How I Choose Where To Travel Next

For me this is very easy! I have a plan to scale the seven peaks and there is a short climbing season for each one. I know which peak I will complete when, down to the exact dates. Most guiding companies require a deposit months in advance and publish trip dates over 12 months in advance.

I take around 2-3 long trips every year. Most trips are around 2-3 weeks. I would like to explore longer trips but I am careful with my vacation days so I can finish my seven summit plan on time.

Some Challenges I Face

Limited vacation days is a big challenge for me! I wish there were an unlimited number of vacation days that I could get. I would go on a trip every 2 months.

In terms of things like boredom or loneliness, mountaineering trips attract individuals who are passionate about it, as such, during free time, there is rarely any boredom. We spend our down-time listening to music, reading, and learning from the guides. 

However, when storms hit and I am bound inside a tent for straight 2+ days, things get very different. Most people feel emotionally tired but I always try to remind myself that no one can control the weather; all we can do is to try to have a safe passage to the summit and back. Weather comes and goes but the mountain is always going to be there. It is never worth your life to take uncalculated risks and venture out in bad weather.

Advice For New Adventurers

I saw this piece of advice given by Alan Arnette who is an accomplished mountaineer. On an outdoor trip where you will be camping, always carry a couple of comfort items. For me, my down booties and my trapper hat are a must. For other people it could be a tiny inflatable pillow, a favorite snack. But always carry a couple of things which you look forward to everyday. For me, after a long tiring day exploring the mountain or moving camps, it is rewarding to get in the tent and change to down booties from the 5lb heavy triple boots. That helps in creating a positive mindset and I have noticed that in trips like these it is mostly one's mental state that dictates whether a person successfully summits or not.