In the first part of this article series, we spoke about planning what to do and see and complying to cultural norms, and in the second part we’ll keep on sharing precious info that’ll help you properly prepare for an outdoor adventure trip abroad.
Get a Grip on the Basics of the Language
Nobody expects you to fluently speak a foreign language if you’re only heading over for a quick outdoor adventure. But did you know that it’s considered a courtesy to learn a few basic phrases in the native language of the country you’re visiting? Aside from being a reasonable safety precaution, knowing the basics of the language can also offer you some unique experiences throughout your trip.
It’s essential to try and overcome the language barriers in order to have a more authentic trip. With so many great options in terms of remote interpreting apps and software out there, there’s no excuse to ever have your ideas go lost in translation.
Immerse in Cultural Experiences
Navigating a wild environment is a fantastic pursuit, and when you take a trip with cultural enrichment as the goal, things just get so much more rewarding! After all, you’re traveling the world to gain a deeper understanding of the natural and human history of that particular corner of the world.
If it’s possible, you should plan to spend a few days hiking through the urban areas in your host country among the locals before you explore the backroad trails. Museums and street fairs are great spots to get started but don’t be shy to ask the locals for their recommendations.
Tick All Your International Travel Boxes
Before you set off to explore the environment, you’ll want to ensure you’ve checked and double-checked the following:
Valid passport – Make sure this is valid for at least six months after the date of your return flight.
Sufficient Gear – Are you traveling with all your backpacking gear, or will you rent your essentials like cooking equipment from the vendors abroad?
Embassy details – Do you know how to get in touch with the closest embassy or consulate abroad? Are you clued up on the embassy’s location? You can head over to Project Visa for the up-to-date visa and embassy information for all countries.
Money Matters – Are you clued up on the local currency? Can you pay with your currency, or do you need to exchange some of yours for some of theirs? Sort this out at least a week before departure.
Vaccination – Some countries require travelers to get vaccinated before they can enter the borders. If you’re traveling to certain countries in West Africa, for example, you’ll need to get the Yellow Fever vaccine a few weeks before traveling. It’s essential to start planning and be prepared for these schedules as soon as possible since some of them must be scheduled at specific intervals before travel.