The following guest article was submitted and written by Herson Blake:
There’s something pretty incredible about taking an adventure off the beaten path; traveling somewhere more remote and feeling like a real adventurer rather than a tourist. However, traveling to remote destinations requires a lot more planning and preparation than staying in an all-inclusive villa, and there are a few things you need to consider outside of this, like taking time off work for starters. If you get PTO (paid time off), then great! But if you don’t get paid for the time you take away from the office, you’ll need to think a little harder about your budget and what you can afford. The rewards are incredible and you really learn what you’re made of, but it’s not for the faint of heart! Here are six tips for traveling to remote destinations.
Keep healthy
Chances are, you’re going to be a long way from medical help, and likely somewhere that is prone to diseases such as malaria and typhoid. Mosquitos are a big factor in spreading these diseases, so make sure you use mosquito repellent and keep up a high level of cleanliness. Check which vaccinations you need before you go to make sure you’re protected, and bring a water purifying bottle, as you may not have access to clean drinking water at all times.
Learn some basic first aid (at least!)
I am a certified Wilderness First Responder, which means I’ve taken part in an intense course over 80 hours (plus 3-day re-certs!) that’s taught me to administer treatment to patients even when an hour or more away from definitive medical care. Of course, this isn’t something everyone needs to do, but being aware of some basic first aid is very useful, especially for minor injuries such as cuts and burns. Make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit with you at all times and that you, or someone in your group, know how to use it.
Be prepared
When you find yourself in the middle of nowhere, you’re going to want to ensure you have everything you could possibly need – and more! Make sure you can access your maps offlineif you’re using your phone or a sat nav, as there will likely be long periods of time where you have limited reception – in fact, it wouldn’t hurt to have a paper copy, too. Write down your emergency contacts, in case anything happens to your phone. Also keep things like a torch and a multitool to hand, as you never know what you’re going to need.
Check your insurance
1Cover data shows that 1 in 6 travelers had to make a claim in 2016, so it’s really important to make sure that your travel insurance covers you for what you’re doing and where you’re going. Hopefully, you won’t ever need to claim on your insurance, but it’s important to have it, just in case! You can either speak to your provider to ensure that you have the right insurance or click here, to know if your insurance service provides accidental coverage, or if the coverage you have meets your requirements. A substantially efficient policy will always be important to your well-being than having no life insurance at all. This would be advisable especially if there are adventure activities involved in your trip.
Self-driving
If you are driving yourself, you’ll want to ensure your vehicle is in perfect working order and is appropriate for the weather and terrain. Make sure you have a spare tire and basic tools, as well as enough spare fuel to get you out of danger, spare water for a few days, and emergency supplies of food rations – just in case. If your work as a lorry/truck driver is taking you to some remote places, you’ll want to make sure that you’re prepared for every eventuality, because, outside of the cities, road networks aren’t always up to scratch and could be potentially hazardous for HGVs. Do the smart thing and get yourself insured (check this site for more info on coverage – www.isisinsurance.co.uk) as you don’t want to be left injured or with your vehicle damaged and have no financial safety net behind you to seek medical help or repair work.
Do your research
All trips require some level of research, but especially when traveling to a remote destination. Check out any risks, such as dangerous animals, or extreme weather, and see what other travelers recommend for the best routes. Read blogs to get some ideas of what you might need to be aware of, and always heed the advice and warnings of national park websites and other government organizations. It’s also useful to know how far away you are from amenities, in case you do end up needing them.
