10 Essential Adventure Travel Tips

Are you dreaming of your next big adventure? Whether you’re planning to trek through the Himalayas or explore the Amazon rainforest, proper preparation is key to a successful and safe journey.

Here are ten essential tips to help you make the most of your next adventure:

1. Do Your Research

Before embarking on your journey, thorough research is crucial.

Wherever I’m travelling, I like to do a little bit of research. I want to know what’s going on, either with current affairs or the environment that you’re going to be working or travelling and exploring.

Check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website for up-to-date information on your destination, including travel advisories and local laws.

2. Blend In

We want to emphasise the importance of not standing out. The best advice I can give you is not to look like a tourist, because it makes you a target. In some countries will be obvious that you are a foreigner, but better to look like a foreigner, than to look like a tourist.

Try to dress appropriately and avoid obvious tourist behaviours, such as constantly checking your phone for directions or having a big (expensive) camera hanging around your neck.

3. Learn Basic Language Skills

Making an effort to speak the local language can go a long way.

A ‘Thank you’ will get you a long way. Even if you end up having to use your language to communicate, just following it up with a thank you in their language is much appreciated.

4. Stay Connected Safely

Keep in touch with loved ones, but be smart about it.

Tell people where you’re going. Not only your family at home, who might be 12 hours behind you in terms of time zone, because they can’t do anything if it’s the middle of the night for them. Also, if you’re staying at a Hotel, tell the receptionist.

5. Pack Smart

When it comes to gear, we can’t stress enough the importance of quality over quantity.

I have the Sawyer Mini that comes everywhere with me. Sometimes, I’ll still put bottled water through the Sawyer, and then decant it into my drinking bottle.

6. Prepare for Emergencies

Always have a backup plan.

Have copies of your passport so that you can speak to your embassy if you need to & have cash [in multiple places]. Keep cash (local currency and US $ is widely recognized in other countries) in your bag somewhere. Keep a credit card separate from all my other wallets, just in case my wallet gets stolen.

7. Respect Local Cultures

Immerse yourself in the local culture, but be respectful. We want to emphasise the importance of understanding and respecting local practices, even when they differ from your own.

Ask questions, try and understand their perspective. Respect is key when you’re in their country, and you would expect the same if they came to your country.

8. Acclimatise Properly

When travelling to high altitudes or extreme climates, give your body time to adjust. The process of your body adapting to the lower oxygen levels is called acclimatisation and it takes about 3 to 5 days.

If your body does not get enough time to acclimatise to being at high altitude, you can develop altitude sickness (sometimes called mountain sickness). Altitude sickness usually happens at levels above 2,500m.

9. Stay Healthy

Be mindful of what you eat and drink.

Avoid salads and eat fruit that is pealed (not washed). Don’t eat the ice. Don’t drink ice in your drinks, and don’t drink tap water if you’re not sure about it, and have some sort of means of purifying water.

10. Embrace the Adventure

Finally, remember why you’re travelling. There are a lot of interesting cultural practices and interesting animals. Adventure travel can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. By following these tips and staying open to new experiences, you’ll be well-prepared for your next great adventure.

Remember, every adventure is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

Safe travels!