When you are finally ready to let your love for the outdoors surface with an epic adventure, this guide will tell you all about how you can achieve it! Planning for your expedition is just as important as the expedition itself, so you know what to expect, can meet the challenges head-on, and are better prepared to appreciate the amazing benefits of a good adventure.
It is important to know all you can about your trip, like the financial details, getting good flights, securing your spot on highly sought-after expeditions (like Denali or Everest), and being physically prepared for it. The more you know the less you will be surprised, and the more you will be able to enjoy the remarkable adventure.
There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when planning an ultimate expedition so I will stick to the basics that will get you started on the journey.
Knowing the type of trip you want
The first step to a good expedition is knowing what kind of expedition you want. you need to consider factors like the ease of the trip, the amount of physical exertion involved, the facilities you need, and the type of weather you wish to tackle. These choices may lead to completely different expeditions, from trekking the rolling hills in the UK to multi-day climbs in the alps. If you are a relative beginner, you also need to consider if you will be able to handle the more challenging expeditions.
Selecting the location
Once you know the type and ease of the expedition you want, you can select the location next. If you are looking for a winter hike, you can choose from the amazing Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges in India and Pakistan, the Snowman Trek in Bhutan, or move through the Tour Du Mont Blanc in Europe! The choices are endless when you know the type of adventure you need.
Choosing the best service
While the more experienced travelers may choose to go for solo expeditions, if you are new to this, selecting a good and reputable tour agency is a great way to book your expedition. You will get the benefit of an experienced guide, fellow adventurers, and a hassle-free expedition. You will also be able to book the best flights, if required, to your destination that are easy on your pocket. Popular hiking trips are often seasonal so you may need to book months in advance as they fill up fast!
Handling finances
A great way to handle the budgeting of your expedition is to research the costs and fees beforehand. You can read relevant travel blogs, and go through popular traveling forums like TripAdvisor for getting advice from experienced adventurers who have been there. You should also discuss the financial details with your travel advisor before embarking on the journey to make sure you have sufficient funds. It is advisable to have a little extra cash on you in case of emergencies.
Shopping for gear
Most expeditions will require basic hiking gear that will need to be purchased. These will include a sturdy but light backpack, a sleeping bag, water bottles, and thermal jackets for hot or cool climate. Some expeditions may require additional gadgets, like climbing gear, or trekking poles, according to the type of expedition you are going on. If you are going with a group, some gear may be provided by your expedition directors, like food coolers and tents. Good research is required to be adequately prepared for your trip.
Packing
It is a given that you cannot take too many items on an expedition. Even such, it is best to be minimalistic in your packing. Pack light and compact for the journey, such as a backpack or a light travel suitcase are good ideas. Take essentials like personal water bottles, sanitary products, solar chargers, flashlights, and headgear. Go easy on the clothing: for example, if you are going for a winter climb, pack a heavy jacket, many warm socks and gloves, but go light on the inner shirts. For more information on clothing, you need to look at the weather conditions of the region you are traveling to.
Training for the expedition
Without physical fitness, any expedition is going to be hard. Make sure you train before your expedition accordingly for better endurance and stamina. Insufficient training can lead to exhaustion, being unable to complete your trip, and even sustaining injuries. Training before an expedition is essential for the success of your hike; I have explained this in detail in an earlier post. This way you will be able to enjoy your trip much better without getting excessively tired and strained.
Traveler’s insurance
If you are a frequent traveler, you may have heard of traveler’s insurance, which is a way to ensure that you have sufficient funds and care in case you run into any hardship on your travels. It is the worst-case scenario of course, but it is best to be prepared for anything, and traveler’s insurance ensures that. Make sure that you select a plan that provides the best coverage for you according to the nature (and area) of your expedition.
These few things are must on the checklist for your expedition plan and will provide the basic guideline when you are planning your next big adventure. Let me know what you think and what are the best expeditions you have been on! I am here for any questions you may have!