So you think you want to go spelunking. If you don't even know the meaning of the word then you had better join the local knitting club. If you are the adventurous type and a dark, dank and probably grubby cave doesn't bother you then spelunking or cave exploring is the sport for you. Before you go galloping off to the nearest hole in the ground here are a few tips to remember.

Always bring a light. Caves are dark. Do we really need to say anymore. Bring one of those extra heavy duty flashlights. You can never imagine true darkness unless you've been in a cave. Of course your guides will probably have lights with them but in a cave no light is bright enough.

Wear sensible clothes. Some caves can be quite cold so wearing skimpy clothes aren't practical. You really shouldn't even consider wearing your favorite pair of designer jeans when you go spelunking. It will be dirty, you'll be crawling and sloshing your way through water. The chances of your clothes escaping unscathed? Nil.

Bug spray is your friend. All kinds of creepy crawlies lie about in caves. Those and mosquitoes and unless you want to be their meal ticket spray yourself liberally.

Ropes can literally save your life. The most dangerous and deepest caves require safety equipment to explore them. You really shouldn't even try going into them without a guide. Have the proper safety equipment like ropes and harness. Make sure they're attached right or you may be heading for a very long and lonely fall.

Use the bathroom. Caves maybe dark but it doesn't mean that you will have privacy when the need arises. Exploring caves can take up to hours so if you have a bad bladder it's best if you go to the bathroom.

Don't leave your trash. A lot of caves are natural wonders. Your trash is not a natural wonder. Really the two don't go together. You wouldn't want to come across a cup from Starbucks if you're looking at the stalactites do you?

Enjoy yourself. There's no reason to fear caves. Once get over the initial claustrophobia there is a lot to love about spelunking. The challenge alone and overcoming it should be more than enough for some and add to it the beauty of a heretofore unseen vista makes cave exploring an addictive experience.