When you travel the first thing you must see and make sure is in order is travel directory and books. If you are going to a foreign country then this information will be all the more useful for you.
For a hiking trip or a biking you must make sure you have things like a backpack , compass , enough food , proper tenting and more with you . This is told as a golden rule in every travel magazine and other items.
If you read through travel site reviews you will notice there are many places very close to where you stay which you have not been to. These places can be good picnic spots where you can enjoy with your friends.