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NATURE-TREKKING
BEST PRACTICES |
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Nature-trekking can either be a leisurely stroll
in the woods, or a physically challenging endeavour.
Determine your objectives for the trip, check your
level of physical fitness, then select a destination
and plan accordingly.
PREPARATION
Careful planning and meticulous preparation ensure
that you’ll enjoy the mountain wilderness
experience while significantly reducing the risk
of accidents and injury.
PLANNING THE TRIP
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List
and review the objective(s) for the trip |
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Decide
on the destination(s) |
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Gather
as much information as you can to plan the
trip
Obtain maps, travel guides, guide books, and
other sources of reference or information
Consult with travel advisors, travel agents,
airlines, consulates and embassies nearest
to you |
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Make
a list of the places or attractions that are
of interest to you |
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Mark
or highlight these on the map |
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Make
reservations for travel and accommodation
far in advance |
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Carefully
study geographical and weather maps |
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Work
out distances and travel time needed from
point-to-point, taking into account the geographical
terrain, your level of fitness, stamina and
endurance. |
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATION IN NATIONAL PARKS
Most national parks provide overnight accommodation
and camping facilities. If you are planning to stay
at on-site accommodation, please make advance reservations
at least one month ahead of the planned date of
arrival by contacting the National Parks Division
of the Forestry Department in Bangkok. Reservations
are confirmed upon receipt of payment. Please retain
the receipt issued for presentation upon arrival
at the park.
Each of the national parks has its own office located
within the park area. However information on the
facilities and services available can also be obtained
from the National Parks Division of the Forestry
Department in Bangkok.
Upon arrival at the park, stop by the Visitor Centre
for further information, or to seek advice from
the park officers and rangers. A permanent exhibition
at the Visitor/Information Centre includes maps,
charts, displays and exhibits offering information
of interest on geographical profile, climate, variety
of plants and wildlife, tourist attractions, and
rules and regulations.
HAPPY AND HEALTHY TRAVEL
Trails in some parks are rugged and steep; long-distance
trekkers need to be reasonably fit. Consult your
physician on your overall health and level of physical
fitness, and also inquire about personal medication,
prescriptions and recommended inoculations needed
for the destinations you plan to visit.
CHECKLIST 1 - BEFORE
YOU LEAVE HOME
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Travel
knowledgeably. |
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Be
prepared and well-informed before leaving
home. |
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Appreciate
local cultural sensitivities and take note
of the customs of the countries you will be
visiting. |
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Consult
your family doctor before you embark on your
travels. |
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Or
visit your nearest travel clinic. |
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Seek
advice on the status of infectious diseases
in countries you will visit. You should have
the latest information on diseases and their
prevention, as well as the necessary vaccines.
TAT ADVISORY FOR A HAPPY AND HEALTHY STAY
IN THAILAND
http://www.tatnews.org/tat_news/backup/1571.asp
For a list of useful
web sites offering current information, please
view “Links”. |
CHECKLIST 2 - BEFORE SETTING OFF ON THE TRAIL
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Reliable
road and highway maps and a topographic map
will prove extremely useful in the course
of your travels around the country. Possessing
a set of these maps will greatly facilitate
navigation and keep you on track.
Road/highway maps can be purchased from book
stores and petrol stations en route. For topographic
maps, make a stop at the local National Park
Visitor Centre or offices to obtain a copy
before you embark on your wilderness journey.
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To
navigate through forested areas and mountain
paths while nature-trekking, use a compass
to determine directions and a Global Positioning
System (GPS) device to determine positions,
and plot the information on a topographic
map.
Note: Compasses and GPS devices are available
at camping stores such as TravelMart. |
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Before
you depart, make sure you have notified contacts
back home of your trip plans, itinerary, expected
movements and estimated time of return.
If you are in a national park, notify the
National Park Office before you set off on
the trail. |
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Never
travel alone in wilderness areas.
For safety reasons, if you plan to venture
out on nature study trips, hiking, longer
day trips or overnight trips, please contact
the Visitor’s Centre to arrange for
a park ranger or expert to guide you along
the trail. |
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Before
you set off, check weather reports and anticipate
conditions you’re likely to encounter
en route, and pack appropriate clothing and
equipment. |
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Please
heed warnings and advice offered by park rangers.
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Being
in the forest at night is dangerous and is
not advisable.
If you are planning to do so, make arrangement
for an experienced trail guide or naturalist
to accompany you on the trip. |
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Wear
appropriate footwear to support your ankles
in case of slipping or falling. Lightweight
cloth or Gortex hikers with steel-shank soles
are excellent on hilly terrain. Leather boots
are heavy, and don’t breathe well, but
if waterproofed with wax, they are a good
option in the wet. |
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For
your safety, do not stray away from marked
trails and always pay attention to signposts
in wilderness areas |
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Avoid
dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids during
the day, especially when undertaking strenuous
activity such as climbing high peaks, or hiking
up steep trails, or while being exposed to
direct sunlight for long periods. |
USEFUL LINKS FOR TRAVEL
TIPS ON HEALTH
Check the following websites for current information.
WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION
(WHO)
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AND HEALTH
Travellers' health, vaccination requirements, travel
risks and precautions, accidents and infectious
diseases
http://www.who.int/ith/
WHO Checklist for the
Traveller
http://www.who.int/ith/chapter01_04.html
WHO International Health and Travel page/Vaccination
http://www.who.int/ith/countrylist10.html#202
Minding Your Health
Abroad Website Health Library
http://www.masta.org/travel-health/index.asp
CENTRE FOR DISEASE
CONTROL WEB SITES
Traveller's section
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/
SE Asia section
http://www.cdc.gov/travel/seasia.htm |
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