Hi Mark,
Many thanks for your kind message! I do try to be as helpful as possible and put myself in the shoes of others, not always easy! I know it can be daunting going on a long haul tour for the first time, so this was my main consideration in starting this thread. I think one of the key things is to do your own research before you book e.g. google the destinations, climate etc and look for tips, pictures of the places you might be visiting - to give yourself a good idea of what may lie ahead of you. This can help a lot in deciding between various holiday options. Using DEET is no big hassle once you get into the routine of putting it on morning and evening. I've very sensitive skin, but thankfully haven't suffered a reaction any time I've used it. I also use Piriton in hot weather, to avoid pricky heat. It's the only thing that works for it!
After I book, my research continues (I don't do this in an obsessive sort of way, just from time to time in the run up to my holiday), to make sure I will have everything I need. I don't take anything a particular website says at face value, rather I compare various websites to see if their comments or advice match. In the same way, before I go to the doctor to talk about vaccinations, I check various websites too, as doctors don't always give the right advice either! So no harm in doing your homework before you travel!
I've the Parks, Canyons, LBH Mount Rushmore tour booked for Sept, can't wait! I've just bought a new camera - my first digital SLR (only used compacts up to now); lots to get used to but I'm hoping for some great landscape shots. For next year, I'm hoping to do Costa Rica/Nicaragua next spring and China next Sept, fingers crossed! I've been saving hard for years, so I'm dipping a lot into my savings - but as they say, you can't take it with you so I'm doing as many good holidays while I can these days! Maybe our paths will cross in CR!
Cheers,
Bob
