17 Sure Ways to Ruin Your Vacation

Thursday, April 11th, 2013

Top adventure vacations The best way to achieve a successful adventure vacation is to pinpoint where you could go wrong. Take heed from these 17 ways to ruin your travels.

1. Lose something very important to you early

For starters, why are you travelling with something very important to you anyway? If you don’t have a good answer to this question, don’t bring it. If you must travel with this precious possession, keep it in the same safe place the whole time. There’s nothing worse than regret right out of the gate.

2. Book tricky flight connections

Flights are bad enough when they’re on schedule. Do yourself a favour and play it safe with connection times.

3. Trust everyone

Trusting in people is a good thing. Trusting everyone is just stupid. No matter where you go in this world, there will be someone waiting to take advantage of you. Remember, you can be polite and cautious at the same time.

4. Travel at the wrong time

Arriving in the destination of your dreams isn’t nearly as satisfying if you do so in the middle of the windy/rainy season and a heated political election is just around the corner.

5. Don’t plan for arrival

Saying “I’ll figure that out when I get there,” is just lazy talk for “I care more about present me than future me.” Don’t be lazy.

6. Summon Roaming charges

It’s 2013 and people are still citing horror stories of $1,000+ roaming charges. Good for cell phone companies I guess?

7. Don’t carry an emergency phone

As steep as roaming charges are, it’s usually a good idea to have an emergency phone. Unforeseen circumstances are travels best friend. In turn, your backup phone can suddenly be your best friend.

8. Buy loads of needless souvenirs at the beginning of your trip

Trust me, the person you bought the 10 lb tribal statue for isn’t going to derive any additional significance from the gesture just because you lugged it around for two weeks.

9. Lose your passport

Ewww. That would be ugly.

10. Pack too much

Okay, maybe packing too much isn’t going to “ruin your trip,” but it may ruin your back.

11. Fill yourself with expectations

Expectations are the root of all disappointment. It was Aldous Huxley who said, “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” If this is true, keep an open mind.

12. Do what others think you should do instead of what you want to

No matter where you go, someone will tell you, “Oh you just must do this or that.” Must you?

13. Over schedule your days with unrealistic plans

A packed schedule is great for options, but can be a trip killer if you take it too seriously.

14. Take a cheapo camera

Cameras are no longer expensive, even good ones. The difference between a cheap and decent camera can be as little as $20. It’s worth it (on any budget) to have high quality pictures.

15. Neglect sun protection

It’s such a tragic irony that westerners travel great distances to find the sun, and the sun alone is the one who spoils the travels.

16. Don’t buy travel medical insurance

An injury abroad is bad. An injury abroad without insurance is worse. Not only could it ruin your vacation, it could potentially ruin your life.

17. Forget to call your credit card company

Relying on your credit card, only to have it cancelled, is a common and devastating dilemma. Don’t learn this one the hard way.

Filed in Travel Tips | Tagged adventure vacations gone wrong, common travel mishaps, travel mistakes, travel tips | Permalink | Comments (0)

How much should adventure travel tours cost?

Thursday, April 4th, 2013

Adventure vacations pricing

Like most products and services, you can spend as much or as little as you want on your adventure vacation – from uber-swanky 5-star experiences to ultra-budget tours on a shoestring. The real question is, what is it that you want and how far can/should you stretch your dollar to get it.

Tour prices and offerings vary drastically from company to company and region to region. According to an industry sample taken in 2011, the average adventure tour’s cost-per-day is roughly $359. The lowest and highest cost-per-day are approximately $157 and $884 respectively.

In general, less expensive tours offer lower-end accommodation, less support (administrative, organization, customization, and guides), and a limited set of offerings included in the trip price. These tours are great for people who want the bare essentials taken care of and plan to spend more money along the way as they please. Moving up towards the more expensive adventure tours, we typically find high-end equipment (racing bikes, kayaks, etc), elaborate hotels, larger numbers of experienced guides per traveller, and often a more all-inclusive price tag.

Keep in mind, the higher the expense of the packaged vacation, the more likely you are to pay for something you don’t need. Some travellers don’t mind this. Others do. It really depends on where you want to be in the spectrum.

Here are 4 tips to help you decided how much to spend on your active vacation.

1 » 5-star hotels are a waste if you’re only using them to sleep

High-end hotels are great, but only if you’re truly using them. If the vacation you’re interested in involves long and active days outdoors with meals along the way, 5-star accommodation may not add as much value to your vacation as it would in a leisure setting.

2 » Company reviews will reveal whether or not a tour’s price is justified

Occasionally tours with seemingly very similar offerings have very different prices. This makes it difficult to discern which ones are the better value. Fortunately, online reviews have drastically increased the transparency of adventure travel companies. The truth is, there are a slew of tour companies out there that are passionate about travel. These companies go above and beyond to share the excitement they’ve found in regions all over the world. In most cases, these companies will be exposed in their reviews.

3 » Make sure your destination is aligned to your needs

A commonly overlooked reason for trip dissatisfaction is the occurrence that the country wasn’t equipped to handle the expectations of the traveller. Moving from 1^stto 3^rd world territories presents a complication for travellers who expect the western definition of luxury and amenities. If you’re looking for an upscale experience in places that aren’t accustomed to that style of travel, expect to pay severely inflated prices. Otherwise, ask yourself if the place you are wanting to visit is aligned with your particular travel style. Ensuring these expectations are aligned will help keep you on budget.

4 » Self-guided tours are cost effective

If you’re a traveller looking for an independent experience with all the logistics taken care of, self-guided tours are likely for you. With no guide fees to factor into trip costs, companies are able to offer tours at reduced prices.

Filed in Travel Tips | Tagged adventure vacations, average price for adventure tours, costing help with travel, how much should i pay for an adventure tour, typical cost of travel | Permalink | Comments (0)

A Reflection of the Galápagos Multi-Sport by Lisa Lauchlan

Friday, March 15th, 2013

Galapagos Islands groups The Galápagos Multi-sport is one of BikeHike’s most popular adventure tours. As a result, eager potential travellers regularly ask us, “What is this tour like? Why is it so special!?”

We go on to explain that it is the definitive Galápagos experience, travelling by land and exploring island nooks by bike, kayak, snorkel, and foot. But sometimes it’s better to let the traveller tell the story.

Returning from the Galápagos Multi-sport in March of 2013, Lisa Lauchlan wrote a letter to her group and was kind enough to let us share it with you! She does a splendid job of painting a vivid picture of what to expect.

Greetings team Galápagos!

I came home to rain and grey skies in Vancouver and could not help but wish I could be back in the Galápagos complaining every so slightly about the heat.
It seems all of the Galápagos wildlife is unjaded by man and our historic foibles

I am usually adept in telling stories or recounting adventures but as hard as I try, I can’t seem to fully convey how wonderful that trip was to friends and family.

Certainly words pale in comparison to actually witnessing the cacophony at the fish market…how can one describe that action packed show? Fish gutters working away, hardly noticing the young hopeful sea lions at their feet like dogs and the row of pelicans behind them – even the odd daring marine iguana risking getting trampled for a fish morsel…it really has to be seen to be believed.

I don’t know about you but I find it hard to put into words the feeling one gets when interacting in a playful manner with a wild marine mammal…making eye contact, seeing facial expressions that could only mean delight and joy (even if it does mean anthropomorphizing, I know it was real). It seems all of the Galápagos wildlife is unjaded by man and our historic foibles.

I will admit to having a momentary shock at the early wake up calls and the active pace of the agenda set for us. This will lead to another admission of my being rather spoiled in my travels over the past decade. I am blessed with the kind of job that rewards us with trips in 5 star locations and I believe this led me to inadvertently slip into the elitist tourist coma.

I had forgotten how special it could be to find a perfectly hospitable family run accommodation. It seems temperamental plumbing is always part of the adventure as it was when I was backpaking 25 years ago, and in the end a cool shower was what I wanted. It was nice to be reminded of all the things I have in the 5 to 6 star locals but don’t really need in order to have a truly satisfying experience

I will also admit that this is the first vacation in a long time that has not led me to come home and reach for the extra stretchy pants at the back of the wardrobe. I liked the fact that it was a team effort to challenge ourselves.

It was a pleasure getting to know you all and I truly enjoyed the one-on-one conversations we managed to eek out in our busy ten days.

Very best to each and every one of you, my dear new friends.

~ Lisa Lauchlan

Filed in Galapagos | Tagged galapagos adventure tours, galapagos multi-sport reviews, galapagos travel journal, traveller memoires | Permalink | Comments (0)

40 of the Best Biking Quotes of All-Time

Thursday, March 14th, 2013

“Bicycles may change, but cycling is timeless.” ~ Zapata Espinoza

“Bicycling is a big part of the future. It has to be. There’s something wrong with a society that drives a car to work out in a gym.” ~ Bill Nye

“Life is like a ten speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use.” ~ Charles M. Schulz

“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of riding a bike.” ~ John F. Kennedy

“Bicycles are the indicator species of a community, like shellfish in a bay.” ~ P. Martin Scott

Claude Pepper

“Life is like riding a bicycle. You don’t fall off unless you plan to stop pedaling.” ~ Claude Pepper

“Cyclers see considerable more of this beautiful world than any other class of citizens. A good bicycle, well applied, will cure most ills this flesh is heir to.” ~ Dr. K. K. Doty

“The bicycle is just as good company as most husbands and, when it gets old and shabby, a woman can dispose of it and get a new one without shocking the entire community.” ~ Ann Strong

“The bicycle is a curious vehicle. Its passenger is its engine.” ~ John Howard

“When my legs hurt, I say: “Shut up legs! Do what I tell you to do!” ~ Jens Voigt

“Bicycles are almost as good as guitars for meeting girls” ~ Bob Weir, Grateful Dead

“The bicycle has done more for the emancipation of women than anything else in the world.” ~ Susan B. Anthony

“Bicycles have no walls.” ~ Paul Cornish

“Never use your face as a brake pad.” ~ Jake Watson

“You don’t suffer, kill yourself and take the risks I take just for money. I love bicycling.” ~ Greg LeMond

Carl Sagan

“If constellations had been named in the 20th century, I suppose we would see bicycles.” ~ Carl Sagan

“Think of bicycles as rideable art that can just about save the world.” ~ Grant Petersen

“The bicycle is the noblest invention of mankind.” ~ William Saroyan

“A bicycle ride around the world begins with a single pedal stroke.” ~ Scott Stoll

“A bicycle ride is a flight from sadness.” ~ James E. Starrs

“The advantages? Exercise, no parking problems, gas prices, it’s fun. An automobile is expensive. You have to find a place to park and it’s not fun. So why not ride a bicycle? I recommend it.” ~ Stephen G. Breyer

“Brains before beauty, wear your helmet!” – Unknown

“Cycle tracks will abound in Utopia.” ~ H.G. Wells

Greg Lemond

“It never gets easier, you just go faster.” ~ Greg LeMond

“There is nothing, absolutely nothing, quite so worthwhile as simply messing about on bicycles.” ~ Tom Kunich

“I like riding a bicycle build for two – by myself.” ~ Harry S. Truman

“Don’t buy upgrades, ride up grades.” ~ Unknown

“Work to eat. Eat to live. Live to bike. Bike to work.” ~ Unknown

“When you’re turning the crankset, you’re riding the bike. When you’re coasting, you’re just along for the ride.” ~ Ned Overend

“A raggedy ride beats a dressed up walk.” ~ Simon Peat

“The best rides are the ones where you bite off much more than you can chew, and live through it.” ~ Doug Bradbury

“Death may have no master, but the bicycle is, most emphatically, not its slave.” ~ James E Starts

Eddy Merckx

“Ride as much or as little, or as long or as short as you feel. But ride.” ~ Eddy Merckx

“It’s the first machine we master as children and the one we abandon when the seductions of the automobile take over.” ~ Colman Mc Cartly

“Every time I see an adult on a bicycle I no longer despair for the future of the human race.” ~ H.G. Wells

“A mountain bike is like your buddy. A road bike is your lover.” ~ Sean Coffey

“Life may not be about your bike, but it sure can help you get through it.” ~ Hallman

“I ride my bicycle to ride my bicycle.” ~ Unknown

“Get a bicycle. You will certainly not regret it, if you live.” ~ Mark Twain

“Like dogs, bicycles are social catalysts that attract a superior category of people.” ~ Chip Brown

Read The 40 Best Adventure Quotes of All-Time

Filed in Lists | Tagged all-time best bike quotations, best bicycling phrases, biking quotes, cycling quotes, cycling sayings, words of wisdom | Permalink | Comments (1)

Top 5 Destinations You’ll Want to Visit Twice

Monday, March 11th, 2013

It’s a big world with lots to see. As a result, choosing to double back to places we’ve already visited can be difficult to justify. Regardless, some places are worthy of the second trip. Here are five destinations that leave us wanting more.

1 » France

With its well-documented set of romantic culture, world-class art, and refined cuisine, France delivers everything first-time visitors are hoping for. The rub is that it could take a lifetime to soak it all in (the Louvre itself garners nearly a week of worthwhile browsing). Cities like Paris, Cannes, and Le Mans offer an infectious brand of café living. Getting away from the city and into country regions like Provence exposes a whole new world – wide-open fields, vineyards, and timeless villages just waiting for a visit.

2 » Ecuador

If you tell a friend you’re going to Ecuador, they’ll likely respond with a question like, “Mainland Ecuador or The Galápagos Islands?” Although both destinations host a slew of adventure, animals, and activities, they differ greatly in terms of terrain and warrant a trip all to their own.

3 » Canada

The world’s second-largest country, Canada is also one of the most diverse. From west to east, Canada is home to different climates, animals, languages, music, and pastimes. Due to its size, most travellers opt to visit one location of Canada at a time. Thanks to its overwhelming beauty and friendly citizens, most travellers choose to come back and check out the rest.

4 » Brazil

Big, bold, and beautiful, Brazil is easily one of the most exciting destinations in the world. It has beaches, rain forest, and upbeat urban cities waiting to carry you away. Many people visit Brazil believing they are going to see it all. Unfortunately, that’s simply impossible to do over the course of just one vacation – there’s just too much to see. Although there are a slew of adventure tours in Brazil for travellers with both big and small budgets, they mainly focus on one region at a time. To get the full experience, multiple trips are a necessity.

5 » Cuba

Cuba is an enigmatic country that refuses to mold to the interpretations of outsiders. This is because Cuba is constantly changing from decade to decade. With the highly publicized United States embargo and rapidly changing economy/tourism industry, who knows what tomorrow holds for Cuba. As a result, vacations spanning different decades reveal a changed country and a fresh experience.

Filed in Lists | Tagged best countries to visit twice, Brazil, Canada, cuba, galapagos, Galápagos Islands, provence cycling tours, revisiting a country | Permalink | Comments (0)