Jack Armstrong's Travel Planning Blog (ARTS20002)

Following on from the comparisons in altitude of my last post, a major risk associated with travel to Aspen is the high altitude and the subsequent impacts this can have on the human body as they ascend.  Aspen is located over 2,400 meters above sea level which, for travellers from Melbourne who live at or near sea level, provides many associated risks that must be considered and prevented/managed before making the trek. Altitude sickness is the key example of this which causes symptoms like headaches, nausea, shortness of breath and, in severe cases, pulmonary or cerebral edema (swelling caused by fluid in the body).  The likelihood of one experiencing these symptoms is moderately high, especially for individuals who are not acclimatised to elevations such as those present at Aspen. However, the minimization of this risk is thankfully simple, especially with proper research and preparation. Some key tips are ensuring you are well hydrated, avoiding alcohol and taking it easy ...

Travelling from Melbourne, Australia, to Aspen can seem like a minor shift in location due to the large similarities in culture between Australia and America on a macro scale when compared to other countries around the globe. However, it can bring about unexpected cultural challenges such as adjusting to the mountainous and outdoor lifestyle that dominates Aspen's identity.  Melbourne is typically regarded as a cosmopolitan city with a coastal, flat landscape. A massive contrast to the high altitude of Aspen gives it a foreign feeling to travellers such as me when we make the trip over. Unlike Melbourne, Aspen is catered towards tourism, focusing on skiing, snowboarding and hiking in contrast to the urban and/or beach activities commonplace at home.  The image above depicts the mountainous terrain located in Aspen which can be directly compared to the one below, a complete contrast in environment that can be challenging for travellers.  This difference may not be limited ...