Policies   

Everything is packed; you have had a good night’s sleep, a decent meal and even enjoyed your book on the plane, now the real adventure begins!  To live this travel adventure to the fullest you must participate.  The following are simple “Participation Policies” that will insure a good time by everyone.

JET LAG POLICY:  JUST KEEP WALKING

Plan a simple but active, activity for your first day.  Most overseas flights arrive in the morning (not necessarily the morning hour to which you are accustomed).  Avoid going to your hotel and “resting”.  A picnic in a near by park, a stroll through a local community or a museum will keep you awake until it is a reasonable time to sleep.  You should awaken the next day refreshed and ready to enjoy the day and the rest of your adventure.

(If you are traveling only a short distance, jet lag should not be a concern.  However, following the Jet Lag Policy will help you acclimate to your new environment, even if it is just a few hours drive from home.)

KEEP HEALTHY POLICY I:  DEHYDRATION CAN BE DEADLY

Water is an absolute essential part of our existence.  You must be very conscious about the amount of water you drink especially when traveling.  You can become dehydrated even when it is cold outside!  Everyone fears they will get sick from drinking the water.  Most countries now have potable water and if not, all places have bottled water. (FYI, make sure the bottled water you purchase has a sealed cap.  Local young ones have been known to collect empty bottles and fill them with regular tap water and sell them to the unknowing tourist at a great bargain price.)  Buying water should be included in your trip expenditures.  Do not forego drinking water to save money.  Inquire about the water where you are staying and at restaurants.  Remember, ice is simply frozen water!  Finally, take heed, alcohol and carbonated beverages (such as Coke and Pepsi) actually dehydrate…..even though you may feel refreshed, you have not rehydrated!  Drink water.

KEEP HEALTHY POLICY II:  IT IS NOT WHAT, IT IS HOW MUCH YOU EAT AND DRINK THAT MAKES YOU SICK 

Travelers love to blame the local food and water for any and all distresses they encounter while in a foreign country.  Most often people get sick because they eat too much and drink too much.  Sampling the local foods and spirits is one of the most enjoyable parts of any travel adventure.  Just do it in moderation.  A glass of wine or a mug of beer makes any meal more enjoyable.  However, a glass of all the wines from the nearby vineyards or a mug of each different type of beer will spoil the meal and probably the next two days of your trip.  Avoid eating large quantities of rich foods.  Belgium waffles with whipped cream and strawberries are a great breakfast treat but do not provide lasting energy for a day long hike around the town!  Keep energy bars handy and remember nuts are a great source of energy.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY POLICY I:  REMEMBER THE SUN BURNS EVEN ON CLOUDY DAYS

When outdoors for any length of time use sun screen, sun glasses and wear a brimmed hat.   It makes no difference if it is hot or cold, clear or cloudy, you must protect yourself from the sun.  Remember the often forgotten places such as the tops of your ears, tip of your nose and your feet.  Nothing will spoil a hike faster than the inability to put on shoes because your feet are sun burned!

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY POLICY II:  HAVE FUN EVEN IN THE RAIN

Try to follow your itinerary even if the weather does not cooperate.  Sitting in the hotel room pouting and complaining about the weather only makes you miserable.  Put on your rain gear and go….you might be pleasantly surprised how beautiful the county side is when it is raining.  Inclement weather also provides a great opportunity to enjoy some conversation time with the locals over a hot cup of tea or a beer at the corner café.  Making an honest effort to get out and do something will reap great rewards.

GROUP TRAVEL POLICY:  EVERYONE NEEDS THEIR OWN QUIET TIME

Part One:  The Purpose

Part Two:  The People

Part Three:  Packing

Part Four:  Preparing for Departure

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