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Do you love to live on the edge? We at TSC celebrate outdoor adventures and taking part in extreme sports! That's why we've created a guide for both adventure lovers and novice thrill seeks alike, outlining everything you need to ensure you have the safest and most fulfilling adventure trip possible. Sam Moulton, the Executive Editor of Outside Magazine, shared his insights for getting the most out of your outdoor adventure.

A lot of people "get caught up on the extreme sports, like hang gliding and sky diving," says Moulton. "But for the most part these sports aren't very dangerous." In fact, the most basic things, like hiking or boating, can turn dangerous if it's not something you're physically capable of doing. "Choose the right outfitter and prepare and train before your trip," advises Moulton. "Part of the reason people take a vacation is to get out of his or her comfort zone. It's fine to have fun and be adventurous ... but always make safe decisions."

If you're planning an outdoor adventure trip, thinking about taking day trips on your next vacation, or just plan to partake is some fun outdoor sporting activities, read these tips first!

• PREPARE If you're going on an extended adventure trip, physical training is a must. "Train for your trip by hiking in your hiking boots and walking long distances with a filled pack," Moulton suggests. If you know you will hiking far distances, do endurance training in the weeks and months prior to your trip. Also, know what gear and supplies you need to bring, and make trusted friends or family members aware of your itinerary. [See Tips 5 and 6 for more].
• CHOOSE THE RIGHT OUTFITTER If you're going on any adventure vacation, choosing the correct outfitter is the most important thing. Unfortunately, there isn't a Better Business Bureau for adventure groups, but there check with the recommended outfitters from Outside magazine and National Geographic Adventure. Moulton says, "If Outside is continually recommending and awarding a particular outfitters, you will know that they are a legitimate outfitter with established guides and safety protocols." If you have any uncertainty about your guide group or adventure outfitter, check with an outside resource. "Choose someone you trust that looks like they have modern equipment and are prepared."
• KNOW YOUR LIMITS "We encourage people taking risks and participate in adventures. It's even healthy," says Moulton. But, he emphasizes that adventurers need to know their limits. "If you've never white water rafted before, you shouldn't choose the class four or class five run. You might want to choose the class two instead. You don't need to go so extreme and try impress your buddies back home." In a sense, don't bite off more than you can chew. It's not very impressive to end your adventure trip early because of a broken bone.
• TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR PERSONAL SURVIVAL Once you're on the trip, it's easy to let your guard down and leave everything in the hands of a guide. Moulton advises staying aware of when to apply sunscreen and drink water. "Pay attention to how you're feeling," he says. Learn about "Expedition Behavior," which is the theory of acting conservatively when out in the wilderness. Even smaller injuries that could be easily dealt with if you're near a hospital or even running water can be debilitating out in the wild. "Issues can compound," Moulton explains. "Cuts, blisters, sunburn, and twisted ankles can seriously impede or end your trip."
• LISTEN AND FOLLOW GUIDE RECOMMENDATIONS What's the point of paying a travel guide hundreds or even thousand of dollars to take you on an adventure if you aren't going to listen to his or her recommendations? Be sure to pay attention to the detailed suggestions made by your guide, and bring ALL the recommended gear listed by your outfitter. If you haven't spent a lot of time outdoors, speciality clothing and gear is critically important. "You need to listen to the tips from your outfitter or guide, and you must buy the required and recommended gear like waterproof jackets. If you're hiking in the wilderness on a trail you will need good, breathable rain gear. A poncho won't cut it." Moulton emphasizes, "if your guide tells you not to eat certain foods or drink the water, DON'T. If you aren't traveling with a guide or outfitter, consult a trusted publication or source.
• PLAN AHEAD FOR ILLNESS OR INJURY When traveling, especially out of the US, there is the risk of travel diseases. Moulton suggests, "Check your vaccines, look at your insurance and make sure you're covered abroad.If not, there are short term insurance programs you can get on. This is especially important for higher risk activities." Also, make sure to check if your insurance plan has any exemptions to what types of injuries they will cover.
  International Association of Medical Assistance to Travelers provides a list of English speaking doctors around the world. If you are planning to travel abroad, consult both IAMAT.org and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• LEARN ABOUT THE AREA YOU ARE TRAVELING TO Check the travel warnings with the State Department, and learn about the social climate in and around the area you're heading to. From landing in a big city to climbing a mountain in a remote village, "you must use common sense at all times," Moulton says. "Some people love taking remote trips to foreign countries and interacting with local cultures," but it helps to be aware of their customs and practices in advance.

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