Recreation Most of the outdoor survival situations that occur can be prevented with a little preparation and planning. A survival situation is something that can happen to anyone, regardless of his or her experience or expertise in hiking. Survival situations don’t always arise because someone is inexperienced or reckless. If you want to have the best time you can on your hiking vacation, while keeping yourself and your family as safe as possible, there certain steps you can take.First and most important, be sure to leave a travel plan with someone at home. A travel plan lists the possible locations you expect to cover while on your hiking vacation. It does not have to be a detailed list. You can use a map and just mark the spots on it where you plan to be. If you leave a travel plan, then searchers will have an idea of where to look for you if you become lost. Business - Directory of business/finance/loan/mortgage related partner sites more 1 2 3 4 5 Computers - Directory of computer hardware/software/peripheral related partner sites more 1 2 3 4 5 Internet - Directory of webhosting/webdesign/internet marketing related partner sites more 1 2 3 4 5 Software - Directory of software related partner sites more 1 2 3 4 5 Web Design - Directory of web design/development related partner sites more 1 2 3 4 5 Web Hosting - Directory of web hosting related partner sites more 1 2 3 4 5 Web Promotion - Directory of search engine optimization/internet marketing related partner sites more 1 2 3 4 5 Web Resources - Directory of other web related partner sites more 1 2 3 4 5 Recreation - Directory of travel/hotel/cruise related partner sites more 1 2 3 4 5 Casino - Directory of online gambling/poker/blackjack/roulette related partner sites more 1 2 3 4 5 Health - Directory of online pharmacy/hospital/health related partner sites more 1 2 3 4 5 Shopping - Directory of online shopping/gift related partner sites more 1 2 3 4 5 Miscellaneous - Directory of all other partner sites more 1 2 3 4 5   Second, always carry a few basic items with you in case you have to spend the night on the trail. Take a garbage bag, a lighter, a whistle, a pocketknife, and a water bottle. This is the minimum number of essential items you should bring with you whether you are hiking for a day or for a week or longer. These items address the basic needs from shelter to water and heat. Depending on your outdoor activity, level of skill, and the climate you plan to hike in, you may need to carry more extensive equipment.