Whether your adventure is a short day trip or a months long trek, it’s essential to plan effectively. This will ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
It will also help you avoid unforeseen circumstances or challenges. To get you started, here are some essential adventure planning strategies for beginners:.
1. Get Clear on Your Route
While spontaneous adventures can work, it’s always best to plan ahead. This allows you to save time, energy, and money — all of which are essential resources for any adventurer! Plus, planning allows you to anticipate any unforeseen hiccups and make appropriate arrangements.
If your adventure is over a day, one of the most important things you can do is map out your route and identify any obstacles, so get in touch with Genuine Adventures. This is especially helpful for hikes and other activities where navigating is an integral part of the experience. You’ll also want to make sure you’re equipped with the proper gear and emergency supplies, such as first aid kits and extra water.
Depending on where you’re going, there may be additional requirements for your adventure, such as permits or vaccinations. Be sure to research these in advance and ensure you have all necessary documentation before embarking on your trip. This will help prevent any unnecessary delays and potentially keep you from having to cancel or reschedule your adventure.
It’s also important to practice any skills that you will need in order to enjoy your adventure. For example, if you’re hiking, consider practicing with some longer hikes at home to get yourself prepared. This will help you build up your endurance and stamina for the actual trek, making it a more enjoyable experience for all involved.
It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with any local customs and history, as well as any safety precautions you might need to take. This will help you feel more comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings and prepare you for any unexpected circumstances that could arise on your adventure. In addition, it’s also important to check the weather forecast regularly and make adjustments as needed.
2. Get Organized
Getting organized is one of the best things you can do for yourself before an adventure. Whether it’s putting together a detailed itinerary or simply jotting down some notes, doing this will give you a sense of what to expect and will help you stay focused on the goals at hand.
Another important aspect of preparation is getting familiar with the equipment you’ll be using on your adventure. This includes testing out gear you’re not familiar with, or even just practicing some of the basics (like cooking over an open fire or pitching a tent) ahead of time. This way, you’ll be sure to know how to use everything you bring with you and will reduce the risk of a mishap while on the trail.
If you’re going to be hiking or trekking, it’s also a good idea to get a feel for the elevation profiles you’ll encounter on your trip. This will give you a better understanding of the difficulty level you should aim for and allow you to plan in some contingencies for changes to your route.
This is also a good time to think about if you want to include a guide on your adventure or not. Depending on the area you’re planning to travel in, this can range from a luxury addition to a non-negotiable requirement.
3. Have a Plan B
As Sylvester Stallone once said, “You always have a Plan B.” Having a backup is a great way to give yourself peace of mind and keep your options open. This is especially important when it comes to adventure travel, where there are often unforeseen circumstances that could arise. It is important to think through these scenarios ahead of time and have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. This can include a backup destination, a back-up accommodation option, or even a backup activity that you could do in the event of an emergency.
It’s also a good idea to have a plan for what you will do if you lose your passport, become ill, or have an accident while on the trip. This is especially important if you are going on a remote adventure where it may be more difficult to reach medical assistance. It is also a good idea to have a backup means of communication with your loved ones so they know where you are and that you are safe.
One of the biggest reasons for having a plan B is that it can help you save money. Adventure trips are expensive, and if you have a fallback plan in place, it can be a helpful tool to make the trip more affordable. It’s also a good idea to budget for your trip well in advance and consider what sacrifices you might need to make to afford the trip of your dreams.
4. Be Prepared for the Weather
One of the most important parts of adventure planning is ensuring you have the proper gear for your trip. This includes everything from basic camping supplies to specialized outdoor equipment like hiking boots and climbing shoes. It’s also important to consider the weather conditions of your destination, as different types of adventures require different levels of preparedness.
For example, a hike in the mountains during winter requires significant skill and experience to do safely. While you can always train in the local park before attempting more demanding routes, it’s important to plan ahead so that your adventurous expedition isn’t too challenging for your skills.
You can often find helpful information about the weather in your chosen destination by checking the local forecast and understanding how the season changes in that location. Depending on the nature of your trip, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with comprehensive safety guidelines and carry a fully-stocked first aid kit. Additionally, it’s a good idea to inform someone about your travel plans in case something unexpected arises during your trip.
Lastly, a budget is an essential part of adventure planning. It’s a great idea to start by writing down all of the places and activities that you want to do on your trip and then work out the costs from there. A spreadsheet or Google Sheet is an easy way to keep track of your expenses and get a clear picture of the total cost of your trip. Be sure to include any entry fees or additional expenses in your budget. In addition, be sure to check the local currency conversion rates so you know how much you’ll be spending in your target destination.
5. Plan Ahead
Whether your adventure is an overnight backpacking trip or a months-long epic, planning is essential to ensure that the experience meets or exceeds your expectations. Taking the time to carefully consider everything from the type of trail you want to hike to the number and types of gear you need will help you stay safe, comfortable, and well-equipped.
It’s also a good idea to plan your food requirements in advance, especially if you have specific dietary needs. This will give you an idea of what you might be able to pick up along the way and avoid the frustration of running out of snacks or finding that the only vegetarian restaurant in town is closed for lunch. It’s a good idea to test out your camping equipment in advance too, so you know that it works properly and you’re familiar with how to set it up.
Once you’ve got all of the essentials planned out, it’s a good idea to take some time for yourself and indulge in some self-care before the big day. It can be hard to stay motivated when saving, training, and prepping for a trip so make sure you treat yourself every now and again. It could be something as simple as a massage or buying a new book to get you in the mood.
One of the best things about planning your own adventure is that it gives you an opportunity to create the perfect trip for yourself. Whether you’re looking for peace, seeking thrills, or wanting to immerse yourself in culture, your ideal adventure is waiting for you. Just remember to be prepared for the unexpected and make sure you’ve got a backup plan in place.
