By Maggie Sullivan

Kayaking is all about location, location, location. Where you go dictates what kind of craft you'll take, the gear you'll haul, and where you'll lay your weary head at the end of the day. If you're paddling in the back of beyond for several days, chances are you'll be camping. Gear isn't much of an issue; guides usually provide and do just about everything for you. Those seeking some real pampering should consider outfitters that finish the day at waterside lodges, cabins, or bed and breakfasts, where you can soothe your weary paddling muscles in a sauna or spa and sip wine in front of a fireplace.

Warm Water
Trips in tropical climates like Belize and Baja often use sit-on-top kayaks, which seat you in a depression in the hull instead of inside a snug cockpit. Aside from letting you tan your legs, the main advantage is that they make it easier to right the boat if it tips over. Should you capsize, simply flip the boat back over and climb on top (no wet exits, no bailing, and no bilge pumps). One downside is exposure to the elements, making them unsuitable for the colder climates of places like Canada and Alaska.

Cold Water
Trips in colder places often take you to more rugged terrain, including jagged mountains, tidewater glaciers, and narrow fjords. With these conditions, they're better suited to the adventurous soul. Here you need the safety and protection of a closed-cockpit kayak, plus the ability to dress for and deal with inclement weather.

Maggie Sullivan is an assistant editor at iExplore.