BY CLAY LARROY
When you choose to travel, whether it is for business or
pleasure, it is important to plan your trip well before hand. Here are some
tips to help you. Don't be afraid to cash in your airline miles. Many travelers
let their miles accumulate and never bother using them. Reap the rewards of
your traveling and spend the miles you've earned! Miles have expiration dates,
so be sure to use them before they expire. Travelling is a great way to use
your airline miles. When you need to plan a vacation contact me!
PLANNING
Travelers
are well advised to book as far in advance as possible, allowing plenty of time
to get the best possible airfares and rates on guides, as well as to make
appropriate preparations for shots and medications if advisable for your
destination. Some tour operators, particularly the specialists in birding,
actually sell out of available slots, so booking in advance makes for good
sense. When planning, inquire about the size of the group as well as its
make-up. From an ornithological point of view, small groups have advantages in
that they are quieter in the field and afford more access to the guide. Small
groups move more quickly and are less obtrusive to the ecology of the
destination. If the tour company uses small vehicles, the group will be more
responsive to finding birds and to changing conditions or locations. Large
buses or other vehicles are less responsive, but can carry more occupants and
are sometimes more comfortable. Finally, is the pace of the daily itineraries
aggressive, rising early and setting off, or does it travel at a more relaxed
pace? In the end, it all comes to your personal preferences as a traveler and a
bird watcher. Discuss with your traveling companions the parameters of the
trip. Make sure that everyone is in agreement on the type of trip, the
destination and the physical demands. A failure to consider the abilities and
preferences of all concerned during the planning stage will create problems
later in the trip.
If
you plan on traveling with children, make sure that your travel consultant
checks with the tour operator about the appropriateness of the trip for the child’s
age range and for the overall make-up of the group. The costs associated with
your bird watching trip will be your transportation to the destination, your
transportation at the destination, your accommodations, your food, any guide
services and any entry fees. Tipping of guides should also be considered an
expense you will incur. Many tour operators cover all, or some large portion,
of these items in the cost of their tour. Determine exactly what is included
and what will be an additional expense, to avoid last-minute surprises.
The
first step to planning a birding vacation is to make sure that you are prepared
for the physical demands of the trip. While almost anyone can go birding, it is
important to choose a trip that matches both the preferences and the physical
capacities of the traveler. Some destinations require extensive trekking in
terrain that may prohibit some from the rigors of the experience, as can the
need to spend several hours at a time in a vehicle. A few hours a week walking,
stretching and actually birding will prepare you adequately for most trips. If,
however, your planned excursion will take you into more demanding terrain, make
sure to train appropriately.
In
addition to considerations of the physical demands of a birding vacation, the
traveler should be aware of the necessity to protect against any indigenous
disease such as malaria or yellow fever. As early as possible in the planning
stage, the traveler should consult a physician to determine what shots and
other precautions should be undertaken prior to travel.
Ask
your tour operator for information on your daily itinerary to determine the
hours you will spend in the field, the terrain and the birds you will likely
encounter. Some advance research will better equip you to respond adequately to
chance encounters with wildlife and to prepare for the daily rigors of the
trip.
Your
tour operator no doubt will provide a complete list of recommended clothing and
gear. In general, however, it is a good idea to pack as lightly as possible. A
good pair of boots will be appreciated as will a hat and other protection from
the sun. Do not forget the sunglasses and sunscreen! Loose clothing that can be
layered and shed as the day warms works well. It is a good idea to take long
sleeve shirts and light jackets for the evening cool and to protect against
mosquitoes during the night. Insect repellent? Yes! Neutral colors help the
traveler to blend in and are less likely to attract insects.
"Convertible" shirts and pants are favorite garments owing to their
versatility. Pack any medications with you in their original containers. The
season in which you travel to your destination will largely determine your
wardrobe, so get advice from your tour operator. Naturally, you will want to
take along your personal bird watching gear such as cameras, binoculars, stands
and tape recorder. Field guides are most helpful as will be your notebooks and
checklists. For night tracking, a flashlight or helmet light is useful. A
suitable daypack will help you with carrying your gear comfortably.
With
preparations made and bags packed, here’s to one in the hand AND two in the
bush!
REFERENCE SITES:
“Bird watching is now North America's second most popular outdoor activity (second only to gardening).”
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