If you want to take a trip that will get your adrenaline pumping and will create memories to last a lifetime, river rafting is an excellent choice. There are many places to river raft, both in the United States and across the globe. If you have never been river rafting before, it is important to be prepared and to take your time planning your first trip. Your effort will definitely pay off, and all of your planning will make a big difference. Use the following tips to help you plan an amazing river rafting trip.
Carefully Select a Guided River Rafting Outfitter
When you are new to river rafting, it is extremely important to take a tour with a reputable river rafting outfitter. When you take a tour, your trip will be completely planned, and it will be led by highly trained and experienced guides. Once you decide which destination you will be visiting, you can then begin looking at your river rafting outfitter options and begin narrowing down your choices. Make sure that you learn as much as you can about each outfitter, especially regarding their safety record. It can also be beneficial to read reviews from past customers to get a better idea of what to expect.
Establish a Budget
River rafting trips can range from affordable to extremely expensive, depending on where you go, which river rafting outfitter you choose, and what is included. Thus, it is important to set a budget for your trip in advance. Once you know how much you can afford to comfortably spend, you can begin looking at your options and crossing out outfitters whose tours may be too expensive. You are much more likely to enjoy your first river rafting trip if you know that it is within your price range.
Review Itineraries
Each river rafting tour is unique, and each outfitter has their own itinerary. After you have selected a couple of river rafting outfitters that are reputable and within your budget, carefully review the itineraries that they offer. Some river rafting trips may be all about being out on the water, while others may include hikes and visits to attractions in the area. In addition to looking at the itineraries offered, also make sure that you know what type of lodging is included. Some river rafting tours may include cabin or hotel stays, but many involve overnight tent camping.