Going on an outdoor adventure is appealing to many people. If you decide this is the vacation for you, then it’s a good idea to plan ahead and understand what you’re getting yourself into. Don’t assume it’s going to be easy or that you can just pack up and go.

The reason you need to prepare is because you want to be safe and not run into any issues on your trip. There are a lot of positives to look forward to, but also dangers you can get yourself into if you’re not careful. Make a commitment to learn and absorb all the information you can and take proper action well before you leave.

Go with A Group of People

While going out into the wilderness alone is an option, it’s not recommended, especially if it’s your first ever excursion. Ease into the situation by going on your adventure with a group of people. This way you don’t have all the pressure on your shoulders. You’re able to work together as a team to get to where you’re going and have a good time. Gather friends and family members who enjoy the outdoors and want to explore nature with you. Remember you’re going to be together for a while in a new situation, so pick people who you won’t get tired of too quickly.

Study Recommended Safety tips Before Departure

Read the safety tips that are publicized from those who work in the outdoors and have been on similar trips. These are pieces of advice that may save you from getting yourself into trouble. Listen to them and take their tips seriously. They know what they’re talking about because they’ve been through it before. You’ll likely learn new information that you can take with you to make your adventure that much more pleasant. Put safety first,and the rest will fall into place. You don’t want any unfortunate incidents while you’re out trying to have a nice time together.

Know your way around

Absolutely know where you’re going and don’t try to guess or estimate whereabouts. Use maps and compasses and study areas well ahead of the trip. No one wants to get lost and spend time wandering around because the navigators failed to do their job. In fact, everyone should have a good idea of where you’re going and how to get there just in case you get separated. Keep in mind that you could lose cell phone reception or the terrain or weather could make your route more challenging, so plan accordingly.

Secure the Proper Gear

Don’t leave without purchasing your 4×4 camping gear that’s made for traveling outdoors. You’ll need sleeping bags, tents, flashlights and more. Make sure everyone who’s going on the trip is aware of what you’re buying and what they need to get for themselves. There are specifically made products for camping for a reason. Talk with the experts if you need recommendations or have questions about what’s essential to bring along. Remember to include these items as part of your budget when you’re organizing the trip. You won’t make it very far without them.

Pack the Right Clothes

It’s important to check the weather patterns for where you’ll be traveling a few days before you leave. Understand what kind of conditions you’ll experience and the estimated temperatures. This will help you know the appropriate clothing to pack. Don’t assume it’s going to be a particular way and then get caught off guard when you start traveling. Always monitor and check the weather report. Having the wrong type of clothing packed will make you uncomfortable on the trip and ruin the experience for you. You want to be comfortable and appropriately dressed when traveling outdoors, especially.

Wear Sunscreen

It doesn’t matter if the sun’s out or not, pack and wear sunscreen. You need to protect your skin, even when it’s cloudy. Traveling outdoors means you’re going to be exposed to the harsh rays for extended periods of time. It doesn’t have to be full sunshine to cause havoc on your skin. Make applying sunscreen to your face and body part of your daily routine and be sure to reapply throughout the day. The last situation you want to be dealing with is being in pain because of your sunburn. Avoid this all together by being smart about protecting your skin from the sun right from the start.

Have First-Aid Kits with you

Put a few people in charge of bringing along first-aid kits for the group. Take a moment to make sure they’re fully stocked with the right supplies before you leave. Although you don’t want any incidents to occur, you never know what could happen when you’re all traveling outdoors. It’s better to be safe and have what you need onsite than it is to be scrambling and wondering what you’re going to do. This is one item you not only want to pack, but that you want to have readily available no matter where you are on your trip.

Know you may not have Internet

The luxuries of everyday life may not be with you on your outdoor adventure. Remember that you’re traveling outside, which doesn’t provide any guarantees. Keep this in mind as you’re trying to navigate and what you’re going to do if you lose Internet. The connection could be spotty or not there at all. Always have a backup plan in mind and be ready to problem solve, instead of panic. This is one aspect many travelers forget about and get themselves into sticky situations without a whole lot of options.

Decide on Activities

You’re going to have a lot of time to hang out once you get to your certain spots or when you’re taking breaks between locations. Decide on what activities you’d like to participate in along the way and once you reach your destination. Having this planned ahead of time will prevent anyone from being lazy and not doing anything at all or arguing over what to do next. Have a few options available for those who want to join in on the fun. It’s a good idea to research in advance and know what you want to see or do once you arrive. Activities are a chance for everyone to unwind and enjoy the vacation together.

Bring Fully-Charged Cameras & Phones and Backup Chargers

In addition to the Internet being unreliable, you should also consider bringing charged cameras, phones and backup chargers. It’s easy to forget this fact when you’re in a rush to pack and have a lot on your mind. Know that there may not be anywhere to even charge your devices, so you should consider packing portable chargers that work anywhere. Plan ahead about how to keep your electronics charged, especially if you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time. You’ll want pictures of all you did to share with those back home and to have as a keepsake.

Bring Water & know where to get more of it

You need water for survival and because it’ll hydrate you and quench your thirst. Bring water, reliable water bottles and have knowledge of where to get more of it as you travel. It’s easy to assume that it’ll be everywhere because of how you live on a daily basis, but traveling outdoors is a different story. The same goes for your food too. Plan ahead and know what you’ll be bringing with you and what you’re going to cook up each day. Work as a group to make sure everyone’s well fed and has enough water. It’s easy to get dehydrated when you’re out in the sun and walking for long periods of time.

Condition for Walking & Hiking

It’s a good idea to exercise prior to your trip and get in better shape. Traveling outdoors may require you to walk, hike and get past some tough terrain. You want to feel good on your trip and not feel like you’re holding everyone up or can’t do it because you weren’t physically or mentally prepared. Ramp up your routine well before your trip and meditate or reflect on how you’re going to handle difficult situations while you’re out in the wilderness. Condition yourself to be in your best possible shape for the adventures ahead. You’ll thank yourself once you’re out there and you’re feeling strong.

Conclusion

You don’t have to be nervous about traveling outdoors because there’s so much you can do to prepare and plan before you depart. Be responsible by educating yourself about what you need to know,and you’ll have a much better time on your adventure. It’s better to be over prepared than not at all in this case. Always expect the unexpected when you’re outdoors and don’t panic. Problem solve and work together to find a resolution quickly. It’s likely that you’ll have a way out if you did your homework and packed appropriately. Remember to also enjoy yourself and take in the beautiful scenery.