Planning a trip: How to plan an adventure

Adventures haven’t been on the cards lately, but that’s all about to change. With over a year of being stuck at home under our belt, it’s time to go big when next planning a trip.

We’re all starting to think about future adventures again, solo or with friends and family. So sit down with a glass of Dark Horse wine this weekend and follow our tips to create memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Holiday planning 101: What kind of adventure are you seeking?

Adventure means something different for everyone.

It’s all about following your own path and planning a trip that reflects what you want from life.

So why not make the first step in your holiday planning by deciding just what type of adventure takes your fancy? Here’s some inspiration to get you going:

• Beach holiday – Just you, sun, sea, sand and surfing. That kind of freedom sounds great after a year of being stuck at home, right?
• Outdoors holiday – Get back to nature with a pair of walking boots and discover ‘off the beaten track’ trails. Be sure to check out our guide to the best hiking locations in the UK.
• Self-catering with friends – Hire out a chalet in France or a cottage in the UK and stock up on good food, great tunes and plenty of games. Don’t forget to pack a bottle or two of your favourite Dark Horse wine to share. We love a dark and jammy Merlot or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon for evenings under the stars, gathered around a crackling fire pit.
• Backpacking holiday – Plan a holiday somewhere you’ve never explored before with just a backpack, your passport and Google Maps on your phone. Whether you want to take a tour of Thailand or discover what Oz has to offer, this is definitely what we’d call an adventure.
• Skiing holiday – Days filled with carving up the snow followed by evenings packed with celebrations, laughter and sharing stories? You can’t get much better than that.  
• Road trip – If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that we have a whole world of beauty right on our doorstep. Pack up the car and get exploring with a road trip featuring the coastal routes of Scotland or even the Atlantic Highway route between Cornwall and Devon.  

What to check when holiday planning

We’re not usually big on following the rules but when it comes to travel, you’ve got to play along…

It’s easy to get caught up shopping for swimwear or planning an itinerary (we’ll get to that later) but there are a few important questions to ask yourself before your trip.

1. Is your passport in date? Some countries won’t allow visitors with passports that expire in six months or less. Have a rummage in that bottom drawer and double check when your passport runs out of date.
2. Do you need a Visa? Check if you need to apply for a Visa before you land in your destination and how long it lasts.
3. Do you need to be vaccinated? If you’re heading off piste, always double check if you need a jab. We’re risk takers but we’re not risky when it comes to health.
4. How will you get around? Getting to and from the airport is stressful enough so it pays to plan ahead. Book that transfer or arrange a pick up and make that holiday as smooth as possible. Or hire a car so you can explore at your own free-will while you’re there.

Choose your accommodation

Where you stay makes a big difference to your overall holiday experience.

Maybe you want a peaceful place to do your morning meditation before heading out or a lively hotel with lots of new people to meet. It’s important to consider these options when you want to plan a holiday.

Camping

What could be better than a starry sky and a tent pitched in a rustic setting? Whether you choose a dedicated campsite or a remote mountainside, camping is a rush. We’re big fans of stripping it back, with nothing more than a roaring fire and our nearest and dearest for a great time.

Glamping

Those looking for the fun of the great outdoors but the comfort of home should consider glamping for that summer weekend adventure. We’re thinking marshmallows over the fire pit, fluffy blankets and a mellow glass of Chardonnay are all you need to really celebrate such a trip.

All-inclusive resort

If you’re all about luxury and doing nothing but relaxing, an all-inclusive resort could be just the accommodation for you. Food prepared to your liking, your favourite drinks, claiming a lounger by the pool – that’s the life.

Rental Home

A rental home is the perfect choice for that city break with pals. If you’re staying in the UK, pack some Dark Horse wine (our crisp Sauvignon Blanc will go down a treat) for those evenings when you’re getting ready to head out. Don’t forget your comfiest trainers for daytime exploring and elasticated trousers to account for all that incredible food you’ll be sampling.

Rental homes can be found everywhere from the skyscrapers of London to the Mediterranean streets of Barcelona to the urban heights of Tokyo.

Plus, they can work out much cheaper than a traditional hotel and you could make a friend who lives there who can show you around your chosen city.

Plan a holiday itinerary

This sounds a little formal but what we mean is scoping out things to do in your desired destination. While lounging in the sun or just seeing where your feet take you is great, it’s a good idea to check that there are other things to do to keep you entertained.

Looking for inspiration? Here are some top attractions across the world that are worthy of planning a trip around.

• Ride the world’s longest zipline in Ras Al Khaimah – Many people flock to Dubai – where luxury is standard and the weather is always warm – but just over an hour away is the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Head further out to the surrounding mountains and you can hook yourself into the world’s longest zipline that takes you out over dizzying heights at speeds of 70mph.
• Take it all in at the Sagrada Familia, Barcelona – Work on this impressive structure has been going on for over a century. Climb the steps and take in the impressive, intricate artwork before seeking out some Catalan cuisine to replenish your energy.
• Seek adventure in Snowdonia – This amazing part of Wales has everything from abseiling, rock climbing and white water rafting to canyoning – not to mention hiking to the top of Mount Snowdon. A trip to Snowdonia is sure to be action-packed as there’s something for all adrenaline junkies to try. You’ll even find the world’s first inland surf lagoon, so hope on a board and ride the waves.
• Rent a rowboat in Rome – While Vatican City and Rome’s impressive Colosseum are a must see during a visit, we’re also fans of those hidden gems the city has to offer. Take five in the impressive park Villa Borghese, where you can rent a boat on the lake, overlooked by a century’s old temple, or just chill in the sunshine.
• Rafting in the Alps – Head to the Southern French Alps for the best white water rafting experience in the whole of France. Adventurous types will be able to try rafting, tubing or even give the rapids a go in an inflatable canoe.
• Bike around Bordeaux in France – Bordeaux is known for its rolling landscape of vineyards so pack a bag and rent a bike while you’re there to enjoy this tranquil landscape on your trip. There are plenty of self-guided routes to discover with plenty of quaint villages along the way to stop off at for food and drink.

Feeling inspired? We hope this guide on how to plan a holiday helps you kick start those plans for your next adventure where memories are made.