What to Remember When Choosing an Archeological Tour

For a fun new excursion on your next holiday, why not choose an archeological tour? This is a great way to get your hands dirty on a site that is being excavated, or to tour archeological spots that have certain historical importance. If you're thinking of an archeological tour for your next holiday, note a few things you'll want to remember before you make your choice.

1. Working a dig or touring

Remember that there is a difference between working an archeological site and just touring the site. If you choose a working tour, you may get the hands-on experience you want in actually digging up artifacts and fossils, cataloging them, taking photographs, and so on. However, a simple tour is one that just walks you through a site and lets you see things up close and personal, but which may not include actually working the site. You may prefer this if you're just looking to see a certain site in person but not do any work, whereas students and others may prefer the working dig. Be sure you ask about this beforehand and choose the type of holiday that works for you.

2. Consider the weather and terrain

You may be excited about seeing certain archeological sites up close, but consider the weather and the terrain. Remember that a real archeological site is not in an air-conditioned museum that keeps you protected from blazing sun, pouring rain, humidity, and the like. You may also need to walk up and down very narrow, old staircases or climb up and down very hilly terrains to reach the site you're touring. Be mindful of your own physical limitations and ensure you choose a site that is manageable for you, and always ask if you should bring supplies like sunscreen, an umbrella, special walking shoes or a raincoat.

3. Ask about children

If you're thinking of bringing your family on an archeological holiday, be sure to check on age restrictions for any tour first. Children may not be allowed in certain areas because they may want to touch certain items that are off-limits, or the site may not be safe for smaller children. They can also be disruptive to a tour guide as he or she explains the significance of a site. Whatever their reasons for making an age limit for their holidays and tours, always ask a tour guide or travel planner before you decide to bring children with you on your archeological tour.

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