Life is all about the memories you make. And never do we make sweeter ones than when we're travelling the world, exploring, having new adventures and spending precious time with our friends and family. There's something about being by the sea - or even on it - that is endless appealing for this. Perhaps it's the literal sense of new horizons expanding, and the unique freedom you feel away from land. Either way, setting off on an aquatic adventure promises a new experience that can quickly become addictive. If you've never done a trip away on the waves before, a little preparation beforehand will make sure you only experience smooth sailing…
Select Your Crew
Whether you want to taste the high life sailing around the Aegean Islands or are looking to rent a yacht Miami, the most important part of your break is who you choose to sail with. Boat trips are amazing, but they do mean being at close quarters with your travelling companions so choose wisely - if you're prone to arguments be aware that there is literally nowhere to escape unless you're docked! If your group is a great fit, then you're in for an unforgettable trip which will be memorable for the right reasons. If you haven't vacationed with someone before, a yachting trip probably isn't the best place to start
Plan Your Trip
Once the group is decided, it's time for an open discussion about exactly where you're planning to visit. If it's your first charter, it's usually better to leave spontaneity for another time and map out the places you'll go quite carefully. Take into account the expectations of the group, and their different interests and stamina - some members of your party may want a trip with lots of port stops, time for sightseeing and shopping, while others may be counting on more time out at sea or even doing some deep sea fishing. Either way, managing expectations is key from the outset. You should also agree on a budget for the boat you plan to hire, and the boat type you need for what you're planning to do. By planning ahead you can compromise where needed to get the best out of your vacation for everybody.
Hire In Some Help
Now it's time to find a skipper, who can help you plot a course which takes in all of the sights you want to see. Your skipper will have lots of useful local knowledge which can help to shape your trip and what you do. If you have some sailing experience, you may want to take over during the trip, or help to plan some routes to help you gain confidence for your next trip.
Sort Your Clothing
A holiday on the water is a little different from other trips you may have done, so plan and pack accordingly. There isn't much stowage space on a boat, so try to limit the amount your bring, and use a collapsible holdall to transport your belongings rather than a rigid suitcase. Check the prevailing weather situation and pack according to the forecast. Key items to take include deck shoes, a windproof jacket, a sun hat, plenty of sunscreen, sailing gloves, lots of light layers and a first aid kit.
Bon voyage!
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