If you
want to try a holiday onboard a cruise ship,
yacht, boat, canoe, kayak, raft, gondola or
canal boat then there are also options available
to you. Here are some tips about this kind
of travel.
WHAT
TO TAKE
Depending on the mode of transport this
will obviously affect your travel wardrobe.
Cruise ships will entail different clothes
to a canoe trip. Whatever the mode of transport
(and more particularly if you are trying
to fit gear into a small space) pack as
light as possible. If you are on a boat
where you are open to the elements (ie kayak,
raft, canoe, yacht etc) then you need to
take clothing that dries quickly but is
still warm. There are lots of fabrics available
now that do this. Generally avoid 100% cotton
items and try to get materials like polypropolene
that is warm and drips dry fairly quickly.
Clothing in this material is usually available
from hiking stores.
It can be surprising how cold you can get
on a hot day if you are out in the wind
and get wet. Take lots of warm clothing.
Alternatively it can be really hot on the
water with sun reflections.
Other essential items: compass, first aid
kit, knife, repair kit for boats, additional
food and clothing, equipment for an overnight
shelter (even if it is a day trip).
FOOD
AND WATER
Just because you are on the water does not
mean drinking water is available. Take adequate
liquid supplies. If you are camping there
are plenty of easy to prepare meals available
in packet form (make sure you remove all
rubbish when you leave the camp). Snack
foods like food bars and a trail mix are
adviseable for in between periods.
ACCOMODATION
Obviously this will depend on your mode
of transport. If you are coming ashore at
night you may consider some of the accommodation
options we offer through our booking
engine. If you are camping on a water
route make sure you practice low impact
camping (i.e what you bring in you take
away – note that on some water ways
even human waste is supposed to be brought
out).
SAFETY
Weather conditions can change fast on water.
Know the weather forecast and the expected
weather at that time of year. Also keep
an eye on tides and estimated sun down times.
Always take a medical kit with you. Remember
any trip on the water should be planned
bearing in mind it could turn into an overnight
trip even if it is supposed to be a 1-day
activity. The best solution for the first
signs of hypothermia are a warm, sweet drink.
Take a compass, first aid kit and additional
supplies of food and water with you.
