If you crave an extreme, adrenalin-packed getaway but don't have the surplus of time to spend on one, look no further. Four wheel driving tours, otherwise known as 4WD tours, are exactly what you need. These tours are a must for anyone looking to pack a grand adventure over rough and rugged terrain into a single weekend, and with the World Wide Web at your fingertips, booking is a piece of cake. Here are seven tips that will help you find the 4WD tour of your dreams.
1. Location, location, location
You can book your tour just about anywhere! Cater to your adventuring needs in mines, ports, sand dunes, or even the wild wilderness. The location can be as domestic or as exotic as you wish.
2. Check your itinerary
The majority of 4WD tours come as packages that also include activities like rock climbing. Take advantage of every opportunity within your chosen package!
3. Weekend, holiday, or a day?
It's up to you. There is a package out there for every aspiring adventurer.
4. Validate the company's training and license
Make sure that the 4WD company you choose is trained and licensed in 4WD, basic outdoor safety, and survival. Many companies have a lot of accreditation and are fully equipped for anything you could need outdoors. Because your outdoor adventure will boldly take you to places you have never been before, you want to make sure you are in good hands. It's a jungle out there!
5. Choose your tour
Four Wheel Driving tours are divided into three main tour options, which are as follows:
- Safari
A safari tour usually consists of a group of twelve people inside a 4WD bus (or any other type of vehicle that holds more than five people). The main advantage in choosing this type of tour is the amenities included. Safari tours usually include tents and food, plus you won't have to do the driving, and special equipment is already there for you. This maximizes your time for social interaction.
- Tag-Along
In a tag-along type of tour, you either bring a vehicle of your own or rent one, but you also have an experienced guide there to lead you. The best thing about this type of 4WD tour is that you can set the pace for exploring inside your own comfortable vehicle. You also get the safety that comes with group travel and the guide's expertise.
- Single Vehicle
This type of 4WD tour is limited to between two and four passengers, and your tour expert leads you in his or her own vehicle. This is ideal for those who do not want to travel with a large group and want to have a guide to themselves.
6. Note all rest areas and other stops listed in your itinerary
Familiarize yourself with the road on which you are going to travel during your adventure. This is especially important if you plan to travel with other people. If you know where all the stops or activity areas are, you can make sure you are prepared for emergencies.
7. Bring the necessities
Ask the outfitter what you need to bring for your adventure! Like any other outdoor excursion, make sure your arsenal includes insect spray and ointments for insect bites or other unwelcome rashes (poison oak, anyone?). Bring extras of any prescription drugs you may need.