Travel Guide: How To Prepare For A Sports Summer Vacation?

Travel Guide: How To Prepare For A Sports Summer Vacation?

When most people think of summer vacations their minds conjure up images of sandy beaches and verdant rainforests, not sports. For sports fanatics, however, summer vacations are the best times of the year to pursue their hobbies. Snorkelling, kayaking, canoeing, and rowing are all examples of activities that you can try at foreign holiday destinations.

If sports-related vacations are of interest to you then it is essential that you prepare; a lack of preparation can interrupt your travel plans. This post will tell you everything you need to do and know so that you can prepare for your upcoming sports vacation.

Researching Locations

In the United States, there are hundreds of places you can go for an unforgettable summer vacation. That being said, some locations are better than others. Many would agree places like California and Florida are best for individuals who’re interested in sports. Huge fitness communities exist in these places, especially in Los Angeles, the world’s bodybuilding capital. Spend some time talking to friends so that you can find a location right for all of you. When researching locations you also need to factor in hotel and flight costs. Some places are more popular than others with tourists meaning they will be more expensive to travel to and stay in.

Choosing Activities

What kind of sports are you interested in? Taking a vacation to play football is not going to be that entertaining unless you are playing competitively. Consider taking up unconventional sports this summer, like snorkeling for example. To take this sport up all you need to do is attend a few classes and pick up some equipment. Various guides exist covering the best snorkel masks you can buy, so finding equipment should not be difficult for you. Another sport you may want to look into is surfboarding. Kayaking, windsurfing, and rock climbing are all equally as enjoyable.

Inviting Company

Going away with friends will be much more fun than going alone. If you are into sports then there is a very good chance that you have friends who are too. People naturally gravitate towards others who share their interests, after all. Most likely you have already invited friends and are reading this guide as part of your vacation planning process. If this is not true and you are going away alone, however, reconsider. Bringing company with you will help to make your trip more enjoyable, entertaining, and unforgettable. A summer vacation with one’s friends is something people remember their entire lives.

Weather Forecast

Just because analysts predict this summer is going to be the hottest in generations does not actually mean that it is going to be. Weather agencies are wrong all of the time. Check the weather forecast before booking flights so you don’t have to worry about rainy or cloudy days. Other things to watch out for are heat waves and hurricanes. Florida is notorious for hurricanes. Summer can be the worst time for them. If you are booking several months in advance of your trip you should be able to find accurate weather predictions for the time of your visit.

Safety Precautions

Just because you are going away to play sports does not mean that you do not still need to take the same precautions as other kinds of travelers. Make sure that you extensively research your chosen holiday destination and find a hotel that is located in the safest part of town that you can. Burglaries, robberies, and muggings are becoming much more common in the United States. Places like California and Florida are experiencing unprecedented crime waves. Taking safety precautions will help to keep you and your friends safe and out of harm’s way. Tell your family the name of the hotel you are staying at before leaving. Experts recommend leaving your location settings on so your family can track you in real time.

Avoiding the Sun

With global temperatures rising and summers getting hotter, outdoor sports are much riskier. While the vast majority of people cope perfectly well with playing sports in hot weather, some do not. As a general rule, avoid playing sports outside in the early part of the afternoon. Contrary to common belief, the sun is at its highest around 2 pm rather than midday. Be sure to apply sunscreen as well. Skin cancer is on the rise because young people are not taking steps to protect themselves from the sun’s UV rays. Sunscreen is without a doubt the most effective way of protecting yourself from the sun.

Proper Equipment

If you plan on taking up a sport like a scuba diving then it is important to invest in the highest-quality equipment that you can. Many people make the mistake of buying cheap gear, thinking it will do just as well. The cheaper your equipment, the lower its quality will be. If you are going to take up a sport like a scuba diving for the duration of your vacation but will not be pursuing it as a hobby after returning home, you can always sell your gear online. For other sports, like American football, investing in quality equipment such as Anytime Sports Supply blocking sleds is essential. Not only will it provide you with the safety you need while playing but it will also ensure you maximize your potential as you compete. Quality gear is always worth the investment.

Staying Hydrated

Hydration is essential when you are exercising outside in the sun. Dehydration can be detrimental to your health. Exercising vigorously when dehydrated can lead to fainting, heat exhaustion, and even death in severe cases. It does need to be noted however, you must not drink too much water. Water intoxication is just as much a threat as heat exhaustion. The vast majority of cases of water intoxication go unreported, mainly because people do not know their symptoms have been caused by overdosing on water. 

Overexerting Yourself

Getting outside and exercising can be fun but at the same time dangerous. As referenced several times already, heat exhaustion is a serious threat. While many people disregard it and ignore warnings, when it strikes, it hits hard. The best way to protect yourself is to stay out of the sun at peak hours and keep hydrated. Heat exhaustion is usually a consequence of dehydration more than anything else. Make sure that you keep watch over your friends as well. Monitoring them for signs of dehydration and instructing them on the guidance given here will help to prevent heat exhaustion from becoming manifest.

Enjoy your summer holidays while you can. As you get older, work and family life will get in the way. The memories you make on summer vacations as a teenager and young adult will remain with you for the rest of your life.