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. In a recent episode of the World Extreme Medicine podcast, adventure travel experts Ffyon Smith (née Davies) and Gemma Aldridge shared their invaluable insights.
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. As Gemma advises:
“I think wherever I’m travelling, I like to do a little bit of research, see what’s going on, either with current affairs or like, the environment that you’re going to be working or travelling and exploring, and see what’s likely to come up.”
Check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website for up-to-date information on your destination, including travel advisories and local laws.
2. Blend In
Ffyon emphasises the importance of not standing out:
“One of the best pieces of advice I ever had was don’t look like a tourist, because it makes you a target.”
Try to dress like locals and avoid obvious tourist behaviours, such as constantly checking your phone for directions.
3. Learn Basic Language Skills
Making an effort to speak the local language can go a long way. Gemma suggests:
“A ‘Thank you’ will get you a very, very long way. So even if you end up having to use your native language yourself, even 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. Ffyon recommends:
“Tell people where you’re going. So not just your family at home, who might be 12 hours behind you in terms of time zone, and they can’t really do anything because it’s the middle of the night for them. Also, [if you’re] staying at Hotel, tell the receptionist.”
5. Pack Smart
When it comes to gear, both experts stress the importance of quality over quantity. Gemma shares:
“I have the Sawyer Mini that comes everywhere with me. Even like bottled water and stuff, I’ll still put it through the Sawyer, and then decant it into my own drink bottle.”
6. Prepare for Emergencies
Always have a backup plan. Ffyon advises:
“Have copies of your passport so that you can speak to your embassy if you need to & have cash [in multiple places]. So have cash in your bag somewhere. I always keep a credit card separate from all my other wallets, just in case my personal wallet gets stolen.”
7. Respect Local Cultures
Immerse yourself in the local culture, but be respectful. Ffyon emphasises the importance of understanding and respecting local practices, even when they differ from your own:
“So especially when this comes up against practices that don’t gel with your own… be a little bit curious about it. You know, ask questions, try and understand their perspective. And I think, yeah, respect is key that you’re in their world, and you would expect the same if they came to your world.”
8. Acclimatise Properly
When travelling to high altitudes or extreme climates, give your body time to adjust. Gemma advises:
“We kind of stick to the rules of 500 and then a rest day every three days, and you kind of sleep low, walk high, and yeah, just give yourself ties. It’s all about pacing it and giving yourself extra time to do so.”
9. Stay Healthy
Be mindful of what you eat and drink. Ffyon suggests:
“Don’t eat salads. Don’t eat the ice. Don’t drink ice in your drinks, and don’t drink the 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. As Ffyon reflects:
“There’s a lot of really interesting cultural practices, really interesting animals. We saw pink river dolphins swimming alongside the boat as we left the marina, you know, absolutely incredible.”
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. As Gemma beautifully puts it:
“It’s very bittersweet, but you can take away a lot of learning from it.”
Safe travels, adventurers!
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