Excerpt
GET SET TO EXPLORE THE WORLDYou are about to set off on an extraordinary adventure, exploring some of the most exciting places on Earth. You will be traveling across scorching deserts and frozen glaciers, climbing up active volcanoes and snow-capped mountains, plunging down raging rivers and beneath the surface of the planets oceans. On the way, you will battle blizzards, survive hurricanes, and meet some amazing people. Planning ahead is essential to ensure all of your expeditions go without a hitch.
THE ADVENTURERS PACKING LISTThe clothes and equipment you take will depend on where you are going and what you are planning to do when you get there. But whether you are exploring the poles, rain forests, deserts, or mountains, the basic essentials are the same. You need clothes to keep you warm and dry, and a wind- and rainproof shelter. You will need food and drink to keep you alive and give you the energy to enjoy your adventures. It is impossible to list everything you will need for every expedition, but here are some pointers to bear in mind when you are doing your packing.
ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT• Food—an emergency ration pack to keep you going for at least 24 hours. • A water bottle and water-purifying tablets—tap water in some countries isnt always safe to drink, and natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes can make water undrinkable.
• A place to sleep that is safe and warm—a sturdy tent, sleeping bag, and camping stove with matches (in a waterproof bag) or a lighter, so you can snuggle down and enjoy a hot meal after a long trek.
• The right clothes—you dont need to be a follower of fashion, but the right clothing can make or break an expedition.
• A good pair of walking boots—feet are the most reliable form of transport an explorer has, so look after them with a pair of good-quality walking boots.
• A map—knowing where you are is very important if you want to get where you are going. For this, you will need an up-to-date map and a compass.
• This book—do your research and know what to expect. Its the best preparation you can do.
Top tip: In case of an emergency, make sure you pack a first-aid kit, a flashlight, and extra batteries. You should also let people know where you are going before you leave and when you expect to be back.THE ADVENTURERS HANDBOOK. Text and illustrations copyright © 2009 by Buster Books. All rights reserved. Donnelley & Sons Company, Harrisonburg, Virginia. For information, address Feiwel and Friends, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010.