Adventure travel is a key holiday trend for 2016,[i] and Aussies are paving the way as adrenaline junkies. With summer on the horizon in the Southern hemisphere and blankets of snow set to descend in the North, now is the perfect time to plan an adventure trip – no matter what you’re into.

Claudio Saita, Deputy CEO and Executive Director in Australia for Tokio Marine, underwriters for World2Cover travel insurance, said: “Research shows the adventure travel market is worth around AU$343 billion a year worldwide,[ii] and a whopping 2.7% of Australia’s 12.9 million travellers reported engaging in some kind of adventure activity on their last holiday.[iii]

 “Those who travelled overseas were substantially more likely to have done something adventurous while they were away compared to those who holidayed domestically, and activities can be anything from “hard” adventure such as trekking, bungee jumping or white water rafting, to “soft” adventure like birdwatching, camping or cycling.”

Whether you’re planning to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef this summer, one of the Natural Wonders of the World, or whizz down the world’s steepest zipline in Queenstown this spring, the team at World2Cover has these tips to keep your status as daredevil, not disaster:

Do your homework – Accidents usually happen when you are not prepared. While planning your trip, research the month you intend to travel in as the season can greatly effect conditions. For example, climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is not advised during the rainy season (March – May).[iv] Once you’re at your destination be sure to check out conditions before any adventure, such as when high and low tide are if in the water and how rough the waves look if you’re jet skiing.

Travel smart – If you’re travelling to volatile countries, such as Turkey or Egypt, you can register to be emailed updated travel advice from the Australian Government with Smart Traveller. This is completely customised, allowing you to register your travel plans so you only get updates on relevant countries.

Equip yourself – Whether you plan on skiing, snorkelling or mountain climbing, be sure you have correctly fitting gear from head to toe. Loose equipment will be uncomfortable at best and dangerous at worst. If in doubt, its best to seek a professional for advice and a fitting.  
   
Train – If you’re planning on activities that require physical exertion, such as hiking, biking, or running, or just have a lot planned for jam-packed trip, it’s a good idea to start a training routine. It doesn’t have to be rigorous, but it will prevent potential injuries down the track once you throw yourself into your adventure. [v]

Check your cover – Make the time to read your insurance product disclosure statement to ensure you are fully protected for all your activities and the whole trip. Consider additional specialised cover if you are focussing your adventure on a particular type of activity – for example, winter sports cover.

For more information on the comprehensive range of coverage options from World2Cover, visit www.world2cover.com.au.

Note: The information in this article is of a general nature. It does not take into account your specific needs or circumstances, so you should look at your objectives and requirements and seek financial advice before making any insurance decisions. Limits, conditions and exclusions apply to all policies. Please read the full PDS to ensure the cover is right for your circumstances.

For adventure travel ideas visit Holiday Centre