As a doctor, an adventure trip is not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of planning a holiday. And we understand your apprehensions; may be your spouse or kids are not too enthusiastic about outdoors or you want to spend time relaxing. But guess what? You don’t have to necessarily rough it out like professionals. You would be a beginner, so start with beginner-level adventure.

Never been on an adventure trip? Never thought of letting your kids experience nature in its purest form?

Well, do it now! Plan your first outdoor adventure trip with the ideas and tips we have shared here.

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There are plenty of activities and sports you can try as a beginner, such as camping, hiking, river crossing, bird-watching, going on a jungle safari and more. Kids too can join you in most of these, however, there are also many resort-based outdoor sports that they can enjoy, like rock climbing and zip line. Even adventure trips can be enjoyable and relaxing, all you have to do is plan it right.

How to plan an outdoor adventure

Your first or second or even third outdoor adventure trip doesn’t have to be tiring or demanding too much of your energy. The idea is to get closer to nature and try out activities that you and your family can enjoy.

1. First, consider the company for your holiday; it could be family or friends.

Now, it being your first time, you may want to keep it short – a weekend or just one day.

If you want to go with your family – spouse and kids, you will have to keep in mind their preferences in terms of travel and the choice of activities. If it is friends you are going with, then perhaps, you would have lesser restrictions on how you travel.

2. The preferred mode of travel. Depending upon the preferred mode of travel, figure the time-distance you can cover.

3. Basis your answer, identify options of outdoor adventure sites or resorts (that facilitate outdoor sports and activities) in the coverable time-distance.

If you are driving, plan your halts at places that are close to a natural waterbody or open grasslands, a farm, or just away from modern infrastructure. This is where your adventure begins!

4. Choose a place that has something for everyone. The kids may already have an idea about what they want to try out, that should help you decide the place from the options available to you. Still, if you can, choose a place, which has activities that the entire family or a group of friends can engage in together.

5. The budget. This one is self-explanatory; depending upon all your criteria, you will know how much money you will have to shell out.

1. Always check travel sites or contact the resort/activity operator for discounts or better packages of activities and accommodation.
2. If you still feel the cost of a particular resort/site/activity is a little too high, look for other options.
3. If you are not sure whether the expenses will get your family as much enjoyment, go for a trial. Figure out simple activities like picnic at the beach or camping near a lake (you may want to check on appropriate permissions before finalising).
4. Buy props for games, which can’t be played sitting and encourage team-work, or buy tools to use for hiking, exploring a cave or trekking up to a short distance. This will also help you gauge the interest levels of your family members for the next trip.

6. Pack for the planned and the unplanned.

1. Packing the basics – phone chargers, cameras, western-wear or active wear, sports shoes, caps as per requirement – is a given.
2. Also pack raingear or windcheater, sunscreen and any other seasonal items, protein bars, water, wearable mosquito repellents, medicines, enough change for cash and ID proofs.
3. Whether you are with children or adults, carrying First Aid is a must. Also ensure you have with you all contact numbers of the local emergency services and car repair service.
4. You have to be really flexible when it comes to outdoors. It is possible that your plan may not materialise due to unforeseen circumstances, such as rain. In that case, get creative and figure out a back-up activity, so that your kids don’t refuse the outdoor trip idea the next time.

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Recommendations: Outdoor activities and destinations for beginners

Bird watching

• Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Rajasthan
• Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary, Orissa
• Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka
• The Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary at Gurgaon

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Trekking

• Karnala Fort near Mumbai
• The Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
• Madhugiri Fort near Bengaluru

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Hiking

• Chapora Fort, Goa
• Tikona Fort near Mumbai-Pune Expressway

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Camping

• Manchinbele, Bengaluru
• Pawna Lake near Lonavala
• Doladanga near Kolkata

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Jungle safari

• Ranthambore National Park, Rajasthan
• Gir Forest, Gujarat

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Caving (cave exploration)

• Borra Caves in Araku, Vizag
• Elephanta Caves, Mumbai
• Udayagiri and Khandgiri Caves, Bhubaneshwar

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Flying Fox

• Neemrana, Rajasthan
• Rishikesh in Uttarakhand

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Bike ride/Motorcycling tours

• Kochi to Munnar
• Manali to Leh
• Jaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer
• Sikkim-Darjeeling
• Ahmedabad to Rann of Kutchh

9. Hot air ballooning

• Many beaches of Goa
• Jaipur and Pushkar in Rajasthan
• Lonavala near Mumbai
• Rishikesh

10. Parasailing

• Many beaches of Goa
• Kovalam beach
• Alibagh near Mumbai
• Tarkarli in Malwan district

Note: Most of these can be kid-friendly sites/activities, depending upon the service provider you choose.

Embracing the outdoors, the countryside (also the absence of an AC and the ‘no network zones’) can make you more flexible towards difficulties and give you a chance to bond with each other. Being amidst nature makes you see, wonder, ponder and question, not forgetting the rejuvenation and that happy-tired feeling you experience. Try it once to see how exciting an adventure holiday can be!

This article was originally published on 27.09.19